Tomato-based Products Research Articles

Tenuazonic acid-induced mycotoxicosis in an immunosuppressed mouse model and its prophylaxis with cinnamaldehyde

Patients with impaired immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections. With the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, it becomes necessary to design studies that evaluate the effects of toxic contaminants that are a part of our daily lives. Simultaneously, the management of these toxic components also becomes essential. Therefore, the present study evaluated the possible protective role of cinnamaldehyde (Cin) against tenuazonic acid-induced mycotoxicosis in the immunosuppressed murine model. Tenuazonic acid (TeA), a toxin usually produced by Alternaria species, is a common contaminant in tomato and tomato-based products. Evaluating the potential toxicity of a hazardous chemical necessitates the use of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. Here, the immunomodulatory effect of TeA was assessed in vitro using mouse splenocytes. In silico docking was carried out for the tumour markers of eight organs and TeA. The haematological, histopathological, and biochemical aspects were analysed in vivo. The sub-chronic intoxication of mice with TeA showed elevated malondialdehyde, reduced catalase, and superoxide dismutase production, along with abnormal levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase. The treatment with Cin prevented TeA-induced alterations of antioxidant defense enzyme activities and significantly forbade TeA-induced organ damage, showing therapeutic effects and toxicity reduction in TeA-induced mycotoxicosis.

The Application of Osmodehydrated Tomato and Spinach in Ready-to-Eat Mixed Salad Products: Design, Development, and Shelf Life Study

Osmotically dehydrated cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves were incorporated into Greek salad-type (including OD-treated and air-dried feta cheese trimmings and air-dried olive rings) and green salad-type (including OD-treated and air-dried feta cheese trimmings and roasted ground peanuts) ready-to-eat (RTE) product prototypes, respectively. The osmotic dehydration of cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves was conducted in a pilot scale setting (100 L) in a 60% glycerol-based solution at 35 °C and 25 °C for 180 min and 60 min, respectively. To quantify the moisture transfer between the three ingredients of different moisture content (and water activity), the moisture equilibrium curves for each ingredient of the RTE product were determined. The equilibrium water activity of RTE products was 0.86 and 0.76, respectively. The quality of the RTE products (more specifically, tomato and spinach color and texture, instrumentally measured and sensorially perceived, sensory characteristics) was evaluated. The shelf life of the prototypes (from 4 °C to 20 °C) was kinetically modeled based on sensory deterioration and microbial growth, using the zero-order kinetic model and the Gompertz model, respectively. In the case of the tomato-based product, a shelf life of 54 days (based on sensory deterioration) was achieved at 4 °C, a shelf-life extension of 40 days compared to untreated, fresh-cut tomato. The shelf life of the spinach-based product (based on sensory deterioration) was 36 days at 4 °C, 30 days longer when compared to untreated spinach. Our results indicate that osmotic dehydration was successful in significantly extending the shelf life of such products, contributing to the increased temperature resilience of their keeping quality and allowing for their distribution and storage in a variable cold chain.

Enhancing Nutritional Quality and Color Stability of Tomato Juice through Low-Intensity Pulsed Electric Field Treatment

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) treatment on the lycopene content, ascorbic acid retention, and color enhancement of juice prepared by using Roma variety tomatoes.
 Methodology: The tomato slices were kept in the PEF treatment chamber with varying electric field strength ranging from 2-8 kV/cm and pulse numbers between 10-70 with a monopolar pulse of 1 Hz frequency having a pulse on/off time respectively of 10 µs. After the PEF treatment, the slices were processed to extract the juice for further analysis.
 Results: The study revealed significant findings regarding the effect of LIPEF treatment on Roma variety tomatoes. Treatment with 4 kV/cm and 50 pulses resulted in a remarkable 69.11% increase in lycopene content compared to untreated tomato juice. Additionally, there was a remarkable retention rate of 99.84% for ascorbic acid in the treated samples compared to the control. Furthermore, LIPEF treatment led to a substantial increase of 40.78% in the a* value, indicating enhanced red coloration of the extracted juice compared to the control. However, higher electric field strength affects the retention of ascorbic acid content. 
 Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) treatment in enhancing the lycopene content, retaining ascorbic acid, and improving the red coloration of Roma variety tomatoes. LIPEF treatment has the potential to be utilized in food processing industries to improve the quality and nutritional value of tomato-based products.

Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant with Multiple Health Benefits.

Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid predominantly found in tomatoes and tomato-based products. Like other phytochemicals, it exhibits health beneficial biological activities that can be exploited when it is used as a dietary supplement. In vitro and in vivo, lycopene has been demonstrated to mitigate oxidative stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions and diseases including inflammation, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Lycopene has been shown to alleviate metabolic diseases that affect the bone, eye, kidney, liver, lungs, heart, and nervous system. This review presents the state of the art regarding lycopene's health benefits and its potential applications in health system delivery. Furthermore, lycopene's protective effects against toxins, safety in its use, and possible toxicity are explored.

Oral Infection by Lichen Planus: Types, Relevance, and Significance: A Review

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin. It is referred to as oral lichen planus (OLP) when it develops inside the mouth. The condition may only occur in the mouth or also affect other body parts at the same time. It can also occur in the genitals, nails, and scalp. The condition is marked by the onset of a non-infectious, itchy rash. The rash is often small with an irregular shape. It also has a flat top and appears as pink or purple bumps. OLP affects about 1% of the population. OLP is sometimes triggered by the body's reaction to metals placed in the mouth. Examples are dental fillings and metal braces. There have also been reports of the disorder occurring due to mouth mannerisms. Examples are biting the cheeks or tongue. Clinically, six types of OLP, namely reticular, popular, plaque-like, atrophic/erosive, ulcerative, and bullous types, can be identified. OLP more commonly affects the buccal mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. It is important to note that OLP is not an infection. It is also not contagious. It is not passed on from person to person. It is also not linked to nutrition or nutritional deficiency. However, eating certain fruits, tomato-based products, and spicy food has been found to make the symptoms worse. OLP is more common in women than men. It is often diagnosed in patients aged 40 and above. However, it can also affect children and young adults.

Occurrence and Co-occurrence of Alternaria toxins in tomato-based products collected in China

Occurrence and Co-occurrence of Alternaria toxins in tomato-based products collected in China

An Overview on Phytoestrogen based antihypertensive agent for their potential Pharmacological Mechanism

Recent studies shown that the data of clinical, experimental and epidemiological studies indicates that dietary phytoestrogens, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds have shown most potent activities for prevention in CVDs. The major class of compounds found in phytoestrogen. These phytoestrogens are sub-classified into coumestans, prenylflavonoids and isoflavones. These class having the most active class in estrogenic effects, polyphenols (also known as polyhydroxyphenols includes tannic acid, ellagitannin. These studies also indicate that dietary supplements and food nutrients have profound cardioprotective effects in the primary as well as secondary coronary heart disease and hence they are considered as cardiovascular friendly natural products. The mechanism of cardioprotection produced by dietary nutritional supplements such as phytoestrogens (soy and soy protein), flavonoids (citrus fruits, pulses, red wine, tea and cocoa), olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil and fish-based products), lycopene (tomato and tomato-based products), resveratrol (grapes and red wine), coffee, and soy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders have been discussed in the following review (in parenthesis) with the emphasis of epidemiological and clinical studies. Based on the intriguing results of various studies, prophylactic and therapeutic potential of cardiovascular friendly natural products have been suggested.

Natural products and Hypertension: Scope and role in Antihypertensive Therapy

Recent studies shown that the data of clinical, experimental and epidemiological studies indicates that dietary phytoestrogens, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds have shown most potent activities for prevention in CVDs. The major class of compounds found in phytoestrogen. These phytoestrogens are sub-classified into coumestans, prenylflavonoids and isoflavones. These class having the most active class in estrogenic effects, polyphenols (also known as polyhydroxyphenols includes tannic acid, ellagitannin. These studies also indicate that dietary supplements and food nutrients have profound cardioprotective effects in the primary as well as secondary coronary heart disease and hence they are considered as cardiovascular friendly natural products. The mechanism of cardioprotection produced by dietary nutritional supplements such as phytoestrogens (soy and soy protein), flavonoids (citrus fruits, pulses, red wine, tea and cocoa), olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil and fish-based products), lycopene (tomato and tomato-based products), resveratrol (grapes and red wine), coffee, and soy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders have been discussed in the following review (in parenthesis) with the emphasis of epidemiological and clinical studies. Based on the intriguing results of various studies, prophylactic and therapeutic potential of cardiovascular friendly natural products have been suggested.

