Red Pepper Samples Research Articles

Partial removal of water from red pepper by immersion in an osmotic solution before drying

Red pepper is dried for use as a spice. When using solar energy to dry it, there are no energy costs but using other energy sources such as fuel or electricity, the production cost of red pepper spice increase. Due to the fact that energy is becoming expensive globally, it can be envisaged that osmotic dehydration gains more popularity as a pre-processing dehydration step. In this study, red pepper samples were cut into square and immersed in the osmotic solutions prepared at three different concentrations, a defined ratio (sample/solution; g/ml) and several temperatures during osmotic dehydration process time. Water activity, color, solid content, water loss and solid gain of samples were determined during osmotic dehydration process taking place in solutions at different concentration, temperature and time. Statistically, all dependent variables have effect on osmotic dehydration. 60 min of the process was found as the critical point for water loss-solid gain relation. The effect of concentration was significant on water activity of sample. Water activities of samples whose initials were greater than 0.90 reduced below the level of 0.8 at the end of dehydration time, with the exception of a few samples; visible color values were influenced by the process. Key words: Red pepper, sea salt, water activity color, osmotic dehydration.

Effect of air drying temperature on the quality of rehydrated dried red bell pepper (var. Lamuyo)

Red pepper samples ( Capsicum annuum L.) were dried at four air inlet temperatures from 50 to 80 °C and rehydrated in water at 30 °C to study the influence of air drying temperature on the quality and microstructural properties of the rehydrated tissue. A determination was made on the effects of sample pretreatment on the drying process; samples were immersed in a solution containing NaCl, CaCl 2 and Na 2S 2O 5 prior to drying at 70 °C. At the end of the rehydration process several quality parameters were analyzed, including the rehydration ratio, water retention capacity, colour, firmness, vitamin C content and microstructure. The results showed that the best quality product was obtained when samples were pretreated before drying. Microscopic examination of the rehydrated pepper samples suggested that damage to cellular structure was minimized by pretreatment of samples; the resulting rehydrated peppers displayed comparatively improved vitamin C retention, colour, and firmness.

Spices Mycobiota and Mycotoxins Available in Saudi Arabia and Their Abilities to Inhibit Growth of Some Toxigenic Fungi

The prevalence and population density of the mycobiota of 50 samples belonging to 10 kinds of spices (anise, black pepper, red pepper, black cumin, peppermint, cardamom, clove, cumin, ginger and marjoram) which collected from different places in Jeddah Governorate were studied. The natural occurrence of mycotoxins in those samples was also investigated. Fifteen genera and thirty – one species of fungi in addition to one species variety were isolated and identified during this study. The most common genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Ailatoxins (12~40 μg/kg) were detected in the extract of 5 samples of each of anise seeds and black pepper fruits; three samples of black cumin seeds and on sample only of each of peppermint and marjoram leaves out of 5 samples tested of each. Sterigmatocystin (15~20 μg/kg) was detected in some samples of red pepper, cumin and marjoram. The inhibitory effects of 10 kinds of powdered spices were tested against 3 toxigenic isolates of fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. versicolor and Penicillium citrinum). Clove proved to be antimycotic compounds. It inhibited the growth of the tested toxigenic fungi. Black pepper, peppermint, cardamom, cumin and marjoram completely inhibited aflatoxins production, while black pepper and cardamom also completely inhibited sterigmatocystin production.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Bacillus cereus in Dried Red Pepper in Korea

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne spore-forming bacterial pathogen that is ubiquitous in the natural environment. Infections with this pathogen manifest as diarrheal or emetic types of food poisoning. In this study, 140 samples of dried red pepper purchased in Korea were assayed for the presence of B. cereus according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration standard culture method. A multiplex PCR assay was developed for the rapid confirmation of B. cereus as an alternative to conventional biochemical confirmation tests. The genetic diversity of B. cereus isolates was investigated using a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. B. cereus was found in 84.3% of the dried red pepper samples, with an average concentration of 1.9 × 104 CFU/g. B. cereus could be detected and distinguished from B. thuringiensis in the multiplex PCR assay by using the BCFW1 plus BCrevnew and the K3 plus K5 primer sets designed to detect the gyrB gene of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis and the cry gene of B. thuringiensis. A RAPD assay using the OPG 16 and MUP 3 primers was used to successfully distinguish among isolates, thus elucidating the genetic diversity of B. cereus isolates. The discriminating ability of the OPG 16 primer (142 types) was about threefold higher than that of MUP 3 (52 types) in the RAPD assay.

