Abstract
Fresh ginseng of same grade was stored under the 4$\pm$1$^{\circ}C$ and 87~92% RH for 10 weeks. During the storage, an aliquot amount of the ginseng was drawn, freeze dried and chemical constituents and physicochemical parameters were measured. After 10 weeks of storage drying rate and shrinkage of ginseng were 1520% and 9.04%, respectively, mold growth was seen at week 5 and observed for 51.2% of the ginseng week 10. Amylase activity level was elevated at the early stage of storage and decreased to 5% of initial value at week 5. At week 5, the elevated amylase activity was inconcomitant with the appearance of the mold growth. Crude protein contents were increased and decreased, respectively 5 week post storage. No significant changes in crude fat, crude fiber, ash, total sugar, n-butanol extract and ginsenoside were observed. The content of water-extractable substance showed maximum at week 7 to 8. The value of pH was slightly elevated and reducing sugar was increased during the storage. Key words Ginseng storage, physicochemical properties, drying rate, shrinkage, amylase activity.
