Cherry Tomato Drying: Sun versus Convective Oven

Solar drying and convective oven drying of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) were compared. The changes in the chemical parameters of tomatoes and principal drying parameters were recorded during the drying process. Drying curves were fitted to several mathematical models, and the effects of air temperature during drying were evaluated by multiple regression analyses, comparing to previously reported models. Models for drying conditions indicated a final water content of 30% (semidry products) and 15% (dry products) was achieved, comparing sun-drying and convective oven drying at three different temperatures. After 26-28 h of sun drying, the tomato tissue had reached a moisture content of 15%. However, less drying time, about 10-11 h, was needed when starting with an initial moisture content of 92%. The tomato tissue had high ORAC and polyphenol content values after convective oven drying at 60 degrees C. The dried tomato samples had a satisfactory taste, color and antioxidant values.