Analysis of Physcho-Chemical Changes and Mechanical Damage of Tomato (Licopersicum Esculentum L.) During the Transportation

Abstract

Quality analysis on tomatoes must always be done to maintain the shelf life and physical, chemical and mechanical damage of a product. However, generally the initial damage to tomatoes occurs in the post-harvest handling process during the transportation of tomatoes for distribution to marketing areas. Damage often occurs due to the distribution process with improper selection of packaging containers. This study aims to analyze the physical, chemical and mechanical changes due to the transportation process of various types of packaging during the distribution of tomato fruit so that it can be known which type of packaging container is able to maintain the quality of tomato fruit during the distribution process. This research method uses three treatments, namely tomatoes packed in plastic bags, wooden boxes and styrofoam during the transportation process. Data analysis was carried out by measuring parameters, namely weight loss, color, percentage of defects and total soluble solids. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the type of wooden box packaging has the most changes in weight shrinkage, mechanical damage, and Total Soluble Solid (TSS) and styrofoam packaging can minimize the occurrence of weight shrinkage, mechanical damage and Total Soluble Solid (TSS).