INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.47, no.8, pp.1710-1719, 2012 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, anthocyanins in three fresh fig varieties (Ficus carica L.) cultivated in Turkey were characterised and quantified by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS. In addition, the carotenoid composition of Sarilop and Sarizeybek, yellow fig varieties, was determined, and then the ripening- and drying-related changes in carotenoids and surface colour of figs were monitored during conventional sun-drying. Four different anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside (major anthocyanin) and pelargonidin-3-glucoside, were identified in samples. Lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene were carotenoids in yellow fig varieties. Approximately 80% of carotenoid compounds in yellow fig varieties degraded at the end of drying (i.e. seventh day). L (lightness), a (redness and greenness) and b (yellowness and blueness) colour parameters were measured by Hunter Lab system. Great changes in carotenoid composition and surface colour were observed at ripening stage on tree. A significant reduction in L and b values that refers to browning in figs was made in the first 3 days of drying process.