PERFORMANCE OF DRYING METHODS ON QUALITY OF MUSHROOMS

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at National Mushroom Development and Extension Centre, Savar, Dhaka from April 2010 to March 2011. The experiment consists of two factors, factor A- four drying methods; gas burner

2

3

4 1

1

2

2 3 showed the best performance in terms of weight and containing minimum moisture. Total drying time of D was comparatively lower than other drying methods. Though D 1 2 took the shortest time for drying it also reduced the quality of mushroom. Different drying methods also influenced the colour of mushroom. For M the best colour: upper pileus- tan, lower pileus – corn silk and stipe – corn silk /wheat was found in D 1 2 . For M the best colour: upper pileus – saddle brown, lower pileus – moccasin and stipe –tan was obtained from D 2 3 and D 4 . For M the best colour: upper pileus and stipe –wheat colour, lower pileus –corn silk was found under D 2 , D 3 and D . Considering the total drying time, weight loss efficiency and colour, D 2 4 appeared to be recommendable for oyster, shiitake and white milky mushroom. However D 4 may also be used for drying of mushroom.