2.7.2 Packaging for Leaves and stems
It is essential that all material is dry to below 10%. The leaves and stems of dried herbs should be stored in cool, dark and dry areas of low humidity and polyethylene bags or packs used.
2.7.3 Packaging for Flowers and buds
Saffron stigma,when dried and graded,should be stored in airtight containers, in a cool dry place out of the light.
2.7.4 Packaging for Roots and Rhizomes
Fresh ginger should be stored in polyethylene bags with 2% ventilation to prevent dehydration and mould development. Ginger rhizome for bulk shipping can be packed in jute sacks, wooden boxes or lined corrugated cardboard boxes. Processed , dry ginger should be packaged in laminated bags that have low oxygen permeabil ity, and stored in a cool dry environment. Turmeric is mostly traded as whole rhizome and then processed into powder or oleoresin . The colour constituents of turmeric deteriorate with light, and to a lesser extent under heat and oxidative conditions . G round turmeric should be stored in UV protective packaging and a cool dry environment.
2.7.5 Packaging for Bark, Wood and Resins
Cinnamon and Cassia. Cinnamon quills are graded on colour and pressed into cylindrical bales in jute cloth or corrugated cardboard cartons. Cinnamon and cassia, especially if ground, require polypropylene packaging and polyethylene is not recommended as the flavour components diffuse through it.
T here is a need for quality storage both on-farm and off-farm, with cool stores and warehousing facilities linked to post-harvest crop management. Spices deteriorate rapidly in adverse conditions and should be stored in well-prepared and maintained storage facilities. It is essenti al the moisture level of the spice to be stored is at a safe level prior to storage. This is usually below 10% moisture. The storehouses should be damp-proof, vermin- p roof and bird- proof and where possible have controlled ventilation and devices to control humidity and temperature. A dehumidifier fitted to a storage room, by keeping the atmosphere always dry, can eliminate mould and insect attacks. The room should be fumigated before storage, the walls whitewashed regularly and the facility kept dry. Fumigation against pest infestation should be carried out only when necessary, and should be carried out by licensed or trained personnel. Only registered chemical s agents authorized by the regulatory authorities of the source country and the countries of intended end-use should be used. All fumigation, fumigation chemicals agents, and dates of application should be documented. When freezing or saturated steam is used for pest control, the humidity of the materials should be checked after treatment. Some specific examples for major spices are described below.
Pepper has a steady loss of aroma compounds that will be faster in poor storage conditions. Poly ethylene-lined gunny bags or laminated HDPE ( high density polyethylene) are ideal for pepper storage. C are should be t aken with pepper storage to avoid aroma spoilage by other spices in close proximity . Prolonged storage of cloves reduces the oil content and may also dull the colour, which are both detrimental for the sale of the spice. Oil composition and the ratio of constituents of cloves can change in storage, with the rate and extent of change dependent on the production method. Nutmeg and mace should not be ground until required because of the loss of volatile constituents when in uncontrolled storage. Incorrectly stored nutmeg oil may also undergo significant composition changes if exposed to high ambient temperatures. Unprotected powders and oil can also absorb unpleasant odours and powders should be stored in sealed containers. To ensure storage without mould, Chillis (Capsicums, Chilli peppers and Paprika) fruit should be close to 10% moisture or below. Dried rhizomes of turmeric are usually chemically treated or fumigated before storage to prevent insect and fungal infestation. Rhizomes stored in a cool chamber have less disease, rot and pest damage and less sprouting, compared to underground pit storage or heaps out doors.
