Current situation and countermeasures of drying and storage technology and equipment of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’

【Objective】 To provide a reference for the development of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ drying and storage equipment and to investigate the current status and problems in the application of drying and storage technologies in the large-scale production of C. reticulata ‘Chachi’.【Method】 Taking into account the unique requirements for C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ aging, the current technology and equipment applied to the drying of C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ peels and storage were compared with traditional methods and their effects on C. reticulata ‘Chachi ’active ingredients,quality, production costs and adaptability.【Result】 Hot air and microwave drying equipment with heat pump technology had the highest efficiencies for drying, whereas vacuum freeze-drying and explosion puffing technologies showed the least loss of active ingredients. Raw sunlight drying facilities had the lowest cost. However,the comprehensive key factors coupling analysis, several existing drying technologies and equipment are insufficient at present. For storage, the use of sacks and rubber frame storage ventilation was better but this was associated with the loss of volatile substances. An iron box was the second best, while ceramic, glass storage jars or other sealed containers protected against moisture loss and insects, but did not promote aging. Individual large enterprises have explored a special stainless steel grid box to better integrate the best characteristics of the above, but the actual specifications of this equipment remain to be optimized. Most enterprises store at 20-33℃ with a relative humidity of less than 60%,and its moisture content control within 13% of the best. For safe and efficient mass storage of chichi,it is inevitable that intelligent and information technology will be increasingly relied upon.【Suggestion】 To efficiently industrialize mass C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ production,the following are required:establish efficient and standard drying and storage systems with scientific grading of product quality;the construction of fast and intelligent mold risk prevention and control systems;the standardization the inlet and outlet and measurement traceability process;promote the standardization and sustainable development of C. reticulata ‘Chachi’.