Pengaruh Pelapisan Lilin dan Suhu Penyimpanan terhadap Masa Simpan Buah Naga Super Red (Hylocereus costaricensis)

Abstract

Hylocereus costaricensis or super red dragon fruit has a short shelf life due to its withered scales that affects consumers‟ preference. Coating application and low temperature storage were expected to extend the shelf life. The aim of this research is to study the application of coating and the impact of its interaction with storage temperature on super red dragon fruit shelf life. Coating using cera alba wax with and without stearin as the substitution were applied in dragon fruits that then were stored at room temperature, 12oC, and 5oC. The analysis of scale freshness percentage, weight loss, firmness, and ion leakage were done every 2 days for room temperature and 7 days for low temperature. The result showed that dragon fruits could be stored for 4 days at room temperature, 14 days at 12oC, or 21-28 days at 5oC. Coating treatment gave no effect unless combined with low temperature. Storage of 5oC without coating treatment was able to maintain fruit quality, particularly on its weight loss. The stearin could be used as cera alba substitution that it gave no negative effect.