Abstract

This study was carried out to define the optimum drying conditions for Lycium chinense Miller as a useful healthy food, because recently the cultivation area and yield of this fruit are increased. The experiments of two varieties were performed at the temperature of $45^{\circ}C$, $50^{\circ}C$, $55^{\circ}C$ and $60^{\circ}C$. The drying ratio was the slowest and quality was the best at the drying temperature of $45^{\circ}C$. The drying temperature was higher, drying ratio was more faster and the quality became worse. The difference of drying ratios between the varieties was insignificant. The energy consumption per hour was the minimum at the drying temperature of $45^{\circ}C$, but the total energy consumption was the maximum for the long drying time. Also, the energy consumption at the drying temperature $50^{\circ}C$, $55^{\circ}C$ and $60^{\circ}C$ was not very different from others. Considering the drying ratio, quality and energy consumption, the drying time of 36 hours at the drying temperature of $50^{\circ}C$ was the most optimum condition.

Keywords

• Drying;
• Drying rate;
• Moisture contents;
• Lycium chinese Miller