African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6831

Full Length Research Paper

Moisture desorption isotherms of Lavandula officinalis L. leaves at three temperatures

H. AhmadiChenarbon1* and S. M. Hasheminia2
  1Department of Agriculture, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin Pishva, Iran. 2Department of Agronomy, Rodehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rodehen, Iran.  
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 03 September 2011
  •  Published: 19 December 2011

Abstract

 

Lavander has been used as a medicinal and aromatic plant and to treat several diseases. Knowledge of moisture desorption isotherms is useful in food dehydration and drying. Moisture equilibrium data of Lavandula officinalis L. leaves were determined by using the gravimetric static method with water activity ranging from 11 to 85% and three temperatures of 30, 40 and 50°C. Five mathematical models (modified Henderson, modified Oswin, modified Halsey, modified Chung – Pfost and GAB equations) were used to fit the experimental data of desorption. The modified Chung – Pfost model was the most suitable model for estimating desorption isotherms curves.

 

Key wordsLavandula officinalis L., equilibrium moisture content, desorption.