Insights into the β-carotene distribution in carrot roots

Publication date: Available online 28 September 2014 Source:Food Structure Author(s): A.G. Gonzalvez , D. Martin , K. Slowing , A. Gonzalez Ureña This work reports the carotenoid spatial distribution in orange carrot roots measured by Transmission Resonance Raman Spectroscopy. Raman contour mappings of root cross-sections were measured over the spectral range from 500 to 2500cm−1 as a function of the root radius. The overall β-carotene content reveals a heterogeneous distribution predominantly concentrated in the secondary phloem tissue and periderm. Furthermore, detailed measurements of the ν4 band intensities, the wagging mode associated to the CH out-of-plane motion, show how the higher relative values occur in the secondary phloem and the lower ones near the vascular cambium. This vibrational mode profile was correlated with changes in β-carotene molecular configuration depending on the different physiological properties of the investigated root tissues. Graphical abstract

Source: Food Structure - November 1, 2014 Category: Food Science Source Type: research