The use of hot-air oven as an alternative drying method for salted shrimp paste production: Drying profile, fermentation rate, quality, and acceptability

The study explored using a hot-air oven at various temperatures (35, 45, and 55 °C) as a promising alternative to traditional sun-drying for salted shrimp paste production. Comparing drying profiles, fermentation rate, quality, and acceptability with conventional sun-drying (CON), it was found that the alternative hot-air oven led to lower enzymatic activities and degree of hydrolysis during a 30-day fermentation (p < 0.05). Consequently, the alternative samples exhibited lower development of distinctive characteristics (color, browning intensity, formal, ammonia, nitrogen contents, and antioxidant capabilities) resulting in lower sensory scores compared to CON (p < 0.05). Interestingly, microbial populations in hot-air-dried samples were also lower than CON (p < 0.05). Based on PCA biplots and drying duration, drying at 45 °C with a hot-air oven seemed optimal for shrimp paste production. However, adjustments, such as prolonging fermentation or using a starter culture, are needed to make the alternative process comparable to the traditional product.