Effect of Cold Room Storage on the Shelf Life of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

This comparative study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cold storage in reducing post-harvest losses and maintaining the quality and shelf life of brinjal under controlled conditions. Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a highly perishable vegetable that undergoes rapid weight loss, wilting, and spoilage during post-harvest handling, leading to significant economic losses for farmers. Proper storage methods, especially cold storage, play a crucial role in extending its marketable life and reducing wastage. In the present study, fresh and firm brinjal was purchased from the local market in Newasa (MH) and stored under two conditions: cold storage at 10 °C and 94% RH, and room temperature. Results showed that brinjal stored in cold storage exhibited reduced weight loss and maintained freshness without any chilling injury or disease symptoms throughout the storage period. The storage life of brinjal was observed to be 8 days in the cold room, while the shelf life at room temperature was limited to only 2 days.  The study demonstrates that once brinjals are removed from cold storage, their shelf life and quality begin to decline quickly due to accelerated moisture loss and physiological activity. It highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain until the point of sale or consumption to minimize post-harvest losses. These findings highlight the effectiveness of cold storage in prolonging the post-harvest life and marketability of brinjal compared to ambient conditions.