Rapid all-in-one three-step immunoassay for non-instrumental detection of ochratoxin A in high-coloured herbs and spices

A feasible three-step method for ochratoxin A (OTA) rapid detection was developed and applied for OTA screening in high-coloured matrices such as liquorice, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, white pepper and Capsicum spp. spices at a control level of 10 μg kg −1. The method was based on the clean-up tandem immunoassay column and involved three steps: extract application, washing step and application of chromogenic substrate. A significant simplification of the assay was reached by using an additional frit with conjugate inside the clean-up tandem immunoassay column. The time for analysis was less than 10 min, including 5 min for colour development. Results were visually evaluated as colour development for negative result or no colour development for positive result. The method was coupled with a simple methanol-based extraction. A total of 27 samples were screened for OTA with the proposed method. It was shown that two samples of red pepper and one sample of liquorice, pili-pili, chilli and cayenne were contaminated with OTA above the control level at 10 μg kg −1, but none of tested ginger, nutmeg, black pepper and white pepper.

Some fungal endophytes from vegetable crops and their anti-oomycete activities against tomato late blight

To isolate endophytic fungi from vegetable plants and examine their in vivo anti-oomycete activity against Phytophthora infestans in tomato plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from surface-sterilized plant tissues and anti-oomycete activity was measured by in vivo assay using tomato seedlings. Endophytic fungi showing potent anti-oomycete activity were identified by morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence analysis. A total of 152 isolates were obtained from 66 healthy tissue samples of cucumber, red pepper, tomato, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage and the fermentation broths of 23 isolates showed potent in vivo anti-oomycete activity against tomato late blight with control values over 90%. The Fusarium oxysporum strain EF119, which was isolated from roots of red pepper, showed the most potent disease control efficacy against tomato late blight. In dual-culture tests, it inhibited the growth of Pythium ultimum, P. infestans and Phytophthora capsici. Among endophytic fungi isolated from healthy tissues of vegetable plants, F. oxysporum EF119 showed the most potent in vivo anti-oomycete activity against tomato late blight and in vitro anti-oomycete activity against several oomycete pathogens. Endophytic fungi showing anti-oomycete activity in vitro and in vivo may be used as biocontrol agents particularly of tomato late blight.

Salmonella Prevalence and Total Microbial and Spore Populations in Spices Imported to Japan

A total of 259 samples of 40 types of spices were tested for Salmonella prevalence and total microbial and spore populations. Salmonella enterica serotypes Weltevreden and Senftenberg were isolated from a black- and red-pepper sample, respectively. Because Salmonella was not detected by the most-probable-number method, it indicated that at least one cell of the microorganism was present in 25 g of sample. The mean aerobic bacterial count was greater than 5.39 log CFU/g in turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, and paprika. The mean bacterial spore counts were greater than 4.33 log CFU/g in turmeric and curry powder. The mean aerobic bacterial count in the two Salmonella-isolated samples was 6.93 log CFU/g. These results indicate that spices can be a source of contamination in the products where they are used as ingredients, and methods to reduce the microbial load in spices should be used.

