Pre and postharvest treatments on storage life and quality of fresh and dried bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract

A study on “Effect of pre and postharvest treatments on storage life and quality of fresh and dried bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.)” was conducted in the research plots of Department of Olericulture and Processing Unit of Department of Processing Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during June 1991 to September 1992. The study revealed that FYM significantly increased the storage life of bittergourd fruits. Quality with respect to storage life of bittergourd fruits. Quality with respect to ascorbic acid and iron content were better in treatments T1 (20 t FYM and 70:25:25 kg NPK ha-1 through fertilizers), and T3 (30 t FYM and 70:25:25 kg NPK ha-1 through fertilizers). The study on the effect of preharvest sprays of growth regulators revealed that MH 500 ppm enhanced storage life of bittergourd. GA 200 and 300 ppm was found to improve yield and quality in terms of ascorbic acid content. Refrigeration after treating the fruits with CCC 4000 ppm was found superior to all other treatments with respect to shelf life of bittergourd. Fresh vegetable stored in village model cooling chamber had more storage life compared to open air storage. Study of dehydration techniques in bittergourd revealed that sundrying, dehydration in cabinet drier, brine treatment and dehydration in cabinet drier, and intermediate moisture (IM) bittergourd were promising. In terms of texture and overall appearance IM bittergourd nearly retained the fresh fruit characteristics with a higher dehydration ratio. Storage study of dehydrated bittergourd showed that 600 gauge LDPE and 100 gauge polypropylene were suitable packaging materials. Costwise, polypropylene was cheaper compared to 600 gauge LDPE. For household use transparent jars with screw type lid was preferable. IM bittergourd stored well without any apparent symptoms of spoilage for three months in packaged condition.