Natural Food Colours
The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits are:
The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits are:
Try to answer before revealing the correct option and explanation.
Correct Answer
✅ C. Hesperidin, Naringin
Explanation
Citrus fruits are rich sources of flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids. The major citrus flavanones include:
- Hesperidin → Predominant flavonoid in oranges and lemons
- Naringin → Responsible for the bitter taste of grapefruit
- Narirutin → Present in citrus fruits, especially oranges
These compounds contribute to the antioxidant properties and functional value of citrus fruits.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Anthocyanins (Cyanidin, Delphinidin): These are colored flavonoids responsible for red, purple, and blue pigments in berries, grapes, and red cabbage.
- Isoflavones (Genistein, Daidzein): Mainly found in soybean and classified as phytoestrogens.
- Flavonols (Quercetin, Kaempferol): Commonly found in onions, apples, and leafy vegetables.
Key Concept
Citrus fruits → Flavanones Orange → Hesperidin Grapefruit → Naringin (bitterness) Lemon → Hesperidin and eriocitrin Flavanones are mainly present in citrus peel and pulp
Related Sub-categories
References
- Damodaran, S., Parkin, K. L. (2017). Fennema’s Food Chemistry (5th Edition). CRC Press.
- Belitz, H. D., Grosch, W., & Schieberle, P. (2009). Food Chemistry (4th Edition). Springer.
- deMan, J. M., Finley, J. W., Hurst, W. J., & Lee, C. Y. (2018). Principles of Food Chemistry (4th Edition). Springer.
- Shahidi, F., & Naczk, M. (2004). Phenolics in Food and Nutraceuticals. CRC Press.
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