Influence of packing material and storage conditions on quality and sensory
attributes of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) tender fruit endosperm.
The study was focused to determine the effect of packing material and storage conditions on the physio-chemical changes that occurs during the storage life of the palmyrah tender fruit endosperm (nungu). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized factorial design with two factors at unequal levels and replicated thrice. LDPE 50 micron pouch, HDPE 50 micron pouch and aluminium foil pouch were the packing material and ice box, cold storage at 2oC, cold storage at 4oC and refrigerated storage were the storage conditions used during the period of investigation. During the storage the physico-chemical properties like total soluble solids, pH and reducing sugars followed an increasing trend upto 6th day. Whereas, this highest browning and titrable acidity content were recorded upto 8th day of storage. Significant difference for physicochemical properties viz., maximum total soluble solids (7.16oBrix), reducing sugars (5.41%), minimum titrable acidity (0.418%) and browning (0.026%) were recorded when palmyrah tender fruit endosperm was packed in LDPE 50 micron pouch. Similarly, the maximum total soluble solids (8.94oBrix), reducing sugars (5.39%), minimum titrable acidity (0.429%) and browning (0.028%) were recorded when palmyrah tender fruit endosperm was stored in cold storage at 2oC. Superiority for sensory evaluation was reported for nungu packed in LDPE 50 micron and stored in cold storage at 2oC upto the end of the shelf life i.e., 8th day.