Investigation into Solar Drying of Moroccan Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruit: Effects on Drying Kinetics and Phenolic Composition

Solar drying is affordable, requiring low energy and an eco-friendly method. Thus, the present paper studies efficiency characteristics of indirect solar convective in fruits Arbutus unedo L. as well its effects on fruit phenolic compounds. The samples were dried at 60 °C, 70 80 °C. Phenolic compounds investigated using a Liquid Chromatography platform. Experimental results revealed that effective moisture diffusivity determined by Fick’s second law varied from 1.51 × 10−9 to 4.68 m2/s, activation recorded was 2203.62 kJ/kg. Both total consumption specific electrical decreased temperature increased. Midilli–Kucuk model selected best-fitted for Significant effect phenolics observed. concentration 15.54, 39, 40.63% 60, 70, respectively.