Abstract Fruits and vegetables are dried to enhance storage
stability, minimize packaging requirement and reduce
transport weight. Preservation of fruits and vegetables
through drying based on sun and solar drying techniques
which cause poor quality and product contamination. Energy
consumption and quality of dried products are critical
parameters in the selection of drying process. An optimum
drying system for the preparation of quality dehydrated
products is cost effective as it shortens the drying time and
cause minimum damage to the product. To reduce the energy
utilization and operational cost new dimensions came up in
drying techniques. Among the technologies osmotic dehydration,
vacuum drying, freeze drying, superheated steam
drying, heat pump drying and spray drying have great scope
for the production of quality dried products and powders.