Experimental study on drying temperature technique to enhance the quality of dried fish

The production of dried fish is a key community efforts to increase the economic value of fish in the Aceh region, with most product sold in traditional markets. To improve the economy of the community, the quality of dried fish must be improved to meet the standards of modern markets. This research aims to optimize the production system and quality of dried fish. The study examines the effect of drying temperature on the quality of dried fish by comparing two methods: constant drying temperature at 80°C and gradual reduction method starting at 80°C and decreasing by 10°C every 2 hours until reaching 60°C. The results showed that the drying temperature significantly impacts the final quality of dried fish. Drying at a constant temperature of 80°C resulted in a harder texture and darker color of the dried fish compared to the gradual reduction method. This is due to the rapid heat and mass transfer processes causing case hardening in the fish, making its texture harder. This research provides valuable insights to improve the drying process and ensure the production of high-quality dried fish.