Physiological behavior and quality of fresh ginseng stored in modified atmospheres generated by several package films

Physiological behaviors and quality attributes of fresh ginseng (Panax Ginseng) stored in modified atmospheres generated by several package films were investigated. The chemical compositions were also measured before and after storage. The respiration rates of fresh ginseng were inhibited effectively by film package, especially in package with lower gas permeability coefficient film. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity reduced markedly and high Hunter L (*) value was maintained. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in firmness, weight loss, decay rate and pectin content were found between 0.10 mm packages and 0.05, 0.07 mm packages after 5 months of storage. The best quality parameters of fresh ginseng were obtained from the combination of 0 °C-0.10 mm. Significant difference (p < 0.05) in total saponin content was not found, and the highest total saponin content was also obtained from the combination of 0 °C-0.10 mm. The content of total sugar and reducing sugar increased significantly (p < 0.05), especially for package film with higher gas permeability coefficient. The storage life of fresh ginseng was extended significantly by film packages to 5 months with good quality and lower decay rate, especially for package film with low gas permeability coefficient.