Abstract:Abstract：In order to optimize air source heat pump drying process parameters of wax gourd，effects of slice thickness，drying temperature and air speed on drying process of wax gourd and the brightness，rehydration rate and retention rate of ascorbic acid （VC）of dried wax gourd were investigated by using single factor experiment，and the best range of values of the process parameters were confirmed.Then the heat pump drying process parameters of wax gourd were optimized and confirmed by using orthogonal experiment and comprehensive weighted scoring method，and the results showed that：drying temperature was 60 ℃，air speed was 1.5 m/s，slice thickness was 6 mm.Under the optimal conditions，the brightness，rehydration rate，retention rate of VC and comprehensive scoring of dried wax gourd were 86.2，6.82，84.37%，92.91 respectively.The results provided references for the application of air source heat pump drying technology to the large-scale production of dried wax gourd.