Processed Tomato Products Research Articles

Phenolic fingerprint allows discriminating processed tomato products and tracing different processing sites

Tomatoes are important in human nutrition, as they are a source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds. However, transformation processes may alter the nutritional value of foods, decreasing the concentration of health-promoting compounds. This work aimed to explore the effects of industrial transformation on processed tomatoes (crushed pulp, puree and paste), as well as the effect of the different pre-processing technologies, rather than different manufacturing sites, in producing tomato paste. Results demonstrate that phenolics profiling can distinguish between different processed products as well as different paste pre-treatments (namely cold, warm and hot break), even though the latter underwent a final thermal treatment at >100 °C. Analogously, the different processing sites could be discriminated thanks to their characteristic phenolic fingerprint. The greatest differences identified were between conjugated forms of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and lignans. The latter were the most labile phenolics, followed by flavonoids and then phenylpropanoids. Results provide evidence for the potential of phenolic fingerprint to support traceability of transformation processes and to investigate their effect on the nutritional value of processed tomatoes.

Safety assessment of a natural tomato oleoresin containing high amounts of Z-isomers of lycopene prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide.

Z-isomers of lycopene, which are abundantly present in processed tomato products, are more bioavailable than (all-E)-lycopene found predominantly in raw tomatoes. Despite extensive studies on the bioavailability and biological activities of Z-isomers of lycopene, detailed studies on their safety and toxicology are limited. The geno-, acute and subacute toxicities of tomato oleoresin that contained high amounts of lycopene Z-isomers (10.9% lycopene with 66.3% Z-isomer content) and had been prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide were investigated. The oleoresin was non-mutagenic in the Ames test with and without metabolic activation (S9 mix). The medial lethal dose (LD50 ) of the oleoresin in rats, as determined by a single-dose oral test, was more than 5000 mg kg body weight-1 (bw) [361 mg (Z)-lycopene kg bw-1 ]. In the 4-week repeated-dose oral toxicity test, rats were administered oleoresin at 4500 mg kg-1 day-1 [325 mg (Z)-lycopene kg bw-1 day-1 ]. There were no clinically significant changes with respect to vital signs, physical examination outcomes and laboratory test values during the test period. Based on our findings and as supported by its long history of consumption, tomato oleoresin that contains high amounts of Z-isomers of lycopene prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide can be considered as safe for human consumption. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Processed tomato products and risk factors for cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND: Lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress and elevated blood pressure are targets for lowering cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with a healthy diet. OBJECTIVE: We tested the effect of tomato products, dietary sources of lycopene and potassium, on changes in lipids/lipoproteins, inflammation and blood pressure. METHODS: In a two-center, randomized, parallel, controlled trial, processed tomato or non-tomato products matched in energy, sodium, and sugar content (HT = high tomato, 5 servings/day vs LT = low tomato/control, <1 serving/day, respectively) were included in the diets of free-living overweight men and women 21 to 70 years of age (n= 53) for 6 weeks. All subjects had a 3-week LT run-in followed by either 6-week HT or LT/control diet. A random subset of 23 subjects had 2 postprandial (6 hour) visits at weeks 0 and 6 to assess the enduring effects of the HT vs LT diets on high fat meal-induced changes in lipids, insulin, glucose, inflammation, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Fasting lipids/lipoproteins, insulin, glucose and C-reactive protein did not differ between the HT vs LT diets after 6 weeks intervention. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly decreased on the HT diet after 6 weeks compared to baseline, week 0 (p= 0.02) and compared to LT at week 6 (p= 0.03). Systolic blood pressure was not different between treatments at 6 weeks (p= 0.11). Tomato-associated effect sizes on blood pressure were greater in a sub-set of subjects with elevated blood pressure but were not statistically powered to reveal a significant effect between LT and HT treatments; however, the effect on lowering diastolic blood pressure remained, p< 0.05 compared to baseline). Chronic intervention with processed tomatoes did not impact postprandial glucose, insulin, lipids or inflammatory marker responses to a high fat meal challenge at the end of the study (n= 23). CONCLUSIONS: Processed tomatoes decreased diastolic blood pressure, but had no significant effects on other endpoints. Future research is required to confirm and potentially extend these findings in individuals with elevated blood pressure.

