Effect of processing methods on the concentrations of bioactive components of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) adventitious roots

Adventitious roots of Korean mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) were processed by using forced air drying methodology at 30, 50 and 70 degrees C for 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 h with objective of developing suitable processing/drying technique. Drying of adventitious roots at 50 degrees C for 10 h was found suitable as desirable moisture content (3.13 g water/dry matter i.e. 10%) could be reached with dried roots. Roots which were dried by such treatment were also possessing higher amount of ginsenosides (1.5 mg g(-1) DW triols, 15.9 mg g(-1) DW diols and 17.4 mg g(-1) DW of total ginsenosides) and phenolics. Adventitious roots were also processed by using far infrared and freeze drying methods and results revealed that forced air drying method is superior to far infrared and freeze drying methods. (c) 2007 Swiss Society of Food Science and Technology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.