Cosecha y poscosecha de flor de jamaica y hierba luisa orgánica en el sector “La era” del canton Catamayo, provincia de Loja.

Abstract

The need of carrying a harvest and post-harvest management by the producers of aro ma tic plants is each time higher, however, since there are limitations to carry out these processes , the improvement of harvest and post-harvest management of organic a ro m atic h e rbs h a s been proposed as a main objective, for which a diagnosis was made through the application of surveys to farmers, where some inconveniences on the topic were identifie d a s w e ll a s the need of making a good harvest and post-harvest management for both Jamaica (Hibiscus) flower and lemongrass; based on these results, preliminary tests were made with fresh material and different packing types, stored at temperatures between 6.9 a n d 7 . 9 °C, then, definitive treatments were established and organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were evaluated; with these results it was determined that Jamaica flower packed in a raffia and polypropylene sack with 6 holes and ref rige ra ted a t temperatures between 6.9 and 7.9 °C, preserved quality characteristics for 16 days; meanwhile, lemongrass packed in a 20 liter bucket and stored at the same temperature interval, had a useful lifetime of 17 days. Retail prices go up to 1.99 and 0.53 USD for Jamaica flower and lemongrass, respectively.