Effect of water blanching on phenolic compounds,antioxidant activities,enzyme inactivation,microbial reduction,and surface structure of samnamul (Aruncus dioicus var kamtschaticus)

Water blanching is widely used in food industry, but imprudent process causes considerable quality deterioration. To determine optimum condition, the effect of water blanching at different temperature (80, 90 and 98 °C) and time (0–10 min) on the characteristics of samnamul was investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities showed dramatic increase up to maximum and decreased rapidly as further blanching prolonged at all temperatures. The blanching at 98 °C for 30 s showed the highest values of them. Phenolic compounds such as shanzhiside methyl ester, isoquercetin, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside and sergeolide showed different temperature dependence. At 30 s, quercetin derivatives levels increased with increasing temperature and showed highest heat-stability. Based on our study, the blanching at high temperature of 98 °C for a short time of 30 s may be important to increase or maintain nutritional quality, while oxidative enzyme activities and the microorganism numbers decreased.     

Optimisation and modelling green bean's ultrasound blanching

Using of ultrasound in food processing is a novel and interesting technique, which is often complementary to classical methods. This study reports on the ultrasound blanching (USB) of green bean. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effect of process variables on the USB. Three independent variables including temperature (50–90 °C), time (45–225 s) and duty cycle (0.2–0.8 s) were examined. The optimal USB conditions were obtained with a temperature of 90 °C, USB time of 58.27 s and duty cycle of 0.79 s. At these conditions, the residual peroxidase activity (RPA) determined as 9.64% and the vitamin C loss as 8.92%. The experimental values under optimal condition were in good consistent with the predicted values. According to the results, the USB process is more efficient process and as well as less damage to the product compared to the conventional blanching method.     

Comparison of microwave-assisted induction heating system (MAIH) and individual heating methods on the quality of pre-packaged white shrimp

Microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) is a novel heating technology that combines microwave heating in the upper section and induction heating at the bottom. Our previous study demonstrated that optimal cooking in white shrimp can be achieved by MAIH either at 130 °C for 80 s or at 90 °C for 100 s. The objective of this study was to compare the cooking of white shrimp using microwave heating or induction heating alone with that using MAIH under the optimum cooking condition. The following three methods for cooking white shrimp were analyzed: (1) induction heating (IH) at 90 °C for 100 s or at 130 °C for 80 s; (2) microwave heating (MW) at 1300 W and 2450 MHz for 80 or 100 s; and (3) MAIH at 90 °C for 100 s or at 130 °C for 80 s. The results showed that using only induction or microwave heating gave the shrimp an uncooked or undercooked appearance; meanwhile, cold spots and non-uniform temperature distribution were observed in the thermal image of the shrimp. On the contrary, the shrimps processed by MAIH were found to be fully cooked, and a uniform temperature distribution was observed in the corresponding thermal image. Furthermore, no detectable aerobic plate count (APC), psychrophilic bacteria count (PBC), and coliform were found in the shrimp samples processed by MAIH. The color (L*, a*, b*, W, and ΔE), hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness of the samples processed by MAIH were all significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those of shrimp processed by induction or microwave heating alone, indicating that MAIH cooking shrimp exhibited better color and texture than MW or IH alone. The results showed that the shrimps heated with MAIH at both 130 °C or 90 °C had better microbiological, physical and chemical quality, as compared to MW or IH heating alone.Industrial relevanceThis novel MAIH technology allows shrimp to be heated and pasteurized after being packed, thereby eliminating the post-pollution issue. Therefore, it has a great potential for developing short-time in-package pasteurization processes in food industry.     

