Abstract:
Cinnamon Featherings (CFs) are inner bark fragments used to extract cinnamon oil
and oleoresin. Substantial quality degradations of export CFs have been reported due
to the lack of appropriate primary packaging during storage. This study evaluated the
effect of primary packaging on preserving the quality of CFs in the ambient storage
(29.2±1.3ºC; RH 77.8±4.5%). In this study, two single-layered [polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene (PE)], one metalized double laminated (MET-PET/LLDPE), and one
metalized triple laminated (PET/MET-PET/LLDPE) packaging materials were
utilized based on their moisture and oxygen barrier properties. A control sample
without any packaging, was also included. Physicochemical properties, including
color values (L*, a*, and b*), water activity (aw), moisture content, volatile oil content
(VoC), insect count, and microbial counts [total plate (TP), yeast and mold (YM)
count] were assessed every 21 days over 63 days. Organoleptic quality evaluation
was also carried out at the end of 63 days. Results showed no significant difference
in the moisture content of CFs stored in different packaging materials (p>0.05).
Further, the highest VoC showed in CFs in triple laminated packaging (3.94±1.45%)
while the least was in the control (2.91±0.59%). Although moisture contents, VoC,
and water activities of CFs packed with four packaging materials were found within
the permissible limit of <14%, >1%, and <0.70, respectively, along with the storage
period, the control sample exceeded these limits significantly. TP and YM counts of
the four packaging were also found in the acceptable range (<1×106 and <1×104 CFU
g
-1
, respectively). Regardless of control, the significantly highest (p<0.05) retention
of organoleptic quality was reported in CFs in triple-layered packaging. In
conclusion, metalized triple laminated (PET/MET-PET/LLDPE) packaging is the
best option for preserving the quality of CFs concerning the higher retention of VoC,
organoleptic quality, moisture, and microbial safety.
