Hyperspectral imaging technology for monitoring of moisture contents of dried persimmons during drying process

The moisture content of persimmons during drying was monitored by hyperspectral imaging technology. All persimmons were dried using a hot-air dryer at 40 °C and divided into seven groups according to drying time: semi-dried persimmons (Cont), 1 day (DP-1), 2 days (DP-2), 3 days (DP-3), 4 days (DP-4), 5 days (DP-5), and 6 days (DP-6). Shortwave infrared hyperspectral spectra and moisture content of all persimmons were analyzed to develop a prediction model using partial least squares regression. There were obvious absorption bands: two at approximately 971 nm and 1452 nm were due to water absorption related to O–H stretching of the second and first overtones, respectively. The R-squared value of the optimal calibration model was 0.9673, and the accuracy of the moisture content measurement was 95%. These results indicate that hyperspectral imaging technology can be used to predict and monitor the moisture content of dried persimmons during drying.