Perubahan Mutu Fisik Mentimun (Cucumis sativus L.) Pada Kemasan Plastik Polietilen dan Keranjang Bambu dalam Transportasi Darat

Abstract

Transport model and selection on packaging type in land transportation of cucumber determine the level of mechanical damage which can degrade the quality of cucumber. Mechanical damage on cucumber grouped into wound scratch, wound rupture, bruising, and wound crack. Mechanical damage will affect the physical quality of cucumber. The objective of this research is to determine effect of some packaging types on cucumber physical quality change (polyethylene plastic and bamboo baskets). The observations were conducted based on the physical quality parameters such as mechanical damage, weight loss, color, hardness, and organoleptic tests. Simulations was performed using a simulator table for 2 hours and 3 hours with an amplitude of 2.5 cm and frequency of 2.75 Hz. Physical qualiy parameter of cucumber were observed before and after simulation. Polyethylene packaging showed better results in cucumber fruit packaging, with less mechanical damage (28.48% and 32.64%), weight loss (10:07% and 10.62%) and general acceptance of cucumber by the panelists after transport with a score of 3.5.