Study on the effects of harvesting time and storage conditions of Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze Tuber in an Giang Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract The study was conducted to determine the harvest time and weight of Tacca tubers (Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze) for flour production. It also assessed changes in quality according to pretreatment methods as well as storage conditions over an 8 week period. Results showed that Tacca tubers harvested after 6 months of planting will have a high dry matter content and flour recovery efficiency, especially at month 7th but remains unchanged afterwards. In addition, tubers weighing over 150g will give better flour recovery efficiency. Washing before storage also affects the quality of tubers more than preservation mode. During storage, tuber weight decreases with amount of dry matter increases. Particularly, the amount of sugar, total Saponins and total Polyphenols decreases but Starch content tends to increase slightly after 6 weeks of reduction. Despite the change in color, surface condition and structure, the Tacca tuber retains good sensory properties during storage.