Abstract
This work focuses on the comparative description of convective thin-layer drying of celery leaves and stalks at 40, 50 and 60oC, respectively. Close to 100% moisture loss was recorded, yet total process time shortens at elevated temperatures. The adjusted determination coefficient, the root mean square error and the hybrid fractional error deviation, respectively, were simultaneously employed as selection criteria for the most suitable kinetic model. The empirical parabolic model was chosen to describe drying kinetics of both plant parts. Its parameters and their temperature dependence were quantified. Calculated drying parameters reflect the results of ANOVA testing. Effective water diffusivity coefficients are 3 orders of magnitude higher for stem and its drying activation energy is 34% lower. Specific energy consumption values prove that drying of stems is more energy efficient than that of leaves.