Storage life extension of ginseng using active modified atmosphere packaging by nitrogen generator

The fresh ginseng roots were stored in modified atmosphere system with a nitrogen generator to validate the effect of exchanges by N₂ at interval on the qualities of ginseng in active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The effect of low O₂ on the chemical compositions was also determined. The storage life of fresh ginseng could be extended about 150 days in active MAP. Quality analysis showed that higher freshness and better quality of fresh ginseng were obtained from 0.07 mm and 0.05 mm packages with lower decay after 150 days of storage, especially in 0.07 mm package. The firmness of stored ginseng was almost the same as that of harvested ginseng. The chemical compositions in fresh ginseng was also not changed much, especially the content of total saponin. It indicated that fresh ginseng could be stored successfully for 150 days without losing much of its quality and chemical compositions with lower weight loss in active MAP by N₂ generator.