Abstract

In Thailand, there are many varieties of sweet corn from both public and private sectors. Storage duration between transportation to distributors is a crucial factor on fresh ear quality of sweet corn. This study was aimed to investigate effects of sweet corn varieties on shelf life and fresh ear quality. Five sweet corn varieties (Hi-Brix 3, Hi-Brix 53, Wan 54, Wan 56 and Insee 2) were planted using randomized complete block design with three replications. Fresh ears with husk of each variety were harvested at 20 days after days to 50% silking and stored in two places; refrigerator (8°C) and open-air place (30°C). Quality of fresh ear were collected at 0, 3, 5, and 7 days after storage. The results showed that average sweetness of Wan 54 (2.67) and Hi-Brix 53 (2.33) were higher than Insee 2 (1.83) (P<0.05). Average tenderness and flavor of Wan 54 (2.71, 2.67), Hi-Brix 53 (2.33, 2.21) and Wan 56 (2.38, 2.08) were higher than Insee 2 (1.54, 1.58) (P<0.05). Fresh ear quality of all sweet corn varieties decreased when dates of storage increased. Storage in refrigerator slowly decreased fresh ear quality than storage in open-air place. These can be concluded that the tested sweet corn varieties had no different shelf life. Fresh ears of sweet corn should be stored in low temperature and in the shortest time to maintain highest eating quality.