World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

BIOCHEMICAL AND TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SWEETCORN

Rizwan Mohammed Rasheed Khan*, Ayesha Fatima, Sameena Begum, Mohammed Meeran Mohiuddin

ABSTRACT

The determination of storage conditions leading to optimum quality attributes and extended postharvest life of sweetcorn is essential. The increased consumption and consequently the need for greater consumer satisfaction have resulted in the introduction of supersweet sweetcorn. The present study, aimed to report on the effects of various postharvest factors on biochemical and texture-related characteristics of supersweet sweetcorn cultivars as current knowledge is still incomplete. Validation and optimisation of commonly used methods for the analysis of target compounds in sweetcorn was also an objective of the current work. The methods developed for the analysis of the target analytes (viz. ferulic acid, individual carotenoids, non-structural carbohydrates and vitamin C) were considered suitable. The firmest kernels were reported to be those located in the central part of the cobs, which is also the preferred edible portion for consumers. Surprisingly, spatial sugar profiles indicated higher total sugar content in non-edible tissues (viz. core and shank), rather than kernels and the implications of this are discussed. Predictably, higher storage temperature and the longer storage period resulted in lower quality, yet genotype, controlled atmosphere and origin of the cobs were significant sources of variation for sugar content and firmness of kernels. The presence of husks (i.e. non-removal) on sweetcorn cobs promoted the retention of sugar content and colour over storage. Recommendations for improved methods for the measurement of target analytes leading to valid conclusions about optimum storage conditions are also included.

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