Effects of hot-water and steam blanching of sliced potato on polyphenol oxidase activity

The worldwide potato production is considered the fourth-most important food sector due to the increasing use of potatoes as raw materials for high-convenience food. Enzymatic browning, due to polyphenol oxidase (PPO), is related to unacceptability by consumer. Among antibrowning agents, thermal treatments are viable alternatives. In this study, the efficacy of hot-water and steam blanching at 80–90 °C of potato slices (1-cm thick) was evaluated in terms of colour changes as well as PPO inactivation kinetics, substrate specificity and transition state parameters. In general, all treatments [1] bleached the slices, [2] inactivated PPO and [3] reduced its kinetic efficiency. Results from thermal inactivation kinetics promoted hot-water blanching at 90 °C for approx. 2 min as the fastest treatment to obtain enzymatic-stable potato slices. Moreover, steam blanching required more energy (53.93 ± 1.24 kJ mol⁻¹) than hot-water treatment (41.41 ± 4.51 kJ mol⁻¹) to reach the transition state and then to unfold the PPO enzyme.     

Effects of foam-mat drying temperature on physico-chemical and microstructural properties of shrimp powder

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of different drying air temperatures (45, 60, 75, and 90 °C) on the physico-chemical and microstructural properties of foam-mat-dried shrimp powder. Physico-chemical properties such as moisture content, water activity, solubility, water binding capacity (WBC), and color of the powder were determined. The experimental results showed that as the temperature increased, the moisture content, water activity, and WBC of the samples decreased. However, their solubility increased significantly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total color difference (ΔE) increased by increasing temperature, yet decreased at 90 °C. The SEM images indicated as the drying temperature increased, the mat structure porosity increased, too, especially at 90 °C.Industrial RelevanceThe demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) and/or ready-to-cook (RTC) meals is gradually growing because they are easy to prepare. The dried shrimp powder can be used for producing formulated seafood and other food products such as soups, sauce, snacks, etc. to increase the protein content and improve the nutritional value of them. Fish and shrimp soup mixes and snacks are examples of dried RTE products. They are popular in Asian countries, due to easy transportation, quality, stability, and long shelf life.     

Effect of Pre-treatment and Drying Method on Colour Degradation Kinetics of Dried Salak Fruit During Storage

Effect of heat treatment on colour stability of dried salak fruit during storage was investigated by using hot air (40–90 °C), heat pump (isothermal and intermittent modes, 26–37 °C) and freeze-drying. Influence of pre-treatment on the colour property was studied as well by blanching the sample at three levels of temperature (50–70 °C). Total colour change (∆E*) was used to assess the colour degradation kinetics and quantify the degree of browning during processing and storage. It was found that the dried pre-treated sample under heat pump isothermal drying recorded the highest ∆E* value during storage followed by non-pre-treated samples under heat pump intermittent drying, freeze-drying, hot air-drying and heat pump isothermal drying. Weibull model is found to better fit the experimental data as compared with zero-order and first-order kinetics models. Analysis on the kinetics constants reveals that the heat treatment could affect the microstructure, water sorption properties and concentration of reacting species of the dried product. This in turn contributes to the colour changes of the dried product during storage.     

Effects of Blanching on Some Physical Properties and Processing Recovery of Sweet Corn Cobs

The effects of the blanching process of sweet corn on shearing stress, shearing energy, and processing recovery of kernels as well as weight and dry substance of kernels and cobs were studied. Sweet corn cobs were blanched in water, where blanching time ranged from 2 to 8 min and temperature ranged from 75 to 100 °C. Nonblanched cobs (fresh cobs) were used as control samples. It was found that all analyzed variables were significantly affected by blanching time and temperature. The average values of all analyzed variables, except moisture which decreased, increased with increasing of the blanching time and temperature. Changing the blanching time and temperature affected the dry substance of kernels and cobs, kernel and cob mass, recovery processing by increasing it, as well as the average values of shearing stress and shearing energy by decreasing them.     

