Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds concentration of tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea S.) in postharvest

The Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea S.) is a fruit of mass consumption in Colombia, due to their special organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. Tree tomato fruits were evaluated for fifteen days during post- harvest stage to establish the evolution of antioxidant activity and concentration of phenolics compounds. The antioxidant capacity was analyzed by the ABTS method. It was found for the sixth day postharvest an average maximum value equivalent to 9.8 µmol of Trolox equivalents per gram of fresh fruit. Total phenols were determined by Folin Ciocalteu method, finding the highest concentration of phenolic compounds for the eighth day post-harvest, with 1.23 milligrams of gallic acid per gram of fresh fruit. The concentration of phenolic compounds was growing from day one of postharvest, then remained constant until day 11, showing a decrease to days 12 to 14 on ripening stage. In conclusion, it was established that the antioxidant activity in post harvest stage of tree tomato didn't present significant differences with a confidence level of 95%. The results obtained presented no positive correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic concentration, however it was possible to conclude that tree tomato fruit is classified as a high antioxidant activity and good concentration of phenolic compounds compared to other fruits reported in various researches, aspects that power consumption of this species as a nutraceutical food.