Packaging and storage studies of partially defatted groundnut kernels in flexible pouches.

An attempt was made to design a functional consumer package for partially defatted groundnut kernels, for which a moisture content of about 5% is critical for organoleptic quality. The kernels, with an initial moisture content of 2.5% and a fat content of 25.9%, were packaged in 50-g amounts in (i) pouches of paper/Al foil/polyethylene (PE) laminate, and in 100-g amounts in (ii) 350-gauge high-density PE, (iii) Saran-coated Polycel, or (iv) in a double pouch of MSAT Cellophane (inside) and 30 gauge low-density PE (outside). (i), (iii), and (iv) ensured a storage life of 120 days at 27 degree C and 65 plus/minus 2% RH, but under accelerated storage conditions (38 degree C, 92 plus/minus 2% RH) only (i) provided a storage life of 60 days.