Effectiveness of Modified Solar Dryer’s Facility and Sensory Properties of Brined Split Mullet Fish (Mugil cephalus)

Abstract ―​

The University of the Philippines Visaya has developed a Modified Solar Dryer (MSD) facility for improving the quality of dried fish and the technology was extended and transferred to Partido State University. The effectiveness of the dryer was compared to Open Air Dry (OAD), a traditional method of drying. Drying characteristics studies on Split Mullet Fish (Mugil cephalus) brine and different concentrations were conducted using MSD and OAD. The Split fish were dried for 2 days or 16 hours or until the required recommended moisture content of dried fish is reached. The temperature obtained inside and outside the MSD during drying ranges from 31.4 -41.60C and29.7-35.50C respectively. Dryers and brining methods had a significant (p<0.05) on moisture loss and sensory attributes. Brines fish at 10% concentration dried in MSD showed moisture loss (59.23%) It was found that only 12 h of drying is required to bring down to the recommended moisture content of 18-20% for the dried split fish at 10% brine concentration and received highest overall acceptability in the sensory evaluation study.