| Abstract: | A storage study of deep‐fat‐fried banana chips was carried out for 8 weeks at ambient temperature (27 °C), using four types of packaging material: laminated aluminium foil (LAF), oriented polypropylene (OPP), polypropylene (PP) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the stored banana chips were analysed at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. The quality parameters determined were moisture content, water activity (aw), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), texture (breaking force), colour and sensory attributes. The moisture content, aw, TBARS and breaking force values of all samples increased during storage. The colour also changed during storage, showing higher L and lower a and b values. Samples packed in LAF had the lowest moisture content, aw, TBARS and breaking force values. The most notable sensory change that occurred during storage was a decrease in crispness. Samples packed in LAF had higher scores than the other three samples, whilst LDPE gave the lowest scores for crispness as well as product colour. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in rancid odour among samples packed in OPP, PP and LDPE. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between samples packed in LAF and the other three samples, with LAF giving the lowest rancid odour. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry |
