Solar drying of okra - Effects of selected package materials on storage stability

The effect of package material, physical form, and storage time on colour, viscosity and moisture content of solar-dried okra (Hibiscus esculentus) during storage was studied using two packaging materials (polyethylene and cotton), two physical forms of solar-dried okra (unmilled (whole) and milled (powdered)), at weekly intervals over a 6 week storage period. Results showed that package material and storage time significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) affected all quality parameters monitored. The effect of physical form was significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) only on the colour (L* and a* values) of the products. The combined effect of packaging material and storage time significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) affected colour (a* values) and moisture content. Changes in moisture content of solar-dried okra was noted to affect, and most times highly correspond to changes in, some quality parameters. Overall analysis showed that powdered dried okra kept in a polyethylene package survived storage best. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology.