Effect of different packaging materials on the quality and shelf life of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf powder during storage.

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2011
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Transparent and opaque PET and glass bottles, transparent and opaque LDPE bags, brown paper bags, waxed paper and cardboard boxes were used to package the Moringa leaf powder. The effect of different packaging materials on the quality and shelf-life of Moringa leaf powder under ambient conditions were studied for a period of 180 days. Each treatment package was evaluated for moisture content, bacteria load, nutrients (crude protein, fat, calcium, magnesium and iron), colour and particle size. Bacterial and fungal identification was also carried out. Moisture content in the paper packages increased significantly (P≤0.05) by day 16. All the paper packages (waxed paper, paper cardboard and brown paper) were contaminated by Aspergillus flavus by day 16. Transparent and opaque glass packages recorded the least moisture changes followed by transparent and opaque high density polyethylene and transparent and opaque low density polyethylene packages. There was a general decline in quality of samples in terms of quantity of nutrients with storage period. Decreases in nutrients were not significantly different (P>0.05) among all the packages tested. The estimated number of colony forming units of bacteria increased significantly (P≤0.05) in all the paper packages by day 16 of storage, whiles the changes in glass and plastic packages were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Prominent changes in colour of Moringa samples occurred in all the paper packages by day 16 whiles there were no colour changes in the glass and plastic packages during the storage period. There was a significant effect of type of packaging on the changes of particle sizes of Moringa leaf powder. Significantly higher (P≤0.05) particle agglomeration occurred in all the paper package whiles glass packages had the least agglomeration of particle. Glass packaging was found to be the most suitable packaging material in preventing moisture absorption and growth and activities of micro-organisms. They were also effective in preventing undesirable colour changes and particle size changes.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Postharvest Physiology,
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