Optimization of extraction and separation procedures for the determination of carotenoids in processed vegetables

Carotenoids are natural bioactive compounds found in many plants and that have positive health effects for humans. Determination of carotenoids in plant material can be challenging and may require optimization. The main aim of this study was to create an extraction and detection procedure for three major carotenoids found in vegetables using spinach, green peas, and carrots as sample matrix. Several extraction procedures with and without alkaline hydrolysis were tested. Based on the obtained results, fast saponification (1 h) with 30% aqueous potassium hydroxide was found the most suitable. The resulted method was validated, and recovery of the extraction was tested using matrix contamination with β-carotene. Obtained recovery values were 106–111% and uncertainty expressed as relative standard deviation was lower than 5%. The main profits of this study are information of saponification effect as well as fast analytical method for the determination of carotenoids that can be applied on other vegetables. Graphical abstract