Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biochemical and physiological changes in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) leaves during storage under modified atmosphere packaging

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Food Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), is a highly respiring leafy vegetable enriched with many nutrients and other active ingredients such as protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan as well as steroidal saponins which are beneficial for human health. Both, quantitative and qualitative losses in this vegetable can be reduced by appropriate packaging and storage techniques which have not been applied hitherto. This study was taken upon to assess the potential of macro-perforated MAP for storage of fenugreek leaves. Packages (bag area: 0.075 m2) made from polypropylene (PP) film (Thickness: 35 μmm) were selected for the storage studies. The leaves were packaged in macro-perforated (2 perforations, perforation diameter: 0.3 mm each, with and without mustard seeds as natural absorbents) as well as in non-perforated PP film packages with and without mustard seeds. 10 g of mustard seeds were placed inside the packages to check water accumulation. The packaged samples were stored for 6 days at 75% relative humidity (RH) at 15°C to check water accumulation, if any. Different physiological and biochemical characteristics which generally affect the post-harvest life of the produce were monitored during the storage period. Results of the study suggested that among all the treatments, packaging of fenugreek in two perforation packets with mustard seeds resulted in best maintenance of chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, phenols and aroma. Water accumulation was also consoled due to mustard seeds after 6 days of storage.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aharoni N, Devir O, Chalupowiz D, Aharon Z (1993) Coping with postharvest physiology of fresh culinary herbs. ACTA Hort 344:69–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Ansari NM, Houlihan L, Hussain B, Pieroni A (2005) Antioxidant activity of five vegetables traditionally consumed by South-Asian Migrants in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK. Phy Res 19:907–911

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Basch E, Ulbricht C, Kuo G, Szapary P, Smith M (2003) Therapeutic applications of fenugreek. Alt Med Rev 8:20–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaudry RM (1999) Effect of O2 and CO2 partial pressure on selected phenomena affecting fruit and vegetable quality. Postharv Biol Technol 15:293–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beaudry RM, Cameron AC, Shirazi A, Dostal-Lange DL (1992) Modified atmosphere packaging of blueberry fruit: effect of temperature on package O2 and CO2. J Am Soc Hort Sci 117:436–441

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron AC, Beaudry RM, Banks NH, Yelanich MV (1994) Modified atmospheric packaging of blueberry fruit: modeling respiration and package oxygen partial pressures as a function of temperature. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 119:534–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Carvalho PT, Clemente E (2004) The influence of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) fill weight on postharvest quality. Ciência e Tecnologia Alimentos 24:646–651

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang CC, Yang MH, Wen HM, Chern JC (2002) Estimation of total flavonoid content in propolis by two complementary colorimetric methods. J Food Drug Analysis 10:178–182

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chau K, Talasila P (1994) Design of modified atmosphere packages for fresh fruits and vegetables. In: Singh R, Oliveria F (eds) Minimal processing of foods and process optimization. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 407–416

    Google Scholar 

  • Church IJ, Parsons AL (1995) Modified atmosphere packaging technology: a Review. J Sci food Agric 67:143–152

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Day BPF (1992a) Modified atmosphere packaging of selected prepared fruit and vegetables. CFDRA Technical Memorandum # 524. Chipping Campden Glos UK

  • Day BPF (1992b) Applications- fruit and vegetables. In: Parry RT (ed) Modified atmosphere packaging of foods. Blackie & Son Ltd, Glasgow

    Google Scholar 

  • De Ancos B, Gonzalez E, Cano MP (2000) Effect of high-pressure treatment on the carotenoid composition and the radical scavenging activity of persimmon fruit purees. J Agri Food Chem 48:3542–3548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Caro A, Piga A, Vacca V, Agabbio M (2004) Changes of flavonoids, Vitamin C and antioxidant capacity in minimally processed citrus segments and juices during storage. Food Chem 84:99–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Devadas RP, Saroja S (1980) Availability of Fe and b-carotene from Amaranthus to children. In: Emmaus P (ed) Proceedings of the second Amaranthus conference pp, 15–21

