Indirect solar dryer prototype validation for the hawaiian papaya Dehydrate (only sunrise variety)

Abstract

This research was focused on the validation of a solar dryer prototype for dehydration fruit, being the experimental study type, since it started with laboratory tests for the characterization of the raw material used "Papaya Hawaiian only sunrise variety", also included the design and construction of the solar dryer, which was validated through the development of a type of product, in this case dehydrated papaya, for this the control of the variables was taken into account: time, temperature and weight of the sample. During the development of the research the optimal values for the type of cut were determined (julienne 11 mm for industrial drying and 8 mm for solar drying), dehydration time (4-5 hours industrial drying and 26-30 hrs drying solar), the treatment (submersion of the sample in ascorbic acid prior to the dehydration process) and thetemperatures of (40 °C for the industrial and 29-51 °C for the solar), as well as the averages of the physical parameters chemicals evaluated in the fruit: °Brix (8.78), pH (6.57), humidity percentage (90.62%), resistance (5.72 kg/cm2) and maturity (80% mature-20% green). Likewise, for the construction of the solar dryer, it was determined that the most viable material was the metal since it ensures an extended useful life of the technology, as well as the quality and safety of the food.