EFFECT OF PACKAGING ON THE SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH SPINACH  

Shweta PriyadarshiniP.G. ScholarM.M.VBanaras Hindu University

INTRODUCTION

Spinach is an important source of nutrients. A single 30-g serving of fresh spinach containing 58-g of folate and 2015 IU of vitamin A.

The best technical method of preserving spinach is through the use of refrigeration, which supplies low temperature and high relative humidity for perishable crops.

Respiration &Ripening Process

Vegetables, undergo ageing even after harvesting.

An important part of the process is the product’s respiration, As a result of which, ethylene is liberated, which accelerates the ripening process in fruit and vegetables.

Low temperatures give a slow respiration and low ethylene liberation.

OBJECTIVETo find out the shelf life of spinach in both the type of packaging material.

To find out which type of packaging is more suitable for spinach

MATERIAL & METHODSSpinach was mown from a garden and then was sorted, washed and left to dry in shade.

It was then separated in two 30g portion and packed in cellophane bag and perforated plastic film with 40 micron thickness.

After heat sealing the packets were placed in refrigerator maintained at temperature of 3.3ºc.

Perforation Of Plastic FilmA cheap medical needle, having diameter of 0.3-1mm, was slightly heated for 30 sec. The film was pierced with the needle. As the film melts, the needle leaves a circular hole, when it is withdrawn.

Medical Needle

RESULT & DISCUSSION

Wilting & Curling: spinach packed in cellophane bag have noticeable wilting and curling after 3 days while that in perforated plastic film in 5 days.

Colour: colour change was minimal. Odour: No off odour was observed.

Spinach Characteristics

Weight LossCellophane bag Perforated Plastic FilmAfter 2nd day- 2% After 2nd day- 1.8%After 3rd day- 2.5% After 3rd day- 2.9%

After 4th day- 4%After 5th day- 4.6%

spinach leaves in cellophane bag were wilted and curled on 3rd day, so it wasn’t stored further.

1 2 3 4 50

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

Perforated plastic filmCellophane bag

Storage days

Weight Loss (%)

Figure 1: Weight loss (%) in spinach both in perforated plastic film and cellophane bag

Day 1

Day 2

Day-wise pictures of the packaged spinach

Day 3 Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

CONCLUSION This study showed that shelf life of spinach was better maintained in perforated plastic film of 40 micron thickness as compared to cellophane bag. Hence this is a cheap and efficient method for small scale farmers, to transport spinach at short distances. And it also maintains the quality of the produce and so the consumers get good quality produce with supposedly minimum nutrient loss as compared to produce stored in refrigerator without any packaging.

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