Investigating the Influence of Infrared Drying Method on Linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) Leaves: Kinetics, Color, Projected Area, Modeling, Total Phenolic, and Flavonoid Content

The Linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) is a highly popular herbal plant due to its central nervous system properties. In this study, thin layer drying kinetics of linden leave samples were experimentally investigated in an infrared (IR) dryer. In order to select the appropriate model for predicting the drying kinetics of linden leaves, eleven thin layer semi theoretical, theoretical, and empirical models, widely used in describing the drying behavior of agricultural products, were fitted to the experimental data. Moreover, the color, projected area (PA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were investigated. The results showed that the drying time decreased from 50 min to 20 min. with increased IR temperature from 50–70 °C. Therewithal, the Midilli model gave the most suitable data for 50 °C, 60 °C. Moreover, Verma et al. and Diffusion approximation models showed good results for 70 °C. The lightness and greenness of the dried linden leaves were significantly changed compared with fresh samples. The PA of dried sample decreased similar to the drying time. In addition, the drying temperature effect on the effective diffusion diffusivity (D(eff)) and activation energy (E(a)) were also computed. The D(eff) ranges from 4.13 × 10(−12) to 5.89 × 10(−12) and E(a) coefficient was 16.339 kJ/mol. Considering these results, the Midilli et al. model is above the 50 °C, 60 °C, and the Verma et al. and Diffusion to 70 °C, for explaining the drying behavior of linden leaves under IR drying. Moreover, it can be said that the Page model can be used, if it is desired, to express the drying behaviors, partially with the help of a simple equation material by drying. TPC and TFC values were statistically < 0.001 higher in dried samples compared to fresh samples; however, no change has been recorded of TPC and TFC values at different temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C).