Year 2022, Volume 7, Issue 2
| Year : | 2022 |
| Volume : | 7 |
| Issue : | 2 |
| Authors : | Emmanuel EZECHINYELU, Chukwuemeka OHAGWU |
| Title : | EVALUATION OF QUALITY AND SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH AND FLESHY CUCUMBER STORED IN CHARCOAL COOLER BIN IN THE TROPICS |
| Abstract : | Adiabatic evaporative cooling is a concept and process adopted for extending shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables in tropics. This study evaluated the performance of Charcoal Cooler Bin (CCB) and its effects on the quality and shelf-life of cucumber. The storage microclimate and ambient conditions (air temperature and relative humidity) were measured using data logger developed for the purpose of this research consisting of a micro-control unit (MCU), a logging device and sensors. By monitoring the physiological and quality parameters, the effects of the storage media: CCB, open-air, refrigerator and laboratory conditions on the storability of cucumber, and effectiveness of the CCB for fresh cucumber preservation through percentage weight loss, visual quality, degree of shriveling, colour changes and life expectancy were evaluated. The CCB had an average cooling efficiency of 75.56%, an average relative humidity and temperature of 94.71% and 23.22oC for the storage period. The CCB markedly maintained freshness, reduced weight loss (with weight loss of 3.4696% after the storage period relative to cucumber samples stored in the refrigerator, laboratory and open-air condition with 8.4176%, 9.8260%, and 11.2696% respectively) and extended the shelf-life of cucumbers fruits at CCB environmental conditions. Cucumber stored in the CCB were still acceptable for 14 days with weight loss of less than 5% while refrigerated, laboratory and open-air samples were acceptable for 9, 6 and 5 days having weight loss greater than 5% respectively. Therefore, CCB passive system is an inexpensive and reliable storage medium for reducing postharvest losses in a sustainable manner. |
| For citation : | Ezechinyelu, E., Ohagwu, C. (2022). Evaluation of quality and shelf-life of fresh and fleshy cucumber stored in charcoal cooler bin in the tropics. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 7. Issue No. 2. pp. 131-139. DOI: 10.7251/AGRENG2202131E |
| Keywords : | Charcoal cooler bin, cucumber, shelf-life, quality, evaporative cooling system |
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ISSN 2490-3434 (Printed)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
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