Standardization of drying techniques of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum Tzvelev.)

Investigations were carried out to standardize the suitable drying temperatures, media, techniques and storage of flowers of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum Tzvelev.) cv. Nanako in two separate experiments. Fully opened flowers with 10 cm long pedicel were embedded in three drying media namely; river sand, silica gel and mixture of river sand and silica gel (1:1, v/v) and were kept at three temperatures for three durations in hot air and for three durations in microwave oven. Data recorded on different parameters were subjected to statistical analysis with factorial CRD. Keeping quality of dried flowers was assessed under open and covered conditions from 0 to 180 days. Minimum size reduction and maximum carotene content was obtained when flowers were embedded in silica gel and dried at 30°C for 24 h in a hot air oven and for 30 sec in microwave oven. Retention of maximum total and reducing sugars as well as loss of maximum moisture content was recorded when flowers were embedded in silica gel and dried at 60°C for 48 h in hot air oven. Presentability of hot air oven dried flowers was maximum under covered conditions when they were dried for 24 h at 60°C using silica gel. In contrast, microwave oven dried flowers for 90 sec embedded in silica gel scored maximum points under covered conditions.