Ohmic heating blanching of Agaricus bisporus mushroom: Effects on polyphenoloxidase inactivation kinetics,color, and texture

The effect of ohmic heating blanching (OHB) on the inactivation kinetics of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), color, and texture from Agaricus bisporus mushroom treated at different temperatures (67–90 °C) for 1 to 5 min was investigated in the present work. OHB and conventional blanching (CB) treatments were able to inactivate mushroom PPO. However, the inactivation kinetics results showed a lower energy activation (E_a) value during OHB (16.03 ± 1.34 KJmol-1) compared to conventional blanching (20.07 ± 1.85 KJmol-1). Significant differences were observed in color (L*, h° and ΔE) and mushroom texture between the blanching treatments. Nevertheless, both treatments caused minimal physicochemical changes. Therefore, OHB is a promising technology for mushroom blanching because it promotes PPO inactivation in less time and reduces the impact on the color and texture of mushrooms compared to CB.     

High pressure thermal processing of pears: Effect on endogenous enzyme activity and related quality attributes

The effect of high pressure-thermal (HPT) processing (600 MPa, 20–100 °C) on the activity of pear enzymes and related quality attributes was investigated. HPT processing at 20 °C for 5 min resulted in 32%, 74% and 51% residual activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and pectin methylesterase (PME), respectively. Increasing processing temperature to 40 and 60 °C reduced the level of PPO and POD inactivation, with the maximum residual activities of 64% and 123%, respectively observed after 3-min treatments at 40 and 60 °C. Overall, HPT at 20 to 60 °C had minimal effect on quality, although enzymatic browning was observed upon air exposure. HPT at 80 to 100 °C caused almost complete inactivation of PPO and POD with 90% and 92% inactivation respectively after 3-min processing at 100 °C, which reduced browning upon air exposure. Nevertheless, the lowest texture retention of 22% was observed under this condition.Industrial relevanceThe study examined the effects of combined high pressure thermal processing on quality related pear enzymes and related instrumental quality attributes such as colour and texture. The study enabled identification of processing regimes for enzyme inactivation and quality retention. The excellent quality retention following HPP at 20 to 40 °C makes this condition suitable for ‘fresh-like’ small portion products for immediate consumption after unpacking that do not require complete PPO and POD inactivation. On the other hand, the almost complete inactivation of oxidative enzymes PPO and POD at 100 °C makes this condition more appropriate for the production of bulk products for food service applications or pureed ingredients for baby food, or pear pieces for yoghurt, that require PPO inhibition but not necessarily high firmness retention.     

Effect of Infrared Blanching on Enzyme Activity and Retention of β‐Carotene and Vitamin C in Dried Mango

The objectives of this work were to evaluate infrared (IR) dry blanching in comparison with conventional water blanching prior to hot air drying of mango to inactivate polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) enzymes, and to study its effect on color change and retention of vitamin C and β‐carotene. Mango cylinders were blanched under similar temperature–time conditions either by IR heating or by immersion in a water bath during 2 min at 90 °C (high‐temperature‐short‐time—HTST) or for 10 min at 65 °C (low‐temperature‐long‐time—LTLT). After blanching mango was hot air dried at 70 °C. PPO was completely inactivated during the blanching treatments, but AAO had a moderate remaining activity after LTLT treatment (～30%) and a low remaining activity after HTST treatment (9% to 15%). A higher retention of vitamin C was observed in mango subjected to IR dry blanching, 88.3 ± 1.0% (HTST) and 69.2 ± 2.9% (LTLT), compared with water blanching, 61.4 ± 5.3% (HTST) and 50.7 ± 9.6% (LTLT). All‐trans‐β‐carotene retention was significantly higher in water blanched dried mango, 93.2 ± 5.2% (LTLT) and 91.4 ± 5.1% (HTST), compared with IR dry blanched, 73.6 ± 3.6% (LTLT) and 76.9 ± 2.9% (HTST). Increased levels of 13‐cis‐β‐carotene isomer were detected only in IR dry blanched mango, and the corresponding dried mango also had a slightly darker color. IR blanching of mango prior to drying can improve the retention of vitamin C, but not the retention of carotenoids, which showed to be more dependent on the temperature than the blanching process. A reduction of drying time was observed in LTLT IR‐blanching mango.     

Protein changes in shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis) frozen stored at different temperatures and the relation to water-holding capacity

To study the effects of freezing temperature on muscle proteins, shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis) were frozen stored at either −18 or −60 °C up to 90 and 210 days. Shrimp frozen at −18 °C had higher thawing and compression loss and poor myofibril water-holding capacity compared with those frozen at −60 °C. In terms of protein characteristics, shrimp frozen at −18 °C had higher levels of carbonyls and reduced sulphhydryls. Moreover, the shrimp frozen at −18 °C had higher surface hydrophobicity and reduced Ca²⁺-ATPase activity, indicating increased protein denaturation. Proteomics revealed that seventy-five proteins were classified as differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) following freezing. There were sixty-four DAPs in the F18-CON comparison group (shrimp frozen at −18 °C vs. control) and thirty-two DAPs in the F60-CON comparison group (shrimp frozen at −60 °C vs. control), suggesting that freezing at −18 °C results in more DAPs than freezing at −60 °C. A comparison between F18 and F60 revealed that ribosomal proteins (L44, L7a) and heat shock protein 21 were downregulated in F18. These results increase our understanding of the variable quality associated with shrimp frozen at different temperatures.     

Polyphenol oxidase inactivation and vitamin C degradation kinetics of Fuji apple quarters by high humidity air impingement blanching

In this study, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and vitamin C were used as the indicators of enzymes and nutrients to evaluate the apple quality during high humidity air impingement blanching (HHAIB) process. The PPO can be completely inactivated within 7 min at 90–120 °C and can retain relatively more vitamin C in the case of PPO fully inactivation. PPO inactivation followed zero‐order kinetics model at 90 and 100 °C, and followed first‐order fraction model at 110 and 120 °C. Activation energy (E_a) of PPO inactivation was between 11.61 and 13.66 kJ mol^?1 by Arrhenius equation. Vitamin C degradation under all processing temperatures was well described by first‐order model and its E_a value was 26.69 kJ mol^?1. Therefore, the HHAIB process was proved to be an effective pretreatment for Fuji apple quarters to inactivate PPO fast and meanwhile to maintain produce quality.     

Effect of high pressure thermal sterilization on the formation of food processing contaminants

The use of high pressure thermal sterilization (HPTS) as an emerging technology for the sterilization of foods could be a big turning point in the food industry. HPTS can result in a better overall food quality, lower thermal load applied to the product and less unwanted food processing contaminants (FPCs) as e.g. furan and monochloropropanediol/-esters.Hence, within the EU FP7 founded Prometheus-project HPTS treatments were performed for selected food systems. Therefore, two spore strains were tested, the Geobacillus stearothermophilus and the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, in the temperature range from 90 to 121 °C at 600 MPa. The treatments were carried out in different fish system and ACES-buffer. The treatment at 90 and 105 °C showed that the G. stearothermophilus is more pressure sensitive than the B. amyloliquefaciens. The formation of FPCs was monitored during the sterilization process and compared to the amounts found in retorted samples of the same food systems. Depending on the food system the amounts of furan could be reduced between 71 and 97% for the tested temperature pressure combination even at sterilization conditions of F₀-value 7 min.Industrial relevanceThe high pressure thermal sterilization (HPTS) process is an emerging technology to produce high quality low acid food products, which are shelf-stable at ambient temperature. In addition the consumer today demands foods which are minimally processed and are healthy and safe. However, an industrial scale process has not yet been implemented.The work in this paper shows different temperature combinations (90 to 121 °C) at 600 MPa and their influence on the endospore inactivation and also on the formation of unwanted food process contaminants (FPCs), such as furan and monochloropropanediol/-esters, in comparison to retorting. The use of HPTS could lead to shorter process times and a means by which a better quality of the foods could be achieved.     

