Combined microwave-hot air drying of peeled longan

• Main Authors: Varith J., Dijkanarukkul P., Achariyaviriya A., Achariyaviriya S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33846882010&partnerID=40&md5=8dd04d26f25a373bb176433814261f08; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/1339
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate a drying process for peeled longan using combined microwave-hot air (MWHA). Each experiment employed the peeled 'Dor' longan to be dried to final moisture content of 18% (dry basis). Hot air temperature was regulated for three levels: 40, 50, and 60 °C, coupled with MW regulated for four levels: 100, 180, 300 and 450 W. Results show that MWHA drying process yielded a unique convex-shaped drying rate period, followed by a falling rate period. A step-wised drying process using 40 °C hot air with 450 W-MW power for 1.7 h, followed by 60 °C hot air with 300 W-MW power for 3.3 h provided the maximum drying efficiency. Compared to the 65 °C hot air drying to obtain the golden brown flesh, combined MWHA process reduced drying time by 64.3% and specific energy consumption by 48.2%. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.