Agrotechnology

Freeze drying technology for floral preservation - Prospect and process

3^rd International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture

October 27-29, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Mahalakshmi V Reddy, D Ratna Kumari, E Shirin Hima Bindu and M Swarupa Rani

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Production of dried flowers with beautiful shapes and colours has been a phenomenon that has taken the floral industry by a storm. An endless creative, business application for the freeze drying process has found to be the newest opportunity in the floral industry. Flowers can be freeze dried for longevity and exquisiteness. Technically, freeze drying technology is the only process of preservation which removes moisture in such a way that the flowers maintain their original shape, texture and colour better than other methods. Preliminary research resulted in encouraging results, thereby determining suitability of freeze drying process in maintaining the quality of seasonal and exotic flowers using a floral freeze dryer. The floral preservation process comprises of selection, hydration, pre-treatment, freeze drying and post-treatment of flowers. Selection of flower and its state of freshness was an important step in freeze drying process. In addition, the hydration treatment enhances the natural beauty of the flowers. Selected flowers were allowed to stay in pre-treatment solutions before they were transferred to the floral freeze dryer. It was found that flower responded differently to various pre-treatment solutions. The quality of the flowers was evaluated subjectively in terms of colour, form, texture and appearance. The process involved careful monitoring and controlling temperature and pressure for a period of 14 days. Post-treatment to flowers is an essential step to minimise damage due to environmental factors. Keywords: Floral preservation, flower processing, freeze dried flowers, freeze drying technology for flowers, floral freeze dryer.

Biography :

Mahalakshmi V Reddy, is associated with floral preservation research for the past few years and has currently intensified her research with research funding from DST, GOI from 2013. She is a graduate in Interior Design from Madras University and completed her MSc & PhD from Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore. At present, she is working as Professor & HOD of the Department of Resource Management and Consumer Sciences. She is also the Director of CAFT- Home Science, a premier faculty training center under ICAR.