Abstract
At present, no appropriate drying conditions can be found for the heated-air drying of mushroom in Korea. Usually, mushroom is being dried at the temperature range of 40 to $50^{\circ}C$ until the moisture content reaches 10~13% (wb). However, drying characteristics of the mushroom should be investigated for quality improvement and efficient drying operation of the mushroom. The results of this study may be summarized as follows ; 1. The effect of air temperature on the rate of drying was greater than that of relative humidity for drying of mushroom, and the rate of drying was increased with increase in the air temperature. 2. Drying rate for Shiitake mushroom showed falling-rate period of drying without constant-rate period of drying. Drying rate for Oyster mushroom showed a short constant-rate period at the initial stage of drying process, and followed by falling-rate period of drying. 3. Exponential and App.-Diffusion models were found to describe well the drying process of Shiitake mushroom. Exponential and Thompson models for Oyster mushroom in which Thompson model was the most suitable for Oyster mushroom. 4. The equilibrium moisture content of the mushroom decreased with decrease in the air temperature and increase in the relative humidity. In room condition($20^{\circ}C$, 54% RH), the calculated values of the equilibrium moisture content showed 11.17% for Shiitake mushroom and 13.19% for Oyster mushroom, respectively.