Experimental Comparison of Open Sun and Indirect Convection Solar Drying Methods for Apricots in Uzbekistan

Solar drying is an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to preserve agricultural products, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight. In terms of apricot cultivation, the implementation of solar drying methods can significantly impact post-harvest handling and storage. In the conditions of Uzbekistan, the drying of apricot products in indirect solar dryers is the next stage of development. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of solar drying techniques for apricots in Uzbekistan, focusing on optimizing drying parameters and assessing the quality of the dried products. This study involves the design and implementation of solar drying systems for apricots. It primarily focuses on comparing and evaluating the drying times of apricots, changes in product moisture, and alterations in apricot color during the drying process using an Open Sun Dryer (OSD) and an Indirect Natural Convection Solar Dryer (INCSD). Various drying parameters such as the temperature, humidity, and drying time are monitored and controlled during the experiment. Additionally, the quality of the dried apricots is evaluated through analyses of their color, texture, and nutrient retention. According to the results, when apricots were dried in a solar dryer at 55 °C and with 35% humidity outside, their moisture content decreased from 85–90% to 12–18% within 15 h. The solar radiation intensity and ambient temperature play a crucial role in the acceleration of the time in the drying process. In general, utilizing equipment-based solar drying methods for apricots in Uzbekistan has the potential to rival traditional drying systems in terms of both quality and drying duration.