  • Deza MA, Araujo M, Garrido MJ (2003) Inactivation of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes on the surface of tomatoes by neutral electrolyzed water. Lett Appl Microbial 37:482–487

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emond JP, Castaigne F, Toupin CJ, Desilets D (1991) Mathematical modeling of gas exchange in modified atmosphere packaging. Trans ASAE 34:239–245

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferruzzi MG, Schwartz SJ (2001) Overview of chlorophylls in Foods. In: Current protocols in food analytical chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. F4.1.1–F4.1.9

  • Gil M, Gorny J, Kader A (1998) Response of ‘Fuji’ apples slices to ascorbic acid treatments and low-oxygen atmospheres. Hort Science 33(2):305–309

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gorny JR (1997) A summary of CA and MA requirements and recommendations for fresh cut ( minimally processed) fruits and vegetables. In Gorny JR(ed) Proceedings of Seventh International Controlled Atmosphere Conference, Vol. 5, Postharvest horticulture series No. 19, Davis, CA, University of California, pp 30–66

  • Hasan SM, Hossain MM, Faruque A, Mazumder MEH, Rana MS, Akter R, Alam MA (2008) Comparison of antioxidant potential of different fractions of commelina benghalensis Linn Bang. J Life Sci 20(2):9–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasan MR, Hossain MM, Akter R, Jamila M, Mazumder MEH, Rahman S (2009) DPPH free radical scavenging activity of some Bangladeshi medicinal plants. J Medi Plants Res 3(11):875–879

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemavathy J, Prabhakar JV (1989) Lipid composition of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) seeds. Food Chem 31(1):1–7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hertog MLATM, Peppelenbos HW, Evelo RG, Tijskens LMM (1998) A dynamic and generic model of gas exchange of respiring produce: The effects of oxygen, carbon dioxide and temperature. Postharv Bio Technol 14:335–349

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa Y, Hasegawa Y (1998) Determination of packaging conditions for selected fresh vegetables. Food Sci Technol Int Tokyo 4:274–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa Y, Sato H, Ishitani T, Hirata T (1992) Evaluation of broccoli respiration rate in modified atmosphere packaging. J Pack Sci Technol 1:1143–1153

    Google Scholar 

  • Jana BL, Das PK (2007) Leafy vegetables and mushrooms. Agrotech Publishing Academy Udaipur PP 106–107

  • Jiang H, Ji B, Liang J, Zhou F, Yang Z, Zhang H (2006) Comparison on the antioxidant capacity of selected fruits and vegetables and their separations. Chem Natural Comp 42(4):410–414

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim D, Smith N, Lee C (1993) Apple cultivar variations in response to heat treatment and minimal processing. J Food Sci 58(5):1115–1118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein BP, Perry AK (1982) Ascorbic-acid and vitamin-A activity in selected vegetables from different geographical areas of the United States. J Food Sci 47(3):941–945

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kris-Etherton PM, Hecker KD, Bonanome A, Coval SM, Binkoski AE, Hilpert KF, Griel AE, Etherton TD (2002) Bioactive compounds in foods: their role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Amer J Med 113:71S–88S

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lanfer-Marquez UM, Barros R, Sinnecker P (2005) Antioxidant activity of chlorophylls and their derivatives. Food Res Int 38:885–891

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Law MR, Morris JK (1998) By how much does fruit and vegetable consumption reduce the risk of ischaemic heart disease? European J Clini Nutri 52(8):549–556

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu S (2007) Effect of packaging on shelf-life of minimally processed Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis L.). LWT- Food Sci Technol 40:460–464

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McDonald S, Prenzler PD, Antolovich M, Robards K (2001) Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive extracts. Food Chem 73:73–84

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Michael D, Kumawat D (2003) Legend and archeology of fenugreek, constitutions and modern applications of fenugreek seeds. International- Symp USA, pp 41–42

  • Nagata M, Yamashita I (1992) Simple method for simultaneous determination of chlorophyll and carotenoids in tomato fruit. J Japan Soc Food Sci Technol 39:925–928

