STUDY OF THE QUALITY OF QUINOA GRAIN DURING STORAGE

Abstract

The paper presents data on the useful properties of quinoa seeds, which are rapidly gaining popularity due to their rich chemical composition. The results of studying the changes in the organoleptic, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of quinoa grain during storage under different conditions are presented. The quinoa seeds considered in the research were stored for 12 months at the temperature +(5–30)°С and relative humidity 20–80%. It has been shown that after storing the quinoa seeds for 12 months at +(5–30)°C, their organoleptic characteristics changed: a noticeable rancid and unpleasant aftertaste appeared, accompanied by a foreign smell and a slight change in the colour. When the quinoa grain was stored at +5°С, its acidity remained within the standards of good grain quality throughout the whole storage period. At +15°C, the acidity remained normal for up to 9 months of storage, and at +30°C, up to 6 months. Analysis of the obtained results on the microbiological characteristics has shown that the predominant component of the bacterial microflora of quinoa grain (70.5%) is non-spore-forming bacterium Erwinia herbicola, a representative of the epiphytic microflora. The micromycetes found are mould fungi of the genus Aspergillus and field fungi of the genus Mucor. It has been shown that when quinoa grain is stored at +(5–30)°С, the vital activity of microorganisms is significantly reduced, the development of bacteria and even moulds is retarded, which has a positive effect on maintaining the grain quality. The studies have made it possible to recommend storing quinoa grain for up to 12 months at +5°C, up to 9 months at +15°C, and not more than 6 months at +30°C.