Hot Air Circulation Honeysuckle Dryer Drying Technology

Honeysuckle, an important Chinese medicinal herb known for its medicinal and edible properties, is not only widely used clinically but is also increasingly being used in the food industry. Both fresh and dried honeysuckle flowers can be used to make tea. Dried honeysuckle tea has a lower aroma but retains its medicinal properties and health benefits. The technical solution for the hot air circulation honeysuckle dryer is as follows.

Phase 1: The honeysuckle dryer temperature must be preheated to approximately 35-40°C before the flowers are placed in the drying room. The drying temperature is then maintained at 40°C for 4-6 hours while increasing dehumidification.

Phase 2: The honeysuckle dryer temperature is gradually increased from 41°C to 48°C. This temperature increase is completed over a controlled period of 5-7 hours, never exceeding 50°C, while maintaining the same dehumidification rate. After 9-13 hours of initial, intermediate, and drying, the honeysuckle flowers are dried. Strong dehumidification achieves approximately 50% dryness.

Stage 3: The temperature is controlled between 50 and 54°C, and the heating time is controlled between 2 and 4 hours. During this stage, the dehumidification rate can be slightly reduced to facilitate the temperature increase. After the third stage, the honeysuckle is approximately 80% dry.

Stage 4: Forced drying: The temperature range is 55 to 65°C, but should not exceed 70°C. The dehumidification rate should be appropriately reduced. After 2 to 4 hours of forced drying, the honeysuckle can be inspected through the observation hole to determine its drying quality before removal from the oven.