Authors : Divine Nde Bup, Charles Fon Abi, Dzudie Tenin, Cesar Kapseu, Clerge Tchiegang and Zephirin Mouloungui
Abstract: The shea tree produce sheanut kernels from which shea butter is extracted. The average dimensions of the kernels are 4 cm in length and 3 cm by width. Due to its big size (4x3 cm), natural sun drying of kernels is not. Drying tests carried out in an empty indirect solar dryer, gave temperatures above 60�C but were reduced to about 50-55�C when loaded. At airspeeds of 1 and 1.4 m sec-1 there was no significant difference in the moisture contents of the samples on the different trays. The acid and peroxide values of the butter indicated that butter obtained from the dried kernels could be classified either as category 1 or 2 butter irrespective of the drying conditions to which the kernels were subjected. Hence, the indirect solar dryer can be used to produce butter of recommended properties for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in food.
Divine Nde Bup, Charles Fon Abi, Dzudie Tenin, Cesar Kapseu, Clerge Tchiegang and Zephirin Mouloungui, 2013. Performance Evaluation of an Indirect Solar Dryer for Sheanut Kernels. Journal of Food Technology, 11: 82-90.