STUDY OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CAPSICUM POWDER BY DIFFERENT DRYING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of phytochemical parameter, physical parameter, color, and sensory analysis in green capsicum by different drying processes (microwave, freeze, and hot air drying). Results showed an increase in microwave output power (600W), decreased drying time, moisture content, Chroma, and bulk density values. The Freeze drying process significantly improved the lightness of dried capsicum. Due to take less time for the Microwave drying technique, phytochemical parameters are intact in capsicum; on the other side, color degradation has been occurred due to the Maillard reaction (L*=29.34±0.08, a*=6.98±0.09,b*=15.36±0.10). Bulk density (0.335±0.01) and dispersibility (40±2.00%) were highest in Microwave drying powder. The capsaicin content of dried capsicum was higher than the fresh capsicum sample, but compared to the different drying techniques, the Microwave drying sample has higher capsaicin content than the Hot air drying and Freeze-drying samples. The lower capsaicin content in fresh capsicum may occur due to the catalytic activity of the peroxidase enzyme. The capsaicin content of all dried capsicum varied between 1.91±0.05 and 3.31±0.16 mg/100 g. In this research, the Microwave drying powder of capsicum was the best product for its highest antioxidant content and other physical properties.