시설재배 토양과 작물 잎 중의 미량원소 함량 관계

본 연구는 시설재배 고추, 오이, 토마토를 대상으로 토양 및 식물체 중 미량원소 함량을 조사하여 미량원소의 적정시비관리를 위한 자료로 활용하고자 수행하였다. 일반작물에 대한 평균적인 토양 중 적정 미량원소 함량기준과 비교하면, Fe, Mn, Zn의 함량은 조사된 대부분의 토양에서 과잉상태이었고 Cu 또한 고추 재배지를 제외하면 대부분 과잉 상태이었다. 고추 재배지에서 Cu 함량이 적정 수준이하인 토양 비율이 30%정도였다. B는 다른 미량원소에 비하여 과잉상태인 토양 비율이 상대적으로 낮았으나 고추 재배지의 경우에는 부족 토양 비율이 상대적으로 많았다. 작물 잎 중의 미량원소 함량은 원소별 또는 작물별로 매우 넓은 범위에 분포하였다. B, Fe, Mn은 대부분이 적정 함량 범위에 있었으나, Cu와 Zn은 적정 함량 이하인 경우가 많았다. 그러나 농가조사에서 미량원소의 가시적인 과잉 또는 결핍 증상은 발견되지 않았다. 토양 중의 가용성 미량원소 함량과 작물 잎 중의 미량원소 함량 사이에는 유의한 상관관계가 없었고, 작물별 또는 미량원소별로 토양중의 가용성 함량이 적정수준 이상임에도 불구하고 잎 중의 미량원소 함량이 매우 낮은 경우도 많았다. 이러한 결과는 조사된 농가별로 토양 특성이 다양하고 시비관리 및 수분관리 방법 등이 크게 다르기 때문일 것이다. 대부분 농가에서 토양 중의 미량원소 함량이 과잉임을 고려하면 뿌리를 통한 작물의 미량원소 흡수가 원활히 이루어질 수 있도록 미량원소의 흡수에 장애가 될 수 있는 다량 원소의 과다시비나 염류집적 문제의 해결을 포함한 시비 및 토양관리에 주의를 기울일 필요가 있을 것이다. 또한 토양검정과 작물체 분석 자료를 확보하여 작물생육에 기여하지 못하는 과잉의 미량원소 시비 관행의 문제점을 보다 철저히 검토해야 할 것으로 판단된다.방제가를 보였다. 초기 이병엽율이 약 16% 정도였을 때 공시약제를 처리한 결과 boscalid와 metrafenone 처리구는 각각 100% 및 97.5%의 방제가를 보였다. 그러나 triflumizole 및 fenarimol는 비교적 낮은 30.8% 및 51.6%의 방제가를 보였다. 공시약제를 흰가루병이 발생한 다음 처리한 후 이병엽을 염색하여 흰가루 병균의 균사생장과 포자형성 등을 관찰한 결과 균사가 용균되는 것을 볼 수 있었으며, 균사의 용균정도와 분생포자형성 억제 정도는 병 방제효과와 일치하는 경향을 보였다.을 의미한다. IV형은 가장 후기에 포획된 유체포유물이며, 광산 주변에 분포하는 석회암체 등의 변성퇴적암류로부터 <TEX>$CO_{2}$</TEX> 성분과 다양한 성분의 유체가 공급되어 생성된 것으로 여겨진다. 정동이 발달하고 있지 않으며, 백운모를 함유하고 있는 대유페그마타이트는 변성작용에 의한 부분용융에 의해 형성된 멜트에서 결정화되었으며, 상당히 높은 압력의 환경에서 대유페그마타이트의 결정화작용 과정에서 용리한 유체의 성분이 전기석에 포획되어 있다. 이때 용리된 유체는 다양한 성분을 지니고 있었으며, 매우 낮은 공융온도와 다양한 딸결정은 포유물 내에 NaCl, KCl 이외에 적어도 <TEX>$CaCl_{2},\;MgCl_{2}$</TEX>와 같은 성분을 포함하고 있음을 지시한다. 유체의 용리는 적어도 <TEX>$2.7{\sim}5.3$</TEX> kbar 이상의 압력과 <TEX>$230{\sim}328^{\circ}C$</TEX> 이상의 온도에서 시작되었다.없었다. 결론적으로 일부 한방제와 생약제제는 육계에서 항생제를 대체하여 사용이 가능하며 특히 혈액의 성분에 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 사료된다. 실증연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.trip과 Sof-Lex Micronutrient status in soils and crops of plastic film house and their relationship were investigated. Total 203 plastic film houses were selected (red pepper, 66; cucumber, 63; tomato, 74) in Yeongnam region and soil and leaf samples were collected. Hot-water extractable B and 0.1 N HCl extractable Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn in soil samples and total micronutrients in leaf samples were analyzed. Contents Zn, Fe, and Mn in most of the investigated soils were higher than the upper limits of optimum level for general crop cultivation. Contents of Cu in most soils of cucumber and tomato cultivation were higher than the upper limit of optimum level, but Cu contents in about 30% of red pepper cultivation soils were below the sufficient level. Contents of B in most soils of cucumber and tomato were above the sufficient level but in 48% of red pepper cultivation soils B were found to be deficient. Micronutrient contents in leaf of investigated crops were much variable. Contents of B, Fe, and Mn were mostly within the sufficient levels, while in 71% of red pepper samples Cu was under deficient level and in 44% of cucumber samples Cu contents were higher than the upper limit of sufficient level. Contents of Zn in red pepper and cucumber samples were mostly within the sufficient level but in 62% of tomato samples Zn contents were under deficient condition. However, any visible deficiency or toxicity symptoms of micronutrients were not found in the crops. No consistent relationships were found between micronutrient contents in soil and leaf, and this indicates that growth and absorption activity of root and interactions among the nutrients in soil might be important factors in overall micronutrient uptake of crops. For best management of micronutrients in plastic film house, much attention should be focused on the management of soil and plant characteristics which control the micronutrient uptake of crops.

