Storage of crambe seeds in different containers and environments: Part II - Chemical quality

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different packaging, environment and storage time on the chemical quality of crambe seeds. Crambe seeds, with a water content of 4.63% (dry basis), were packed into high density polyethylene (HDPE), reused polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and laminated packages, which were stored in two different environments: refrigerated air (RA) at 10 ± 1.19 °C and 34.84 ± 4.09% relative humidity (RH) and natural air (AN) at 24.81 ± 1.82 °C and 54.93 ± 12.77 % RH. For nine months, the oil and crude protein content, acidity index, peroxide and iodine level, pH, and alcohol-soluble acidity were evaluated. Seeds in laminated packages stored in AN showed higher crude protein content after 3rd month, and in AR, there were higher levels of peroxide after 3rd and 6th months. In AR, the seeds in HDPE packaging showed lower alcohol-soluble acidity. Crude protein and oil content decreased during storage, peroxide level and pH increased and iodine level varied. At the end of storage, the alcohol-soluble acidity returned to base line values. The acidity level was not affected by the changes in the variables studied.

seed quality; oil content; crude protein; Crambe abyssinica