RESEARCH OF PLUM DRYING PROCESS

Abstract

In this study, the drying kinetics of a domestic plum cultivar were examined in a laboratory scale hot-air dryer, SHS-80, at an air velocity of 0.65m s-1 and within the air temperature range of 45 – 75 0С. It was found that the whole fruit dried the best. Also, the study  assessed the influence of the drying method on the quality of the domestic plum cultivar. Dried fruits were assessed for sensory parameters and ascorbic acid content. Studies have shown thatthe proposed method of drying, yields a higher absorbic acid content for the dried product  than the conventional approach.