Abstract
Evaluation of functional properties of the chili pepper varieties ‘Rocot’ (C. pubescens) and ‘Botankoshou’ (C. annuum L.), which are suitable for growing in cool areas. The fruit of ‘Botankosho’ shows a low capsaicinoid concentration at the same carotenoid concentration as ‘Kyonami’ which is one of the sweet pepper varieties. The immature fruit of ‘Botankosho’ shows higher total phenolics content and antioxidative than mature fruit of the same variety. These plants also show wide variations among strains with regard to total phenolic concentrations and antioxidative ability. The mature fruit of the strain BK-4 and the immature fruit of the strain BK-2 show higher GABA concentrations than comparable varieties. ‘Rocot’ shows wide variation in capsaicinoid concentrations and higher content than ‘Takanotsume’ which is a well-known pungent variety that is popular in Japan. The mature fruit shows higher carotenoid concentrations than ‘Shishitou’ and ‘Takanotsume’. The mature fruit also show a higher total phenolic concentration than comparable varieties, but the same GABA concentrations as comparable varieties. Some strains of ‘Botankosho’ and ‘Rocoto’ show higher concentrations of functional properties and show wide variation among strain. Therefore, we expect to use ‘Botankosho’ and ‘Rocoto’ to breed new varieties for cool areas, which add to the functional properties.
