The effect of moisture content on some properties of two varieties (Meymeh and Maragheh) of Russian olives was studied. The physical and mechanical properties including: dimensions, geometric mean diameter, thousand mass, volume, sphericity, surface area, true and bulk densities, porosity, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, rupture force, and rupture energy. The changes of moisture content levels from 17% to 25% (w.b.) indicated a statistically significant effect on all studied physical properties, except bulk density for Russian olive fruits. Shearing force was applied to the fruit using a testing machine in double shear mode. Shear strength and shearing energy increased with increase of loading rate; however, they were higher in Meymeh variety than Maragheh variety. Therefore, the lowest loading rate, with up to about 10 mm/min is desirable to design a suitable pulverizing mill in the herbal medicine industries.

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