Quality Parameters of Cymbopogon citratus Leaves During Ambient Storage

Abstract

The effects of storage in different packages on the essential oil content and humidity of Brazilian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaves were studied. Lemon grass leaves were dried at 50C to moisture content of 11% (d.b.) and stored for one year in three different plastic and paper packages. Oil content and its principal compounds were isolated by the hydro-distillation method and analyzed by GC-FID as well as GC-MS every two months. The results showed a reduction in the oil content as well as a decrease in citral and myrcene in the plant for all packages during storage. Water concentration did not significantly vary during the period in the three packages.