Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

• M. Shoormij ¹
• S. Eynafshar ²
• R. Niazmand ³
• P. Sharayei ²

¹ Graduated MSc. student, Department of Food Science & Technology, College of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Damghan Branch

² Assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering Research, Khorasan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center

³ Assistant professor, Department of Food Chemistry, Research Institute of Food Science & Technology

Abstract

Saffron is one of the most valuable crops on the Earth. The production rate of this plant is increasing in recent years. Saffron flower storing and processing is difficult. This study was performed to study physical, qualitative properties of Saffron flowers and to create a new field to export the cut flowers. Saffron flowers were packed at modified atmosphere packaging in polymer pouches (Polyethylene- polyamide and low density Polyethylene) with a gas combined of CO₂–50%,O₂–5%, and N₂–45%_. Sample and Control were kept at two temperatures 0 and 15˚c for 15 days. Every three days the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide, the yield of product, physical properties of fresh stigma and chemical properties of dried stigma were measured. The existence of E. coli and enumeration of yeasts and moulds also were done. The results showed that low density polyethylene polymer pouches maintained the physical and quality properties of Saffron flowers better than Polyethylene polyamide pouches. Storage at 0˚c kept the flowers better than 15˚c. There were no evidences for E. coli growth in the samples.

Keywords

• Gas combination
• Modified atmosphere
• Packaging
• Saffron flowers
• Storage temperature