Modified atmosphere packaging of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) sprouts for extending shelf life and acceptance in indian market

Modified atmosphere packaging suitable for retailing of short green gram sprouts was standardized using non perforated and micro perforated bags of varying gas permeability. The use of Cryovac PD961 bags with single micro perforation resulted in an equilibrium gas concentration of 13.0 to 15.7% O₂ and 6.8 to 8.5% CO₂ during ten days of storage at 8°C; and this extended the shelf life with minimum change in sprout length, dehulling per cent, antioxidant capacity and good microbiological quality. High CO₂ inside non perforated packs resulted in off flavour and high dehulling percentage; and high O₂ in the packs with two micro perforations caused significantly high increase in sprout length.