Disparities in Sanitation and Physicochemical Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Traditional Markets: A Case Study of Semarang,Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Peanut and ginger are among the most widely used ingredients in Indonesian cuisine, includingin Semarang City. These commodities are primarily cultivated in the uphill areas of Semarangand distributed to consumers in downhill regions through three government-managed traditionalmarket categories. Given its role in daily consumption, it is essential to ensure safe distribution.This study aimed to analyze the differences and correlations among market categories in terms ofmoisture content, temperature, physical quality, and sanitary hygiene, as well as theinterrelationships between these parameters in peanuts and ginger sold in traditional markets inSemarang. This study uses 87 samples from 29 markets. The findings revealed significantdifferences (P<0.05) in hygiene sanitation for peanuts across market categories, whereas the otherparameters showed no significant variation (P>0.05). In contrast, gingers exhibited significantdifferences (P<0.05) in moisture content, physical quality, and sanitary hygiene, with temperaturebeing the only parameter with no significant variation (P>0.05) among the market categories.Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated significant relationships (P<0.05) between moisturecontent and temperature, physical quality, and hygiene sanitation as well as between physicalquality and hygiene sanitation for both peanut and ginger commodities.