Development of an effluent free microwave-assisted rotary drying cum peeling method for whole garlic bulbs

Garlic, a widely used spice and medicinal herb, has a distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits. Microwave-assisted drying cum peeling process for garlic involves using microwave (MW) energy to facilitate both the drying and peeling of garlic. This process can be a sustainable alternative to the conventional hot lye, steam, or abrasion peeling that leaves adverse environmental footprints. MW drying cum peeling can eliminate the chemical and water use during peeling and can enhance the peeled quality. The garlic bulbs were MW dried using a five-level, three-variable central composite design (CCD) after combined ultrasound (US) and MW pretreatment. The microwave power density (MWPD) and pulsation ratio (PR) varied between 1.5 to 2.5 Wg−1 and 1.3 to 2, respectively. The total polyphenol content, DPPH inhibition activity, and allicin content in dried garlic varied from 3.94 to 5.45mg GAE/g, 51.46 to 80.83%, and 117.82 to 132.00 mg/100 g, respectively. The peeling efficiency ranged from 83.27 to 97.53%, peeling yield from 55.10 to 76.31%, peelability from 88.50 to 99.05%, and peeling loss from 0.03 to 2.92% during the developed process. The optimized condition was found on MWPD of 2.21 Wg−1 and PR of 2.00. The combined MW drying and peeling process proved to be a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for garlic processing, as it reduced energy consumption and minimized waste generation. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize garlic production, providing a cost-effective, time-efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for meeting the increasing demand for high-quality garlic powder.