September 23, 2009 - Turn up the heat in your garden because California State University, Bakersfield has a contest for you! Bring your sizzling serranos or hot habaneros to CSUB's hottest and most colorful pepper in Kern County contest. The most unique competition around.

Local gardeners are encouraged to submit their freshly grown pepper samples in this annual competition now through Friday, Oct. 16 to the CSUB chemistry department. Entries will be analyzed using the Scoville index of peppers and a system for determining capsaicin levels. This year's contest will also include a pigment analysis to determine the most colorful pepper among the submissions.

"Last year was the first year for this competition and it was a great experience for both the students and the Kern County residents who entered their peppers," said Roy LaFever, chemistry professor who has conducted natural plant product research for 20 years. "It is a fun way to provide analytical experience for our chemistry students and a great competition for garden enthusiasts of our community."

Each gardener is limited to submission of one pepper variety with at least three peppers from the same plant totaling at least 10 grams, approximately one-half ounce. Peppers will be evaluated for water content and analysis will be carried out for those submissions greater than 70 percent water. Dried peppers will not be included in the competition. The $25 entry fee will be used to offset the cost of analysis. The gardener with the hottest pepper will be provided a recognition certificate, prizes from local businesses and results will be provided publicly.

Gardeners should bring their peppers to the science stockroom, located on the first floor of Science I, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Entry forms and additional details can be found at www.csub.edu/chemistry or by contacting LaFever at (661) 654-2336 or rlafever@csub.edu.