Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolics with maximal antioxidant activities in tomatoes

► Optimised MAE extraction conditions for maximal antioxidant activities of phenolic extracts of tomato. ► Use of RSM and CCD (central composite design) for the optimisation. ► Phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of 20 tomato cultivars, many are unique. ► Correlation between the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities.