Effect of the perforation level of recycled-LDPE bags on the modification of the atmosphere development, bioactive compounds content, and other qualities of Jalapeño peppers during storage.

The impact of modified atmosphere packaging on the content of selected bioactive compounds and other quality attributes of Jalapeño peppers has not been well studied. In this study, Jalapeño peppers were packed in low-cost bags (composed of recycled-LDPE) that had been perforated at several levels (0-4 holes). Packages were stored at 7 °C for 6 weeks. Samples of unpacked peppers were stored at 23 and 7 °C and were used as control groups. The quality of the peppers and the gas composition inside of the packages were evaluated during storage. The best modified atmosphere was obtained with unperforated bags. Significant loss of weight and firmness were prevented by packaging. The loss of weight and firmness were 20.2-82.6 and 32-100 % in unpacked peppers. Low levels of fermentative metabolites accumulated in packed peppers in unperforated bags and in bags with 1 perforation. The tristimulus color and the bioactive compounds content (phenols, ascorbic acid, ß-carotene, and capsaicinoids) remained unchanged in packed peppers. These quality attributes changed gradually in peppers that were stored at 23 °C. The tested bags represent a cost-effective alternative to preserve the quality of intact Jalapeño peppers.

The effect of ripening, heat processing and frozen storage on the in vitro bioaccessibility of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin from Jalapeño peppers in absence and presence of two dietary fat types.

To date, there is no information in the literature regarding the bioaccessibility of capsaicinoids from natural sources. The effect of ripening and heat-processing on the in vitro bioaccessibility of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin was studied in the absence and presence of two dietary fat types. The capsaicinoid bioaccessibility was also studied during the frozen storage of peppers for 6 months. Fresh green peppers showed the highest capsaicinoid bioaccessibility, as compared with that of other experimental groups. The bioaccessibility of capsaicinoids from green peppers decreased as the intensity of heat treatment increased. The dietary fat increased the bioaccessibility of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in digestions with red peppers, especially that of dihydrocapsaicin. The bioaccessibility of capsaicinoids was altered by frozen storage. The Caco-2 cells incorporated capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (8.4% and 10.9%, respectively) but they were probably metabolized by cells.

Effect of ripening and heat processing on the physicochemical and rheological properties of pepper pectins.

Water-, chelator-, and alkali-soluble pectins were isolated from raw and heat-processed Jalapeño peppers (green and red) and their physiochemical and rheological properties were determined. The yield, tristimulus color, degree of methyl esterification, monosaccharide composition, molecular weights distribution, and protein content depended on ripening and heat processing. The viscosity properties of pectins were independent of ripening. The water-soluble pectin was the most abundant pectin. Pectins from grilled peppers showed the lowest L* values. The alkali-soluble pectin showed the highest protein content. The content of xylose, rhamnose, and mannose in pectins was highly altered by tested factors. The degree of methyl esterification of pectins ranged from 26.8 to 91.6%. The peak Mw of the main fraction of tested pectins was sequentially reduced by ripening and heat processing. Pectins from raw peppers showed the best viscosity properties.