Development and effectiveness of greenhouse type solar dryer for coriander leaves

Aim: Sun drying system is not able to provide the best drying performance and quality dried produce of leafy vegetables. To facilitate better options to the farmers, this study aims to develop and evaluate a cost-effective greenhouse type solar dryer to improve shelf stability of coriander leaves. Online Copy Methodology: A greenhouse type solar dryer (5m x 3m x 2.3m) was developed with the provision of rigid frame, 200 mu UV stabilized LDPE glazing material, solar collector cum drying chamber, inlet air and outlet air openings. The dryer was evaluated for its performance, drying characteristics of coriander leaves and qualitative evaluation of dried product as compared to open sun drying. Results: The greenhouse type solar dryer performed well for coriander drying with increased level of temperature inside the dryer (42 degrees C) and 24% reduced drying time as compared to sun drying (29 degrees C).The loading capacity, efficiency, payback period and B:C ratio of the dryer were found to be 100 kg, 70.47 %, 1.26 yr and 1.79, respectively. The drying of coriander leaves occured mostly in falling rate period. Coriander leaves dried under the dryer possessed higher values of chlorophyll content (1.356 mg g(-1) of tissue), ascorbic acid content (111.257 mg 100 g(-1)), rehydration ratio (5.302) and coefficient of rehydration (0.762) than sun dried coriander leaves with the respective values of these quality parameters being 1.097 mg g(-1) of tissue, 62.37 mg 100 g(-1), 4.715 and 0.689, respectively. Interpretation: The developed greenhouse type solar dryer was found to be superior in terms of better retention of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents, rehydration ratio and coefficient of rehydration for dried product along with reduced drying time, increased drying rate as compared to sun drying. Therefore, greenhouse type solar dryer could be feasible solution for drying underutilized leafy vegetables so as to get better return.