Tomlins, K.; Parmar, A.; Omohimi, C.I.; Sanni, L.O.; Adegoke, A.F.; Adebowale, A.-R.A.; Bennett, B. Enhancing the Shelf-Life of Fresh Cassava Roots: A Field Evaluation of Simple Storage Bags. Processes2021, 9, 577.
Tomlins, K.; Parmar, A.; Omohimi, C.I.; Sanni, L.O.; Adegoke, A.F.; Adebowale, A.-R.A.; Bennett, B. Enhancing the Shelf-Life of Fresh Cassava Roots: A Field Evaluation of Simple Storage Bags. Processes 2021, 9, 577.
Tomlins, K.; Parmar, A.; Omohimi, C.I.; Sanni, L.O.; Adegoke, A.F.; Adebowale, A.-R.A.; Bennett, B. Enhancing the Shelf-Life of Fresh Cassava Roots: A Field Evaluation of Simple Storage Bags. Processes2021, 9, 577.
Tomlins, K.; Parmar, A.; Omohimi, C.I.; Sanni, L.O.; Adegoke, A.F.; Adebowale, A.-R.A.; Bennett, B. Enhancing the Shelf-Life of Fresh Cassava Roots: A Field Evaluation of Simple Storage Bags. Processes 2021, 9, 577.
Abstract
Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) of fresh cassava roots limits its shelf-life to about 48 hours. There is a demand for simple, cheap, and logistically feasible solutions for extending the shelf life of fresh cassava roots at industrial processes. In this study, three different types of bag materials were tested (woven polypropylene, tarpaulin, and jute as a potential storage solution for cassava roots with different levels of mechanical damages. Microclimate (temperature, humidity, CO2) was monitored to understand the storage conditions for up to 12 days. The results showed that fresh cassava roots could be stored for 8 days, with minimal PPD and starch loss (2.4 %). How-ever, roots with significant mechanical damage (cuts, breakages) had a considerably shorter shelf life in the storage bag, compare to whole roots and roots with retained peduncle (stalk where roots are connected to the main plant). Wetting the roots and type of bag material were not significant factors in determining the shelf life and starch loss. Carbon dioxide concentration in the stores significantly correlated with the starch loss in fresh cassava roots and is proposed as a possible method for continuously and remotely monitoring starch loss in large scale commercial operations and reduce postharvest losses.
Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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