was saponified
after mixing with 37.5 mL methanol and 12.5 mL of 50% potassium
hydroxide in a flask to release esterified carotenoids, remove
chlorophylls and lipids. The unsaponifiables were extracted with
diethyl ether (20 mL2), washed twice (40 mL distilled water) and
the extract was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Diethyl ether
was evaporated on a steam bath and the dried residue was redissolved in petroleum ether (20 mL). The extract color absorbance was measured at 450 nm with a UVeVis spectrophotometer
and total carotenoid content was reported as mg ofb-carotene
equivalent per kg of carrot juice or yoghurt.