In-store drying application on shallot postharvest handling

Abstract

The yield loss of shallot after harvest at farmers' level could be reduced by using an appropriate treatment, such as using a modified drying process. A process that includes aeration and heat control system is also possible to be developed in rural-scale. It is designed to prevent shallot damage and reduced quality that usually occur to the shallot which were having a natural or conventional drying process. The purposes of this research were to measure the effects of two drying techniques (sun drying and in-store drying) on shallot quality and to measure in-store drying performance. The research used an experimental method with T-test, consist of 2 treatments, conventional drying method (sun drying) and in-store drying method. The observed parameters include physical properties, tuber hardness, sensory properties, chemical properties, tuber damage, equipment performances and financial feasibilities. The results showed that the application of in-store drying technology has a good efficiency (58.26%), financially feasible (R/C 1.27, BEP 200.92, PBP 4.8 months and net B/C 1.85) and significantly better than conventional way.