Endogenous levels of tocopherols and ascorbic acid during fruit ripening of new Mexican-type chile (Capsicum annuum L) cultivars

Endogenous levels of tocopherols and ascorbic acid were quantified by high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) during fruit ripening of New Mexic an-type chile peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). gamma-Tocopherol (gamma-toc) wa s present in seeds, while alpha-tocopherol (alpha-toc) was present in the p ericarp. gamma-Tocopherol content reached its maximum concentration in seed s from red, succulent fruit and then declined, alpha-Tocopherol increased f rom the green to dry red maturity stages. Cultivars differed for alpha-toc but not for gamma-toc contents. Ascorbic acid content increased after the g reen mature stage and peaked in red fruit with about 75% moisture content. Ascorbic acid was highest in the:cultivars NuMex R Naky and Sandia.