Extending storage life of fresh ginseng by modified atmosphere packaging

Fresh ginseng (Panax ginseng) was packaged with LDPE and PVC films. The respiration rates of fresh ginseng were determined in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 0, 10 and 20 °C. The changes in chemical compositions were also measured before and after storage. The results showed that respiration rates of fresh ginseng were suppressed more effectively in MAP, especially in a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) package. The storage life of fresh ginseng was significantly extended with better appearance and firmness for 210 days. The decay rate was only 1.3% and 1.0% in both low density polyethylene (LDPE) and PVC film package after 210 days of storage at 0 °C, respectively. The results of saponin analysis indicated that the contents of total saponin were not changed much in all treatments. Reducing sugar was increased by 2.7 to 5.3 times, while pectin decreased by 1.1 to 1.4 times after 210 days of storage at the range of 0–20 °C. Total sugar content also increased during storage, especially in LDPE packages and high temperature. It was considered that MAP was very effective storage method for keeping quality better with minimal quality loss and lower decay rate at lower temperature. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry