Effective hermetic storage technology for preserving common dry beans

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) bags in preserving the quality of two common bean varieties over three months in Uganda. Consumers’ preferred Nambale short (NS) and yellow short (YS) bean varieties were studied. Results showed that NS beans stored in PICS bags outperformed those in PP bags (control) across several metrics: lower moisture content (10.51 ± 0.04 vs. 12.80 ± 0.04%), reduced insect infestation (3.50 ± 0.04 vs. 47.00 ± 0.04 insects), less grain damage (6.60 ± 0.08 vs. 37.26 ± 0.08%), lower weight loss (0.55 ± 0.13 vs. 3.15 ± 0.13%), shorter cooking time (183.75 ± 0.06 vs. 251.10 ± 0.06 min), a higher germination rate (95.00 ± 0.20 vs. 87.00 ± 0.20%), and greater overall acceptability (6.65 ± 0.18 vs. 6.04 ± 0.18). Similar benefits were observed for YS beans stored in PICS bags. The PICS bags effectively preserved the physicochemical, culinary, and sensory quality characteristics of NS and YS beans over three months, making them a viable storage solution for common dry beans.