Physicochemical Investigation of Convective Solar Drying for Post-Harvest Conservation of Hot Peppers in Adrar, Algeria

In this study, the impact of convective solar drying on physiochemical characteristics hot peppers harvested in Algeria was investigated. The freshly underwent until they reached a desired stable weight. Various parameters including moisture content, water activity (Aw), pH, crude protein, fat, total sugars, and polyphenol content were measured. process, using an optimal method, took approximately 2 to 3 days resulted levels (32.41 %), Aw (0.26%), pH (4.1), acidity (2.8), ash (73.38%), dry matter (67,59 protein (0.83%), sugar (2.9%), (89%), fat (0.23%). comparison, values for (0.92%), (5.34%), (3.6%), (8%), (11%), (1.64%), (125%), (0.36%) respectively. These findings confirm that effectively preserved nutritional quality peppers, with minimal losses some properties compared