Using a double-pass solar drier for jerky drying

The double-pass solar drier (DPSD) and standard laboratory oven (LO) were used for drying of jerky from eland (Taurotragus oryx) meat. Instead of traditional jerky marinade a marinade with honey syrup (50% bee honey / 50% distilled water) were used as drying pretreatments in this study. Higher drying rate was observed in DPSD where the reduction of moisture content from initial 72% (w.b.) to desired 30% (w.b.) was achieved after 8 hours instead of LO drying where it took 10 hours. The results also show that best color preservative effect was achieved when the traditional jerky marinade is combined with honey syrup. Finally we can conclude that DPSD is suitable facility for jerky drying and eland meat is one of new potential sources for this kind of popular, shelf-stable and nutrient rich snack. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.