Drying characteristics and mathematical modelling of the drying kinetics of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

This study was conducted to determine the drying characteristics of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) at 50, 60 and 70 °C.  Pleurotus ostreatus were cleaned and dried in a laboratory cabinet dryer. The drying data were fitted to six model equations namely Newton, Pabis and Henderson, Logarithmic, Two-term diffusion, Wang and Singh, as well as Modified Henderson and Pabis equations. The goodness of fit of the models were evaluated by means of the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and reduced chi-square (χ2). The Logarithmic model best describes the drying data and could be used to predict its drying behaviour. Keywords: oyster mushroom; thin-layer drying; characteristics; modelling