Kadar Vitamin C Buah Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) Tiap Fase Kematangan Berdasar Hari Setelah Tanam

Abstract

Abstract Background: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) contains vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for boosting the human immune system. The content of vitamin C in fruit is dynamically affected by a physiological factor during its growing phase and the varieties. Objective: This research evaluated the profile of vitamin C in different maturity phases based on the day after planting as a reference for the best harvest time to obtain optimal vitamin C content. Method: Vitamin C content was examined qualitatively by KMnO4, FeCl3, and AgNO3 reagents, while the quantitative value was counted by iodometric titration method with 3 replications. One hundred gram of fresh fruits used as a sample in each maturity phase which harvested on the 45th with 3 days interval until 72nd days after planting. Results: Vitamin C was found in each sample and the quantitative test showed that its levels start to increase at 45 until 63, then decreased to 72 days after planting. Tomato sample of 63rd days after planting had the highest vitamin C level (21.29 mg/100 g). The fluctuation of vitamin C in tomatoes is influenced by the level of fruit maturity, climate, and environmental conditions during the fruit growing period. Conclusion: Vitamin C of tomatoes reach the optimum level responding to the ripening process and climatic condition during growing season. To get the best intake of vitamin C from tomatoes fresh fruit consumption, our research recommends harvesting the fruits at the 63rd days after planting which are the peak level of vitamin C. Keywords: vitamin, ascorbic acid, iodimetric, ripening, days after planting