SHELF LIFE STUDY OF EDIBLE WILD FLOWERS

The interest in edible flowers is increasing, chef and consumers purchase packaged flowers for use in meals. Our aim was to evaluate the shelf life of the Glebionis segetum, Malva sylvestris, Papaver rhoeas and Tropaeolum majus to protect them from desiccation. The flowers have been packaged in different polypropylene films, then stored in a refrigerator at +4 +/- 1 degrees C in the dark and in the presence of light, and their shelf life have been analyzed for 12 days. The light has always a negative influence. The MICRO film gives the best performance, limiting the weight loss, preserving the color and guaranteeing good enzymatic results