Influence of Tobacco beetle infestation under modified atmospheres on curcumin content in stored Turmeric

Different packaging material viz., polypropylene bags (with 20, 40, 60 & 80% CO₂), super bag, magik bag, jute bag and aluminium pouches were tested for different storage periods. Super bag (6.2%) and magik bag (5.9%) were found effective for storage of turmeric as the higher curcumin contents were recorded even after 160 days because of their hermetic properties. Among the CO₂ treatments, highest curcumin content (5.8%) was observed in turmeric rhizomes stored at 80% CO₂ concentration in polypropylene bags after 160 days of storage. The loss in curcumin content was at minimum in turmeric rhizomes stored in super bag, magik bag and at 80% CO₂ in polypropylene bag. Thus, the present investigation revealed the superior performance of hermetic storage containers; super bag and magik bag for storage of turmeric products.