Optimal Condition of Mushroom Drying Using Solar Energy Combined with Infrared Radiation

Abstract

Dried agricultural products are considered as economically important of Thailand. Most of dried agricultural products are still produced using natural sun drying method. Although, it is the cheapest method, dried products are usually contaminated by insects, birds and animals. This study presents the drying characteristic of mushroom (Pleurotus saljor-caju (Fr.) Singer) using solar energy, infrared radiation energy and solar combined with infrared radiation energy. The mushroom drying air temperature was investigated at 40, 50, 60 and 70oC. The experiments showed that drying time required reducing the moisture ratio from initial average value of 1.00 to desire final moisture ratio of 0.23, 0.18, 0.08 and 0.06 was 180 min for drying air temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70oC respectively. The combined heating energy drying of 70oC shows good potential to reduce the moisture ratio of mushroom.