Relationship between color changes and chemical components of lfue-cured tobacco leaves during curing
Changes in color indexes such as L, a, b, C, H ° , H and ?E and their relationship with chemical components in flue-cured tobacco leaves during bulk curing were studied with middle leaves of NC89 as experimental materials. Results showed that value of L, a, b, C, H° and H in front and back of leaves showed same changing trends during curing with 42℃as turning point between drastic changes and mild changes. Smooth color changes were observed in front and back of leaves with steady increase till 42℃and slight decline after 54℃. Correlation analysis indicated that color parameters showed significant or extremely significant positive correlation with contents of starch, reducing sugar, chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, amino acid and moisture. Prediction equations were established between color parameters and chemical components by regression analysis. Predicted value and tested value of chemical components except chlorophyll were almost consistent with each other, showing good accuracy of prediction, which could help establish prediction model of chemical components based on color parameter changes in tobacco leaves, improving flue-curing process with more accuracy and efficiency.