The pungency in chili is due to – (RJ AAO 2021)

✅Explanation:Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili peppers that gives them their spicy flavor. It is a member of the capsaicinoid family of compounds, which are responsible for the heat sensation experienced when consuming chili peppers.

📌Other Options Explanations:
-Option A (Rutin): Rutin is a flavonoid compound found in many plants, including citrus fruits and buckwheat. It has antioxidant properties.
-Option C (Lycopene): Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, and other fruits and vegetables. It has antioxidant properties and is associated with various health benefits.
-Option D (Carotenoid): Carotenoids are a group of pigments found in plants, including lycopene and beta-carotene. They have antioxidant properties and are important for human health.

🔑Key Points:
-Pungency means a strong sharp smell or flavor. It is usually characterized for foods and generally refers to hotness or spiciness, which is generally found in chili peppers.
-This spiciness in chili peppers is due to the presence of capsaicinoids.
-Capsaicinoids is a major spice-producing group of alkaloids present in chili peppers.
-The scale of pungency is from mild to hot. The Scoville scale is used to measure the pungency of chili peppers, which is determined by the number of capsaicinoids they contain.