earticle

영어

Effects of packaging methods for maintaining the shelf-life and postharvest quality of Korean chive (Allium tuberosum Rotter) usually called buchu in Korea was studied during fall season. Buchu, which has high moisture content and active metabolism after harvest, is characterized by the greater changes in quality during storage and distribution. It is usually packaged in paper box during distribution in domestic channel in Korea where the marketability ends within few days of harvest. In order to maintain the commercial quality of buchu, we tried to use inner film with or without absorbent paper in commercial paper box packaging. The ‘Greenbelt’ cultivar of buchu was harvested in october and packaged in corrugated paper box (A), in corrugated paper box with micro-perforated high density polyethylene (HDPE) film as inner material (B), a layer of absorbent paper both at the bottom and top of buchu in corrugated paper box (C) and a combination of HDPE film as inner material along with a layer of absorbent paper both at the bottom and top of buchu in corrugated paper box (D), and stored at 5oC for up to 21 days. Several quality parameters such as fresh weight loss, respiration rate, color, chlorophyll content and sensory qualities were monitored during storage. When buchu was packaged only in paper box, the appearance and quality deteriorated rapidly through decay development thereby sample became unmarketable within 12 days. On the other hand, buchu packaged with inner HDPE film maintained its quality, good visual appearance and exhibited a longer period of marketable life compared to the samples stored in other treatments. However, the use of absorbent paper did not have any significant effect in maintaining quality of buchu. The uses of inner HDPE film was effective in reducing weight loss that resulted better visual appearance of buchu. Results suggest that the use of inner HDPE film in bulk type corrugated paper box packaging and storing at 5oC could be the optimum condition for commercial storage of buchu. Further investigation on other quality parameters and packaging methods would be useful in maintaining the quality aspects of buchu at postharvest stages.