Packaging of Curly Chilies During Transportation and Temporary Storage for Domestic Market in Indonesia

Abstract

Supply chain of curly chilies from production center to market in Indonesia are usually carried out at ambient temperature, lack of postharvest handling method and take more than 2 days depend on the distance to the market. In this study, effect of packaging method commonly used by the actor of supply chain of curly chilies in Indonesia during transportation and temporary storage, on the quality of curly chilies was examined. Sample of packaging materials were plastic net, plastic sack and ventilated cardboard box. Sample of curly chilies were harvested from farmer orchard. After sorting, three kilogram of curly chilies were transported to the labolatory in 5 hours and stored at ambient temperature condition. Change in weight loss, firmness, color, vitamin C and visual appearance were measured during storage period. Among the packaging materials, the longest postharvest life observed for curly chilies packed in ventilated cardboard box. The damage of curly chilies was found at days 13, 7 and 5 for ventilated cardboard box, plastic sack and plastic net, respectively. There were no significant differences for changes in firmness, color and vitamin C of curly chilies among the packaging materials up to 5 days storage. Minimum weight loss was found for curly chilies packed into ventilated cardboard box. This study recommended the use of ventilated cardboard box for distribution and temporary storage of cllrly chilies for domestic market in lndonesia.