CAROTENOIDS AND CAROTENOID ESTERS FROM NEW CROSS-CULTIVARS OF PAPRIKA

Carotenoids and carotenoid esters present in spice paprika powders (Ca psicum annuum) were separated and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a rotating monochromator detector controlled by us er-friendly chromatographic software. The carotenoid composition of pa prika powders produced from new cross-cultivars was compared with that of powders from the original (Hungarian and Spanish) parents. The res ults showed significant differences between the new and old cultivars with respect to esterification of carotenoid with fatty acid and the c apsanthin/capsorubin ratio. It was also found that the first generatio n (F-1) from Hungarian red longum and Spanish lilac round cultivars ha d a carotenoid composition similar to that of its Spanish parent, but the (F-5) subsequent generation gave a yield of improved characteristi cs such as high color intensity and high capsanthin/capsorubin ratio.