Physicochemical Quality and Microbial Contamination of Solar-Dried Figs (Ficus carica L.)

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Chaïma Chahed 1
Badii Gaaliche 2
Oguzhan Caliskan 3
Najla Sadfi-Zouaoui 1
Mohamed Rabeh Hajlaoui 4
1 Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies and Biomarkers LR16ES05, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
2 Laboratory of Horticulture, National Agricultural Research Institute of Tunisia (INRAT), IRESA- University of Carthage, Hédi Karray Street, 1004 El Menzah, Tunis, Tunisia.
3 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hatay Mustafa Kemal, Hatay, Türkiye.
4 Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology in Agriculture, National Agricultural Research Institute of Tunisia (INRAT), IRESA-University of Carthage, Hédi Karray Street, 1004 El Menzah, Tunis, Tunisia.
Abstract
Fig (Ficus carica L.) is a nutrient-rich fruit with recognized therapeutic properties, but its soft texture and high sugar content make it highly perishable. Therefore, drying is essential to extend its shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of seven dried fig varieties and assessed their microbiological safety through fungal isolation and identification. Fully ripened fruits were solar-dried in a glasshouse under controlled conditions, with daily turning to ensure uniform dehydration. Significant inter-varietal differences were observed in nutritional, bioactive, and physicochemical traits. Moisture content remained below 26% in all samples, ensuring storage stability. Soluble sugars were predominant (41.71–78.67 g 100 g-1 DW), while protein content was relatively low (1.23–1.79 g 100 g-1 DW). Total phenolic content ranged from 164.88 to 340.55 mg GAE 100 g-1 DW, and flavonoids from 29.80 to 56.24 mg RE. 100 g-1 DW. Mold counts varied between 2.29 and 4.48 log CFU g-1, with Aspergillus species more prevalent than Penicillium and Alternaria, reflecting their higher ecological fitness under solar-drying conditions. Overall, these results demonstrated that glasshouse solar drying effectively reduced post-harvest deterioration of figs while preserving key nutritional and bioactive compounds, thus providing a sustainable alternative to conventional sun-drying that enhances product safety, stability, and market competitiveness.
Keywords
Ficus carica
Molds
Nutritional quality
Phenolic compounds
Solar drying
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 28, Issue 4
July and August 2026
Pages 891-906