The effects of seaweed-based coating application on the respiration rate of shallots (Allium cepa l) during storage

Abstract

In the postharvest handling of fresh products, coating is known as one of the preservation methods to lengthen shelf life. However, coating materials are still very difficult to find in Indonesia, more researches are still needed to explore indigenous materials to produce coating material. This research was intended to develop coating material based on seaweed flour (carrageenan) and to study the effect of its application on the respiration rate of shallot (Allium cepa L) during storage period. Coating material was produced in two different concentrations of carrageenan that were 0,5 and 0,75%. Fresh shallots as the samples were coated then loaded in the respirometer and stored at temperatures of 15°C and 28°C for 15 days storage periods. Uncoated shallots were also investigated as the control. Oxygen and carbon dioxide changes were monitored using O2 and CO2 Gas Analyzer (Quantek 902D) every day. It was found that the changes in gas composition inside the respirometer were found to vary for each coating materials and storage temperatures. Coated shallots showed lower respiration rates as compared to the control. Arrhenius equation could satisfactorily represent the effect of storage temperature on the respiration rate of the shallots.