Physical properties and transpiration studies of fresh baby corn

The study deals with measurement of important physical properties of fresh baby corn (Zea mays L.) and the effect of cutting and storage temperature on transpiration rate and prediction of transpiration coefficients for fresh baby corn. The transpiration rate for fresh baby corn was found to be 0.102, 0.128 and 0.140 g h¹ for whole; 0.104, 0.130 and 0.144 g h⁻¹ for end cut and 0.122, 0.176 and 0.192 g h⁻¹ at temperatures of 5, 12.5 and 20°C, respectively, for sliced baby corn. Likewise, transpiration coefficient was found to be 14.615, 18.340 and 20.060 g kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ kPa⁻¹ for whole; 14.901, 18.627 and 20.633 g kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ kPa⁻¹ for end cut and 17.480, 25.218 and 27.510 g kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ kPa⁻¹ for sliced baby corn at the respective three temperatures. Transpiration coefficients increased with increase in temperature. Slightly higher transpiration coefficients were observed for end cut samples but significantly higher values were found for sliced baby corn samples.