Evaluation of clay pot cooler storage for preserving postharvest quality of leafy vegetables

Hettiarachchi, Weerahetti Arachchilage Buddhika Hanshani; Sandarenu, Konara Mudiyanselage Shyamali Dilrukshika; Gamage, Supurni Nimalshani Wiriththamulla; Attanayake, Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Tharangi Disnika; Dasanayaka, Yapa Mudiyanselage Hasanika Madhubhashini; Galahitiyawa, Dharshani Dammika Kumari; Kumarihami, Herath Mudiyanselage Prathibhani Chamidha

doi:10.22077/jhpr.2024.7033.1347

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 20400, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

² Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 20400, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2024.7033.1347

Abstract

Purpose: The effectiveness of the evaporative clay pot coolers was studied to preserve the postharvest quality of leafy vegetables, including kankun (Ipomoea aquatica), gotukola (Centella asiatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and thampala (Amaranthus spp.). Research method: The bundles of leafy vegetables weighed about 200 g and were stored for seven days under room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler storage. Findings: The average temperatures were 27.7 °C, 7.1 °C, and 25.6 °C, and relative humidity values were 76.1%, 58.2%, and 93.6% in room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler, respectively. The average cooling efficiency of clay pot coolers was 66.7%. The physiological weight losses of leafy vegetables were significantly reduced during clay pot cooler storage. The chlorophyll content, soluble solids content, color changes, and visual quality of leafy vegetables were significantly maintained in clay pot cooler storage compared to room temperature storage. Research limitations: The main limitation of this study was the seepage of water into the inner pot of the clay pot cooler which enhanced the decay of leafy vegetables. This was successfully controlled by avoiding overwatering the sand that was used as the lining material of the clay pot cooler. Originality/Value: The clay pot cooler is one of the alternative low-cost storage methods to preserve the quality of leafy vegetables during storage.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Postharvest Biology and Technology

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Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Evaluation of clay pot cooler storage for preserving postharvest quality of leafy vegetables

References

References

Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25
March 2024
March 2024
Pages 45-58

Evaluation of clay pot cooler storage for preserving postharvest quality of leafy vegetables

References

References

Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25March 2024March 2024Pages 45-58

Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25
March 2024
March 2024
Pages 45-58