Shelf-Life Estimation of Muntok White Pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) Hard Candy using Q10 Method

Candy is a product that all people like. One of the ingredients that can be used to make candy is white pepper from Bangka Island, called Muntok White Pepper. This white pepper contains the highest piperine content in the world, which is 6-7% (w/w). Muntok white pepper hard candy can add to the diversification of spice-based food products. Therefore, information related to shelf-life is crucial to ensure product safety. This study aimed to determine the shelf-life of Muntok white pepper hard candy products using the Q10 method. Products packaged in metalized plastic were tested for shelf-life at three different storage temperatures (25, 35, and 45 °C) for 28 days. The study used five observation times (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) with test parameters of moisture content and sensory quality (color, aroma, taste, and texture). The results showed that temperature and storage time differences affected the moisture content of Muntok white pepper hard candy (p < 0.05). The results of the shelf-life test show that the texture parameter of Muntok white pepper hard candy deteriorates faster, with a k value of 0.5323 at 25 °C. The results of the estimated shelf-life obtained show that this Muntok white pepper hard candy has a shelf-life of 40 days when stored at room temperature (25 °C).