ABSTRACT
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and tomato-based products are important sources of many traditional nutrients and a predominant source of several carotenoids. As numerous studies suggest an association of tomato carotenoids, especially lycopene, to reduced risk of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, its presence in the diet is of utmost importance. This chapter reviews the composition, variety, content and distribution of carotenoids in tomato plants and tomato products, various growth factors that influence the synthesis of carotenoids in tomato plants, methods of analysis, and stability during processing and storage. The structural and biochemical properties as well as bioavailability and biological activity of tomato carotenoids are also emphasized.
