Utilization of non-timber forest products Arenga pinnata as a natural food source

Abstract

Sugar palm is a type of palm plant almost spread throughout Indonesia. Sugar palm has many benefits but has not been widely used by communities around the forest. The research aims to determine the use of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr.) in Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. The data collection method was carried out through interviews with sugar palm farmers and managers as well as field observations in sugar palm plantations. The selection of respondents used a purposive sampling method namely, key informants such as sugar palm farmers, village heads, traditional community leaders, or religious leaders. The results of observations show that the productive age of sugar palms is 8-12 years and can produce sap of more than 15 liters/day. Based on the research results, it shows that sugar palm plants are used as a food source, namely the fruit part as palm fruit; the juice is taken from the flowers which is then processed into palm sugar and palm wine; flour from processed stems. The use of arena pinnata as a food source at the research location is still very simple and the processing production potential has not been able to be realized optimally.