This disclosure concerns the improvement of flavor in peppers by addition of aromas from other or the same pepper species. The disclosure describes novel Capsicum germplasm with aromatic components from Capsicum chinense and other horticultural traits from Capsicum annuum. The disclosure also describes a method for improving the flavor of a pepper through metabolomic-assisted selection to produce a pepper fruit with desirable aromas. The disclosure further provides multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs), associated markers, and their use for genetic breeding of pepper plants with desired sweetness and flavor.
