Health-promoting substances and antioxidant properties of Opuntia sp. fruits. Changes in bioactive-compound contents during ripening process

► Pigment composition was analysed in Opuntia megacantha fruits during ripening. ► Antiradical activity of fruits increased during their ripening in the plant. ► Chlorophyll content in immature fruits was higher in the skins than in the pulps. ► Betalain levels in pulps were higher in mature and immature fruits than in peels. ► Pulp colour due to betalains took place before this change was observed in peels.