Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is a key commodity playing a vital role in meeting global demands across the food, oleochemical, and renewable energy industries. A primary quality parameter for CPO is its free fatty acid (FFA) content. FFA levels are influenced by lipolytic enzyme activity, high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to air during handling and storage. This study aimed to examine how the design and operational conditions of loading ramp shelters specifically contribute to changes in the FFA levels of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), which in turn affect the quality of the final CPO product. In this study, FFB were placed at three locations: an outdoor area (P1), an outdoor area with water spraying (P2), and a shelter (P3), and their FFA content was analyzed after 1 to 7 days of post-harvest storage. The results showed that the lowest increase in FFA levels occurred with the shelter treatment (P3), as it was more effective at suppressing FFA accumulation, particularly during rainy weather.
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