Vol. 10, Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
Sonali Swetapadma Mohanty, Sanjay Kumar Jain and Kushal Dhake

Abstract:
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) leaves are good source of phytochemicals such as saponins, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenol, philobatannins and flavonoids. The dark green leaves of ajwain contain many valuable nutrients, especially the antioxidant carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Fluidized bed drying of ajwain leaves was conducted at 45, 50, 55 and 60 ^OC air temperature levels and 2 ms^-1 air velocity to evaluate the drying kinetics. The time taken for dying at 60 ^OC air temperature was found minimum (120 min) as compared to 45 ^OC (210 min), 50 ^OC (180 min) and 55 ^OC (150 min) air temperatures. The effective moisture diffusivity values were increased with increase in air temperatures and varied from 9.85 × 10^-11 to 2.42 × 10^-10 m²s^-1. The water activity of ajwain leaves were found to be decreased with increase in air temperatures. The quality of the product dried at 60^OC air temperature was found to be a superior in terms of colour value.