Formulasi dan aplikasi pelapis gel Lidah Buaya pada buah Salak Pondoh (Salacca edulis Reinw.)

Abstract

Salacca edulis as agricultural commodities is highly perishable and has short shelf life. Reduction of respiration rate can extend shelf life of Salacca edulis. Coating and packaging could reduce respiration rate as these inhibit the transfer of CO2, O2, and water vapour. Aloe vera gel is potential to be applied as coating material. Aloe vera gel composed of polysaccharides that can inhibit the transfer of CO2 and O2 gas, and contains anti microbial function components that can inhibit microbial spoilage. The objectives of this research were to formulate and characterize the Aloe vera gel coating solution; and to observe the effect of application Aloe vera coating solution on the quality changes of Salacca edulis var. pondoh. This research was conducted in four steps. At the first step is characterize Salacca edulis var. pondoh. The next step are formulate and then characterize the coating solution. Formula Aloe vera gel coating solution with etanol 70% solvent, CMC 0.5% (w/w), gliserol 0.5% (w/w), potassium sorbate 0.05% (w/w) and ratio 1:2, 1:1, and 3:2 (gel: solvent) have characteristics viscosity 610-885 cP; pH number 5; moisture content 98.35-98.60 %, and total dissolved solid 7-9°Brix. The last step is application of aloe vera gel coating. That application has influence the quality changes of Salacca edulis var. pondoh. Application of Aloe vera gel coating and non perforated Poly Propylene (PP) packaging can extend Salacca edulis var. pondoh shelf life until 22 days with the decay percentage below 50% in cold storage temprature.