It is generally not recommended to store plant parts in the refrigerator for an extended period before drying and extracting phytomolecules. Refrigeration can cause changes in the chemical composition of plant tissues, which may affect the yield and quality of the extracted phytomolecules.
Plant tissues are composed of complex mixtures of compounds that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. When plant tissues are stored in the refrigerator, the low temperature and high humidity can cause changes in the chemical composition of the tissues, including the breakdown or degradation of some compounds and the synthesis of new compounds. These changes can affect the yield and quality of the phytomolecules extracted from the tissues.
Therefore, it is generally recommended to proceed with the drying and extracting of phytomolecules as soon as possible after collecting plant tissues. If it is impossible to process the tissues immediately, they should be stored in a cool, dry place at around 4°C. However, even under these conditions, storing plant tissues for longer than a few days is generally not recommended before proceeding with the drying and extraction steps.
It is also important to note that different plant tissues and phytomolecules may be more or less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the specific plant tissue and phytomolecules of interest when deciding how to store the tissues and how long to store them before processing.