Residue Analysis and Risk Exposure Assessment of Multiple Pesticides in Tomato and Strawberry and Their Products from Markets.

Pesticides are used on fruit and vegetable crops to obtain greater yield and quality. Residues can be detected in these crops or their products if applied pesticides do not degrade naturally. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate pesticide residues in some strawberry and tomato-based products available in the market for human consumption and associated dietary risks. Contamination with 3-15 pesticides in the tested samples was found. The total number of pesticides detected in the tested samples was 20, belonging to the group of insecticides (84%) and fungicides (16%). Pesticides of cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, and lambda-cyhalothrin appeared at 100% in a number of samples, where the most detected was cypermethrin followed by thiamethoxam. The average values of pesticide residues detected in the tested samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.568 mg kg-1, where it was found that cypermethrin had the highest residue value and appeared in strawberry jam obtained from the market. The recovery rate of pesticides from fortified samples with pyrethroids ranged from 47.5% (fenvalerate) to 127% (lambda-cyhalothrin). Home processing of fortified tomato and strawberry samples had a significant effect on reducing residues in tomato sauce and strawberry jam, where the reduction reached 100%. The results of acute and chronic risk assessment showed that their values were much lower than 100%, indicating minimal risk of dietary intake.

Extraction, characterization, and application of tomato seed oil in the food industry: An updated review

Tomato seeds are the by-product of the tomato processing industry used to extract valuable compounds like tomato seed oil (TSO). The TSO is well known for its functional and health-promoting properties. Therefore, recent studies which focused on application of TSO became popular among food manufacturers. This review presents comprehensive methods of TSO extraction and its unique fatty acid profile. The characterization of TSO is briefly discussed, creating a better utilization for various diseases. This review also focused on the multiple application of TSO in the food industry, from dietary supplements to food packaging films, the demand for TSO in the market to improve economic value, and the importance of TSO in the food and medical industry. The TSO can be extensively applicable as a functional compound in the food and bakery industry as a covering material in tomato-based products like tomato sauce and slices. It also acts as a better antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties due to its essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid. The assessment of this article provides an overview of the importance of TSO in food application, from extraction techniques to dietary supplements and its potential for bioactive compounds.

Emerging Alternaria and Fusarium mycotoxins in tomatoes and derived tomato products from the China market: Occurrence, methods of determination, and risk evaluation

Emerging Alternaria and Fusarium mycotoxins are increasingly becoming a public health concern due to the frequent contamination of various food commodities with these mycotoxins, posing potential health risks to humans. This study developed QuEChERS extraction method coupled with LC–MS/MS for simultaneous quantification of alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), alternariol (AOH), tentoxin (TEN), tenuazonic acid (TeA), altenuene (ALT), enniatins (ENNs) A, A1, B, and B1, and beauvericin (BEA) in tomatoes and derived tomato products. The validated method was successfully applied for a survey of 194 tomatoes and derived tomato products. Overall, one or more mycotoxins were detected in 58.8% of the samples, 100% of tomato powders, 100% of canned tomatoes, 89.6% of tomato sauces, 82.1% of ketchups, 46.7% of tomato juices, and 20% of dried tomatoes, with no mycotoxins detected in fresh tomatoes. Various mycotoxins were detected at relatively higher contamination levels in tomato powders than in other tomato products. TeA, the most predominant mycotoxin, was detected in 56.7% of the samples with an occurrence level of up to 7,985 μg/kg. Approximately 39.2% of positive samples presented the co-occurrence of more than one mycotoxins, and AME + AOH + TeA was the most frequently detected combination. This study is the first to perform the deterministic risk assessment for children and adults on Alternaria and Fusarium mycotoxins that are present in tomatoes and derived tomato products in China. The results showed that the average and 95th percentile dietary exposures to these mycotoxins, especially to AME and AOH, in children might be higher than those in adults by a factor of approximately 2. The estimation of exposure to either Alternaria mycotoxins or Fusarium mycotoxins indicated that the presence of Alternaria and Fusarium mycotoxins in derived tomato products might be a health concern, especially among children and the populations consuming a high amount of these products. However, no firm conclusion could be drawn due to the lack of relevant in vivo toxicity data. This study serves as a useful reference for individuals and food safety authorities concerning mycotoxin contamination in food commodities. • Methods for emerging toxins determination in various tomato products were developed. • About 58.8% (114/194) of tomato-based products were contaminated with emerging toxins. • Co-occurrence of various emerging toxins was evident in 39.2% (76/194) of samples. • Dietary exposures to Alternaria and Fusarium toxins varied among children and adults.

