POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE OF EDIBLE FLOWERS UNDER DIFFERENT STORAGE CONDITIONS

Abstract

The use of edible flowers in gastronomy has increased in recent years; however, their high perishability demands postharvest conservation strategies capable of maintaining visual quality and consumer safety. This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest performance of different edible flower species subjected to distinct refrigerated storage conditions. The experiment was conducted at UNITINS using flowers of dwarf purple and lilac Petunia (Petunia multiflora), double Carnation (Cravína gaíety), white and pink Chitinha (Phlox drummond), and Tiger Daisy (Caliopsis elegans bicolor). Flowers were packaged in 250 mL polyethylene clamshell containers and stored at 5 ± 1 °C under two conditions: with moistened paper towel and without paper. Visual quality was assessed daily using a scoring scale from 5 to 1, defining commercial shelf life (score ≥ 3) and total shelf life (score = 1). Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of treatments and storage time on quality scores, strongly influenced by species-specific characteristics and the microenvironment created by the packaging. Overall, the use of paper particularly for white and pink Chitinha and Tiger Daisy - extended both commercial and total shelf life, whereas certain Petunia cultivars were more sensitive to moisture accumulation. The results demonstrate that the response of edible flowers to storage conditions is species dependent. Simple and low-cost strategies, such as appropriate use of paper and light refrigeration, can enhance durability and support the incorporation of edible flowers into gastronomic markets and family farming systems.