Carotenoid

Definition

A carotenoid is one of a family of fat-soluble yellow, orange and red plant pigments found in many fruits and vegetables. In fruit they are often responsible for golden skin or flesh, as in mango, apricot and papaya. Many are already present in a green fruit but hidden by chlorophyll, and they show once the green fades; some fruits also make more as they ripen. Carotenoids are one of several pigment families, and a fruit's color is a blend. See also: Chlorophyll, Flavonoid, Ripening, and the guide "Why Fruits Are Yellow: The Pigments Behind the Color".