STUDY ON THE OPTIMIZATION OF PRESERVATION CONDITIONS FOR OENANTHE JAVANICA USING THERMOPLASTIC FILM INCORPORATED WITH ANTIMICROBIAL ADDITIVE POLYGUANIDINE

Abstract

This study endeavors to optimize two experimental factors: the packaging area-to-product weight ratio (cm²/g) and the storage temperature (°C), which significantly influence the equilibrium conditions of oxygen (%) and carbon dioxide (%) concentrations in the packaging environment for preserving water celery. A multifactorial experimental plan has been designed, consisting of 9 experiments, with a range of investigation for two previously mentioned factors: the packaging area to product weight ratio spanning from 4.8 to 6.0cm²/g, and the storage temperature varying between 3-7°C. The optimal results showed a packaging area to product weight ratio of 4.95cm²/g and a storage temperature of 3°C, corresponding to an equilibrium state in the packaging environment with oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations at 1.09% and 5.19%, respectively. Subsequent evaluation of the quality attributes of water celery under optimal conditions, after a storage periods of 15 days, revealed a vitamin C content of 18.57mg%, total soluble solids of 2.71°Brix, fiber content of 3.01%, and protein content of 3.13%.