Drying of basil leaves study was carried to determine the effect of drying methods (Tray and Tunnel dryers) and
drying air temperature. The results show that the increase in drying air temperature decreased the drying time in both the drying methods. About 210 min are required to dry the basil at air temperature of 55°C and 150 min at 65°C in tray dryer. Logarithmic thin layer drying equation represented the thin layer drying behaviour of basil leaves. Effective moisture diffusivity of basil leaves ranged from 2.65 x 10-10 to 5.69 x 10-10 m2/s. Effective moisture diffusivity of basil leaves was higher in tray dyer as compared to that of tunnel dryers irrespective of drying air temperature. Activation energy was 33.21 and 39.03 kJ/mol for drying of basil leaves for the samples dried in tray and tunnel dryers.