Comportamiento de los índices de calidad del chícharo almacenado en atmósfera de nitrógeno

Controlled atmosphere for grain conservation has been widely used over the last few years due to its proven effect in reducing product losses. The objective of this paper was to evaluate changes of some quality indexes of the yellow field pea storaged under controlled atmosphere. The legume (16 tons) was kept in hermetic metallic container with a total capacity of 50 tons. Moisture and protein content, the weight of 1000 grains, water and hydroalcoholic acidity, insect contamination levels, total microbial count, hardness after cooked (instrumental and sensory methods) and other sensory characteristics were evaluated periodically during 3 years. Moisture content and the total micobial count did not change significantly, whereas the protein content diminushed and both acidity indexes increased during the storage period. Insect infestation was eliminated after 1 year and hardness increased in such a way that the product was not appropriate for consumption after 2.5 years of conservation.