Physicochemical Quality and Microbial Contamination of Solar-Dried Figs (Ficus carica L.)

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is a nutrient-rich fruit with recognized therapeutic properties, but its soft texture and high sugar content make it highly perishable. Therefore, drying is essential to extend its shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of seven dried fig varieties and assessed their microbiological safety through fungal isolation and identification. Fully ripened fruits were solar-dried in a glasshouse under controlled conditions, with daily turning to ensure uniform dehydration. Significant inter-varietal differences were observed in nutritional, bioactive, and physicochemical traits. Moisture content remained below ۲۶% in all samples, ensuring storage stability. Soluble sugars were predominant (۴۱.۷۱–۷۸.۶۷ g ۱۰۰ g-۱ DW), while protein content was relatively low (۱.۲۳–۱.۷۹ g ۱۰۰ g-۱ DW). Total phenolic content ranged from ۱۶۴.۸۸ to ۳۴۰.۵۵ mg GAE ۱۰۰ g-۱ DW, and flavonoids from ۲۹.۸۰ to ۵۶.۲۴ mg RE. ۱۰۰ g-۱ DW. Mold counts varied between ۲.۲۹ and ۴.۴۸ log CFU g-۱, with Aspergillus species more prevalent than Penicillium and Alternaria, reflecting their higher ecological fitness under solar-drying conditions. Overall, these results demonstrated that glasshouse solar drying effectively reduced post-harvest deterioration of figs while preserving key nutritional and bioactive compounds, thus providing a sustainable alternative to conventional sun-drying that enhances product safety, stability, and market competitiveness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ficus carica ، molds ، Nutritional quality ، phenolic compounds ، Solar drying