Shilpa Sudhakar Harak
M.S.Gosavi College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, India
Title: Indian Aloe as an aid for storage of fresh fruits and vegetables
Biography
Biography: Shilpa Sudhakar Harak
Abstract
Hydrocarbons which are used in refrigiration units have been banned and instead their cousins the hydrochlorofluoro carbons are being used highly and still pose a danger to the depleting ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the earth from certain harmful ultra-violet radiations. However for several major reasons, refrigeration has no alternatives, viz. storage of fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.
Aloe vera (indian aloe) was found, identified and collected. The translucent properties of aloe vera indicated that applying a layer of aloe vera gel to the surface of the fresh fruits and vegetables restored the freshness for long time periods (upto 60 days) and prevented microbial growth during the storage period. Microbial studies of these samples done periodocaly indicated growth rate of microbes to be minimal. (no perishing) Also moisture studies have acertained the minimal loss of moisture in comparison to the storage at room temperature and refrigiration. Also physical analysis for skin colour, texture and eruption showed results comparable to refrigerated products. Developing this on a large scale will enable us to reduce the cold storage units employed for storage of fresh fruits and vegetables all over the world. This would reduce the amount of HCFCs being released in the stratosphere and thus benfit mother EARTH and her children.