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Viewed : 1129 - Downloaded : 645 Tomato fruits have large amount of water content. The remaining contains carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins, pigments, phenolic compounds and various mineral matters. During fruit growth and maturation dramatic changes in chemical composition of the fruit occur. Some of the important changes are degradation of starch, production in glucose and fructose, loss of chlorophyll, synthesis of pigments such as carotene and lycopene, increase in ratio of citric acid to malic acid, production of flavour and aroma compounds, breakdown of the toxic alkaloid tomatine and increase in glutamic acid. As a result of these ripening processes changes in colour in flavour and texture of fruit take place. Keywords :