EFFECT OF SOLAR DRYING ON THE COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF SACHA CULANTRO (ERYNGIUM FOETIDUM L.) GROWN IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

Abstract

ABSTRACT Two solar drying methods (direct cabinet solar dryer and indirect cabinet solar dryer) were tested under tropical conditions for drying aerial parts of sacha culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) in Pucallpa City (Peruvian Amazon). The drying behavior was monitored during all experimental runs. Dried samples and fresh leaves were hydrodistilled and isolated oils were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. (E)‐2‐dodecenal was determined as the main constituent of the sacha culantro essential oil, averaging 61.8–62.2%, followed by n‐dodecanal (10.9–15.5%), (E)‐2‐tetradecenal (6.7–7.6%) and 1‐tetradecene (3.6–5.7%). When comparing both solar drying methods, the indirect method was found as more suitable for drying E. foetidum since the dried product resembled the fresh herb more closely in its chemicalcomposition and had better appearance. However, a better drying efficiency of 10.3% was achieved when drying in the direct solar dryer compared with 5.8% for the indirect solar dryer.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSHarvested leaves of sacha culantro are widely used as a condiment in a range of Peruvian, Latin American and Caribbean foods, including vegetable and meat dishes, canned food and sauces. There is lack of any postharvest processing of this herb although it may extend possibilities for use of the herb and facilitate the product export from local production areas and might be a good economic source for poor local farmers. This study shows solar drying as a reasonable preservation technique of sacha culantro leaves which may have a practical application in case of postharvest processing of the herb in the target region of Pucallpa City in Peruvian Amazon.