AbstractSaponification and detergent (sodium dodecyl sulphate) solubilization both assisted in the efficient extraction of α‐tocopherol from bell pepper microsomal membranes by solvent. In contrast, solvent extraction by itself exhibited poor extraction capability. In the presence of dithiothreitol, no losses of α‐tocopherol from microsomal membranes were found within 6 h after suspension of membranes; however, in the absence of dithiothreitol, 82% of the initial α‐tocopherol could not be detected within this same time period. α‐Tocopherol losses were not alleviated by nitrogen flushing of the atmosphere of the membrane, although, lower rates of degradation were observed when suspension of microsomal membrane pellets was delayed. Inclusion of water‐soluble antioxidant during short‐term storage of bell pepper microsomal membranes is recommended and similar precautions may be warranted for membranes fro