Phytochemical Characterization and Sensory Evaluation of a Collection of Different Cultivars of Habanero Pepper of the Yucatan Peninsula

Objective

Carry out chemotaxonomic comparison of all 10 genotypes and conduct sensory analyses for each genotype based on market class.

Why is this project relevant?

• Habanero pepper is a genotype that has a denomination of origin in Yucatan
• Habanero pepper has a high economic and social importance
• CICY has 6 certified cultivars and 4 in the process
• The need exists for a chemotaxonomic classification of these genotypes

Scientific Significance

• Identify genotypes with nutraceutical potential
• Distinguish genotypes based on chemical profiles

Broader Impacts

• Human health benefits
• Commercialization of added-value products
• Student and faculty exchange of ideas

Binational Target Problems

• Expanded market demand
• Consistency of Habanero phytochemical and sensory attributes
• Unknown role of Habanero pepper phytochemicals in human health

Anticipated Results and Products

• Phytochemical and sensory profiles of distinct Habanero genotypes
• Potential nutraceutical products
• Student training and faculty exchange