Integrative view of tomato fruit carotenoid and polyphenol accumulation for consumer health

Fresh and processed tomatoes are a major source of phytonutrients in the human diet, and the beneficial health effects for consumers are largely attributed to carotenoids and polyphenols. The metabolic pathways and genetic regulatory factors involved in their synthesis are well described, enabling healthier varieties to be produced. However, the relationship between fruit metabolite content and expected health benefits is not straightforward, as many other factors are involved. These include cell division, cell wall properties, the expansion of storage compartments such as plastids and vacuoles, and metabolite synthesis and dilution by water. All of these factors impact the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the nutrients accumulated and consumed in fresh and processed fruit. Furthermore, the cocktail of metabolites present in the food or diet plays a fundamental role in the expected health effect. Therefore, the present review addresses tomato fruit carotenoid and polyphenol accumulation in this continuum from plant to processed product for the consumer health, considering the increasingly stressful climatic context. Finally, we propose a conceptual model, integrating the main processes involved in the accumulation and sequestration of carotenoids and polyphenols. This model could serve as a basis for predicting the health value of tomatoes in the current production context.