Packaging and storage studies of ground coriander (Coriander sativum L.) in flexible consumer packages.

Attempts were made to develop a functional consumer package profile which would offer protection against ingress of moisture, loss of volatile oil and seepage of fixed oils from coriander powder during storage. 100 g samples of coriander powder were packaged in pouches (14.5 x 11.5 cm) prepared from low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, Cellophane, LDPE/Cellophane, or Al foil (separately or laminated to LDPE). Storage was at 27-40 degree C and 30-92% RH; and humidity-moisture relationship were studied at 27 degree C and 11-92% RH. Contents of moisture, volatile oil and fixed oils and fats were determined at regular intervals. Sorption studies revealed that a moisture content of 12% (dry wt. basis) was critical for stability of the product. The Al foil laminate offered max. protection against loss of oil; the double pouches offered good protection; but the single-ply LDPE pouches were inadequate in preventing loss of volatiles and seepage of fixed oils during storage.