Vegetable oil‐mediated thermal isomerization of (all‐E)‐lycopene: Facile and efficient production of Z‐isomers

Thermal isomerization of (all‐E)‐lycopene to the corresponding Z‐isomers was investigated in edible vegetable oils; perilla, linseed, grape seed, soybean, corn, sesame, rapeseed, rice bran, safflower seed, olive, and sunflower seed oil. Purified (all‐E)‐lycopene from tomato oleoresin was converted to Z‐isomers in the range of 44.8–58.8% content, and the remaining ratio of total amount of lycopene isomers without decomposition were ranged from 38.8 to 79.6% after heating at 100°C for 1 h in the vegetable oils. Both values were exceedingly high in sesame oil: 58.8% of total Z‐isomers content and 78.3% of remaining lycopene. In particular, (5Z)‐lycopene, which has higher bioavailability and antioxidant capacity as well as greater storage stability among the Z‐isomers, was notably increased in that oil; approximately threefold higher than the average of the other vegetable oils.Practical applications: Lycopene offers many health benefits such as decreased risk of cancer and arteriosclerosis. The Z‐isomers of lycopene, occurring in processed tomato products, are more bioavailable than the all‐E‐isomer which is a major configuration form in raw tomatoes. This study has developed an efficient production method for Z‐isomers of lycopene by heating (all‐E)‐lycopene in edible vegetable oils, in which neither organic solvents nor food additives are used. It would be practically feasible to utilize this procedure for the food, drink, and dietary supplement manufacturing, as well as for daily cooking at home.Thermal isomerization of (all‐E)‐lycopene to Z‐isomers was investigated in edible vegetable oils. In sesame oil, (5Z)‐lycopene, which has higher bioavailability, antioxidant capacity, and greater storage stability among the Z‐isomers, was increased significantly.

Abstract PL02-02: Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer

Abstract In 1995, the first large prospective cohort data emerged from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) demonstrating a protective association between the intake of tomatoes and processed tomato products and a lower risk of prostate cancer (PCa). By utilizing data-bases of food content of carotenoids it has been possible to demonstrate similar associations between the estimated intake of lycopene (LYC), the non-provitamin A carotenoid providing the familiar red color of tomatoes, and PCa risk. With an additional two decades of monitoring the associations originally identified in the HPFS remain consistent in the 2014 update, while other epidemiologic studies are less convincing. LYC and other carotenoids were documented in human prostate tissue supporting the hypothesis of a direct effect on prostate carcinogenesis. Studies employing various laboratory models from multiple investigators show that tomato components or pure LYC have a protective impact on experimental prostate carcinogenesis. Although an antioxidant mechanism is frequently imputed based upon the known capacity of LYC to quench reactive oxygen species, other potential mechanisms of action related to hormonal activity, cell signaling and growth control, angiogenesis, and metastasis have emerged. Yet, proof of a protective relationship remains elusive and there are many obstacles to defining the impact of specific plant derived phytochemicals for human prostate cancer risk. The importance of dose-response, host genetics, and the complexity of human prostate cancer are but a few of the challenges faced in establishing a causal relationship. The examination of a tomato, lycopene, and prostate cancer relationship provides an example for considering how we as a discipline will address the challenges of defining food or phytochemical based interventions for cancer risk. Citation Format: Steven K. Clinton. Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr PL02-02.

L'intermediazione informale di manodopera nelle campagne italiane: caporali burkinabé in Puglia e Basilicata e mediatori panjabi in Pianura Padana

This article deals with the figure of the informal labour contractor in the Italian agricultural labour market. By comparing two cases - the Burkinabe caporali in the production of processing tomatoes in Puglia and Basilicata and the Indian Panjabi brokers in the dairy sector in the Po valley - we analyse the relationships among migrants’ social networks, intermediaries and local productive sectors. On the one hand, we describe how these brokers manipulate their social networks in order to gain economic and social capital. On the other hand, we show how Italian migration policies cause a hierarchization of the migrant networks: more than other migrants, the intermediaries are able to accumulate economic and social capital and to achieve a social and geographical mobility. The article is based upon two studies conducted with ethnographic methodologies.

