Abstract: Infrared ray (IR) drying technique was used to dry Tremella fuciformis to research its drying properties and kinetic model.The effects of temperature of 60-140 ℃,infrared intensities of 1-5 W/cm² and air velocities of 0.5-1.5 m/s on dehydrating properties of T.fuciformis were investigated.The results showed that the moisture ratio was significantly influenced by IR intensity and temperature but not significantly influenced by air velocity.The suitable kinetic model which can be used to describe the relationship of moisture ratio and drying time was established on the basis of experimental data and the validation test was performed.The statistically analyses from the present study indicated that Midilli’s form gave a better fit over the other form and the experimental value was well in close agreement with value predicted by the model.The dehydrating properties of T.fuciformis during the IR drying procedure can be exactly estimated by the model.

Key words: Tremella fuciformis, infrared ray, drying characteristics, model