In both cases, b-carotene concentration could diminish resulting in discoloration, loss of nutritional value and formation of volatile compounds that would impart desirable or undesirable flavor to the pumpkin product (Mele´ndez-Martı´nez, Vicario, & Heredia, 2004; Rodriguez-Amaya, 2001; Schieber & Carle, 2005). It is important to study the factors related to the loss of color of foods based on pumpkin since color retention during storage is one of the parameters of food quality.