Drying characteristics of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in convective and UV combined convective type dryers

The thin-layer drying behavior of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) leaves was investigated in both convective and UV combined convective dryers. Drying experiments were conducted at drying air temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 °C and with drying air velocities of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m/s. Drying curves obtained using experimental data were fitted to the six models reported in the literature. Comparing the correlation of coefficient (R2) and reduced chi-square (〈chi〉2 or χ2) values of six models, it was observed that the Modified Page model represented the best fitting for both dryers. The color change of the dried mistletoe was analyzed and considered as a quality index affecting the drying quality of the product.