Preferred colours are those closest to the original colour of
fresh kaffir lime leaves. The original colour of fresh kaffir lime
leaves was L (40.32 ± 0.40), a (-2.43 ± 0.03), b (10.65 ± 0.29).
However, the findings of the current study do not support the
previous research. The results showed that drying caused a
decrease in lightness (L value). Higher temperature in hot-air
drying resulted in a darker colour (lower L value) of dried kaffir
lime leaves. This result is in agreement with data reported by
Therdthai and Zou 19 who demonstrated that the lightness of dried
mint leaves was decreased after hot-air drying. This may be
because of the discolouration during drying which may also be
related to nonenzymatic browning 45 and longer time of drying.
Moreover, the degree of colour change also depends on drying
temperature, drying time and oxygen level