Karakteristik Pengeringan Bawang Merah (Alium Ascalonicum. L) Menggunakan Alat Pengering ERK (Greenhouse)

Aim of this research was to determine drying rate and moisture content changes on Greenhouse (ERK) Dryer. Result was showed using graphic by analyzing drying rate characteristics of Greenhouse Dryer. Data analysis was performed using mathematical approach that solved using Microsoft Excel. Method used in this research was experimental method. Based on the results, onion drying using ERK showed decreasing rate of weight changes. Sample shrinkage was 25.7% with average moisture content 60.06% for sample weight 0.187 kg. Average humidity (RH) was lower than ambient humidity on the range of 63.4% to 83.0%. Characteristics of onion drying was the decreasing rate of moisture content of 0.17% with equation MR: y = -0,017 + 1,061, R2 is 0,985. Value of Ln MR at first day was y = -0,019x and decreasing rate of moisture content 0,19%. Whereas decreasing rate at second, third and fourth day were 0,008%, 0,11% and 0,002% respectively for 1 hour interval period. Keywords: red onion, Greenhouse effect, drying rate, dryer &nbsp