Impact of Different Drying Techniques on Neem Seeds Drying Kinetics and Oil Quality

Neem oil is a promising alternative for synthetic chemicals in food preservation and an active functional agent packaging. Drying studies were conducted on neem seeds using different drying methods, the yield profile nutritional content such as azadirachtin content, groups, elemental composition analysed. Tray at 60°C showed faster rate with minimum quality of oil. The process parameters statistically optimized by analysing effect methods thickness (15 30 mm) yield. Maximum 42.1 0.053% obtained solar 15 mm bed thickness. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis that there no change group when dried, peak absorption wavenumber confirmed presence O-H stretching, C-H C-O bending, C=O N-H stretching. Sun- solar-dried maximum retention compared to tray-drying method.