The Ratio of Carotene to Carotenoid Pigments in Sweet-potato Varieties

Abstract

The pigments of sweet potatoes were extracted and the carotene detd. by the Wall and Kelley method. The fleshy roots were found to contain appreciable amts. of yellow pigments other than [beta]-carotene. The carotene/total-pigment ratio varied among different vars. and within vars. The ratio increased with increase in intensity of yellow color. Triumph, a light-colored var., contained a small amt. of carotene shortly after harvest, but this soon disappeared in storage.