Nitrogen Management in Organic Processing Tomato Production: Nitrogen Sufficiency Prediction Through Early-season Soil and Plant Monitoring

Organic processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is a significant industry in California, yet little nitrogen (N) fertility research is available to guide N management. A total of 37 certified organic processing tomato fields in the Sacramento Valley of California were monitored during the 2012 and 2013 production seasons, with two objectives: 1) to document current N management practices and 2) to investigate the utility of early-season soil and plant N monitoring techniques in predicting seasonal crop N sufficiency. Between ≈3 and 11 weeks after transplanting (WAT) soil mineral N (SMN), leaf N and petiole NO3-N were determined every other week. In 22 fields, whole plant N concentration at ≈11 WAT was determined as a measure of crop N sufficiency. Growers were surveyed regarding N management practices used and fruit yields achieved. Net N mineralization (Nmin) was measured for 20 fields soils by aerobic laboratory incubation. Carbon mineralization (Cmin) in 24 hours following rewetting of air-dried soil and water extractable organic nitrogen (WEON) and carbon (WEOC) were also determined and evaluated as predictors of Nmin. Nitrogen management was primarily based on the application of manure or manure compost in the fall. Organic fertilizers were applied mainly in spring (pre- and post-transplanting). SMN in the top 60 cm at 3 WAT ranged from 6 to 32 mg·kg−1. About 30% of fields were N deficient by 11 WAT. Sensitivity analysis showed that SMN (whether measured from 0 to 30 or 0 to 60 cm) and leaf N at 5 WAT correctly predicted late-season plant N status in &gt;60% of the fields. Nmin in 28 days ranged from 8 to 31 mg·kg−1, representing an average of 2% of total soil N. Correlation between Nmin and Cmin was weak (r = 0.44, P = 0.051) while stronger correlations were observed between Nmin and WEOC, WEON and total soil N (r = 0.63, 0.61 and 0.51, respectively, all P &lt; 0.03). A multiple linear regression model that used 3 WAT SMN (0–30 cm) and WEON as independent variables improved Nmin prediction (adj. R2 = 0.67). Significant fruit yield increase with sidedress N application of feather meal at 5–6 WAT was observed in 2 of 4 field trials, demonstrating the ability to remedy a soil N limitation identified by early-season N monitoring.

Non-destructive Measurement of Total Carotenoid Content in Processed Tomato Products: Infrared Lock-In Thermography, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy/Chemometrics, and Condensed Phase Laser-Based Photoacoustics—Pilot Study

Carotenes found in a diversity of fruits and vegetables are among important natural antioxidants. In a study described in this paper, the total carotenoid content (TCC) in seven different products derived from thermally processed tomatoes was determined using laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS), infrared lock-in thermography (IRLIT), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics. Results were verified versus data obtained by traditional VIS spectrophotometry (SP) that served as a reference technique. Unlike SP, the IRLIT, NIRS, and LPAS require a minimum of sample preparation which enables practically direct quantification of the TCC.

Organic mulching, irrigation and fertilization affect soil CO2 emission and C storage in tomato crop in the Mediterranean environment

Carbon stock and CO2 emissions in agricultural systems are highly affected by the management of applied practices in arable farms, such as fertilizer use, irrigation, soil tillage, cover crop management, etc. This study evaluated the effects of various organic mulches, nitrogen fertilization and irrigation levels on soil CO2 emissions, soil carbon sequestration and processing tomato production in the Mediterranean environment. The field experiment was carried out with five main treatments, three cover crops of hairy vetch (HV), lacy phacelia (LF) and white mustard (WM) transplanted in autumn and cut in May to be used as mulches, plus barley straw mulch (BS) and conventional (C) (bare soil). After tomato transplanting, the main plots were split into two nitrogen fertilization treatments (0 and 100kgNha−1) and the sub-plots were then split again into three irrigation levels (irrigation water 100%, 75%, 50% of evapotranspiration). In all treatments, a general effect was observed in the temporal fluctuations of soil CO2 emissions throughout the observation period which were significantly influenced by soil temperature and water content. The temporal fluctuations of the soil CO2 emissions were attributed to climatic conditions and the peaks achieved optimal conditions of soil temperature and water content for soil respiration. A larger amount of TOC was observed in the mulching treatments than in the control after tomato harvesting (on average 1.44% vs 1.33%, respectively and on average 1.43% in HV trastment), probably due to the residual biomass of the cover crops and a greater growth of the tomato. Although the soil carbon output as cumulated CO2 emissions did not show statistically significant differences between the treatments, the soil carbon balance enabled us to estimate the highest net carbon contribution to the soil in HV determined by inputs and input/output ratio. However, except for the BS in 2013, the input/output ratios were >1 in all mulch treatments. In the Mediterranean environment, agronomical practices, such as the use of hairy vetch mulch on notilled soil, a slight reduction of irrigation water (−25%) and a rationalized use of N fertilizer potentially could shift the C balance in favor of soil C accumulation.

