Background : This study was conducted to determine out the effect of storage temperature on the quality of fresh ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) during distribution.
Methods and Results : Fresh ginseng was washed, packed in 30㎛ low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, then stored at 0, −2 and −4℃. After 4 weeks of storage, ginseng was then stored at 5℃, as a simulation of the distribution process. Ginseng stored at −4℃ showed higher respiration rate, ethylene production and electrolyte conductivity during the distribution phase than those stored at 0 and −2℃. Decay and browning rate rapidly increased following 3 weeks of distribution in samples stored −4℃. However ginseng stored −2℃, which is below freezing point, for 4 weeks did not show the physiological change or quality deterioration. Ginsenoside contents decreased during storage for all plant, but did not differ significantly between storage temperatures.
Conclusions : Storage at temperatures below −2℃ can negatively affect respiratory characteristics and electrolyte leakage and increase quality deterioration and decay rates during distribution.

• 이지현(농촌진흥청 국립원예특작과학원 저장유통연구팀) | Ji Hyun Lee Corresponding Author
• 최지원(농촌진흥청 국립원예특작과학원 저장유통연구팀) | Ji Weon Chio
• 홍윤표(농촌진흥청 국립원예특작과학원 저장유통연구팀) | Yoon Pyo Hong
• 김금숙(농촌진흥청 국립원예특작과학원 인삼특작부) | Geum Soog Kim