This document summarizes key components and characteristics of vegetables. It outlines various compounds found in vegetables including fructose, glutamic acid, sulfur compounds, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and flavonoids. It also lists factors that determine vegetable freshness such as crispness, absence of decay, maturity, and variety.

1. Prepared by:
Amparo, Marilou Mae E.
&
Amarillas, Jansen

2. 1.) Sugar
• Fructose – the natural sugar that provides the
sweetness in vegetables.
* Glutamic Acid – This forms a product called
monosodium glutamate when combined with
salt. It is found in large amount from young and
fresh vegetables.
Sulfur Compounds – Give the characteristic
strong flavor and odor of some vegetables .

4. * Chlorophyll – a fat soluble compund responsible
for the green color of plants. When combined with
acid, it forms pheophytin which produces an olive
green color.
When combine with alkali, it forms
chlorophyllins which produces a more intense
green color. The addition of baking soda when
cooking that results to brighter green color, is an
example.
• Carotenoids – the yellow, orange to red soluble
pigments found in plants.
2.1 - beta carotene from carrots and squash
2.2 – lycopene , from tomatoes

5. * Flavonoids
3.1 – Anthoxanthin – responsible
for the yellow pigments
3.2 – Anthocyanins – responsible
foe red and blue to violet pigments
(beets) tube, eggplants.

7. 1.) Freshness
Fresh vegetables should be crisp
and bright in colors.
2.)Absence of decay or insect
infestation.

8. 3.) No chemical damage or injury
4.) Right degree of maturity
5.) Variety
Different varieties differ in color , shape, texture
, and sometimes flavor