The content of the phytochemical compounds in fruits and vegetables
and their stability during food processing vary depending
on the geographical locations of the growers, the type and cultivar
of fruits and vegetables (food matrix) and the growth condition. It
is interestingly observed that most of the cultivars grown in the
Otago region have a very high content of anthocyanins, and vitamin
C (particularly carrots) compared to the respective commodities
in some countries located in the Northern Hemisphere.
Different growth conditions and environmental stress (such as
high exposure to UV light, temperature) could be important factors
influencing the levels of bioactive content as a result of the plant
defence response. Therefore, to secure the micronutrient intake
and to improve human health and the prevention of chronic diseases,
different types of fruits and vegetables coming from different
locations should be considered in one’s daily diet.