Tunisian tomato by-products, as a potential source of natural bioactive compounds

Abstract

Consumption of tomato and tomato products is positively related to the reduction in cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer, thanks to the presence of natural compounds, such as antioxidants. Peels and seeds fractions of tomato, collected after industrial processing in Tunisian industries, were analysed for nutritional and antioxidants composition in perspective of its utilisation. Proximate composition, fatty acids profile, carotenoids, such as lycopene and beta-carotene, polyphenols contents, demonstrated the good potential of these residual products as a source of natural compounds, useful for food and nutraceuticals applications.

Keywords:

• Solanum lycopersicum
• fatty acids
• antioxidants
• carotenoids
• lycopene
• polyphenols

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank to the Group of Canned Food Industries (Tunisia) for its technical assistance.