Innovative Watermelon Postharvest and Process Engineering System: Cleaning, Sizing, and Puree Processing for Market Enhancement

Abstract

In this research, a watermelon postharvest and process engineering system was designed, developed, and assessed its performance. The watermelon postharvest engineering system integrates a mechanised cleaning and a robotic sizing system with a capacity of 100-120 fruits/h, targeting fresh watermelon for the export market. The cleaning efficiency was 90%, whereas the sizing efficiency was 100%. Adding 250 ppm sodium dichloroisocyanurate in water during the cleaning process can extend the storage life of watermelon up to five weeks. The application of vacuum suction cups in the robotic sizing system did not cause any mechanical injury to the watermelon. The integration of mechanised cleaning (inclusive sanitation treatment) and robotic sizing systems is novel in Malaysia's watermelon postharvest engineering system. The system maintains good quality, reduces losses, and expands the market potential of watermelon. On the other hand, the watermelon mechanised puree processing system consists of a watermelon peeler, extractor, pasteuriser, and targeted watermelon puree production for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Watermelon peeler, extractor and pasteuriser have a capacity of approximately 1 peeled watermelon/min, 430 kg watermelon puree/h, and up to 90 L watermelon puree/batch, respectively. The mechanised watermelon puree processing system showed the potential to diversify local agricultural products. The developed system can benefit fresh watermelon exporters and puree producers regarding market expansion.