Evaluation of ultrasonication and carbonation-ultrasonication assisted convective drying techniques for enhancing the drying rates and quality parameters of ripe and raw banana (Musa) peel

Raw and ripe banana (Musa Cavendish) peel slices were dried by application of ultrasonication (U) and carbonation-ultrasonication (CU) as pre-treatments for tray drying (T) at 60 degrees C. Lesser drying time and higher diffusivity was noticed in CU + T dried samples followed by U + T and T dried samples. Model 'Wang and Singh' was identified as the excellently fitting model to experimental data. SEM images of dried samples revealed the microchannels formation due to U treatment, which were more couloir after CU treatment. Water and oil holding capacity (WHC and OHC) for raw peel powders was higher than ripened peel powders at 40, 60 and 80 degrees C. WHC and OHC increased significantly after U + T drying or CU + T drying as compared to T drying for ripe and raw peel powder samples. Back extrusion force (BEF) varied from 67.42 to 69.22 N and from 84.6 to 86.02 N for ripe and raw peel samples respectively. Given treatments resulted in lesser colour change and Browning Index. But U + T or CU + T treatment did not affect BEF significantly. CU + T was deemed to be the appropriate drying technique for ripe and raw banana peel drying.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication and carbonation-ultrasonication treatments on the drying efficiency and properties of raw and ripe banana peel. The results showed that the CU + T drying method achieved the shortest drying time and highest diffusivity. The water and oil holding capacity of the peel powders significantly increased after U + T or CU + T drying. However, these treatments did not affect the back extrusion force (BEF) of the samples. CU + T was identified as the appropriate drying technique for both raw and ripe banana peels.