ASTA Color and IC Color of Paprika and Oleoresin Spices

Color is a critical quality component for spices like paprika. The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has sampling and measurement standards for paprika, and a spectrophotometer from HunterLab effectively quantifies paprika color values for quality assurance.

How Paprika and Oleoresin Speces Are Made

Paprika is obtained from the ripened, ground, and dried fruit pods of the Capsicum annuum species. The Capsicum annuum peppers used for paprika are sweet and mild with little to no capsaicin, which is a heat compound.

The Capsicum annuum plant is grown until its peppers are mature and have ripened to a red color. The fully ripened peppers are picked for paprika to give the spice its signature red color. The pepper seeds are removed, and the fruit pods are dried in the sun or specially constructed dryers. After drying, producers grind peppers into powder.

Oleoresin paprika — or paprika extract — is the oil-soluble extract obtained by extracting lipids and pigments from Capsicum annuum linn or Capsicum frutescens fruits. The oleoresin comprises capsaicin, capsanthin, and capsorubin, giving the product a strong taste and odor. Oleoresin paprika is a natural dye that colors foods a deep red hue.

Color Standards for Paprika and Oleoresin Spices

Due to its brilliant hue, paprika is called a garnish spice. While flavor matters, color plays an equally vital role in its appeal. For this reason, it requires color standards to ensure consistency in paprika and oleoresin paprika.

ASTA uses Method 20.1 to quantify the color of paprika and oleoresin paprika. An extract of the paprika or oleoresin is obtained. Then, a spectrophotometer measures the absorbance of the oleoresin solution at 460 nanomoles (nm) in a 10-millimeter cell. The test uses this nanomole measurement because the quality indicator of paprika is its degree of yellow in the red.

The paprika color scale from ASTA has ratings for paprika color. The higher the rating, the brighter the paprika's hue. In the United States, paprika has an average value of 120 ASTA Color, ranging from 65 to 180 overall. Oleoresin paprika ranges from 500 to 3,500. Obtain the IC Color units by multiplying the ASTA color unit value by 40.

Sample Color Measurement Calculation of Paprika

Here is the calculation used to determine ASTA Color for paprika:

ASTA Color = (Absorbance (460 nm) of Acetone Solution * 164 * I + C) / (Initial Sample weight in grams)

Get the absorbance value from the transmittance value using the following formula:

Absorbance (460 nm) = -log10 of Transmittance factor at 460 nm

Alternatively, a HunterLab software package does allow the display of spectral data in absorbance (A) units, so the absorbance value at 460 nm can be read directly from the display and entered into the formula.

The “I” variable in the formula refers to the instrument correction factor, and the “C” is the offset correction factor, accommodating cell differences.

For a typical paprika sample, the transmittance value at 460nm is 6.57%, then the absorbance at 460 nm = – log10 (0.0657) = 1.18

ASTA Color = [(1.18*164*1)/0.09 g)] = 2154
ICU International Color = (2154*40) = 86186

For a second paprika sample, the transmittance value at 460 nm is 4.59% and the absorbance at 460 nm = – log10 (0.0459) = 1.34

ASTA Color = [(1.34*164*1)/0.09 g] = 2438
ICU International Color = (2438*40) = 97538

How HunterLab Spectrophotometers Meet the Color Standards for Paprika and Oleoresin Spices

The spectrophotometers from HunterLab are an effective solution for monitoring paprika color. Our equipment can identify color variations the human eye cannot see to enhance quality control and production efficiency. You can use your spectrophotometer data to develop color tolerance levels for your paprika production.

Choose the ColorFlex L2 for Enhanced Confidence in Paprika and Oleoresin Color Measurement

The ColorFlex L2 is a highly accurate, easy-to-use solution for various spectral data collection applications, including paprika powder and translucent oleoresin paprika. The device displays transmittance or absorbance values for use in ASTA Color or ICU International Color calculations. It provides numerous advantages that make it a superior choice for your application:

• Intuitive design: The solution has a user-friendly design and smart interface to minimize the learning curve.
• Data migration: The solution enables data migration through USB connectivity so users can quickly share and export essential information.
• Advanced software: The solution includes Essentials 2.0, which offers improved reliability and swift access to spectral data results.
• Sampling precision: The solution contains an internal camera, which supports correct positioning and captures live images for data agreement. 
• Spectral data accuracy: The solution uses 45°/0° optical geometry, which delivers exceptional accuracy and aids in quality control.
• Immediate deployment: The solution is ready to use immediately and comes with an integrated wizard for accelerated setup.

Learn More About Color Measurement Solutions From HunterLab

HunterLab is the leading expert in color measurements in the spice industry. We have more than 70 years of experience designing and manufacturing spectrophotometers that deliver consistent and accurate results for color measurements.

Purchase the ColorFlex L2 or other high-quality spectrophotometers from HunterLab for measuring paprika color today, or contact us for more information.