(175) Variety- and Cultivation Place-dependent Variations in Capsaicinoid Content of Red Peppers Produced in Cheongyang Area

Red pepper, as an ingredient of Kimchi, is an important horticultural crop in Korea, and capsaicinoid content is a major factor determining the pungent quality of red pepper. To clarify the factors affecting capsaicinoid content, 122 red pepper samples of 24 varieties were collected from 21 cultivation sites in Cheongyang area, South Korea, and their nordihydrocapsaicin (NDC), capsaicin (CAP), and dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) contents were evaluated by using an HPLC. The average content of NDC, CAP, and DHC were 4.8, 74.2, and 26.5 mg/100 g, respectively, and its relative composition ratios were slightly affected by variety or cultivation places. In most cultivation places, capsaicinoid contents showed significant dependence upon variety, in that cv. WangJangKum (225.5 mg/100 g) exhibited 6.2-fold higher total capsaicinoid contents when compared to cv. ChonHaTongIl (36.2 mg/100 g). Even the same cultivar (e.g., WangDaeGum) exhibited almost 2-fold variations according to cultivation places, indicating the dependence of capsaicinoid content of red peppers upon the cultivation sites. Analysis of variance revealed significant variety–cultivation place interactions in CAP, DHC, and total capsaicinoid contents, but not in NDC. This data suggests the necessity of more-careful selection of variety and cultivation place corresponding to the expected pungency of harvested red peppers.

Approach for ochratoxin A fast screening in spices using clean-up tandem immunoassay columns with confirmation by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS)

An approach for ochratoxin A (OTA) fast cost-effective screening based on clean-up tandem immunoassay columns was developed and optimized for OTA detection with a cut-off level of 10 μg kg −1 in spices. Two procedures were tested and applied for OTA detection. Column with bottom detection immunolayer was optimized for OTA determination in Capsicum ssp. spices. A modified clean-up tandem immunoassay procedure with top detection immunolayer was successfully applied for all tested spices. Its main advantages were decreasing of the number of analysis steps and quantity of antibody and also minimizing of matrix effects. The total duration of the extraction and analysis was about 40 min for six samples. Chilli, red pepper, pili-pili, cayenne, paprika, nutmeg, ginger, white pepper and black pepper samples were analyzed for OTA contamination by the proposed clean-up tandem immunoassay procedures. Clean-up tandem immunoassay results were confirmed by HPLC–MS/MS with immunoaffinity column clean-up. Among 17 tested Capsicum ssp. spices, 6 samples (35%) contained OTA in a concentration exceeding the 10 μg kg −1 limit discussed by the European Commission. All tested nutmeg ( n = 8), ginger ( n = 5), white pepper ( n = 7) and black pepper ( n = 6) samples did not contain OTA above this action level.

Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A content of spices in Hungary

In October and November 2004, 91 spice samples (70 ground red pepper, six black pepper, five white pepper, five spice mix and five chilli samples), the majority of which originated from commercial outlets, were analysed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after immunoaffinity column clean-up. Eighteen of the 70 ground red pepper samples contained AFB1, seven of them in a concentration exceeding the ‘maximum level’ of 5 µg kg−1 (range 6.1–15.7 µg kg−1). Of the other spices assayed, the AFB1 contamination of one chilli sample exceeded 5 µg kg−1 (8.1 µg kg−1). Thirty-two of the 70 ground red pepper samples contained OTA, eight of them in a concentration exceeding the 10 µg kg−1 ‘maximum level’ (range 10.6–66.2 µg kg−1). One chilli sample was contaminated with OTA at 2.1 µg kg−1. The AFB1 and OTA contamination of ground red pepper exceeding the ‘maximum level’ (5 and 10 µg kg−1, respectively) was obviously the consequence of mixing imported ground red pepper batches heavily contaminated with AFB1 and OTA with red pepper produced in Hungary. This case calls attention to the importance of consistently screening imported batches of ground red pepper for aflatoxin and ochratoxin A content and strictly prohibiting the use of batches containing mycotoxin concentrations exceeding the maximum permitted level.

