Effect of Storage Temperature on the Quality of Kepok Banana (Musa paradisiaca formatypica)

Abstract

Kepok bananas are often be processed into several products, while they also have an ABB genotype. The letter B indicates the possession of stronger resistance to disease and chilling injury in cold temperatures storage that extends bananas’ shelf life by decelerating its respiration and enzymatic activity. Therefore, this study aims to observe storage temperatures’ effect on kepok banana’s quality and shelf life and to determine the optimum storage temperature. The method used was storage at room temperature, 15oC, and 10oC until the banana became damaged. The parameters observed were respiration patterns, weight loss, hardness, fruit skin color, total acid, vitamin C, pH, and total soluble solids. The results showed bananas stored at cold temperatures (10oC and 15oC) lasted up to 20 days while those at room temperature only lasted for 10 days. Also, the ones stored at 10oC displayed no symptoms of chilling injury.