Abstract:

The anthocyanidin composition of the tuber of eight pigmented potato cultivars was analyzed by high performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that pigmented potato tubers contained up to six anthocyanidins, namely,
delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and malvidin. Petunidin, peonidin and malvidin were the dominant
anthocyanidins in purple-colored potatoes, while pelargonidin and peonidin were the main anthocyanidins in red-colored
potatoes. Delphinidin and peonidin were widely found in the skin of pigmented potato tuber. No malvidin was detected in
red-colored potatoes. Significant differences in anthocyanidin content exited among potato cultivars, among which, Ziyun
No.1 had the highest content of anthocyanidin. Anthocyanidin contents in the skin were 6 to 176 times higher than in the
flesh. The number of anthocyanidins detected in the skin of most potato cultivars was greater than in the flesh. In conclusion,
pigmented potato skin, an important source of natural pigments and antioxidants, is rich in anthocyanidins.

Key words: pigmented potato, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), anthocyanidin, skin, flesh