The carotenoid content of fresh, commercially canned and frozen samples of two cultivars, White
Shoepeg (WS) and Golden Whole Kernel (GWK) corn (Zea mays), from the same production field was
studied. WS and GWK corn samples were harvested daily over a five-day-period and randomly selected for
analysis as fresh, frozen or canned. Major carotenoids detected were lutein and zeaxanthin, and to a lesser
extent, a-, b-cryptoxanthin, a-, and b-carotene. FreshGWK corn contained higher amounts of lutein,
zeaxanthin and total carotenoids (330, 209 and 702 mg/100 g freshweight) versus freshWS corn (5.5, 28.5,
and 35.5 mg/100 g freshweight). In bothcanned WS and GWK corn, levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, and total
carotenoids were similar to their respective fresh counterparts. Detectable levels of zeaxanthin in WS corn
increased 67.4% ðP ¼ 0:042Þ and total carotenoids in bothWS and GWK corn were increased after freezing
by 63.3% ðP ¼ 0:002Þ and 5.3% ðP ¼ 0:003Þ; respectively. This work indicates that canning does not
decrease carotenoid content in corn and that freezing may increase carotenoid content in WS corn which
can further influence bioavailability and health benefits.
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