High-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) enhances drying behavior of red pepper via altering cellular structure,pectin profile and water state

In order to exploring a feasible pretreatment technology of red pepper, an emerging thermal pretreatment technology namely high-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) was employed and its effect on drying behavior and related mechanisms were explored through analyzing the ultrastructure, the contents and composition of cell wall pectins, water state of red pepper during the blanching process under blanching temperature of 110 °C and relative humidity of 35%–40% for various exposure times ranging from 0 to 150 s. Results indicated HHAIB can extensively reduce the drying time from 11 h for the un-blanched samples to 8 h for the samples blanched for 90 s. In addition, HHAIB reduced the products' hardness by 8.19%–47.91% compared to the untreated samples. The cellular structure and water state experienced a significant alternation with the increasing blanching time. The content of water-soluble pectin (WSP) increased, while the contents of chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) and sodium‑carbonate-soluble pectin (NSP) decreased during the blanching process. Overall, HHAIB treatment is a promising blanching technology for red pepper as it can accelerate the drying process through softening tissue and altering the ultrastructure and moisture binding state.Industrial practiceDrying is one of the most frequently used methods for red pepper preservation as it can effectively reduce the moisture content so as to hinder the growth and reproduction of microorganisms and the moisture-mediated deteriorative reactions. While the existence of waxy hydrophobic layer covered the surface of red pepper results in long drying time and poor products' quality. In industrial practice chemical dipping is often used to remove the wax layer and enhance the drying rate of red pepper. However, the chemical residues can trigger food safety issues and how to deal with the highly corrosive chemical dipping solution is also a challenge. Therefore, it is very tempting for industry to explore innovative pretreatment for red pepper drying. The current work indicated that HHAIB is a promising alternative technology to replace the chemical dipping method as it extensively enhances the drying process of red pepper.     

Cooking and pasteurizing evaluation of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) meats subjected to an emerging microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) technology

Microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) is a complex heating process characterized by rapid and uniform heating based on a combination of microwave heating (power: 1000 W; frequency: 2450 MHz) applied from above and electromagnetic induction heating (power: 1500 W) applied from below. In this study, we assessed the utility of MAIH in processing the flesh of barramundi (Lates calcarifer), an important aquaculture species in Asian countries. To determine the effects of different heating conditions on the microbial contamination and physicochemical qualities of barramundi meat, fresh barramundi meats (100 g) were sealed in heat-resistant crystallized polyethylene terephthalate containers containing 150 mL of saline solution, and were subsequently heated in MAIH to 90 °C or 70 °C and held to different time. The results revealed that in response to an increase in the duration of heating, there were reductions in the aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacteria count, hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria count, and coliform count, along with lower contents of total volatile basic nitrogen, in treated samples. Conversely, with a prolongation of the time exposed to heat, we detected increases in the L* (lightness),W (whiteness), ΔE(colour difference), and texture (hardness and chewiness) of fish meat, whereas there was a reduction of a* (redness). When the samples were heated for at least 110 s to 90 °C or for at least 130 s to 70 °C, the barramundi meats obtained appeared to be fully cooked with microbial counts below the limits of detection. In addition, under both heating conditions, thermal imaging revealed a uniform distribution of temperature within treated samples. Furthermore, monitoring of temperature profiles at central points in fish samples revealed that maximum temperatures of 97 °C and 79 °C were reached in response to MAIH processing at 90 °C for 110 s and 70 °C for 130 s, respectively. Thus, on the basis of the quality considerations of appearance, microbial count, and texture, the recommended optimal heating conditions for barramundi meats produced using MAIH are 90 °C for 110 s and 70 °C for 130 s.Industrial relevanceThe MAIH equipment is a novel thermal processing technology and allows food to be heated and pasteurized simultaneously after the package is sealed, eliminates issues of secondary contamination due to the need for subsequent packaging, and extends the shelf life. MAIH technology, therefore, serves as a viable future alternative for thermal processing of manufacturing refrigerated ready-to-eat seafood.     

Effect of different killing methods on physicochemical traits,nutritional characteristics,in vitro human digestibility and oxidative stability during storage of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus L.)

The present research studied the effect of different killing methods on various quality attributes of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder: physicochemical traits (pH, colour, radical scavenging activity, browning index, protein oxidation), nutritional profile (proximate composition), in vitro human digestibility, and oxidative stability of lipids during storage. With this purpose, seven different killing methods were compared: blanching (40 s at 100 °C), steaming (2 min 15 s), freezing (2 h 10 min at −20 °C), carbon dioxide (2 h 7 min at 25 °C), vacuum (1 h 35 min at 25 °C), plastic bag (3 h 1 min at 25 °C), and carbon dioxide + blanching (40 min carbon dioxide at 25 °C + 40 s blanching). All killing methods reduced the radical scavenging activity (p < 0.001) and increased the browning index (p < 0.001) of the cricket powder. Overall, cricket powder obtained through carbon dioxide, vacuum and plastic bag killing methods provided the best proximate composition (p < 0.001). Freezing, carbon dioxide, vacuum and plastic bag provided cricket powder with the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids proportion, thus having the healthiest lipid profile (p < 0.001), and guaranteed the lowest oxidative degree of lipids (p < 0.001). In the same groups, however, the lowest in vitro human digestibility was also observed (p < 0.001). Overall, none of the tested methods had detrimental effects on product quality and, at present, the choice of the most appropriate killing strategy seems a matter of equipment availability and cost-efficiency evaluations.Industrial relevanceThe present study provides new insights on the impact of the killing method on the final quality of cricket powder, a versatile, nutrient-rich food. The choice of the most appropriate method, together with its industrial implementation, are fundamental aspects to guarantee satisfactory quality standards and consumer's health.     

Effects of high pressure and ohmic heating on shell loosening,thermal and structural properties of shrimp (Pandalus borealis)

This study aimed at understanding the effects of high pressure (HP) and ohmic heating (OH) on the peelability, the underlying mechanisms of HP- and OH-induced shell tightening, the thermal and structural properties of shrimp parts. HP improved the peelability of shrimp at low pressure level (<350 MPa) and short holding time (≤3 min) and the optimum condition for peeling was at 100 MPa for 3 min at 5 °C. However, a higher pressure level (>350 MPa) led to a decrease in the peelability. High pressure at 600 MPa stabilized cuticular and epidermal collagen and formed new collagen-like structures by new linkages, which strengthened the muscle-shell connection and reduced the peelability. Shrimp meat induced from HP at 100 MPa and 600 MPa had minorly denatured myofibrillar proteins. OH as a blanching method did not significantly improve the peelability of shrimp at most of the studied conditions. Some extreme conditions (e.g. at 50 °C) caused a markedly low peelability due to occurrence of collagen gelatinization. The gel formation from collagen-gelatin transformation under heating added strength to adherence of shell to epidermis and muscle, as a consequence, a difficult peeling was experienced. OH also denatured proteins in shrimp meat and caused loss of astaxanthin.Industrial relevance.The industrial processing of ready-to-eat shrimp involves the on-ice or in-brine maturation process which loosens the shrimp's shell from its meat, and therefore enable the mechanical peeling. However, the traditional maturation is time consuming (up to several days), inevitably leads to reduced quality of shrimp meat. This study shows the possibility of the application of HP at mild pressure levels to promote the shell loosening at short HP processing time (≤3 min). However, at more severe HP conditions could lead to the shell tightening which was caused by HP-induced stabilization of collagen in shell and epidermis. The study also shows that ohmic heating (<5 min) might not be a significant blanching method to support the maturation since OH had minor positive effect on shell loosening at some OH conditions (e.g. 2 or 10% NaCl, 92 V, and 30 or 35 °C), but had a counter effect at most OH conditions especially at high temperature.     

