Shelf-life enhancement of fresh fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graceum) under refrigerated condition

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to extend the shelf-life of fresh fenugreek in different forms (leaves and bunch), using different packaging material viz. polypropylene, cling film, paper with an unpacked control sample. The packed fresh fenugreek was stored under refrigerated conditions (temperature 6 ± 1°C and RH 95±2%) and were analyzed at regular intervals for their quality attribute i.e. β-carotene, physiological loss in weight (PLW), chlorophyll content, colour change and sensory attributes. It was observed that packaging material had significant effect on of PLW, chlorophyll content, visual appearance and water accumulation. Polypropylene package and bunch form of sample were the best for enhancement of shelf-life of fenugreek up to 7 weeks. Lower PLW was observed to be 2.11 and 2.85% of initial weight in polypropylene material for leaves and bunch, respectively. Chlorophyll content decreased as much as by 91% for leaf and 90% for bunch wrt fresh (220mg/100g) in polypropylene packaging. It was observed that packaging of fenugreek in polypropylene package in bunch form resulted in best maintenance of chlorophyll, colour, weight loss, aroma and visual appearance. Overall it can be concluded that the fresh fenugreek in the form of bunch can be stored safely upto 48 days when packed in polypropylene package and stored under refrigerated conditions.