Title: Development of a new retail packaging for sweet tamarind

Authors: Bundit Jarimopas, Dolhathai Rachanukroa, Sher Paul Singh

Addresses: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaengsaen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakohn Pathom, Thailand. ' The Postgraduate Education and Research Development Project in Post-harvest Technology, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakohn Pathom ,Thailand. ' School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

Abstract: Sweet tamarind is a flavoursome tropical fruit that is rich in nutrients. The sweet tamarind takes the form of a shelled pod containing seed-bearing flesh. A major problem facing sweet tamarind retailers is that mechanical damage often occurs during the distribution process. This research has sought to propose solutions to this problem by taking the following approach: a) determining the physical and mechanical properties of sweet tamarind pods; b) determining post-harvest damage to sweet tamarind that has been packaged for sale; c) making comparisons in performance between current and new forms of packaging for sweet tamarind. Rupture force and slope of force deformation curve results show that the |Sitong| cultivar is bigger, denser, sweeter and stronger than the |Srichompoo| cultivar. However, both suffer broken shells, hairline cracks, stem end cracks, holes and mould damage during the packaging process. |Srichompoo| fruit is weaker in strength. The new package system provides additional protection to both varieties, and its cost is equivalent to the cost of plastic bags and about half that of paperboard boxes.

Keywords: sweet tamarind; physical characteristics; mechanical properties; postharvest damage; retail packaging; pods; rupture force; force deformation; cracks; holes; mould damage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2009.030690

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.416 - 429

Published online: 30 Dec 2009 *

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