The aflatoxin contamination of some pepper types sold in Turkey

In the present study, 44 red-scaled pepper and 26 red powder pepper samples obtained from various spice retailers in Erzurum, and 20 isot (red pepper produced in Sanliurfa) were investigated for aflatoxin contamination using thin layer chromatography. Aflatoxin (B + G) was found in 8 red pepper samples (18.2%), and 3 red powder peppers (10.7%), and 1 isot sample (5%). The aflatoxin amount ranged from 1.1 to 97.5 ppb in all samples investigated. The highest amount of aflatoxin was found in red-scaled pepper. Species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus were generally contaminants of all samples.

Atmospheric pressure photo-ionization liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric determination of aflatoxins in food

A comparison between electrospray ionization (ESI) and the recent introduced atmospheric pressure photo-ionization (APPI) technique is described for the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric (LC/MS) determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 in food. For the optimization of APPI, several APPI ion source parameters were examined. Furthermore, the chemical noise and signal suppression of ESI and APPI by sample matrix interference were investigated. The results indicated that APPI has the low chemical noise and the little signal suppression in comparison with ESI. The mean recovery of each aflatoxin from peanuts, corn, nutmeg and red pepper sample spiked at 1 ng g−1 ranged from 89 to 105% with relative standard deviations of 3.3–5.1%. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) in all food was in the range 0.11–0.5 ng g−1. From these studies, it is suggested that APPI can be used as an additional tool in food residue analysis.

Dehydration kinetics of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L var Jaranda)

AbstractShredded and whole red pepper samples were dehydrated in a laboratory drier with a through‐flow air velocity of 0.5 m s−1 at 50, 55, 60 and 70 °C. Shredded peppers dried faster than whole peppers. The drying behaviour of whole samples was characterised by a constant‐ and a falling‐rate drying period, whilst that of shredded samples was characterised by a falling‐rate drying period only. The mass transfer coefficient for whole samples during the constant‐rate period was computed experimentally. The effect of temperature on the mass transfer coefficient was described by the Arrhenius model. The activation energy was 58 kJ mol−1. In the falling‐rate period the mass transfer was described by a diffusional model, and the effective diffusion coefficient at each temperature was determined. Diffusion coefficients were estimated to lie between 4.38 × 10−11 and 10.99 × 10−11 m2 s−1 for whole peppers and between 37.23 × 10−11 and 99.61 × 10−11 m2 s−1 for shredded peppers. The effect of temperature on the effective diffusion coefficient was described by the Arrhenius equation, with an activation energy of 44 kJ mol−1 for whole peppers and 56 kJ mol−1 for shredded peppers.© 2003 Society of Chemical Industry

Street foods in Accra, Ghana: how safe are they?

To investigate the microbial quality of foods sold on streets of Accra and factors predisposing to their contamination. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 117 street vendors on their vital statistics, personal hygiene, food hygiene and knowledge of foodborne illness. Standard methods were used for the enumeration, isolation, and identification of bacteria. Most vendors were educated and exhibited good hygiene behaviour. Diarrhoea was defined as the passage of > or =3 stools per day) by 110 vendors (94.0%), but none associated diarrhoea with bloody stools; only 21 (17.9%) associated diarrhoea with germs. The surroundings of the vending sites were clean, but four sites (3.4%) were classified as very dirty. The cooking of food well in advance of consumption, exposure of food to flies, and working with food at ground level and by hand were likely risk factors for contamination. Examinations were made of 511 menu items, classified as breakfast/snack foods, main dishes, soups and sauces, and cold dishes. Mesophilic bacteria were detected in 356 foods (69.7%): 28 contained Bacillus cereus (5.5%), 163 contained Staphylococcus aureus (31.9%) and 172 contained Enterobacteriaceae (33.7%). The microbial quality of most of the foods was within the acceptable limits but samples of salads, macaroni, fufu, omo tuo and red pepper had unacceptable levels of contamination. Shigella sonnei and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli were isolated from macaroni, rice, and tomato stew, and Salmonella arizonae from light soup. Street foods can be sources of enteropathogens. Vendors should therefore receive education in food hygiene. Special attention should be given to the causes of diarrhoea, the transmission of diarrhoeal pathogens, the handling of equipment and cooked food, hand-washing practices and environmental hygiene.

Mineral composition of the red and green pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) from Tenerife Island

The content of macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and microelements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) in green and red pepper samples consumed on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, has been determined. Analysis has shown the influence of the ripening stage on the mineral content of the pepper. Red pepper presents higher K, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B concentration levels than green pepper. There are differences between the values obtained in this study and the values shown in different food composition tables; our results are higher in Na, Ca and Mg, and lower in K and Fe.

