Modeling Shrinkage and Density Changes During Microwave-Vacuum Drying of Button Mushroom

Shrinkage characteristics and apparent density of whole button mushrooms were determined at various moisture content levels (ranging from 5 to 92% wet basis) during microwave-vacuum drying at two different power (150 and 250 W) and pressure (10 and 20 kPa) levels. The above properties during convective hot air drying at 60°C were also measured for comparison. In both microwave-vacuum and air-drying methods, the shrinkage (volumetric and diametric) of mushroom showed a linear behavior with moisture content. Experimental data showed that the effect of the system pressure on shrinkage and density was more significant than the power level during microwave-vacuum drying. Moisture content and method of drying also affected shrinkage statistically. Microwave vacuum drying produced less shrinkage than air drying. Simple mathematical models were used to correlate the above properties with the material moisture content. The models were fitted to experimental data satisfactorily, and the parameters were estimated.