Evaluasi Metode Sun Drying dan Shade Drying terhadap Karakteristik dan Mutu Bunga Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior)

Abstract

Kecombrang flower (Etlingera elatior) has potential to be developed as a raw material for food and beverage products; however, its high moisture content in the fresh condition makes it susceptible to deterioration, requiring an appropriate drying process. This study aimed to evaluate sun drying and shade drying methods on the characteristics and quality of kecombrang flowers based on color, moisture content, drying yield, and infusion pH. Color characteristics were analyzed using a ColorFlex EZ HunterLab, moisture content using the AOAC method, drying yield based on the mass ratio before and after drying, and pH was measured from the infusion of dried samples. The results showed that both methods produced a Red Purple color, with ΔE values of 10.56 for sun drying and 16.16 for shade drying. Drying yield was 10.30 ± 0.56% for sun drying and 11.46 ± 0.70% for shade drying, while moisture content was 9.20 ± 2.76% and 8.80 ± 3.83%, respectively. The infusion pH values were 4.44 ± 0.16 and 4.84 ± 0.04, respectively. Both methods produced average moisture contents within the 10% limit, with shade drying showing a higher drying yield and lower moisture content, while sun drying resulted in a lower color change based on ΔE.