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Title: ALTERNATIVE USES FOR WATERMELONS: PROGRESS TOWARDS ON-FARM LYCOPENE PRODUCTION

Author
item MANESS, N - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
item MCGLYNN, W - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
item SCOTT, D - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
item PERKINS VEAZIE, PENELOPE

Submitted to: Proceedings of Horticultural Industry Show
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2003
Publication Date: 6/10/2003
Citation: Maness, N., Mcglynn, W., Scott, D., Perkins Veazie, P.M. 2003. Alternative uses for watermelons: Progress towards on-farm lycopene production. Proceedings of Horticultural Industry Show, 2003. p. 77-80.

Interpretive Summary: Watermelons contain lycopene, a red pigment with strong antioxidant properties. There is currently no market for watermelons except as fresh market. A system to extract lycopene from watermelons for sale in dietary markets or as a food colorant is being developed. The system must be simple and economical enough to use on-farm. This paper outlines progress made in developing the system.

Technical Abstract: Watermelons contain lycopene, a carotenoid that gives red color in watermelon, tomatoes, and red grapefruit. Lycopene has strong antioxidant properties, and could be useful as a dietary supplement if extracted and concentrated from watermelon. Currently, natural lycopene is available from tomato by-products from canneries. Watermelon offers potential as a source of lycopene. Experiments were done to determine the simplest method and best recovery of lycopene from watermelon. Flesh was removed, homogenized, filtered, and the filtrate allowed to settle overnight. About 50% of the lycopene could be recovered if filtrate was pelleted. Rinsing the pellet removed 90% of the sugars. Additional experiments are underway to improve recovery of lycopene.