Effect of drying techniques on drying behaviour and physico-chemical properties of marigold

In the present study, the flowers of the three cultivars of marigold, namely, Pusa Narangi, Pusa Basanti and Solan I were dried using different drying methods viz. solar drying, fan drying and cabinet drying using different time-temperature combinations. The study revealed that the least time taken to achieve the final moisture content was in the solar drying followed by cabinet drying and fan drying respectively. The maximum moisture removal was obtained in the solar drying method. The study revealed that solar drying was economical method in the tropical regions as this method resulted in the maximum loss of moisture and the best quality preservation in terms of antioxidant activity, β-carotene, fibre content, ash and protein content.