An improved process for extracting chilli (capsicum) oleoresin

The present invention relates to an improved process of extracting chili {Capsicum) oleoresin. The invention also provides a process of recovering carotenoid pigment with improved recovery. Chili or paprika powder/pellets is treated with an enzyme mixture, which facilitates better release of chili constituents namely pigments and pungency for extraction purposes. A mixture of binary solvents selected for higher efficiency in terms of extractability of chili constituents is employed for extraction in place of conventional single solvents.The solvent mixtures are prepared by mixing by volume 90 to 10 parts of polar solvents like acetone, ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone with 10 to 90 parts of non-polar solvents like hexane or petroleum ether.