Variation in anthocyanins of different varieties of purple carrots

The composition and content of anthocyanins were investigated in nine varieties of purple carrots to reveal the diversity of the anthocyanins among different varieties of purple carrots. The results showed the significant differences of the composition and content of anthocyanins were found between nine varieties of purple carrots. Five anthocyanins were detected in purple carrots, including cyanidin 3-xylosyl(glucosyl), cyanidin 3-xylosylgalactoside, cyanidin 3-xylosyl (sinapoylglucosyl)galactoside, cyanidin 3-xylosyl(feruloylglucosyl)galactoside, and cyanidin 3-xylosyl(coumaroylglucosyl)galactoside. Only four of the five anthocyanins were detected in Caohaihong, Zhongzidan, and Yanzi, whereas 3-xylosyl(coumaroylglucosyl)galactoside were not detected. The highest content of total anthocyanins was found in Tianzi. In addition, the highest contents of individual anthocyanins except for cyanidin 3-xylosyl(sinapoylglucosyl)galactoside, were also in Tianzi, and the highest content of 3-xylosyl(sinapoylglucosyl)galactoside was found in Zishengzi. In summary, these findings provide a theoretical reference for the scientific consumption and a foundation for the further study of purple carrots in the future.