Abstract

Famurewa J. A. V and Akinmuyisitan F A

This study investigated the suitable drying model and the effects of different drying temperatures on the mucilage property of fluted jute leaves (Corchorus capsularis , . A cabinet dryer was employed to dry a well cleaned leaves in a thin layer, differently at air temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 �?? respectively. Five thin layer-drying models (Lewis, Page, Modified page, Henderson and Pabis, and Logarithmic) were fitted to the experimental moisture ratio data. The dried samples were analyzed for mucilage and vitamin C contents. Drying of Corchorus leaves prominently occurred in falling rate period. Among the mathematical models investigated, the Logarithmic model satisfactorily described the drying behaviour of Corchorus leaves with highest R2 and lowest RMSE , MBE, and χ2 at 40, 50, 60 and 70 0C respectively. Viscosity was at its highest at 70 0C and lowest values at 40 �?? while Vitamin C was highest at 50 0C and lowest at 40 �??. Based on the result of this study, drying temperature of 50 �?? and Logarithmic model were recommended for drying of Corchorus for better retention of vitamin C, though 70 0C retained higher quantity of mucilage, but not significantly different to that of 50 0C.