Drying characteristics and quality of red ginseng using far-infrared rays

Background: The current typical drying methods for red ginseng are sun drying and hot-air drying. The purpose of this study was to investigate drying characteristics of red ginseng by using far-infrared drying. Methods: The far-infrared drying tests on red ginseng were conducted at two drying stages: (1) high temperature for 24 h drying and (2) low temperature drying until the final moisture content was $13{\pm}0.5%$ (wet basis). The high temperature drying stage included three drying chamber temperature conditions of $60^{\circ}C$, $65^{\circ}C$, and $70^{\circ}C$. The low temperature drying stage was conducted at temperatures of $45^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$. Drying characteristics were analyzed based on factors such as drying rate, color changes, energy consumption, and saponin content. The results were compared with those of the hot-air and sun drying methods. Results: The results revealed that increases in drying temperature caused a decrease in drying time and energy consumption for far-infrared drying. The saponin content decreased under all drying conditions after drying, the highest value (11.34 mg/g) was observed at drying conditions of $60{\sim}50^{\circ}C$. The sun drying condition showed the lowest color difference value when compared with far-infrared and hot-air drying. Conclusion: The far-infrared drying showed a faster drying rate, higher saponin content, lower color difference value, and a decrease in energy consumption than seen in hot-air drying.