Abstract:

In order to understand the postharvest physiological changes of fresh Xiang lotus seeds, the moisture content,
protein content, soluble solids content (SSC), and net photosynthetic rate of fresh lotus seeds (from Xiangtan county, Hunan
province) and the color variation of fresh lotus shells were studied at storage temperatures of (4 ± 0.1) and (25 ± 0.1) ℃.
The results showed that storage temperature had extremely significant effects on the moisture content, protein content, L*,
a* and b* values, and sensory quality of fresh lotus seeds (P ＜ 0.01). The peak level (mature saturation point) of soluble
solids was significantly delayed to appear on the 21st d of posthavest storage at (4 ± 0.1) ℃, compared to be the 6th d when
stored at (25 ± 0.1) ℃. Since the 3rd d of postharvest storage, the net photosynthetic rate of fresh lotus seeds at (4 ± 0.1) ℃
remained at a level lower than at (25 ± 0.1) ℃. These results indicate that low temperature (4 ± 0.1) ℃ storage can slow
down the water loss and protein degradation in fresh lotus, thus significantly inhibiting the respiration rate. Therefore, low
temperature storage can maintain the nutritional value and eating quality at the maximum extent, and extend the shelf life of
fresh lotus seeds.

Key words: Xiang lotus, postharvest physiology, storage temperature