A faster, cleaner way to dry anchovies? Omani researchers identify the most efficient method
image: Pile of small dried anchovies displayed in a tray at a traditional market in Oman.
Credit: Deanship of Research, SQU
Muscat, Oman — Along Oman’s 3,165 km coastline, anchovies—locally known as qasha—are more than just a staple food; they are part of the country’s cultural and maritime heritage. Traditionally dried on coastal racks, these small fish are highly perishable, making efficient drying methods essential to preserve their nutritional value and support growing demand for dried seafood.
A research team from Sultan Qaboos University has evaluated the effectiveness of three commonly used drying methods: open sun drying, solar tunnel drying in greenhouses, and forced solar convective drying.
Conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station, the study analyzed drying kinetics and colour changes using 20 kg of anchovies. The research compared drying rate, moisture content, and product quality across the three methods.
The findings revealed that solar tunnel drying in greenhouses achieved the highest drying efficiency, reducing drying time to just six hours, compared to nine hours for both open sun drying and forced solar convective drying. This method also showed the highest effective moisture diffusivity, indicating improved moisture removal during the drying process.
The results highlight the advantages of solar-based drying technologies, particularly solar tunnel drying, in enhancing both efficiency and product quality. These methods allow better control of environmental conditions, reduce drying time, and minimize losses and waste.
In addition to technical benefits, the study emphasizes the economic and environmental advantages of solar drying systems. By reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, these methods lower operational costs and carbon emissions, making them a sustainable option for seafood processing.
Although conducted on a small experimental scale, the research provides a strong foundation for scaling up these technologies for industrial applications. The study recommends further investigation into cost-effectiveness and large-scale implementation to maximize benefits for Oman’s fisheries sector.