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pandrangi S, LaBorde LF (2006) Retention of folate, carotenoids, and other quality characteristics in commercially packaged fresh spinach. J Food Sci 69(9):C702–C707

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paull RE (1999) Effect of temperature and relative humidity on fresh commodity quality. Postharv Bio Technol 15:263–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Platenius H, Jones JB (1944) Effect of modified atmosphere storage on ascorbic acid content of some vegetables. Food Res 9:378–385

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pourmorad F, Hosseinimehr S, Shahabimajd N (2006) Antioxidant activity, phenol and flavonoid contents of some selected Iranian medicinal plants. African J Biotecnol 5(11):1142–1145

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MAA, Moon SS (2007) Antioxidant polyphenol glycosides from the plant draba nemorosa. Bull Korean Chem Soc 28(5):827–831

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rai DR, Paul S (2007) Packaging requirements of highly respiring produce under modified atmosphere packaging: a review. J Food Sci Technol 44:10–15

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rai DR, Jha SN, Wanjari OD, Patil RT (2009a) Chromatic changes in broccoli under modified atmospheres in perforated film packages. Food Sci Tech Int 15(4):387–395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rai DR, Narsaiah K, Bharti DK, Reddy PMK, Brar SS (2009b) Modified atmosphere packaging of minimally processed cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata. J Food Sci Technol 46:436–439

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saito M, Rai DR (2005) Qualitative changes in radish (Raphanus spp.) sprouts under modified atmosphere packaging in micro-perforated films. J Food Sci Technol 42:70–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Saito M, Rai DR, Masuda R (2000) Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on glutathione and ascorbic acid content of asparagus spears. J Food Process Preserv 24:243–251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salvador ML, Jaime P, Oria R (2002) Modeling of O2 and CO2 exchange dynamics in modified atmosphere packaging of burlet cherries. J Food Sci 67:231–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schryver T (2002) Fenugreek. Total Health 24:42–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Sellappan S, Akoh CC, Krewer G (2002) Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Georgia-Grown Blueberries and Blackberries. J Agric Food Chem 50:2432–2438

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Serrano M, Martinez-Romero D, Guillen F, Castillo S, Valero D (2006) Maintenance of broccoli quality and functional properties during cold storage as affected by modified atmosphere packaging. Postharv Bio Technol 39:61–68

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen LQ, Wang XY, Huang GR (1999) Effects of modified atmosphere packaging and blanching on quality of Bok Choy during storage. Acta Agri Zhejiangensis 11:249–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Stankovic MS, Niciforovic N, Topuzovic M, Solujic (2011) otal phenolic content,flavonoid concentrations and antioxidant activity, of the whole plant and plant parts extracts from Teucrium Montanum L.Var. Montanum, F. Supinum (L.) Reichenb.S. Biotechnol & Biotechnol Eq 25(1):2222–2227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toivonen PMA (1997) The effects of storage temperature, storage duration, hydro-cooling, and micro-perforated wrap on shelf-life of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., Italica Group). Postharvest Biol Technol 10:59–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomas-Barberan FA, Gil MI (2008) Improving the health-promoting properties of fruits and vegetable products. CRC Press, Woodhead Publishing Limited, England, pp 7–8

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Watada AE, Abe K, Yamuchi N (1990) Physiological activities of partially processed fruits and vegetables. Food Technol 5:116–122

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiley RC (1994) Preservation methods for minimally processed refrigerated fruits and vegetables. In: Wiley RC (ed) Minimally processed refrigerated fruits and vegetables. Chapman and Hall, Inc, New York, pp 66–134

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141 004, India

    Jasleen Kaur Brar & Amarjit Singh

  2. Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana, 141 004, India

    Deepak Raj Rai

  3. Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, 144 021, India

    Navreet Kaur

Authors
  1. Jasleen Kaur Brar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Deepak Raj Rai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Amarjit Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Navreet Kaur
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jasleen Kaur Brar.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Brar, J.K., Rai, D.R., Singh, A. et al. Biochemical and physiological changes in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) leaves during storage under modified atmosphere packaging. J Food Sci Technol 50, 696–704 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0390-4

Download citation

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0390-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation