Pineapple powder quality: Effect of the feedstock solution composition, homogenization and spray drying process

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate concentration of compounds in the feedstock solution and the conditions of the spray drying process and process conditions for high-pressure homogenization and spray drying on powder pineapple (pulp, core, and peel) quality. The independent variables were considered: maltodextrin (8.0-12.0%), homogenization pressure of the suspension fed to the dryer (30-50 MPa), rotary atomizer speed (18000-20000 rpm), inlet air temperature (125-155°C), and outlet air temperature (80-90°C). The experimental optimization of multiple responses defined the independent variables as homogenization pressure (44.4 MPa), maltodextrin (10.2%), inlet air temperature (134.9°C), outlet air temperature (80°C), and rotary atomizer speed (18296 rpm). The dependent variables were: aw (0.215±0.006), solubility (81.9±1.3%), hygroscopicity