EFFECT OF SOLAR DRYING ON THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF JACKFRUIT LEATHER

This study investigated the applicability of solar drying, a popular method in the tropics, in processing of jackfruit leather. The effect of solar drying on the quality and consumer acceptability of jackfruit leather was compared to cabinet and convection oven drying methods commonly used in the preparation of good quality fruit leathers. Results show that the moisture content of solar dried leather (18.50 %) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of cabinet dried leather (18.85 %). However, the moisture content of the leather dried using these methods was significantly higher than the oven dried leather (14.79 %). Solar dried leather had significantly lower color readings compared to cabinet dried leather. The color loss in oven dried leather was not significantly different from solar dried leather (p> 0.05). Instrumental results of texture showed that all the leathers were not significantly different (p> 0.05). Solar dried leather was disliked and received significantly lower scores (p< 0.05) on all sensory attributes evaluated. Although solar drying can be used to produce jackfruit leather in a relatively short time, other studies maybe needed to improve its sensorial quality.