Valorization Strategies for a By-Product of Organic Tomato Processing as Potential Ingredient in Functional Food Formulations

Production of tomato-based products generates 5% of waste, composed mainly of peel. This has a significant amount of carotenoids, such as lycopene, and an appropriate amount of total dietary fiber (TDF). Both carotenes and dietary fiber are known to have functional effects on the human body. Therefore, the aim of this research was mainly divided into two parts. First, organic tomato peel obtained by a local processing industry was characterized in terms of percentage of macronutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, and ash, as well as total carotenoid content. Second, two valorization alternatives of these compounds as potential functional additives in food processing were proposed. The first one included carotenoid extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), the encapsulation of the enriched carotenoid extract using spray-drying technology, and its subsequent analysis of powder properties. The second one evaluated the potential use of TDF tomato peel as a replacement for fat and flour in four formulations of cookies. Each formulation was assessed using physicochemical, texture, sensory, and theoretical proximal analyses. The results revealed that UAE optimization was performed using a solvent ratio of 80:20 ethyl acetate:ethanol and 2.5% w/v of solvent:biomass ratio. The recovery percentage of total carotenoid content was 89.08%. The TDF content was 49.46 (3.91) g/100 g on a dry basis. For encapsulation, the drying yield and encapsulation efficiencies were 67.3% (0.5) and 58.1% (0.8), respectively. Sensory analysis showed no significant difference between the means for the control cookie and the 30% fat replacement cookie. Moreover, these 30% fat replacement cookies had the highest purchase intention by the consumers. This study presented a solution for unused tomato peel industrial byproducts, promoting the design of new functional food products with a high content of carotenes and dietary fiber, thereby increasing nutritional and health benefits for consumers.

Prediction of Soluble Solids and Lycopene Content of Processing Tomato Cultivars by Vis-NIR Spectroscopy.

Tomato-based products are significant components of vegetable consumption. The processing tomato industry is unquestionably in need of a rapid definition method for measuring soluble solids content (SSC) and lycopene content. The objective was to find the best chemometric method for the estimation of SSC and lycopene content from visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) absorbance and reflectance data so that they could be determined without the use of chemicals in the process. A total of 326 Vis-NIR absorbance and reflectance spectra and reference measurements were available to calibrate and validate prediction models. The obtained spectra can be manipulated using different preprocessing methods and multivariate data analysis techniques to develop prediction models for these two main quality attributes of tomato fruits. Eight different method combinations were compared in homogenized and intact fruit samples. For SSC prediction, the results showed that the best root mean squared error of cross-validation (RMSECV) originated from raw absorbance (0.58) data and with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) (0.59) of intact fruit in Vis-NIR, and first derivatives of reflectance (R2 = 0.41) for homogenate in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region. The best predictive ability for lycopene content of homogenate in the SWIR range (R2 = 0.47; RMSECV = 17.95 mg kg–1) was slightly lower than that of Vis-NIR (R2 = 0.68; 15.07 mg kg–1). This study reports the suitability of two Vis-NIR spectrometers, absorbance/reflectance spectra, preprocessing methods, and partial least square (PLS) regression to predict SSC and lycopene content of intact tomato fruit and its homogenate.

