The Use of a Hybrid Plum Drying System as a Step Towards Improving the Production of Certified Suska Sechlońska

At a time when health is of paramount importance, plums play a significant role as fruits with high nutritional and health-promoting value. They contain large amounts of fiber, polyphenols, and vitamins. The drying process extends their shelf life while preserving their valuable biological properties. The study aimed to develop and compare the traditional and modernized (hybrid) technological process of producing Suska Sechlońska, taking into account the impact of new technologies on efficiency, productivity, profit increase, and environmental protection. The study was conducted in the third quarter of 2024 at the Farm and Agritourism Farm in Ujanowice, in the municipality of Laskowa, which is involved in the traditional production of Suska Sechlońska – a regional dried and smoked plum, which is part of the cultural heritage and an important source of income for local farmers. The introduction of modern drying and processing technologies increased production efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and had a positive impact on environmental protection. The results showed that the use of a hybrid drying process reduced production time by up to 50-70%, reduced energy consumption by 30–50%, and increased productivity to 200–400 kg of dried fruit per day, while maintaining the high sensory quality of the product.