In this study, we present the kinetics of osmotic dehydration of melons (Tille) in a ternary system along with air-drying for preserving melons in the summer to be used in the winter. The effect of different osmotic solution concentrations 30, 40 and 50% w/w of sucrose with 10% NaCl salt and fruit to solution ratios 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6 on the mass transfer kinetics during osmotic dehydration of Tille in ternary solution sucrose/salt/water along with air-drying were investigated. The effect of processing time on diffusivity of water was studied, which showed the diffusivity of water during air-drying was enhanced after the fruit samples were held in the osmotic solution for appropriate time. The effective water diffusion coefficients were higher than sucrose. Samples non-treated and pre-treated in 60% osmotic solutions and fruit to solution osmotic dehydration 1:4 during one hour were dried in a hot air-dryer at 60oC until equilibrium was achieved.

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