Effect of Cold- and Hot-Break Heat Treatments on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Currant Tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) Pulp and Paste.

Currant tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium), an underutilized wild species of modern tomato, was investigated to determine the physicochemical properties and understand the effect of cold- and hot-break heat treatments on physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, a new Arrhenius-type equation was used to model the temperature-dependent viscosity of currant tomato pulp and paste. The currant tomato’s porosity, surface area, and lycopene content were 40.96 ± 0.84%, 663.86 ± 65.09 mm2, and 9.79 ± 1.88 mg/100 g, respectively. Cold- and hot-break heat treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on tomato pulp and paste color change (0.09 to 0.26; 0.19 to 1.96), viscosity (0.06 to 0.02 Pa.s; 0.85 to 0.37 Pa.s), and lycopene content (9.70 to 9.07 mg/100 g; 9.60 to 9.37 mg/100 g), respectively. An Arrhenius-type equation described the temperature-dependent viscosity of currant tomato pulp and paste with activation energy (Ea) ranging from 7.54 to 11.72 kJ/mol and 8.62 to 8.97 kJ/mol, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a total of variance 99.93% in tomato pulp and paste as affected by the cold- and hot-break heat treatments. Overall, the findings may provide knowledge for design graders and process optimization to develop currant tomato-based products.

Influence of Processing Parameters and Natural Antimicrobial on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and Clostridium pasteurianum Using Response Surface Methodology.

The food industry must ensure the stability of the products, and this is often achieved by exposing foods to heat treatments that are able to ensure the absence of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms. These treatments are different in terms of temperature and duration and could lead to a loss in nutritional and sensory value. Moreover, some types of microorganisms manage to survive these treatments thanks to the sporification process. The addition of antimicrobials can become necessary, but at present, consumers are more inclined toward natural products, avoiding synthetic and chemical additives. Antimicrobials from plants could be a valuable option and, in this context, a patent concerning an antimicrobial extract from fermented plant substrate was recently tested against foodborne pathogens revealing high antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was the creation of a model for the evaluation and subsequent prediction of the combined effect of different process and product variables, including antimicrobial addition, on the inhibition and reduction of spore germination of target microorganisms, Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and Clostridium pasteurianum, responsible for spoilage of tomato-based products.

Corrigendum to ’Italian tomato-based products authentication by multi-element approach: a mineral elements database to distinguish the domestic provenance’[Food control. 93. (2018). 211–218

Corrigendum to ’Italian tomato-based products authentication by multi-element approach: a mineral elements database to distinguish the domestic provenance’[Food control. 93. (2018). 211–218

A systematic review on the diversity and importance of mycotoxins in tomato and derived products

Abstract Molds and their toxins, mycotoxins, are of major global challenges in the food industry due to their harmful effects on human health as well as their economic losses. Tomato and its products are prone to fungal spoilage at industrial and consumer levels. In this study, we aim to emphasize the presence and significance of mycotoxins not only in spoiled tomato-based products but also in the products without visible growth of fungi. According to our systematic review, main mycotoxins in tomatoes and their derivatives are Alternariol (AOH), Alternariol methyl ether (AME), Tenuazonic acid (TeA), and Patulin (PAT). Among them, TeA has the highest concentration in tomato-based products. Thus, it should be deemed as a health risk. We also outlined some of the current and potential antimicrobial techniques and their inhibitory effects on mycotoxins in tomato and derived products. Finally, we emphasize the need for further studies on the health risk assessment of most concerning mycotoxins (TeA and AOH) in tomato-derived products. The results of our review can highlight the gaps and align with the prevention of health risks, increasing product shelf-life, and avoiding economic losses in the tomato-based industry.

