The effect of packaging method on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic characteristics of walnut kernel during its storage

Persian walnut (Juglans regia) from Juglandaceae family is one of the most important fruits in the world that has an important role in human health. It contains a notable list of plant nutrients that has been found to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. Walnut is a source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic and flavonoid complexes where they act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers. It also contains pleasant flavor and high concentration of minerals and fatty acids. Extending shelf-life of this perishable fruit has been accomplished due to its high oil level and oxidation of oil (Tajeddin, 2004). Rate of loss in walnut kernel quality and quantity between harvest and consumption affects its productivity. Control of temperature is the most effective tool for extending the shelf life of fresh horticultural products. However, to reduce high losses and keeping product’s quality, packaging method is very important as well as low temperature. Therefore, in this study, the effect of temperature (4 and 25 oC) and packaging methods (vacuum and air packaging) on the changes of walnut kernel compounds was evaluated to improve quality of its storability during six month cold storage. Walnut harvested from a commercial garden at the mountain regional of Raber, Kerman province. All chemical materials for different tests obtained from Merck Company, Germany. Immediately after walnuts harvesting, they were dehulled and dried in expose of sun shade with the circulation of natural air. The walnuts were then transferred to the laboratory and their wooden shells were removed. Subsequently, about 25 g of walnut kernel was packaged in the polyethylene films with 87μm (0.087 mm) thickness, under a vacuum machine and stored at 4°C and 25°C to be later assessed for further analyses intended for six months. Phenol, flavonoid, carbohydrate, protein, water percent, color parameters (C, h, WI), organoleptic characteristics, and peroxide value of kernels were measured every month during storage time. The control samples of packaged walnuts under environmental conditions were also stored. The current study carried out as a factorial assay on the basis of a completely randomized design with three replications at Hormozgan University. Data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS software version 9.4. Verification of significant differences was done using Duncan's Test at 1% probability level. Results showed that carbohydrate and proteins decreased during storage time. Both of vacuum package and low temperature contorted the reduction of different characteristics of kernel such as bioactive compounds during storage significantly. Sensory properties were also reduced during storage, especially at the end of period, in all conditions except for treatment at 4°C and vacuum packing. Control samples (temperature 25°C and air-containing packags) during the experiment showed a lower quality for all factors. Samples that stored in low temperature and vacuum package had better brightness (higher chroma, Hugh, lightness (L) and white index values (Wi)) than other treatments. The treatments had a significant role in the preventing of increasing peroxide value. The peroxide value in treated samples was increased from 0.023 to 0.68 meq/g, while in vacuum packages it was changed from 0.023 to 0.37 meq/g. Increasing of peroxide value was observed from 0.023 to 0.68 and from 0.023 to 0.25 meq/g in room temperature and cold temperature, respectively. After six months, the average peroxide value in all samples was less than one milliequivalent per oil kilogram. Decreasing of phenolic compounds (30%) and flavonoids (35%) and increasing the peroxide index simultaneously led to the reduction of the appearance and organoleptic properties of the control samples. Generally, vacuum package and low temperature condition that using in this study showed the best effect on the nutritional compounds quality of walnut kernel such as bioactive components during six months storage. Shelf life enhancement of walnut by vacuum packaging in the different polymers has been already reported by Tajeddin, 2004.