Each processing condition was repeated three times for each matrix, in different days and with different vegetable batches. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SE) of 3 observations and were statistically analysed for differences between means.
Both parametric (ANOVA) and non-parametric test for unpaired samples (Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests) were used. Outliers were not considered.
In the case of carrot and tomato samples, these meet the ANOVA assumptions, such as normal distribution of the residues (Shapiro–Wilk test) and homogeneity of variances (Levene’s test). Differences in mean values of carotenes in these vegetables were tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Differences between the means were tested with Tukey’s multiple comparison test and p < 0.05 were considered significant.
For the rest of vegetables, normality could not be assumed and differences in carotenoid and chlorophyll content were assessed using non-parametric test (Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Statistical treatment was performed with R project (R Development Core Team, Viena, Austria) for windows.