Effect of different levels of embedding media, temperature and duration on drying quality of rose cv. Mirabel in vacuum drying

Abstract

Fresh flowers are undeniably attractive, but they are expensive, short-lived, and available only in certain seasons. In contrast, dried flowers are long-lasting, maintain their aesthetic appeal, and are available year-round. An experiment was aimed to obtained attractive dried rose flowers using vacuum drier with low temperature, various embedding media, temperature and durations. Among all the treatment combinations in the vacuum drying of roses, flowers embedded in silica gel and vacuum dried at 50 ⁰C temperature for 4 hours (h) duration under low pressure has recorded maximum per cent weight loss, per cent moisture loss, change in diameter and also took less time for drying.