Evaluation of two systems for drying yucca starch for human comsumption in a rural Ecuadorian comunity

This study attempted to evaluate two systems for drying yucca starch (traditional sun drying on concrete floor coated with black polyethylene gauge 6, and an ecofriendly method consisting of a wooden structure with metal plates and glass cover). The research was carried out in San Pablo de Tarugo, Chone. A solar dryer was built and adapted to the natural conditions of the area. The conventional method (No. 925.09 AOAC) was employed in order to measure moisture content in the starch at the entry and exit points of both drying systems. We found that the initial moisture content of the starch ranged from 42,6% to 44,9%. Average temperatures reaching 31ºC and 60 ºC were recorded with the ecofriendly solar drying system, in the morning and afternoon, respectively. Similarly, the least moisture content (11,7%) was obtained with the ecofriendly system. We concluded that the ecofriendly solar dryer is a feasible alternative for drying yucca starch in spite of daily weather variations.

• Auteur principal: Cárdenas Guillén, Flor María (author)
• Autres auteurs: Pinargote Zambrano, Eliana Monserrate (author), Moreno Carranza, Verónica Isabel (author), Carreño Mendoza, Lorena (author), Salavarría Barahona, Carlos Fabián (author)
• Format: article
• Langue: spa
• Publié: 2015
• Sujets: Secador solar; almidón; contenido de humedad; tiempo de secado; Solar dryer; starch; moisture content; drying duration
• Accès en ligne: https://revistasespam.espam.edu.ec/index.php/Revista_ESPAMCIENCIA/article/view/111