Effects of Ethylene Absorbent on Quality Changes of Fresh Ginger Rhizomes during Modified Atmosphere Storage
Fresh ginger rhizomes were kept in sealed low density polyethylene (0.04 mm thickness) bags with and without an ethylene absorbent for 5 months at 12 1. The effects of ethylene removal on the changes in gas levels of the packages and quality characteristics of the rhizomes were studied. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the packages with ethylene absorbent were maintained higher and lower, respectively, compared to control. Decrease of L value and increase of a value in surface and internal tissue of the rhizomes were found to be higher in the rhizomes packaged with than without ethylene absorbent. Sprouting and rotting were restrained by ethylene absorbent treatment. Weight loss, flesh firmness, soluble solids content and pH were not affected by ethylene absorbent. Sensory score of appearance, odor and overall acceptability were higher in ginger packaged with than without ethylene absorbent. These results show that ethylene absorbent could be used for retarding the sprouting and rotting and for retention of the sensory quality of fresh ginger rhizomes.