Quality characteristics of paprika pepper varieties (Capsicum annum L.) under Moscow Oblast conditions

This paper determines the impact of prolonged-action mineral fertilizers (APION and APION + Se) on the quantitative and qualitative content of carotenoids and their components (capsanthin, capsorubin, [beta]-carotene), vitamin C, selenium, and microand macroelements in paprika powder prepared from the Mayak and Kaskad varieties. Growth in the total carotenoid content was revealed to be significant in the Mayak variety (by 54.7–251.9%) and low in the Kaskad variety (by 7.8–16.5%). This being the case, the percentage ratio of major carotenes (capsanthin, capsorubin, [beta]-carotene) to the total carotenoid content decreased in the Mayak variety. In the Kaskad variety, the total content of carotenoids and major components capsanthin and capsorubin grew both quantitatively and qualitatively, and the amount of [beta]-carotene fell. Paprika powder is a rich source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium; sodium, silicium, boron, iron, and zinc are accumulated at a fairly high level.