Carotenoids of Brassica napus

The following hydrocarbon polyenes have been found by chromatography and spectroscopic examination in the vegetable swede ( Brassica napus ) : two fluorescent polyenes, η‐carotene, β‐carotene, carotene, γ‐carotene, neurosporene, lycopene, seven poly‐ cis ‐lycopenes and three tri‐ cis ‐lycopenes. Only one non‐hydrocarbon pigment was present in sufficient quantity to permit investigation, and the quantity did not permit the assigning of a definite identity. The type of pigments occurring in swede shows a close similarity to those occurring in berries and fruits. These pigments have so far only been found in sprouted swede. In fresh swede there are substances which interfere with and, in fact, prevent chromatographic analysis.