Evaluation of Heat-sensitive Micronutrients in Fresh, Sun-dried and Solar-dried Capsicum Varieties Grown in Peru

Abstract

In this study, the vitamin and carotenoid content of three local varieties and six accessions of a gene bank in Peru were identified. It was observed that drying in the traditional way was almost impossible under Peruvian winter conditions (coast) and resulted in microbiological degradation, whereas almost all solar dryer samples reached the aimed moisture content. Dried capsicum with higher carotenoid and vitamin content provides products of better nutritional and economic value, which will contribute to food security.