Differentiation of several geographical origins in single-strength Valencia orange juices using quantitative comparison of carotenoid profiles

Pure Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis) juices (64 samples) from Spain, Isra el, Belize, Cuba, and Florida, harvested during two seasons (1996-1997 and 1997-1998), were analyzed for their carotenoid profiles. The detection of s aponified carotenoid pigments has been achieved and quantitated using a pho todiode array detection monitored at 350, 430, and 486 nm. Carotenoid pigme nts commonly found in the orange variety Valencia have been separated on a polymeric C-30 column using a ternary gradient as eluent. Pure Valencia jui ces from oranges grown in Mediterranean regions (Israel and Spain) have a h igh carotenoid content, expressed in beta-carotene (5-18 and 14-35 mg L-1, respectively), compared to those grown in tropical and subtropical regions (Cuba, Belize, and Florida) (4-10, 2-8, and 5-10 mg L-1, respectively). Qua ntitative results allowed the differentiation of Valencia variety geographi cal origins, in particular, the Mediterranean area from tropical and subtro pical areas, using multidimensional analyses of carotenoid contents.