Hot Air Drying Characteristics of Sukkari Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Effects of Drying Condition on Fruit Color and Texture

Abstract

Abstract Convective hot air drying was used to dry date fruits at different air temperatures and velocities. The kinetics of drying was evaluated by 10 common models. The fruit color and texture were examined before and after drying. Drying time increased as both drying temperature and air velocity decreased. Best fits to the experimental data were provided by the Midilli and Kucuk model, followed by the logarithmic, two-term exponential, and Henderson–Pabis models. Drying affected the fruit color and texture. To minimize such changes, the range of drying temperature and air velocity should be 60–70°C and 2 m/s, respectively.