Abstract:
Pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon to be used as an active packaging for shelf life extension of fresh produces was developed. Pulping was done by cooking pineapple leaf with 3.6% w/v sodium bicarbonate. The pineapple pulp was washed several times until the pH of the drained water was 6-7. The pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon was done by mixing pineapple leaf pulp with 0, 50, 150 and 250% w/w active carbon. Paper with 0% active carbon was used as control. It was found that the more the amount of active carbon, the higher the concentration of ethylene to be adsorbed, while control sample did not adsorb ethylene. Nevertheless, the physical properties (brightness, tear index and tensile index) of the active paper decreased with an increase in the amount of active carbon. The pineapple leaf paper containing 150% active carbon was found to be the optimum condition in term of paper forming ability and ethylene adsorbing quality. The pineapple leaf paper containing 150% active carbon, in comparison with commercial ethylene absorber (Elecon), was then used to extend shelf life of melons stored at 30 and 10 °C. Control samples were melons without ethylene absorber. Ethylene and carbon dioxide concentration, changes in physical, chemical and sensory qualities of the melons were determined during the storage period. The results showed that pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon could adsorb ethylene produced by melons under close system. There were no significant difference in color, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and sensory quality of the melons stored with pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon, Elecon and control at both 30 and 10°C. However, pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon showed potential to extend shelf life of the melons. The pineapple leaf paper containing active carbon has potential to be used as an active packaging for ethylene adsorbing to extend shelf life of fresh produce.