Quality Characteristics of dried flowers as influenced by packaging materials

Abstract

Quality reliability and continuity are major considerations when purchasing dried flower products because dried flowers and foliages are fragile and require careful handling. Before using dried materials for making decorative items, it is necessary to protect them from all possible hazards. Therefore, recent advances in packaging and presentation of dried flowers and foliages with the research needs are presented in this study. Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Orchid, Carnation, Chandini (Jasmine), and Gloxinia were dried using various techniques like air drying, press drying and desiccant drying (silica gel, borax and sand) whereas glycerin drying was used for foliage drying. After that the dried flowers were arranged in five of different packaging materials i.e. wooden fiberboard, glass, acrylic, plastic (PVC) and thermocol and developed various dried flower products (Shadow boxes, table mounts, photo frames, potpourris and paperweights). The colour of the dried flowers was analyzed before and after three months storage through spectrophotometer and weigh-ment method was used for moisture analysis before and after three months of storage. The result revealed that different display packaging materials can be used to enhance the appearance of the products and also to retain the overall quality of the dried flowers for longer period.