INFLUENCE OF HARVEST DATE ON FRUIT TECHNOLOGICAL TRAITS OF FIVE PROCESSING TOMATO VARIETIES

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum MILL) is an important crop cultivated in Hungary. Tomatoes are composed primarily of water (93-96%), but they are also an important source of lycopene, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. Lycopene is a carotenoid found primarily in tomatoes. In this study were investigated the influence of two harvest dates on the technological traits, percent soluble solids (Brix⁰) composition parameters (lycopene, carbohydrates, organic acid and vitamin C content) of five well-known commercial processing tomato varieties. The results showed that (1) lycopene content ranged from 60.8 to 171.0 mg/kg, two varieties stood out with particularly high values with especial regard to second harvest date. (2) Carbohydrates constitute nearly 50% of the fruit dry matter. (3) It was found significant difference among varieties and between harvest dates in terms of lycopene, vitamin C and organic acid content.