Application of Fixatives to Freeze Dried Rose Petals

The effect of freeze drying and fixatives in post-treating freeze drying on the morphological properties of the rose (Rosa hybrida L.) petal were investigated for the production of high quality of freeze dried rose. The morphology including form and color of the dried flowers of cut rose were depended on the drying methods. The drying time was extended due to their density and water content, and was shorter in the freeze drying than that in the natural and hot air drying. Freeze dried process for dried flowers took 2 days in a freeze dryer and did not cause shrinkage or toughening of rose petal being dried, preserving its natural shape and color. The diameter of freeze dried flowers showed little reduction compared to fresh flowers. In Hunter color values of petals of freeze dried flowers, L and a values were high and showed little variations in comparison to fresh petals. Freeze drying led to a noticeable increase in anthocyanin contents in petals, suggesting that anthocyanin contents play an important role in the acquisition of freezing tolerance. Exposure of flowers to freeze drying was accompanied by an increase in the carotenoid content. In the post-treating freeze drying, epoxy resin, a fixative, applied alone or in combination to petals of freeze dried flowers showed efficient coating for the protection from humidity and sunlight. Combined application of epoxy and acetone to freeze dried petals permitted maintenance of natural color and excellent tissue morphology, showing color stability and shiny texture in surface of petals. These findings suggest that application of fixatives to freeze dried rose petals improves the floral preservation and epoxy coating provides good quality in the freeze dried flower product.