Evaluation of the physical properties of fresh and dried peppercorns grown in Côte d'Ivoire

The pepper plant (piper nigrum) is mainly grown for its fruit. Indeed, its fruits are mainly used as spices and condiments. The objective of this study was to determine the physical properties of fresh and dried pepper domesticated in Côte d'Ivoire. Physical parameters such as density, diameter and color of fresh and dried pepper seeds were analyzed. Samples of fresh and dried pepper were collected in the various production localities selected on the basis of pedological data. In addition, sampling was carried out over two (2) years. The results obtained indicate a high density of fresh and dried pepper in samples taken in the localities of Niablé (1004 kg/m3) and PK 103 (1006.4 kg/m3). The largest diameters of fresh and dried pepper were observed in the Assouba (5.4 mm) and N'douci (5.1 mm) samples. The highest luminance values for fresh and dried pepper were obtained in the Guibéroua (14.67) and Danane (22.01) samples. The highest chromatid a* values for fresh and dried pepper were obtained in samples from Assouba (3.69) and Guibéroua (4.06), and the highest chromatid b* values for fresh and dried pepper were recorded in samples from Guibéroua (6.85) and Danane (4.97). Finally, the results obtained highlight the importance of physical parameters such as density, diameter and color in the marketing of fresh and dried pepper.