Influenced of different methods of storage on betel leaves (Piper betle L.)

Abstract

"Pan" or Betelvine (Piper betle L.) is a perennial dioecious creeper belonging to family Piperaceae and is probably a native of Malaysia but cultivated in India from time immemorial as cash crop for its leaves, used for chewing. Its deep green heart shaped leaf for (15-20) million Indian and 2 billion foreign consumers annually. The assessment of total sugar, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, moisture content, fresh weight, rotting and shelf life of Piper betle (L.) leaves has been attempted in this work. The study found that the leaves of Piper betle (L.) have a higher amount of antioxidant activity. Total sugar range vary between 0.44 to 0.74%, Ascorbic acid 0.71 to 3.11 mg/100ml, the minimum rotting 5.33% and highest shelf life 11 days are found in Alum with Bamboo basket covered with cloth. Among all the treatment, Alum and bamboo baskets shows the statistically significant superior result in all biochemical and physical observation.