Chromoplasts and/or chloroplasts are isolated from plant material. This wet mass is digested in aqueous medium with pectin- and/or protein-cleaving enzymes, insoluble substances are removed, and a carotinoid-rich sediment is obtained after acidifying the separated colloid disperse system. The sediment is heated at alkaline pH with aqueous ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to remove the major part of cleaved proteins, lipides and other accompanying substances. The sediment with enriched carotenoid content is mixed with antioxidants and, if desired, dried, providing a carotenoid concentrate free of toxic solvent residues.
Description of a process to extract, saponify and purify lutein and zeaxantine contained in Marigold flowers free from any genetic manipulation, which have been harvested by hand and dried upon weather so that it neither contains epoxicarotenoids or cis-carotenoids. Fatty acids are removed as its metallic salts and carotenoids are recovered using a polar solvent.
Paprika cultivars being characterized by fruits having total carotenoids content higher than 10 mg/g dry fruit weight and a branching pattern suitable for mechanical harvesting and methods and systems generating same.
