For information: Principal Scientist, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram. Phone: 9447158546
Apples harvested 2 months ago in Australia are sold in our country as if they are fresh. But, for how long can fresh tapioca from Kerala be preserved after being taken to Australia? At most a week, right? What is the reason?
Technology itself. Australia has wax coating technology that covers and preserves apples. We don’t have this for coating tapioca with wax. This weakness is being overcome.
The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute in Thiruvananthapuram is developing the technology to preserve it for a long time by applying a wax coating.
After cleaning the tapioca, it is washed in chlorine water,
peeled, and allowed to dry.
Then it is dipped in molten paraffin wax or shellac products, which creates an artificial barrier.
One just has to ensure it is applied uniformly everywhere.
As the pores of the skin are closed, the oxidation process slows down.
The wax coating prevents contact between the tapioca and the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor in the atmosphere. Using this method, fresh tapioca can be stored for a maximum of 2 months without fungal infection. This technology has commercial potential.
How long can wax-coated fresh tapioca be stored?
Using this method, fresh tapioca can be stored for a maximum of 2 months without fungal infection. The article compares this with fresh tapioca from Kerala taken to Australia, which would otherwise be preserved for at most a week.
Why can apples from Australia stay fresh for so long?
Apples harvested 2 months ago in Australia are sold as if they are fresh because Australia has wax coating technology that covers and preserves apples. The article notes that this kind of coating technology has not been available for tapioca.
Which institute is developing wax coating technology for tapioca?
The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute in Thiruvananthapuram is developing the technology to preserve tapioca for a long time by applying a wax coating. The information contact listed is the Principal Scientist at Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram.
What is used for coating tapioca with wax?
After cleaning, washing in chlorine water, peeling, and drying, the tapioca is dipped in molten paraffin wax or shellac products. This creates an artificial barrier, and the article says the coating must be applied uniformly everywhere.
How does wax coating slow spoilage in tapioca?
As the pores of the skin are closed, the oxidation process slows down. The wax coating prevents contact between tapioca and oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fresh tapioca remain preserved for longer.
