Impact of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Nutritive Values and Sensory Qualities of Fresh Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Tropical Ambient Storage Condition

摘要

Effect of film packaging on fresh yellow maize (Zea mays L.) on the cob after harvesting was tested. Proximate, mineral and sensory qualities of fresh maize samples subjected to passive modified atmosphere packaging (PMAP) and unpackaged samples at day 1, 2, 3 and 4 of storage at tropical ambient temperature (28±2℃) and 80% RH were carried out. The samples were compared with freshly harvested maize (FHM) which served as control. Results of proximate composition showed that the sample Tl (undehusked maize) maintained its moisture content at day 1 and 2 of storage and had the highest total sugar content when compared to other stored samples. Mineral composition showed higher contents of potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium in control sample. Mineral content of Tl (undehusked maize) was not different significantly (p<0.05) from the control. T2 (dehusked maize) and PMAP samples had the lowest values due to their rate of deterioration at day 3 and 4 of storage. The sensory evaluation result showed the control sample to be the most preferred and followed by Tl in all the quality attributes (colour, taste, aroma and overall acceptability) evaluated. Due to the fast deterioration of fresh maize qualities after harvesting, it can therefore be concluded that PMAP had no impact in extending the storage life of fresh maize at ambient temperature.