Effects of Acetic Acid and Arginine on pH Elevation and Growth of Bacillus licheniformis in an Acidified Cucumber Juice Medium

Bacillus licheniformis has been shown to cause pH elevation in tomato products having an initial pH below 4.6 and metabiotic effects that can lead to the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Because of this, the organism poses a potential risk to acidified vegetable products; however, little is known about the growth and metabolism of this organism in these products. To clarify the mechanisms of pH change and growth of B. licheniformis in vegetable broth under acidic conditions, a cucumber juice medium representative of a noninhibitory vegetable broth was used to monitor changes in pH, cell growth, and catabolism of sugars and amino acids. For initial pH values between pH 4.1 to 6.0, pH changes resulted from both fermentation of sugar (lowering pH) and ammonia production (raising pH). An initial pH elevation occurred, with starting pH values of pH 4.1 to 4.9 under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and was apparently mediated by the arginine deiminase reaction of B. licheniformis. This initial pH elevation was prevented if 5 mM or greater acetic acid was present in the brine at the same pH. In laboratory media, under favorable conditions for growth, data indicated that growth of the organism was inhibited at pH 4.6 with protonated acetic acid concentrations of 10 to 20 mM, corresponding to 25 to 50 mM total acetic acid; however, growth inhibition required greater than 300 mM citric acid (10-fold excess of the amount in processed tomato products) products under similar conditions. The data indicate that growth and pH increase by B. licheniformis may be inhibited by the acetic acid present in most commercial acidified vegetable products but not by the citric acid in many tomato products.

High fertigation frequency improves nitrogen uptake and crop performance in processing tomato grown with high nitrogen and water supply

A 2-year field experiment was carried out in Central Italy on processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. PS1296) to assess the effect of fertigation–irrigation frequency on crop N uptake and yield. The crop was grown with three N-fertiliser rates (0, 100 and 300kgNha−1: N0, N100 and N300, respectively) applied at three different fertigation–irrigation weekly schedules: one fertigation (F1) for the fertilised treatments, or one irrigation (I1) for the unfertilised control; three fertigations (F3) for the fertilised treatments, or three irrigations (I3) for the unfertilised control; one fertigation+two irrigations (F1+I2) for the fertilised treatments. The N rates and fertigation–irrigation schedules were combined to realise a total of eight treatments: N0I1, N0I3, N100F1, N100F3, N100F1+I2, N300F1, N300F3, and N300F1+I2 (Table 1). All treatments received the same weekly water volume based on crop ETc estimated by the Penman–Monteith equation. We performed fortnightly measurements of crop growth and N accumulation, weekly measurements of NO3-N concentration in soil solution taken from suction lysimeters at depth of 0.6m, and a post-harvest measurement of soil mineral N content. At the highest N rate, a high frequency of fertigation and/or irrigation increased the uptake of fertiliser-N, guaranteed optimal crop N nutritional status even in the early stages and promoted crop growth but did not significantly affect fruit yield. Compared to fertigation frequency, irrigation frequency seems to be the main factor affecting N recovery at high fertiliser-N rate. Thus, high fertigation and/or irrigation frequency may represent a strategy to increase N uptake efficiency in processing tomato fed with very high N and water supply, which is often the case in intensive processing tomato production.

SSR fingerprint reveals mislabeling in commercial processed tomato products

The presence of inaccurate food identification is an increasing global concern. The occurrence of species substitution in the fish and meat sectors has been documented in numerous cases. In comparison, there is much less information on the incidence of food mislabeling in the plant sector, where variety substitution is the most frequent problem. Our aim was to reveal possible mislabeling of commercial tomato products by a means of molecular genetic analysis. We focused our study on the “San Marzano” because it is considered among the most important industrial tomato in the world and fetches a higher market price. Since 1996, an EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme guarantees the authenticity and origin of the true “San Marzano” production. In this work, SSRs were tested on 20 tomato varieties, validated on foodstuff and then employed to establish the genetic identity of 25 commercial tins labeled as “San Marzano”. SSR fingerprint was able to reveal that cans contained fruits that do not have the genetic profile of the ‘San Marzano sel. 2’ or ‘Kiros’ varieties, the only ones allowed for the production of PDO labeled products. Our work proved the usefulness of DNA-based tools to guarantee the authenticity of premium plant varieties. Furthermore, it strongly prompted the introduction of DNA tests for the control and law enforcement in agro-food chain. Our work demonstrated that SSR fingerprint could be used to optimize business objectives and match consumers' demand of authentic plant-derived foodstuff.

