Flue-cured cardamom with an initial moisture content of 12.9% equilibrated
to 67% relative humidity (RH) at 27 degreesC. But a mixture content of 11.0
% at 60% RH was found to be safe for storage of large cardamom. The product
retained its overall quality in both textile and polyethylene packages at
refrigerated and ambient conditions upto 180 and 90 days, respectively. Und
er accelerated conditions of 40 degreesC and 30-40% RH. it was found accept
able even after 180 days. But at 38 degreesC and 90% RH, heavy mould growth
with considerable volatile oil loss was observed within 45 days. In genera
l, there was no significant change in the volatile oil composition of the m
aterials stored under refrigerated, ambient and accelerated conditions.