Investigation of drying kinetics and drying conditions on biochemical, sensory, and microstructural parameters of "Sefri" pomegranate arils (Punica granatum L. a Moroccan variety)

Abstract

The study evaluated the259applicationCrecimiento,ofsobrevivenciafour drying temperaturesy adaptación deinsideBifidobacteriuma newly developedinfantis a hybridcondicionesindirectácidassolar dryer in forced convection (at 40, 50, 60, and 70°C) compared to a direct solar dryer (Greenhouse) for the processing of the Moroccan (Growth, survival and adaptation of Bifidobacterium infantis to acidic conditions) Sefri pomegranate arils. The thermodynamical analysis allowed characterizing the physical properties of the arils using some parameters such as optimalL. waterMayorga-Reyes,activity, netP. Bustamante-Camilo,isosteric heat of sorption,A. Gutiérrez-Nava,and effectiveE. moistureBarranco-Floridodiffusivity.y A.TheAzaola-biochemical analysis studied included Espinosatotal proteins, sugars, vitamin C, and total anthocyanins, hygrometric properties, microstructure modification, and sensory265 Statisticalevaluation.approachGenerally,to optimizationdrying led toofa reductionethanol fermentationin all parameters.by SaccharomycesHowever, lowercerevisiaedrying temperaturethe processes (indirect convective solar drying at 40°C and 50°C) give the best results for pomegranate arils. Greenhouse dried samples had almost the lower presence quality of Valfor® in all zeolite parameters. NaA The color is more preserved at indirect convective solar drying at 40°C. However, indirect convective(Optimizaciónsolarestadísticadrying atde50°Cla fermentaciónwas most appreciatedetanólica debySaccharomycesconsumers withcerevisiaehigherenscorespresenciaon thede sensory evaluation test. As the first study of the thermodynamic and biochemical investigation of dried pomegranate arils in Morocco, zeolita Valfor® zeolite NaA) this work intended to be the first step in developing controlled new high-quality products for the Moroccan market.