Cold Chain Optimization and Shipment Schedule for Increasing Vegetables Export (Case Study of Lowland Vegetables Processing Unit in Pekanbaru, Riau).

Abstract

Post harvest losses of horticultural products that occur in developing countries such as Indonesia have reached 1-50%. This study is an attempt to reduce postharvest losses of caisin and pak choi in the vegetable processing unit, Pekanbaru-Riau. The study was began by identifying of existing posharvest handling of vegetables, optimization of hydrocooling and storage temperature and optimization of vegetables export schedule. There was two of hydrocooling treatments and one control: without immersion(32oC) (A1), immersion in wells water(28oC) (A2) and soaking with ice water(5oC) (A3), and two cold chain temperature treatments: 4oC (B1) and 0oC (B2). The parameters observed were weight loss, leaf discoloration and organoleptic test. Postharvest handling in the processing unit consisted of harvesting, transportation to packing house, air precooling, trimming and sortation, packaging and storage. The losses of existing postharvest handling was 17,86% and 22,77% for caisin and pak choi. The results showed that hydrocooling of caisin and pak choi gave significant effect to weight loss. The combination of hydrocooling and storage temperature gave also significant effect to weight loss. Meanwhile, total weight losses for caisin on hydrocooling at 28oC and storage at 4oC and pak choi on hydrocooling at 28oC and storage at 0oC combination treatment gave the smallest weight loss influence about 7,83% and 8,35% respectively. The hydrocooling at 28oC and storage at 4oC (caisin) and 0oC(pak choi) is optimum postharvest treatment for decreasing weight losses. The results showed that hydrocooling treatment for both caisin and pak choi did not significantly affect to leaf color (L, a, and b). While combination of hydrocooling and storage temperature provided a significant effect on leaf color. The export optimization is reached by scheduling vegetables delivery during the period of a month.