Most tomatoes are red when they are ripe, because of the presence of lycopene, which is a phytochemical (a biologically active compound produced by plants). Immature tomatoes are rich in …

Aug 18, 2025 · Lycopene’s red appearance is due to its molecular structure, which allows it to absorb specific wavelengths of light, particularly blue and green. The remaining red light is then reflected, …

The Science Behind Tomato’s Vibrant Red Hue Tomatoes are among the most popular fruits worldwide, loved for their juicy texture and bright color. But why does a tomato turn red as it ripens? The answer …

Jan 1, 2026 · Tomato red color comes from lycopene, a natural carotenoid pigment in ripe tomatoes. It ranges from pinkish-red to deep crimson depending on variety, ripeness, and growing …

The vibrant red hue of a ripe tomato is a complex interplay of chemical transformations, triggered by a decrease in chlorophyll and a surge in the pigment lycopene.

May 8, 2025 · Tomatoes turn red when they ripen primarily because of a pigment called lycopene. Most tomatoes are red when they are ripe because of the presence of lycopene, which is a phytochemical …

Oct 20, 2025 · The vibrant red hue of a ripe tomato is primarily due to the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant pigment belonging to the carotenoid family. This pigment is synthesized as the …

Dec 24, 2024 · The tomato’s vibrant red hue is primarily due to the presence of lycopene, a powerful carotenoid pigment that acts as a natural dye and a potent antioxidant. The amount of lycopene …

At the heart of a tomato’s red color are natural pigments known as carotenoids. Among these, lycopene is the most predominant in red tomatoes. Carotenoids are responsible for the coloration in many …

Tomato plants are vines, largely annual and vulnerable to frost, though sometimes living longer in greenhouses. The flowers are able to self-fertilise. Modern varieties have been bred to ripen …