Optimization of a process to obtain selenium-enriched freeze-dried broccoli with high antioxidant properties

Broccoli exhibits a high content of antioxidant and anticarcinogenic compounds, such as polyphenols and selenium. Since it is mostly consumed as a processed food, elucidating the processing conditions that minimize nutritional losses becomes relevant. The process composed of a blanching step followed by freeze-drying of selenium-enriched broccoli was optimized, in order to maximize the content of Se-methyl selenocysteine (SMSeC), total polyphenols content and anti-radical power (ARP). The optimal blanching conditions agreed for the three responses, and were immersion in water at 72 °C during 1 min. The optimal freeze-drying conditions were slow freezing rate, atmospheric pressure (96.13 kPa), and application of infrared radiation (IR). These conditions allowed keeping 25% ARP, 18% polyphenols content and 174% SMSeC compared to the fresh vegetable. These results will help in establishing the most adequate processing conditions that allow keeping the functional properties of broccoli as a processed food.     

Optimization of Convective Dehydration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Beta vulgaris</Emphasis> for Color Retention

Beta vulgaris or beet root powder is a good natural food colorant since beet contains significant amount of red-colored betalain pigments. This paper reports the process optimization of drying conditions to get beet root powder with maximum retention of red color. Response surface method was used with three factors: five-level central composite design to arrive at optimum drying temperature, sample thickness, and hot air recirculation. Beet powder was evaluated to assess color retention with respect to fresh beet as a control. A 53 °C temperature and 7-mm thickness with 63% air recirculation ratio gave the best product, with 90% retention of red color having acceptable rehydration ratio and final moisture content. Using optimum sample thickness and air recirculation rate, drying process was further improved to reduce drying time and energy consumption. At different temperatures (50 to 120 °C), drying characteristics were studied. Thus, drying time of 6 h was further reduced to 4 h by applying sequential temperature gradient during drying (initial 120 °C gradually reduced to 53 °C) that also resulted in energy savings with the same degree of color retention.     

Improvement of drying efficiency and quality attributes of blueberries using innovative far-infrared radiation heating assisted pulsed vacuum drying (FIR-PVD)

A new drying technology, far-infrared radiation heating assisted pulsed vacuum drying (FIR-PVD) was applied to process blueberries. Influences of drying temperature, vacuum pressure duration (VPD), and ambient pressure duration (APD) on drying characteristics and quality attributes of blueberries were investigated under FIR-PVD. Results showed that drying temperature, APD, and VPD had significant influence on drying time and quality attributes of dried blueberries expect for color and cohesiveness. Compared to hot air dried blueberries, FIR-PVD seriously damaged the cellular walls of blueberries during drying at 65 °C. The highest total phenolics (TP) and total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) contents of dried blueberries were obtained at 65 °C with pulsed ratio of 15 min: 4 min and 15 min: 2 min, respectively. The FIR-PVD products obtained lower color difference, better mechanical properties and rehydration performance and maintained higher antioxidant capacity by shortening drying time, reducing exposure to oxygen, and modifying the microstructure compared to hot air drying.Industrial relevanceBlueberry is a popular function fruit around the world. With high moisture content and tender tissue, fresh blueberry is very susceptible to microbial infection even under low temperature storage conditions. Drying is a good alternative to extend the shelf life and increase the availability of fresh blueberries. However, the existence of waxy hydrophobic layer covered the surface of blueberries inhibits moisture diffusion during drying. Chemical dipping and thermal blanching pretreatments were usually used to reduce the influence of skin hydrophobicity and promote moisture diffusion. Nevertheless, the chemical additive residue leads to food safety risk and it's a big challenge to deal with the corrosive waste chemical solutions, while thermal blanching resulted a high loss of bioactive compounds. FIR-PVD is a recent developed emerging drying technology to process berries with waxy layer beyond pretreatments. Results indicated that FIR-PVD is a very promising technology for processing blueberries with the improvement of drying efficiency and quality attributes.