Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling of Tomi-tomi Fruits (Flacourtia inermis Roxb.) in Ambon, Maluku in Supporting Food Security

Abstract

Tomi-tomi fruits (Flacourtia inermis Roxb.) is a local commodity with the potential to support food security in Ambon City, Maluku. Proper harvest and post-harvest handling are very important to maintain the quality, nutritional content, and shelf life of this fruit. This study aims to identify best practices in the harvest and post-harvest handling of tomi-tomi and to examine their contribution to community food security. The methods used include field observations, interviews with farmers and business actors, and fruit quality analysis at various handling stages. The results show that proper harvest timing, sorting techniques, appropriate storage, and processing can increase added value and extend shelf life. Optimizing the harvest and post-harvest processes makes tomi-tomi as sustainable alternative food source in eastern Indonesia