Drying rates and quality parameters of fish sardines processed using solar dryers

Abstract EN

In order to overcome the drawbacks of traditional sun drying of fish, the performance of three different types of solar dryers was investigated using sardines.

The drying performance was evaluated in terms of drying rates and quality attributes.

The dryers used were open rack, convection cabinet, and multi-rack dryer.

The quality attributes of dried sardines were assessed by determining proximate composition, yeast, mold and bacterial counts, peroxide value, and color L, a, b values.

A significant variation in drying rates and quality attributes was observed.

The drying rates were highest with a convection cabinet.

The multi-rack dome dryer, however, has more potential over other dryers due to moderate drying rates, overall quality of dried fish and high fish loading capacity.