Journal of Science and Innovative Development ISSN 2181-4317

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS ON THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF APRICOTS: A COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Rejаbоv Sаrvаr Аbdirаsulоviсh December 8, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36522/ILM-FAN/8-6-2025-adf7f

Abstract

<p>This study examines the effect of four different drying methods for apricot&nbsp;products &ndash; open sun drying, solar dryer, infrared dryer, and microwave dryer &ndash; on&nbsp;<br /> product quality, particularly on the elemental composition of the dried apricots.&nbsp;The experiments were conducted in June 2024 under laboratory and field conditions&nbsp;at the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute. Apricots of identical initial mass&nbsp;were placed in all drying devices, and drying continued until the moisture content&nbsp;reached 20%. The final products were subjected to spectral analysis. The results&nbsp;showed that samples dried in a solar dryer retained the highest levels of potassium&nbsp; (2.37%), silicon (0.538%), magnesium (0.145%), calcium (0.176%), and sulfur&nbsp;(0.152%). In samples dried under open sunlight, these elements were detected in&nbsp;relatively lower amounts, and the external quality was poorer. Microwave-dried&nbsp;products, despite retaining some microelements under high temperatures, exhibited&nbsp;changes in color and the appearance of dark spots. The infrared dryer provided&nbsp;relatively good results but showed high energy consumption. The most significant&nbsp;finding of the study is that the solar dryer outperformed other methods due to its&nbsp;<br /> environmental friendliness, zero energy consumption (0 kWh/kg), and high product&nbsp;quality. This method aligns with sustainable development principles, preserves&nbsp;nutritional value, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances economic&nbsp;efficiency. The results of this research provide an important scientific basis for&nbsp;selecting appropriate drying technologies.</p>

Cite this article
Rejаbоv Sаrvаr Аbdirаsulоviсh (2025). THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS ON THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF APRICOTS: A COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY. Journal of Science and Innovative Development. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.36522/ILM-FAN/8-6-2025-adf7f