The New Tomato Suspension Agreement: What Are the Implications for Trade Flows?

This paper examines the implications of the new tomato suspension agreement (signed on March 4, 2013, by the U.S. government and Mexican tomato producers) for trade in fresh tomatoes and processed tomato products. The empirical analysis is performed through a gravity model that accounts for vertical linkages between primary and processed goods. The estimated gravity parameters are used to implement suspension agreement scenarios. The results show that the new suspension agreement leads to considerable decreases in Mexico's exports of fresh tomatoes to the United States. These decreases are accompanied with various trade diversion and deflection effects. There are increases in Mexico's exports of processed tomato products to the United States and other countries, and in Mexico's exports of fresh tomatoes to non‐U.S. destinations. These increases do not amount, however, to considerable compensations of the decreases in Mexico's fresh tomato exports to the United States. The results also suggest that the initial 1996‐based suspension agreement has significantly smaller impacts on trade flows over the period that preceded the implementation of the new suspension agreement.

The tomato sauce making process affects the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of tomato phenolics: A pharmacokinetic study

Tomato sauce is the most commonly consumed processed tomato product worldwide, but very little is known about how the manufacturing process may affect the phenolic composition and bioavailability after consumption. In a prospective randomised, cross-over intervention study, we analysed the plasma and urinary levels of tomato phenolic compounds and their metabolites after acute consumption of raw tomatoes and tomato sauce, enriched or not with refined olive oil during production.Respectively, eleven and four phenolic metabolites were found in urine and plasma samples. The plasma concentration and urinary excretion of naringenin glucuronide were both significantly higher after the consumption of tomato sauce than raw tomatoes. The results suggest that the mechanical and thermal treatments during tomato sauce manufacture may help to deliver these potentially bioactive phenolics from the food matrix more effectively than the addition of an oil component, thus increasing their bioavailability.

Enhanced electrostatic interactions in tomato cell suspensions

The natural consistency of processed tomato products arises from cell wall particles and the interactions between them. In this study, ion exchange resins were used to investigate these interactions. Two types of resins were used, a hydrogen form cation exchange resin and an anion resin in the hydroxide form. Serum phase of tomato suspensions were treated with either a cationic or an anionic resin to exchange various ionic compounds with hydrogen and hydroxide ion respectively. The treated serum was then reconstituted to the tomato pulp and the suspension was re-suspended with shear. The linear storage modulus varied with the different types of resin treatment. Samples treated with the anion exchange resin resulted in a higher modulus than the untreated tomato puree and the puree treated with the cation resin. Effect of the resins was dependent on the concentration of resin used. The anion treated sample resulted in a network formation which was quite sensitive to pH and was attributed to long range electrostatic interactions caused by protein–pectin interactions. Using Infrared spectroscopy the conformational changes in the protein structure as a result of resin treatment was detected by analyzing the amide-I and amide-II regions.

Carotenes in processed tomato after thermal treatment

This report adds to the ongoing vivid dispute on the fate of carotenes in tomato upon thermal processing. Although many papers dealing with changes in the raw tomatoes during industrial treatment have already appeared, data on the fate of finished, processed tomato products when they are additionally heated (e.g., when used in the household) is scarce. In this study, effects of heating and storage on a commercial, double concentrated tomato purée were examined spectrophotometrically. Our results indicate that upon exposing unopened cans with double concentrated tomato purée to thermal treatments between 100 and 135 °C during specific time intervals spectral profile of lycopene remained preserved. Likewise, a slight hypsochromic shift of lycopene peak III did not occur up to 135 °C. However, significant (20%) initial loss of lycopene content was induced by thermal treatment for 20 min at 100 °C. During the more intensive treatments that followed the lycopene content was first leveling off and then slightly increased. After storage of thermally treated samples at −18 °C the content of lycopene was found to increase. All these results suggest simultaneous working of several mechanisms: possible auto-oxidation and isomerization processes of carotenes taking place, in addition to the Maillard reaction and enhanced extractability of carotenes at increased temperatures. Results acquired from hexane solutions of samples treated at temperatures of 120 and 135 °C obtained at different time points, confirmed severe isomerization in organic solvent and/or photo-oxidative degradation of lycopene.

