Influence of pre-treatment, drying methods and packing on retention of carotenoid pigments in dried petals of marigold

In order to standardize the pre-treatment and drying methods for higher retention of carotenoid pigments in dried petals of marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gainda was taken for investigation. Cysteine (0.1%) was found to be the best pre-treatment for marigold petals ensuring maximum retention of carotenoids after drying. Following best pre-treatment, petals were subjected to drying employing three different methods viz., cabinet drying, solar drying and sun drying. Cabinet drying was found to be superior method for drying marigold petals. Packing the dried petals in 400 gauge LDPE allowed for better retention of pigments than 200 gauge LDPE when stored at ambient temperature for 4 months. Studies concluded that pre-treating the petals of marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda with cysteine (0.1%), drying in a cabinet drier and packing in 400 gauge LDPE allowed for better retention of carotenoids and their fractions.