NATURAL CAROTENOID CONCENTRATES FROM PLANT MATERIAL AND A PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE SAME

摘要

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.