Towards the development of a multi-element analysis by ICP-oa-TOF-MS for tracing the geographical origin of processed tomato products

In this preliminary work, the mineral composition (Li, Be, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, In, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, and U) of forty-one processed tomato samples, coming from three different countries (Italy, China and Spain), was investigated by Inductively Coupled Plasma orthogonal acceleration Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ICP-oa-TOF-MS), exploiting the characteristic of simultaneity of the measurements that is distinctive of this type of instrument. The large amount of data achieved through multi-element analysis was statistically processed by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and a good geographical origin discrimination of tomato samples (99.9% of cases correctly classified) was obtained. Li and Sr could distinguish Chinese from EU samples, while Co and Cu were able to differentiate Spanish tomato from the other ones. Moreover some elemental ratios (Li/Cr, Mn/Cu, Co/Cu and Sr/Cd) allowed a better clusters separation than single elements.The work is still in progress, but preliminary results indicates that ICP-oa-TOF-MS could be considered a fast, precise and accurate instrument for multi-element determinations to be used for tracing tomato provenance.

Estimation of antioxidant components of tomato using VIS-NIR reflectance data by handheld portable spectrometer

A b s t r a c t. Processing tomato production represents an important part of the total production of processed vegetables in the world. The quality characteristics of processing tomato, important for the food industry, are soluble solids content and antioxidant content (such as lycopene and polyphenols) of the fruit. Analytical quantification of these components is destructive, time and labour consuming. That is why researchers try to develop a non-destructive and rapid method to assess those quality parameters. The present study reports the suitability of a portable handheld visible near infrared spectrometer to predict soluble solids, lycopene and polyphenol content of tomato fruit puree. Spectral ranges of 500-1000 nm were directly acquired on fruit puree of five dif ferent tomato varieties using a FieldSpec HandHeld 2™ Portable Spectroradiometer. Immediately after spectral measurement, each fruit sample was analysed to determine soluble solids, lycopene and polyphenol content. Partial least square regressions were carried out to create models of prediction between spectral data and the values obtained from the analytical results. The accuracy of the predictions was analysed according to the coefficient of deter mination value (R 2 ), the root mean square error of calibration/

Anticarcinogenic, Cardioprotective, and Other Health Benefits of Tomato Compounds Lycopene, α-Tomatine, and Tomatidine in Pure Form and in Fresh and Processed Tomatoes

Tomatoes produce the bioactive compounds lycopene and α-tomatine that are reported to have potential health-promoting effects in animals and humans, but our understanding of the roles of these compounds in the diet is incomplete. Our current knowledge gained from the chemistry and analysis of these compounds in fresh and processed tomatoes and from studies on their bioavailability, bioactivity, and mechanisms of action against cancer cells and other beneficial bioactivities including antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, cardiovascular, and immunostimulating effects in cells, animals, and humans is discussed and interpreted here. Areas for future research are also suggested. The collated information and suggested research might contribute to a better understanding of the agronomical, biochemical, chemical, physiological, molecular, and cellular bases of the health-promoting effects and facilitate and guide further studies needed to optimize the use of lycopene and α-tomatine in pure form and in fresh tomatoes and processed tomato products to help prevent or treat human disease.

Comparing environmental impacts of regional and national-scale food supply chains: A case study of processed tomatoes

This study uses life cycle assessment methodology to quantify the energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and water use of processed tomato products grown, processed, and consumed within the Great Lakes region of the United States, and tomato products produced in California and then shipped to the Great Lakes region for consumption. The purpose is to assess the potential for regional food systems to reduce selected environmental impacts, particularly the energy and GHG footprints, of consumer-ready, processed food products, when compared to national-scale food systems in which consumer products are shipped long distances. The study also examines the role of different types of food processing in influencing life cycle energy use, water use, and emissions.Our results indicate that California-produced conventional and organic tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes are almost equivalent in energy use and GHG emissions to regionally produced and consumed products, but use of developed water resources is significantly higher for California-grown products. California tomato production benefits from higher per hectare yields and soil amendments with lower carbon dioxide emissions. These efficiencies substantially offset the added energy use and GHG emissions associated with long-distance shipment of products to the Great Lakes region, as long as shipments are made by rail rather than by truck. Paste, the more processed and concentrated product evaluated, amplifies any environmental advantages or disadvantages accrued in the field production stage, due to its raw tomato to finished product ratio of 6:1, suggesting that comparative regional advantage can play a role in lowering life cycle environmental impacts of highly condensed foods shipped long distances.