Abstract:The Optimization of the microwave drying process was investigated using the response surface method in the “Jiuyeqing” Zanthoxylum schinifolium,with enzyme-inactivated by steam. The effects of microwave power, volume and intermittent microwave time on the content of volatile oil in microwave-dried Z. schinifolium were studied, and the suitable influence range was determined. On the basis of single factor experiment, the content of volatile oil was based on the Box-behnken Center combination test design principle, and the microwave drying regression model of it was established. The results showed that the optimal microwave drying parameters were as follows. The microwave power was 354.26 W, and the volume was 211.93 g and the intermittent microwave time was 51.4 s. Under this condition, the content of essential oil after drying was 0.087 748 5 mL/g, and the error of optimization result was 0.85%, with reliable optimization results.