Physico-chemical, antioxidant and bioactive changes in cortex core sections of carrot (Daucus carota var. Pusa rudhira)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate different portions of carrot for their nutritional and bioactive characteristics. The carrots were grouped on size basis and their individual cortex and core sections were studied for carotenoid content, antioxidant activity, phenolics, and other attributes. Identification of plant varieties with relatively higher bioactive components and nutrition is important to cope up with the challenges posed by the modern lifestyle. A thorough study of different plant products can be very helpful in visualizing and identification of such plant portions. The present investigation results depicted total carotenoids and antioxidant activity of carrot were far more superior in cortex portions of the root with an increase of about 75.9-98.6 and 78.6-81.1 %, respectively for different size group carrots. An increase in the phenolic content from 8.9 to 31.8 % within cortex portion of the root was relatively less than the augmentation shown by carotenoids and antioxidant activity. Significant differences in nutrition, optical characteristics, and texture were observed within cortex and core portions. The hardness of carrot roots in terms of puncture force considerably increased for core portions of higher size groups.