Ground red peppers: capsaicinoids content, Scoville scores, and discrimination by an electronic nose.

High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and total capsaicinoids levels of different ground red pepper samples obtained from local retail markets in Izmir, Turkey. Scoville scores were determined using sensory tests. An electronic nose (EN) was used to discriminate ground red pepper samples by headspace volatiles. EN data were analyzed using discriminant function analysis (DFA). An overall correct classification rate of pepper varieties by EN of 91% was obtained. A linear correlation between capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and total capsaicinoids and Scoville scores was also observed, and R (2) values of 0.89, 0.85, and 0.91 were obtained, respectively.

Occurrence of zearalenone in Korean barley and corn foods

The presence of zearalenone (ZEN) in Korean foods such as barley, barley-based foods, corn, corn-based foods, fruits and vegetables was investigated by direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dcELISA) and the liquid chromatography (LC) method. A total of 164 samples was collected from Seoul, Korea, in 1998 and 1999 including 30 barley, 32 barley-based foods, 18 corn, 47 corn-based foods, 19 dried red pepper, nine dried jujube, and nine dried persimmon. Average recoveries of ZEN from barley and corn by dcELISA were 138 and 145%, and by LC were 91 and 83% respectively at spiking levels of 5–500ng g-1. The detection limit for ZEN was 3ngg-1 by dcELISA and 4ngg-1 by LC. From 164 samples analysed, ZEN was found by dcELISA in 35 samples (21%) with a mean level of 30ngg-1. Barley-based foods had the highest incidence of ZEN (38%) followed by barley (33%), corn-based foods (26%) and corn (22%). No ZEN was detected in any red pepper, jujube or persimmon samples. A high degree of correlation (r2 = 0.86) was observed between the 35 positive samples detected by dcELISA and 31 samples by LC.

Change in the carotenoid and antioxidant content of spice red pepper (paprika) as a function of ripening and some technological factors.

A study was conducted to investigate the change in quality attributes of red pepper (paprika) (Capsicum annuum L. var. Km-622) as a function of ripening and some technological factors. Of quality attributes, carotenoids and bioantioxidants (ascorbic acid and tocopherols) have been studied. It was found that the dynamics of fruit ripening with regard to carotenoids and bioantioxidants was influenced to a considerable extent by weather conditions of the production season. A rainy and cool season yielded fruits with more beta-carotene but less diesters of red xanthophylls as compared to those produced in a relatively dry and warm season. The ripening stage at harvest was found to affect the quality of paprika. Harvest at unripe stages (color break or faint red) resulted in a high accumulation of dehydroascorbic acid in the overripe fruits, whereas de novo biosynthesis of carotenoids and tocopherols was partially retarded. Application of pre-drying centrifugation resulted in a marked loss of ascorbic acid, and as a consequence, carotenoid stability was impaired during the storage of ground paprika. Sugar caramelization caused dry pods and ground paprika to retain more pigments and tocopherol as compared to those from control or centrifuged red pepper samples. During the storage of ground paprika, color stability was improved by grinding the seeds with the pericarp.

DRYING KINETICS OF RED PEPPER

Desorption isotherms of unblanched and blanched red peppers were experimentally obtained at 30C. The desorption data were exploited to estimate equilibrium moisture contents of the peppers at drying temperatures other than 30C by using a semi-empirical method. Red pepper samples were dried in a tunnel-type drier with an air velocity of 2 m/s at 50C, 60C, 70C, and 80C. The blanched samples dried faster than the unblanched ones. The drying behavior of unblanched and blanched samples was characterized by falling rate period, and constant and falling rate drying periods, respectively. The interphase mass and heat transfer coefficients of the blanched sample during the constant rate period were not affected by temperature and estimated to be 1.94*10 -3 kg mol/s.m 2 and 57.3 W/m 2 .K, respectively. Effective moisture diffusivity was estimated between 6.83*10 -10 -17.4*10 -10 m 2 /s for the unblanched sample and 11.4*10 -10 -31.0*10 -10 m 2 /s for the blanched sample within the given temperature range. Effect of temperature on the diffusivity was described by an Arrhenius-type equation with an activation energy of 28. 4 kJ/mol for the unblanched pepper and 33. 3 kJ/mol for the blanched pepper.