Name: Capsicum Oleoresin
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Origin: Extracted from the fruit of chili peppers, primarily from varieties of Capsicum annuum.
Appearance: Viscous, deep red to orange-red liquid.
Odor: Characteristic pungent, spicy, and slightly smoky chili aroma.
Flavor: Hot, pungent, and slightly sweet, with a fiery heat characteristic of chili peppers.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Capsaicin Content: 10-20% (depending on the extraction method and variety of pepper).
- Specific Gravity: 0.95 - 1.05 g/cm³
- Refractive Index: 1.480 - 1.500
- Solubility: Soluble in oils, alcohol, and fats; insoluble in water.
- Moisture Content: ≤ 2%
Microbial Specifications:
- Total Plate Count (TPC): ≤ 1,000 cfu/g
- Yeast and Molds: ≤ 100 cfu/g
- Pathogens: Free from Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful pathogens.
Heavy Metals:
- Lead (Pb): ≤ 1 mg/kg
- Arsenic (As): ≤ 1 mg/kg
- Cadmium (Cd): ≤ 0.5 mg/kg
- Mercury (Hg): ≤ 0.1 mg/kg
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, oils, and organic solvents; insoluble in water
Shelf Life: 1-2 years from the manufacturing date when stored in optimal conditions.
Applications:
- Food Industry: Used to impart heat and spiciness to sauces, soups, snacks, seasonings, marinades, hot sauces, and spice mixes. It is also used in the preparation of spicy flavorings.
- Cosmetic and Personal Care: Incorporated in topical products like creams, balms, and lotions, especially for its warming effects and as a component in products like pain relief creams.
- Pharmaceuticals: Capsaicin has analgesic properties and is used in topical treatments for pain relief, muscle soreness, and arthritis.
Capsicum oleoresin is a concentrated extract derived from chili peppers, primarily containing capsaicin, the compound responsible for the pepper’s heat. It is widely used in the food industry for flavoring, adding heat to sauces, seasonings, and spice mixes. Beyond culinary uses, it offers medicinal benefits, serving as a key ingredient in pain relief creams and patches due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also aids in digestion, boosts metabolism, and promotes weight loss. Additionally, capsicum oleoresin acts as a natural pest repellent, providing a safe, organic solution for pest control in agriculture. Handle with care due to potency.
To use capsicum oleoresin, dilute it with a carrier oil for topical application, add a few drops to food for heat, or apply in pain relief creams as directed. Always handle carefully.