Influence of process parameters and pre-treatments on quality and drying kinetics of apple samples

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of the process parameters and pre-treatment methods on the quality and drying kinetics of apple samples of the Fiorina variety using standard analytical methods: thermogravimetry, rehydration, colorimetry. The Apple samples were dried in a laboratory tray drier at different temperatures (50, 60, and 70°C), airflow velocities (1.5 m/s and 2.75 m/s), and pre-treatment methods (dipping in 0.5% ascorbic acid solution; 0.3% L-cysteine solution; 0.1% 4-hexyl resorcinol solution; 0.5% sodium metabisulfite solution; mixed solution of 0.05% 4-hexyl resorcinol and 0.5% sodium metabisulfite; blanching in hot water at 85°C). According to the drying time, rehydration and colour characteristics, the optimal drying parameters found were: temperature of 60°C and airflow velocity of 2.75 m/s. The drying kinetic equations were estimated using Page's mathematical model. The results of the estimation showed a good agreement with the experimental data. The best results were achieved when the samples were pre-treated with 4-hexyl resorcinol. Blanching in hot water resulted in a higher drying rate and higher rehydration ratio, but also in unacceptable changes in the colour appearance of the apple samples.