05-03-2020, 05:12 PM
Drying Papain
Sun drying
Sun drying gives the lowest quality product as there is considerable loss of enzyme activity and the papain can easily turn brown. However, in many countries sun drying is still the most common processing technique for papain. The latex is simply spread on trays and left in the sun to dry.
Oven drying
Papain driers can be of simple construction. In Sri Lanka they are generally simple out-door stoves (about one metre high) made out of mud or clay bricks. Drying times vary but an approximate guide is 4-5 hours at a temperature of about 35-40°C. Drying is complete when the latex is crumbly and not sticky. A better quality product is obtained if the latex is sieved before drying. The dried product should be stored in air-tight and light-proof containers (eg sealed clay pots or metal cans) and kept in a cool place. Metal containers should be lined with polythene.
Spray drying
This is not possible at small-scale. A considerable investment in equipment (eg £10,000) is required. However, spray dried papain may be bought for the small-scale processing of foods.
Spray dried papain has a higher enzyme activity than other papains and is totally soluble in water. Extreme care must be taken when handling this form of papain because it can cause allergies and emphysema if inhaled. For this reason spray dried papain is often encapsulated in a gelatine coat.
Sun drying
Sun drying gives the lowest quality product as there is considerable loss of enzyme activity and the papain can easily turn brown. However, in many countries sun drying is still the most common processing technique for papain. The latex is simply spread on trays and left in the sun to dry.
Oven drying
Papain driers can be of simple construction. In Sri Lanka they are generally simple out-door stoves (about one metre high) made out of mud or clay bricks. Drying times vary but an approximate guide is 4-5 hours at a temperature of about 35-40°C. Drying is complete when the latex is crumbly and not sticky. A better quality product is obtained if the latex is sieved before drying. The dried product should be stored in air-tight and light-proof containers (eg sealed clay pots or metal cans) and kept in a cool place. Metal containers should be lined with polythene.
Spray drying
This is not possible at small-scale. A considerable investment in equipment (eg £10,000) is required. However, spray dried papain may be bought for the small-scale processing of foods.
Spray dried papain has a higher enzyme activity than other papains and is totally soluble in water. Extreme care must be taken when handling this form of papain because it can cause allergies and emphysema if inhaled. For this reason spray dried papain is often encapsulated in a gelatine coat.
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