Solar air drying for innovative Opuntia ficus-indica cladode dehydration

Providing a case study of general applicability in all world's semi-arid regions where the plant is increasingly harvested, we describe the use and outcomes of solar air heating and ventilation coupled to a conventional kiln to dehydrate Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. For the first time, the dr...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria, Morreale Vincenzo, Pecoraino Mario, Pagliaro Mario
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: EDP Sciences 2019-01-01
Series:4 open
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.4open-sciences.org/articles/fopen/full_html/2019/01/fopen180021/fopen180021.html
Description
Summary:Providing a case study of general applicability in all world's semi-arid regions where the plant is increasingly harvested, we describe the use and outcomes of solar air heating and ventilation coupled to a conventional kiln to dehydrate Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. For the first time, the dried cladodes and the ground dehydrated ‘Nopal’ cladodes retain their natural green-yellow color. New applications to functionalize foodstuff and to formulate nutraceutical, personal care and cosmetic products of even higher efficacy and broader scope are anticipated.
ISSN:2557-0250