Weissenberg, M., Lab. of Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Plant Genetics, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Levy, A., Lab. of Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Plant Genetics, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Schaeffler, I., Lab. of Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Plant Genetics, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Menagem, E., Lab. of Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Plant Genetics, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Barzilai, M., Lab. of Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Plant Genetics, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

A simple, rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method has been devised in order to separate and quantify β-carotene present in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits and food preparations. A reversed-phase isocratic non-aqueous system enables the separation of β-carotene within a few minutes, with detection at 450 nm. The selection of extraction solvents, mild saponification conditions, and chromatographic features, is evaluated and discussed. The method is proposed for rapid screening of large plant populations, plant selection, as well as for food products, and also for nutrition and quality control studies.