Karakteristik pengeringan cabai merah (Capsicum Annuum L.) sebagai pewarna alami kosmetik

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum sp.) contains carotenoids, which are a group of natural pigments consist of red, orange or yellow color. Carotenoids can be dissolved in lipid so that they can be applied to oil-based cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, chilli is potential to be developed as cosmetic colorants. However, pungency of red chili needs to be removed because it is irritating and it provides stinging sensation to skin. Red chilli was investigated as a potent material for a cosmetic colourant in this research because it has a nice uniform red color and has a pungency level less than cayenne pepper. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of blanching on drying characteristics of red chilli using a tray dryer, determine the proper time of chili blanching in sodium bisulfite solution, examine color changes stability of red chili powder as a cosmetic dye, and analyze the effect of oleoresin extraction on color and pungency level of red chili powder. The results showed that blanching could affect the drying characteristics. Blanching the chilli for 9 minutes prior drying could speed up the drying rate of chilli and thus the drying time, therefore, the chilli achieved the desired moisture content fast. Sodium bisulfite solution of 0.2%, used as the blanching media, could maintain the color well. However, longer time of blanching might cause several pigments soluble in the blanching media. Blanching the chilli for 9 minutes was able to maintain red color after the stability tested and after extraction of oleoresin. Therefore, blanching red chilli in a solution of 0.2% sodium bisulfite for 9 minutes prior drying is concluded as the best treatment to retain the color of red chilli powder