Estudio del perfil metabólico de tomate cherry de colores cultivados en Ecuador

Abstract

In the present study, the metabolic profile of seven cherry tomato varieties differentiated by color (yellow, green, round red, oval red, Bielsa, black and red black) grown in Ecuador was characterized. Physicochemical properties (weight, equatorial and longitudinal diameter, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, moisture, and ash) were evaluated, as well as the content of total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry and antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion. The results showed a wide variability among the varieties analyzed. In terms of physical characteristics, Bielsa presented the highest values for weight (71.11 g) and equatorial diameter (64.77 mm) and red-black longitudinal diameter (55.28 mm). Regarding chemical parameters, soluble solids ranged between 5.40 °Brix (Black and Green) and 7.33 °Brix (Yellow), pH between 3.33 (Green) and 4.33 (Black Red), titratable acidity between 0.25 % (Bielsa) and 0.90 % (Green), moisture between 77.55 % (Black Red) and 93.80 % (Yellow) and ash between 0.53 % (Red Round) to 3.56 % (Black Red). In terms of bioactive compounds, the Negro Rojo variety stood out significantly with the highest concentration of total carotenoids and total phenolic compounds (520.04 mg EAG/100 g), surpassing the other varieties. Antioxidant activity, measured by the DPPH method, presented the highest values in Negro Rojo (92.90 % inhibition). In terms of antimicrobial activity, Green cherry tomato was the only variety that showed inhibition against Escherichia coli. Finally, it is concluded that dark-colored cherry tomato varieties, especially Negro Rojo, have a more favorable metabolic profile due to their high content of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which translates into a higher antioxidant capacity. These varieties represent a promising alternative as a natural source of antioxidants for food and nutraceutical applications