Abstract

Indian smallholder farmers use open sun drying to produce about 50% of the global supply of dry chili. Quality specifications in developed country markets require grading aflatoxin contaminated product, which is sold into the Indian domestic market representing a public health risk. Many improved solar drying systems have been designed but cost and complexity has prevented widespread adoption by smallholder farmers. Our objective was to develop the lowest cost, simplest solar dryer appropriate for smallholder farmers. Zero airflow period was alternated with airflow periods reducing drying time by about 50% and inactivating mycotoxigenic fungi, enteric bacteria, and browning enzymes.

摘要

印度小农使用露天晒干生产了全球干辣椒供应量的约 50%。发达国家市场的质量规范要求对受黄曲霉毒素污染的产品进行分级，该产品销往印度国内市场，存在公共卫生风险。已经设计了许多改进的太阳能干燥系统，但成本和复杂性阻碍了小农的广泛采用。我们的目标是为小农开发成本最低、最简单的太阳能烘干机。零气流周期与气流周期交替，将干燥时间减少约 50%，并使产霉菌毒素真菌、肠道细菌和褐变酶失活。