- Lycopene is the ‘redness” found in tomato products.
In fresh red tomatoes, Lycopene occurs as the major pigment (Lycopersicon esculentum, 85 – 90%). Other pigments present are beta-carotene (10- 15%) and small quantities of about 10 other varieties of carotenoids. The outer skin of the tomato contains the highest concentration of lycopene.