Drying of Banana-Stepwise Effect in Drying Air Temperature on Drying Kinetics
Abstract
Objective:
Three different varieties of banana namely Dwarf Cavendish (Ankleshwar region), Lacatan (Valia region) and Harichal (Bharuch region) were collected from the south Gujarat region, India to check the drying parameters. A pilot scale natural draft tray dryer was used for the drying experimental work.
Methods:
The performance of all the varieties of banana were verified with and without blanching operation. Change in colour, texture, shrinkage and appearance were studied. Blanching has a remarkable effect on the appearance and shrinkage of the banana samples.
Results:
On the other side, temperature does not show any significant effect on the shrinkage. For the Lacatan and Harichal banana samples, shrinkage was found to be very less at 60 º C and 70 º C, while for Dwarf Cavendish sample, shrinkage was found more effective at all varying temperature ranges.
Conclusion:
Appearance, colour and texture of Dwarf Cavendish and Harichal were found to be significant at 70 º C and 80 º C, while for Lacatan, no such acceptable changes were observed. Overall, blanching was found to be effective in improving the appearance and colour of all varieties of banana.