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3.2: Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables

  • Page ID
    43457
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    Learning Objectives
    • Identify the major pigment categories found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods.
    • Observe the effects of pH on plant pigments and texture of vegetables.

    Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables

    There are 4 pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It is not always obvious that there is a pigment present. It can become more noticeable when the pH of fruit or vegetable is adjusted. Some pigments are vitamin precursors (beta carotene is a carotenoid) and antioxidants (anthocyanins). Nutrition recommendations include consuming a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, which may be a good and easy-to-remember way to consume fruits and vegetables.

    Describe the colors of the following pigments and list examples.

    Anthocyanin

    Color:

    Examples:

    Anthoxanthin

    Color:

    Examples:

    Carotenoid

    Color:

    Examples:

    Chlorophyll

    Color:

    Examples:

    Pigment Table for Observations
    Pigment Vegetable Being Used Color (neutral pH) Water or Fat Soluble Color in Acid Texture in Acid Color in Base Texture in Base
    Anthocyanin Red Cabbage   Water        
    Anthoxanthin Cauliflower   Water        
    Carotenoid Carrots   Fat        
    Chlorophyll Broccoli   Fat        

    This page titled 3.2: Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erica Beirman and Kate Gilbert (Iowa State University Digital Press) .

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