Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Drying Using Hybrid Rack-Type Drying House

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the drying time of cloves using a hybrid rack-type drying house. The study was conducted for 60 days in Harapan Jaya Village, Wayratai Subdistrict, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung. The tools used include a rack-type drying house, Lux meter UT383, digital scale, grain moisture meter AR991, analog thermometer, hygrometer, and a gas stove. The tested material in this research was fresh cloves, amounting to 12.5 kg. The experimental method with two different treatments was employed in this study. Firstly, testing without additional energy was divided into drying using a drying house (using natural energy or sunlight) and sun drying without a drying house. Secondly, testing with additional energy included drying using a drying house with additional energy from sunlight and gas-fired heaters. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the time required to dry 22.5 kg of cloves to a moisture content of 12.5% is as follows (1) drying with a drying house using solar energy takes 180 hours (8 days), (2) drying with a hybrid drying house using solar energy and gas takes 132 hours (6 days), (3) sun drying using traditional methods (without a drying house) takes 162 hours (7 days). The hybrid drying house is suitable for the drying process in high-altitude areas or during cloudy or rainy weather, as it can continuously carry out the drying process, whether there is sunlight or not. Keywords: Cloves, Drying, Drying Time, Hybrid, Post-Harvest.