Physicochemical changes during processing and storage of green chili (capsicum annuum) powders

Studies were taken up to prepare dehydrated green chili powders with various pretreatments of green chilies and in different shapes such as longitudinal slits, 1-cm cuts and pastes. The physicochemical analyses of green chili powders were carried out by packing the powders in polyethylene (PE) and metallized polyester polyethylene (MPE) pouches during storage. Dehydrated green chili powders had considerable amount of crude protein (13.38%) and were also rich in crude fiber (36.19%). The polyphenol content increased in powder samples during a storage period of 180 days. The total chlorophyll and pungency were found to be better in chili powders packed in MPE pouches than in PE pouches. Equilibrium moisture content-relative humidity data showed that these powders were nonhygroscopic in nature. The critical moisture contents were 8.92 and 10.45%, which equilibrated at 50 and 54% RH of green chili powders (1-cm cuts) and green chili powders with salt samples, respectively. The sensory scores showed that variation of packaging material had a negligible effect on the sensory scores, and were comparable to the taste of green chilies. Green chili powders have many practical applications for use with many food adjuncts in place of fresh green chilies. The powders can be used for sprinkling on products such as potato wafers, chips, finger fries, extruded products, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, etc. Green chili powders can be used for making various traditional chutney powders, which are major adjuncts in Asian and African diets. Ready-to-eat and convenient food products can be made with incorporation of green chili powders, which are shelf-stable and can be preserved for over six months. Green chili powders can be used for making instant pickles, which can be reconstituted with water and seasoning, and can be used as spicy adjuncts. Thus, fresh green chilies that are highly perishable can be replaced with green chili powders for all the practical purposes such as in the preparation of curries, pickles, chutney powders and spice ready-mixes.