Spray drying of organic strawberry extract

Abstract

In this study, the effects of spray drying parameters on organic strawberry extract were investigated. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize spray drying conditions. Air inlet temperature (120-150°C), extract mass percentage in the feed mixture (m/m in dry basis 15-50%) and solid content of feed (20-40 Brix) were the independent process variables and maltodextrin was used as encapsulating agent. The responses of model were operational efficiency (yield) and phenolic retention. The optimum temperature, extract mass percentage and solid content of feed were estimated as 120°C, 23.26% (m/m) extract, and 20.00 Brix. The maximum levels of responses under optimum conditions were obtained as operational efficiency of 91.95% and phenolic retention of 79.62%. It was found that the most important variable was extract mass percentage in production of strawberry extract powders. As a result, organic strawberry extract powder can be effectively produced by spray drying.