The effect of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate on CPO quality of oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as a source of food and biofuels

Palm oil yields are often of low quality and quantity. Production quality improvement can be done by preventing damaged or defective products, for example by spraying a solution of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate. This research aimed to determine the effect of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate on the quality of crude palm oil. The research was done at the Fundamentals of Agricultural Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Malikussaleh University, North Aceh Regency. The research was started from September to November 2021. The experimental design used was Factorial Completely Randomized Design. The first factor was Calcium Chloride (C) concentration, 0, 3000, and 4000 ppm. The second factors were Sodium Benzoate (N) concentration, 0, 3000, and 4000 ppm. The results showed that giving a concentration of 3000 ppm sodium benzoate spray was able to reduce the weight loss value of loose fruit and free fatty acids, as well as increase the yield of CPO. There was a very strong relationship between the value of the moisture of the fruit and the level of impurities on the yield produced. For best results it is recommended to use sodium chloride 3000 ppm.