Improving the Quality and Safety of Palm Sugar in North Lombok

Abstract

North Lombok is the only underdeveloped district in NTB. Menggala Village in North Lombok is strategically located close to Mataram city center and Gili Trawangan harbor. Menggala Village has the largest palm sugar-producing center in North Lombok. This potential has not been able to increase the economy of palm sugar craftsmen. This is due to the processing of palm sugar which is still very simple both in terms of production and packaging. In addition, marketing that has not been widespread is also an obstacle. For this reason, the objectives of this activity include increasing the knowledge and understanding of palm sugar craftsmen in making high-quality and safe products, increasing understanding of labels and packaging, improving product marketing strategies into superior local products, and knowing the nutritional value contained in products. This activity consists of FGD, training, and advanced mentoring stage. The FGD results show that palm sugar farmers need training on GMP, packaging, and business development. The results of this training were able to significantly increase the partners' knowledge. Partner production facilities become more feasible and hygienic. The results of the product analysis meet the quality requirements of SNI. However, partners still need to develop their business through local marketing in collaboration with gift centers and actively participate in MSME bazaars or exhibitions in the local area.

Chemical Analysis of Arenga Palm Sugar and Its Relationship with Consumer Acceptability

“…The consumption of palm sugar has increased in Indonesia as consumers are looking for healthier lifestyles. This is a good opportunity for palm sugar producers in Indonesia, which have been struggling in many developing regions [7][8]. The processing of palm sugar is simple, using traditional cooking tools like firewood in an open processing area.…”

“…To better understand the chemicals that provide palm sugar its desired sensory properties, it is necessary to gather information about its chemical levels, processes, and sensory attributes [10]. The Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) preference test and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) variability test are frequently used to to determine a product's placement among other products and identify samples that consumers prefer, [7]. Sensory analysis of the acceptance of palm sugar in the community is necessary to gather information on consumer preferences for palm sugar in a particular area compared to other palm sugar.…”