Effect of different genotypes on the fruit volatile profiles, flavonoid composition and antioxidant activities of chilli peppers

The main purpose of the present study was toinvestigate the influence of genotypes on the volatile, flavonoid-related compounds and antioxidant capacities of chilli peppers. A set of 49 volatiles were identified in the chilli peppers using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The flavonoid-related profiles were established by the simultaneous LC-MS measurement of 38 compounds. The results of chemometrics analysis reveal that Jize and Korean chilli peppers can be distinctly separated from each other. A panel of 18 volatile and 13 flavonoid-related variables with VIP > 1 and p < 0.05 were determined as the discriminants for Jize and Korean chilli peppers. Moreover, Korean chilli peppers showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity than Jize chilli peppers. A clear and positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and individual flavonoid compounds. The current findings could facilitate the valorization of chilli peppers as bioactive and functional ingredients at various commercial levels.

Apocarotenoids profiling in different Capsicum species

The present study report on the application of an on line supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography-triple quadrupole/mass spectrometry methodology to the first apocarotenoids profiling of seventeen different chilli peppers cultivars belonging to Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum chinense species. A total of 19 free apocarotenoids and 8 apocarotenoids fatty acid esters were identified; β-Apo-8'-carotenal and Apo-8'-zeaxanthinal were also quantified and the β-Apo-8'-carotenal occurrence was in the percentage ranges relative to β-carotene of 0.03-3.87%. PCA was performed as a multivariate display method on the quantified carotenoids and apocarotenoids, in order to visualize the data structure. Moreover, different ε-apoluteinals and 4-oxo-apo-β-carotenals were detected in Capsicum species also for the first time and, to the best of authors knowledge, in any food matrix.