The effects of production methods on the color characteristics, capsaicinoid content and antioxidant capacity of pepper spices (C. annuum L.).

The effects of production methods for red pepper flakes (RPF) and traditional (TRI) and industrial (INI) isot spices were evaluated with respect to the carotenoid and capsaicinoid contents, extractable color (ASTA color), surface color parameters, nonenzymatic browning (NEB), and the DPPH free radical-scavenging capacity of fresh red Capsicum (FRC). The measured characteristics were significantly affected by the processing methods used. RPF exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and best color quality in terms of carotenoid content, which was the highest; ASTA value; surface color intensity; and NEB, which was the lowest. In contrast, INI-processing methods resulted in poor color quality, causing the maximum increase in NEB. The concentration of capsaicinoid increased at the end of TRI processing, whereas it decreased in the two other methods. These results suggest that the traditional production method for isots prevents excessive destruction of their color attributes and contributes to the desirable characteristic browning.