EFFECT OF DRYING METHODS ON QUALITY OF DRIED Stolepherous indicus

In this present study, effect of drying methods on quality of dried Stolepherous indicus was evaluated.  Frequency of drying was found to be inclined by the atmospheric temperature and humidity, either using aluminium based solar dryer (ASD) or HDPE (High density Polyethylene) based solar dryer (HSD). In the case of ASD the drying period was 6 hrs compared to HSD which extended to about 10 hrs. Various parameters such as proximate composition, moisture content, TPC, TFC, TVBN content and PV during drying were determined. The quality of dried samples of ASD showed significantly superior compared to HSD dried samples. Hence, the aluminium based solar dryer is recommended for drying Stolepherous indicus in a small scale production.

Sun drying hardly involves any expenditure as sun's radiation is plentifully available free of cost. Drawbacks in sun drying are high chance of contamination, over drying, prolong drying period, maggot infestation etc. To overcome these disadvantages an attempt was taken to standardize drying method using various types of solar dryers (Fig.1) for enhancing the quality of Stolepherous indicus. It will be cost effective, simple to construct, compact and efficient for fishery products.  

A scaled down version of ASD and HSD of dimension 120x 80x 80cm was used for drying dry salted Stolepherous indicus (Fig.1). Various parameters such as moisture content, TPC, TFC, TVBN content and PV during drying were monitored. The quality variations fish samples were significantly lower when dried using the ASD compare to HSD. The dried fish samples from both the dryers were packed in low permeable polypropylene- polyamide bags and stored at room temperature However, the quality of fish dried in ASD was found to be significantly higher compared to their respective HSD dried control samples. Henceforth, the aluminium based solar dryer is recommended for drying Stolepherous indicus in a small scale production