Performance Evaluation for Removing Jujube Seed Using Jujube Seed Removal System During Storage

Abstract

Deseeded jujubes are commonly consumed as snacks. This study was conducted to develop a seed-removing machine for jujubes that relieves hard work in manual seed removal. The seed-removing machine consists of a jujube supplying unit, a punching unit, and a discharging unit. To test the performance of the machine, shape characteristics, seed removing rate, sarcocarp cracking rate, and flesh hardness were analyzed throughout the jujube storage period. The machine showed good seed removing and sarcocarp cracking rates at room temperature and cold temperature storage on days 2, 15, and 50. Seed removing rates were 80% at day 15 and 96% at day 50. The sarcocarp cracking rates were 33% for day 15 and 30% for day 50. Hardness started to decrease from day 8 to day 70 at both room temperature and cold temperature storage. The working capacity of the machine was 900 fruits/h. The results showed that the jujube seed removing machine is useful for reducing the labor requirements of postharvest jujube processing.