Chemical composition of caferana (Bunchosia armeniaca) fruit: a rich source of lycopene

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of the caferana fruit, focusing on the content and profile of carotenoids due to the characteristic coloring of these compounds. The fruits were collected, botanically identified, and evaluated for proximate composition, carotenoid and sugar content and profile, and flavonoid profile. The results of the centesimal composition of the caferana pulp were: 65 g/100g of moisture; 0.72 g/100g of ash; 0.92 g/100g of protein; 0.78 g/100g of ethereal extract; 2.83 g/100g of dietary fiber; 29.73 g/100g of carbohydrates and the caloric value of 129.62 kcal/100g of pulp. As for the content and profile of sugars in the pulp, 19.41 g/100g of fructose and 4.01 g/100g of glucose were obtained. The fruit had a high content of carotenoids (40 mg/100g on a wet basis), of which 89% was lycopene (36 mg/100g), 2.5 mg/100g of β-carotene and 0.3 mg/100g of lutein. Rutin was identified as a flavonoid present in the fruit pulp. The caferana fruit proved to be an excellent source of lycopene, with higher levels than tomato-based products.

A survey of the barriers associated with product development in tomato-based agro-allied food companies in Nigeria

The contributions of the tomato-based agro-allied companies in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized because nearly every household consumes tomato products on daily basis. There is low industrial take-off and poor product development among existing agro-allied industries, especially for perishables like a tomato. The current study, therefore, seeks to investigate the factors militating against product development in tomato-based agro-allied food companies in Nigeria. The study employed a survey research design. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study in the 23 companies studied. In the first stage, fifteen (15) out of the 23 listed and seven (7) out of the seventeen 17 non-listed tomato processing companies were purposively and conveniently selected for the study. In the second stage, the researcher stratified selected companies into existing three departments; Research and Development, Production and marketing were purposively selected. Finally, a simple random sampling technique was used and participants were selected proportionately to the size of each department and a total of 450 respondents were selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (multiple regression and t-test) at P≤0.05. Findings revealed that three commonly produced tomato-based products in Nigeria are Tomato paste (15.7%) closely followed by Tomato juice (12.8%) and Tomato sauce (12.6%). Others includes Crushed Italian tomatoes (5.9%), Tomato Ketchup (10%), Tomato Puree (5.7%), Passata (6.9%), Sun dried tomatoes (10.7%), Tomato fat (7.1%), Tomato oil ( 11%) and others (1.6%) respectively. This result shows that most tomato based agro-allied food companies in Nigeria develop mostly tomato paste. It revealed an overall high level of product development with an overall average mean of (mean = 3.32) on the scale of 4points. The identified factors ranges from sluggish exports (mean = 4.1), local market sales (mean = 4.1), custom duties (mean=4.1), exchange rate fluctuation (mean = 4.0), high interest rate (mean = 4.0), price increase (mean = 4.0), procurement of parts (mean = 4.0), inequality control (mean=4.0), lack of progress (mean = 3.9), increase in personnel expenses and increase in fuel (mean =3.9) and lastly lack of facilities, stricter environmental regulations, electric power shortage, inadequate logistics (mean = 3.8) The study concluded that actors and stakeholders in the tomato based agro-allied food companies in Nigeria should be commended for their efforts in sustaining tomato based agro-allied products in the country. The paper recommended that policy makers and heads of production departments of these companies should give more attention to production of other products for increase sales of agricultural products in tomato based agro-allied food companies in Nigeria.

Combined Effect of Temperature and Oil and Salt Contents on the Variation of Dielectric Properties of a Tomato-Based Homogenate.

Tomato-based processed foods are a key component of modern diets, usually combined with salt and olive oil in different ratios. For the design of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) heating processes of tomato-based products, it is of importance to know how the content of both ingredients will affect their dielectric properties. Three concentrations of olive oil and salt were studied in a tomato homogenate in triplicate. The dielectric properties were measured from 10 to 3000 MHz and from 10 to 90 °C. Interaction effects were studied using a general linear model. At RF frequencies, the dielectric constant decreased with increasing temperature in samples without added salt, but this tendency was reversed in samples with added salt. The addition of salt and oil increased the frequency at which this reversion occurred. At MW frequencies, the dielectric constant decreased with increasing temperature, salt, and oil content. The loss factor increased with increasing salt content and temperature, except in samples without added salt at 2450 MHz. Penetration depth decreased with increasing frequency and loss factor. Salt and oil contents have a significant effect on the dielectric properties of tomato homogenates and must be considered for the design of dielectric heating processes.