Assessment Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Figs Dried in Adrar Region, Algeria

Abstract

The figs are considered one of the fruits of paradise due to their great nutritional value that brings health back to the citizen, including protection from malnutrition. However, the consumption of the inhabitants of Adrar state for this fruit is very little and that is the lack of abundance in the market during the season, in addition to the rapid spoilage of this delicate fruit in case It was transported from the north due to the difficult delivery conditions, including the period and method of transportation to the province. Therefore, the solar drying team studied the preservation of this material through the solar drying method in order to preserve and store it for consumption throughout the year. In this study, the fresh figs were screened for the drying process using indirect solar, after that, the microbiological and physicochemical properties was tested in order to evaluate the nutritive value and hygienic quality of dried figs. The results revealed the presence of mesophilic aerobic total bacteria and coliform total, as well as the absence of Salmonella Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and certain yeast colonies. The pH value, activity water, dray matter, and ash assay findings were (0.41), (7.5%), (5.71%), and (5.71%), respectively, which do not impact the final quality of the dried goods and are satisfactory to the standards required by Algerian commercial legislation.