Studies on Drying Characteristics of Rhizomes of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc)

In this study drying characteristics of ginger (raw as well as soaked in water) was investigated by microwave drying method using five different power levels. The drying characteristics of ginger such as moisture ratio (MR), drying rate (DR), effective moisture diffusivity (EMD), energy consumption (EC) and drying efficiency (DE) were studied for ginger samples (soaked and unsoaked). The value of MR reduces quickly and then gradually decreases with augment in drying time. The drying rate increased simultaneously increase in power. Effective moisture diffusivity values increases with increase in MW power levels. The energy consumption is low at lower power level but drying efficiency was higher at high power level. Modified page model was found to be in regression with the experimental data prevailed in this study.