Further Studies of the Processes Involved in the Preservation of Carotene in Dehydrated Alfalfa and Cereal Grasses

Abstract

Summary 1. The rate of carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption by dehydrated alfalfa and cereal grasses under sealed conditions was studied at moisture levels of 10–25 per cent. The rate of respiration increased as the level of moisture and the temperature were increased. The extent of carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption was variable with time at a given moisture level. 2. The rate of carbon dioxide production in a dehydrated alfalfa with 10 per cent of total water is less than one-third the rate observed when the product contains 20 per cent of total water. 3. With 10 per cent or less of total water, the rate of carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption generally is too slow to insure complete carotene preservation under sealed conditions. The carotene losses may vary from 5–30 per cent during storage at room temperatures of 22–25° C. for 3 months. With 12.5 per cent of total water under sealed conditions for 3 months, both products (alfalfa, Heil Drier, and alfalfa, Fulmer Drier) retained completely their carotene content as well as their green color.