Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike


INFLUENCE OF DRYING METHOD ON REHYDRATION RATIO AND Β-CAROTENE CONTENT IN SOME SELECTED DRIED VEGETABLES

Okaiyeto, S. A.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abdullahi, M. E.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Isiaka, M.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria



ABSTRACT

Two qualities were analyzed in some selected dried vegetables to evaluate the difference
between open sun dried, indirect mode dried and mixed mode dried produce. Rehydration ratio
and β-carotene were evaluated in baobab leaves, tomato and okra. Fresh samples of each
commodity were purchased, dried and analyzed for β-carotene and rehydration ratio. Results
showed that mean rehydration ratio for baobab leaves ranged from 4.1 to 5.2 with indirect mode
dried baobab leaves giving the highest value. Mean rehydration ratio of tomato ranged from 3.3
to 4.4 with mixed mode dried tomato giving the highest value. Mean rehydration ratio for okra
ranged from 4.2 to 6.8 with indirect mode dried okra giving the best. There was a small drop in
β-carotene content from 1.521mg/100mg for fresh green baobab leaves to 1.390mg/100mg for
open sun dried baobab leaves and a highest value of 1.520mg/100mg for mixed mode dried
baobab leaves. Meanwhile there was a substantial change in β-carotene content from
0.671mg/100mg for fresh ripe tomatoes to 0.740mg/100mg for indirect mode dried tomatoes,
0.290mg/100mg for mixed mode dried and open sun dried tomatoes. There was also a substantial
drop in β-carotene content from 1.021mg/100mg fresh okra to as low as 0.230mg/100mg for
open sun dried okra and highest value of 0.420mg/100mg for indirect mode dried okra. In
conclusion, the drying method to adopt for drying either of baobab leaves, tomato or okra is
dependent on the quality that is of importance.


Keywords: Mixed mode, indirect mode, drying, β-carotene, rehydration ratio


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Conference Code
IECON2019

Conference Title
ENGINEERING FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, FOOD AND NATIONAL SECURITY

ISBN
978-978-53175-8-9

Date Published
Friday, September 20, 2019

Conference Date
2nd - 4th September, 2019

The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.


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