Moisture content of onion while drying?

The moisture content of onion while drying varies depending on the specific drying conditions and the desired final moisture content. Typically, the moisture content of onions during the drying process can range from about 80-90% initially to around 10-12% or even lower when completely dry.

Here's a general overview of the moisture content changes during onion drying:

1. Fresh Onions: Freshly harvested onions typically have a high moisture content, ranging from 80% to 90%.

2. Initial Drying: In the early stages of drying, moisture rapidly evaporates from the onion surface, reducing the moisture content by about 20-30% within the first few hours.

3. Intermediate Drying: As drying continues, the moisture content gradually decreases at a slower rate. During this phase, the onions may reach a moisture level of around 40-50%.

4. Final Drying: In the final stages of drying, the remaining moisture is removed, and the onions reach their desired moisture content, which can be as low as 10-12% for long-term storage and preservation.

The drying process aims to reduce the moisture content of onions to a level that prevents microbial growth and deterioration while maintaining their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. The specific moisture content targets may vary depending on the intended use and storage conditions of the dried onions.