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Title: Improving sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials (abstract)

Author
item Milczarek, Rebecca
item AVENA-MASCARENO, ROBERTO - University Of California
item ALONZO, JEROME - National Institute Of Agronomy, Food Science And Environment (AGROSUP)
item FICHOT, MELISSA - School Of Engineers Of Purpan

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/2015
Publication Date: 6/16/2015
Citation: Milczarek, R.R., Avena-Mascareno, R., Alonzo, J., Fichot, M.E. 2015. Improving sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials (abstract). International Congress on Engineering and Food - Québec City, Canada - June 14-18, 2015.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Photo-selective materials have previously been studied for their effects on the pre-harvest quality of horticultural crops, but little work has been done on potential post-harvest effects. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the effects of 5 different photo-selective acrylic materials (used as the lid to a single-layer sun drying cabinet) on the drying rate and quality of apricots (Prunus armeniaca). Photo-selective cabinet materials that transmit light in the visible portion of the solar spectrum accelerated the apricots’ drying rate in both the early period of drying and the course of drying as a whole. These materials did not significantly affect the measured quality metrics during the first day of sun drying. However, when drying was taken to completion (defined as <26% wet basis moisture content), some minor but significant quality differences were observed. Infrared-blocking material produced dried apricot with lower red color, compared to clear, opaque black, and ultraviolet-blocking materials. Clear material produced dried apricot with significantly lower antioxidant activity, compared to black and infrared-blocking materials. This work demonstrated that the use of appropriate photo-selective drying cabinet materials can reduce the required sun drying time for apricots by 1-2 days, compared with fully shaded drying. Thus, with careful selection of dryer construction material, more fruit can be dried in the same amount of time, enhancing the sustainability of this traditional drying process. Ultraviolet-blocking material is recommended to maximize drying rate and minimize quality degradation.