Carotenoid retention in canned pickled jalapeño peppers and carrots as affected by sodium chloride, acetic acid, and pasteurization

The combined effect of salt, acetic acid, and pasteurization temperature on the retention of carotenoids in canned pickled carrots and green jalapeño peppers was studied by a central composite design. The results were analyzed by response surface methodology. The carotenoid standards were obtained by open column chromatography and the quantitation was done by HPLC. Only the main carotenoids were quantified: α- and β-carotene in carrots and α-, β-carotene, lutein, and violaxanthin in peppers. After analyzing the experimental results and the restrictions of the Mexican Regulations, 2% NaCl and 2% acetic acid concentrations were recommended. The optimal pasteurization conditions were 70 °C/12.45 min for carrots and 83 °C/5.2 min for peppers.