Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Dehydration as a Women Entrepreneurship Alternative in Vulnerable Communities
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Date
2022
Authors
Salazar Camacho, Natalia Andrea
Sánchez Echeverri, Luz Adriana
Fonseca, Francisco Javier
Falguera Pascual, Víctor
Castro Bocanegra, Daniel
Tovar Perilla, Nelson Javier
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Abstract
In Colombia, most commercial drying processes are frequently performed through the
burning of wood and fossil fuels with high costs and environmental damage. Nevertheless, solar
drying is a technique that could also be used to reduce many of the problems present in traditional
drying techniques. Finding low-cost technology to install a solar dryer in a vulnerable community of
women is an appropriate alternative; the transfer of knowledge on this technique could lead to greater
empowerment of women and prevent gender inequality. This study evaluated the color and water
activity of the mango (Mangifera indica L.) after a drying process in a greenhouse dryer. Furthermore,
this study showed the relevance of implementing this technique in a community of women affected by
the military conflict in Colombia. Results showed that a solar dryer achieved drying times of around
23–26 h, reaching water activity values below the 0.5 threshold which, according to international
standards, has been considered as a food safety value. In addition, the color of the dry mango is
slightly affected through this drying technique, providing a more acceptable consumer product.
The application of the solar dryer has proven to be an easy-to-use and environmentally friendly
method. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity to improve, with a low-cost investment, the
living conditions of vulnerable communities.
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Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, núm. 3, p.1-13