An evaluation of carotenoid levels and composition of glabrous canaryseed

Nineteen glabrous canaryseeds comprising brown- and yellow-coloured varieties were investigated to determine carotenoid content and their properties. Total carotenoid content of canaryseeds ranged from 7.57 to 11.69 mg/kg. β-Carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin were the major carotenoids of glabrous canaryseed. β-Carotene ranged from 5291 to 6273, 4564 to 5352, and 3651 to 4428 μg/kg while lutein ranged from 2667 to 3370, 1532 to 3007, and 2042 to 2299 μg/kg, respectively in canaryseed flour, wholemeal and bran. Zeaxanthin was relatively low (⩽650 μg/kg). High β-carotene levels distinguished glabrous canaryseeds from other cereal crops as potential ingredients for carotenoid-enriched functional foods.