The Effectiveness of Bidara Activated Charcoal to Extend Shelf-life of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculanta mill)
Keywords:
Activated charcoal, Bidara, Tomato, Shelf-lifeAbstract
Tomato fruit is a fruit belonging to the climacteric fruit group, namely fruit that has a very fast rate of respiration and ethylene production after harvest so that the fruit will quickly experience damage. This study aims to prove the effect of using bidara stem activated charcoal in an effort to maintain freshness and extend the shelf life of tomatoes. The results of this study showed that the use of activated charcoal had no effect on the pH value, and the weight loss value of the tomatoes, however, it did affect the color, texture and was able to suppress the growth of the fungus visually until the 22nd day on the tomatoes. Therefore the use of activated charcoal as much as 6 grams per package of tomatoes is recommended as the best treatment in maintaining freshness and extending the shelf life of tomatoes.
