Cleaves a variety of carotenoids symmetrically at both the 9-10 and 9'-10' double bonds. Catalyzes the formation of 4,9-dimethyldodeca-2,4,6,8,10-pentaene-1,12-dialdehyde and probably hydroxydihydro-beta-ionone from zeaxanthin (By similarity). all-trans-zeaxanthin + 2 O2 = 2 (3R)-hydroxy-beta-ionone + 4,9-dimethyldodeca-2,4,6,8,10-pentaenedial Binds 1 Fe(2+) ion per subunit. Probably on the exterior surface of the plastids. Expressed in leaves. Detected in roots and flower buds. The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 (CCD1), which catabolizes carotenoid metabolites, is up-regulated in the floral tissues of the White Jade cultivar, resulting in a pure white flower. Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.