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Chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) are important plants usually consumed as food or used as a spice or medicine. They contain a wide range of phytochemicals such as capsaicinoids, polyphenols (PPH), carotenoids (CC) and vitamins. This study aimed to quantify the contents of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, total PPH, phenolic acids (PHA) and total CC, and the antioxidant activities of the chilli peppers Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Bhut Jolokia, Habanero Red, Habanero Maya Red, Habanero Red Savina, Jamaica Rosso, Serrano, and Jalapeño. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the contents of the bioactive compounds. The capsaicin contents in the peppers ranged from 2.1 to 124.2 mg·g–1, the dihydrocapsaicin content ranged from 5.1 to 151.3 mg·g–1, the total PPH content ranged from 3.53 to 25.9 mg GAE·g–1, and the total CC content ranged from 114.7 to 1 390.8 μg·g–1. The chlorogenic acid content was highest in Habanero Red (82.6 µg·g–1). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl test of free-radical scavenging activity indicated that the ethanolic extract of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper had the highest antioxidant activity correlated with the contents of phenolic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flesh and fatty acid compositions, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), lipid oxidation and aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophic bacteria were determined in raw and smoked mackerel during cold storage (three groups differing in way of packaging; unpacked (UP), vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere (MAP) at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The protein, fat content and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased after smoking. The pH value and TVB-N were significantly higher in unpacked mackerel. Initial malondialdehyde concentration in raw mackerel was lowered after smoking and then lipid oxidation was the most pronounced in unpacked mackerel. Hot smoking, vacuum packaging, and modified atmosphere reduced bacterial growth, while the microbial contamination in all groups was below the limits during the whole period of storage. However, physicochemical properties of unpacked mackerel exceeded the limits from day 35 on. The present study indicates a lowering of products of secondary lipid oxidation after smoking followed by accelerated lipid degradation during cold storage of unpacked smoked mackerel. It is suggested that the smoking process and appropriate packaging method can protect lipids as well as valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation. Vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere ensured microbial quality and protein and lipid stability. Their use is recommended for extending the shelf life of smoked fish considering the initial microbial and also chemical quality before and after smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]