Effect of Varieties, Solar Drying and Zeer Pot Refrigeration Lining Media on Phytochemical Properties of Chili Pepper Fruits

Chili peppers are rich in phytochemical compounds such as carotenoids, beta carotene, phenols, flavonoids, capsaicinoids which protect human body against diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, diabetes but deteriorate more rapidly. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of varieties, solar drying and zeer pot refrigeration lining media on phytochemical characteristics of chili peppers. A 2 x 3 x 3 factorial experimental design in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to collect data from the experimental field for laboratory analyses of phytochemicals. Results of effect of varieties on phytochemical characteristics of chili pepper fruits revealed that, red cayenne was significantly greater in total carotenoids (9222ug/100g), beta carotene (934.23ug/100g), total flavonoids (50.04mg/100g), total capsaicinoids (247.30mg/100g) but scotch bonnet was significantly higher in total phenols (301.74mg/100g). Again, on results of effect of solar drying on phytochemical characteristics of chili pepper fruits showed that, unblanched chili pepper fruits had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenols (386.64mg/100g), total flavonoids (51.97mg/100g) and total capsaicinoids (260.72mg/100g) while controlled chili pepper fruits had significantly higher total carotenoids (8035.4ug/100g) and beta carotene (812.34ug/100g). Also, on results of effect of lining media of zeer pot refrigeration on phytochemical characteristics of chili pepper fruits; sand lining media of zeer pot refrigeration had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenols (304.30mg/100g), total flavonoids (49.99mg/100g) and total capsaicinoids (242.17mg/100g) while styrofoam lining media had significantly higher total carotenoids (8506.1ug/100g) and beta carotene (861.64ug/100g).