Abstract

The effect of convective drying at 50, 60 and 70 degrees C on the drying kinetics and quality parameters ofSalicornia fruticosawas investigated. To estimate the equilibrium moisture content a desorption isotherm was performed using five empirical models: Halsey, Caurie, Henderson, Smith and Oswin. The experimental data was also fitted to different drying kinetic models (Logarithmic, Two-Terms, Midilli-Kucuk and Exponential Two-Terms). A numerical simulation using the Finite Volume Method allowed us to describe the evolution of temperature and moisture content distributions during drying. The Henderson model was found to be the most suitable for predicting the equilibrium moisture content ofS. fruticosa,with values ofX(we)in the drying process of 1.51; 1.54 and 1.36 g water/g d.m for 50, 60 and 70 degrees C, respectively. A good agreement was found between the numerical and experimental results of temperature and moisture duringSalicorniadrying. The Midilli-Kucuk model presented the best fitting to the drying curves. The effects of drying onS. fruticosawere significant in two quality parameters. Antioxidant capacity decreased in ca. 45% and lightness (> L*) significantly increased at a drying temperature of 70 degrees C, compared to the fresh samples. The optimum drying temperature where drying time and nutrients loss was minimum was 70 degrees C. These results can be used to estimate the best drying conditions for producing dehydratedSalicornia. The use of halophytes as sustainable crops is promising, and the vision of their commercial production must be evaluated and considered, given water scarcity in many areas of the planet.