RESEARCH JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7080
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/RJFSN
Start Year: 2016
Email: rjfsn@integrityresjournals.org
Effect of drying methods on the drying behaviour and nutrient composition of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus)
https://doi.org/10.31248/RJFSN2026.223 | Article Number: 36B9CCEF2 | Vol.11 (1) - February 2026
Received Date: 09 January 2026 | Accepted Date: 01 February 2026 | Published Date: 28 February 2026
Authors: Amadi, A. O.* , Jolaoso, O. , Adigwe, C. W. and Opunabo, M.
Keywords: Drying, tiger nut., rehydration ratio, parabolic solar dryer, electric dehydrator.
This study compared parabolic solar drying and electric dehydrator drying of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and evaluated their effects on moisture removal behaviour, proximate composition, selected minerals, phytochemical content, and rehydration ratio relative to a fresh control. One hundred grams of tiger nut tubers were cleaned, sorted, and decontaminated by washing with 1% NaCl solution. Samples were dried using a parabolic solar dryer (54-56°C, 48 h) and an electric dehydrator (60°C, 48 h). Proximate composition, mineral content, and phytochemical indices were determined for fresh and dried samples. Moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate ranged from 9.75–54.00%, 2.64–5.17%, 8.01–10.00%, 0.50–2.00%, 9.01–11.09%, and 23.86–64.25%, respectively. Mineral concentrations (mg/100 g) ranged from 18.07–21.41 for magnesium, 3.56–8.18 for iron, and 1.51–3.34 for calcium. Total phenol, saponin, flavonoid, tannin, and alkaloid ranged from 4.20–7.19 mg/100 g, 6.47–9.30%, 4.29–13.25%, 9.29–12.57 mg/kg, and 3.50–5.55%, respectively. Based on percentage moisture reduction and final moisture values, the dehydrator achieved greater moisture removal than parabolic solar drying under the conditions tested, and dehydrator-dried samples showed higher rehydration ratios, indicating better water uptake during rehydration. In contrast, parabolic solar drying yielded higher values for several phytochemical indices (notably flavonoids and tannins). Overall, the results demonstrate trade-offs between moisture removal efficiency, phytochemical indices, and rehydration behaviour, suggesting that drying method selection should be guided by intended product use.
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