Carotenoid Content in Different Varieties of Pumpkins

Due to the increasing interest in the supply with antioxidants and especially carotenoids in foods, pumpkins were analysed for their content of α -carotene, β -carotene, and lutein. A wide range of varieties of pumpkins that are commercially available in Austria was analysed. For this study the pumpkins were grown in Austria to obtain data that are relevant for local nutrition. The varieties analysed derived from three species i.e. Cucurbita pepo,C. maxima and C. moschata. Additionally, a cross breed of C. maxima and C. moschata was tested. The content of the carotenoids ranged from 0.06 to 7.4 mg/100 g for β -carotene, from 0 to 7.5 mg/100 g forα -carotene and from 0 to 17mg/100g for lutein.