Shelf-life prediction of nutmeg candy (myristica fragrans houtt) using the Arrhenius equation approach’s accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT) method

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) is one of the spices utilized as food. The processing of nutmeg into sweets makes one of the snacks known as nutmeg candy. The nutmeg candy found in the market still does not have the identity product shelf life or expiration date, so buyers are hesitant; in this study, a simulation of estimating the shelf life of nutmeg candy with the Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing (ASLT) method was made and applied using Visual Basic applications which can later be used by industry and enterprise. Samples were taken from UMKM UD. Cahaya in Tapaktuan, South Aceh. This research was conducted by formulating temperatures of 35, 45, and 55°C with water and sugar content measurements; in this study, one critical point was taken to determine the shelf life. The results showed that the water content was 6.85 – 13.69 (%b/b), and the sugar content was 5.10-7° brix. The shelf life measured by the critical point shows that dried candied nutmeg can be stored for 50.89 days.