Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Jalan Veteran, Malang, Indonesia 65145
*Email: nimas.sunyoto[at]ub.ac.id
Abstract
Baby Java oranges are commonly processed into juice, syrups, and candies. This high production generates large amounts of peel, which can cause waste problems if not utilized effectively. The peel contains essential oils valuable for various industries. Traditional extraction methods are slow and can degrade oil quality due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) offers a faster, more efficient alternative, producing higher yields and better quality oils. This study evaluates the effects of varying microwave power levels and extraction times on the quality of essential oil from Baby Java orange peels. Using a Randomized Group Design, three power levels (100 W, 400 W, and 600 W) and three extraction times (5, 10, and 15 minutes) were tested. Oil yield, specific gravity, refractive index, and color were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan^s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that both microwave power and extraction time significantly affected yield, specific gravity, and color parameters (L, a*, b*) but not refractive index. The interaction between power and extraction time significantly influenced specific gravity and color, but not yield or refractive index. The yields ranged from 1.40% to 4.57%, specific gravity from 1.0353 to 1.0416 g/ml, refractive index from 1.466 to 1.475, L values (lightness) from 13.95 to 21.02, a* values (redness) from 2.46 to 22.00, and b* values (yellowness) from 0.46 to 13.31.
