Evolution of the physicochemical properties of oil-free sweet potato chips during microwave vacuum drying

The demand for healthy and convenient foods is a worldwide trend. Sweet potato attracted great attention due to its carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be an excellent alternative for using and adding value to this raw material. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of sliced sweet potato during the microwave vacuum drying (MWVD) for producing crispy oil-free chips. Fresh sweet potato samples were selected, peeled, sliced, blanched, and then dehydrated using a microwave oven adapted with a vacuum chamber and a rotation system to operate under vacuum. It was measured the evolution of moisture, water activity, temperature, color, apparent specific mass, porosity, and acoustic/mechanical analysis of the texture during the MWVD. Crispy sweet potato chips were obtained in <30 min, presenting low moisture (0.028 g g⁻¹ db) and water activity (0.262). The dehydrated samples showed high porosity (67.5%) and a low apparent density (0.456 g cm⁻³). Optical micrographs and acoustic/mechanical properties showed an expanded (puffed) product structure with large pores, which resulted in irregular acoustic/mechanical signals, characteristics of a crispy food matrix. Colorimetric analyses indicated a little change between fresh and dried samples, with an absence of burnt spots. In conclusion, MWVD is a suitable process to produce highly porous sweet potato chips, adding value, and extending the vegetable's shelf life.     

Studies on different combined microwave drying of carrot pieces

Three different combined microwave (MW) drying methods were compared, namely microwave‐assisted vacuum drying (MWVD), microwave‐assisted freeze drying (MWFD), microwave‐enhanced spouted bed drying (MWSD), in terms of drying rate, drying uniformity, product colour, rehydration ratio, retention of β‐carotene and vitamin C, and energy consumption. The drying rate of MWVD and MWSD were much faster than that of MWFD. The largest drying rate was obtained in MWSD with 3.5 W g^?1. In general, the colour of MWSD products was very uniform. Rehydration ratio of MWFD carrot pieces was almost the same as the freeze‐dried (FD) products and better than MWVD and MWSD products. In addition, the highest retention of carotene and vitamin C was observed in MWFD carrot pieces. No significant differences were observed in carotene and vitamin C between MWVD and MWSD products. However, the energy consumption in MWFD was the highest.     

Effect of osmotic dehydration on dielectric properties,microwave vacuum drying kinetics and quality of mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) with and without osmotic dehydration (OD) in sucrose solution was dried by microwave vacuum drying at 1200, 1440 and 1680 W. Because of water loss (49.12–49.98 g 100 g^?1) and solid gain (9.31–11.62 g 100 g^?1) during OD, dielectric constant, loss factor and loss tangent of mangosteen were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) to 24.82–25.12, 11.52–14.18 and 0.47–0.50, respectively. With the decreased initial moisture content and the modified dielectric properties, drying time of osmotically dehydrated mangosteen was shorter than that of mangosteen without OD. Moreover, an increase in microwave power enhanced drying kinetics. With OD, Tg of dried mangosteen was increased from ?7.01, ?3.00 to 11.11–25.96 °C. Hardness and lightness (seedless part) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Structure of dried seedless mangosteen was well protected, resulting in the improved rehydration ability (P ≤ 0.05). Nonetheless, rehydration ability of the mangosteen containing seed was not improved (P > 0.05).     

Effects of different drying methods on the physicochemical property and edible quality of fermented Pyracantha fortuneana fruit powder

In this study, hot air drying (HAD), hot air-/microwave-assisted vacuum drying (HAMAVD) and hot air-assisted microwave drying (HAAMD) were applied to lactic acid-fermented Pyracantha fortuneana fruit (PFF). Influences of different drying methods on fluidity and dispersion, microstructure, hygroscopicity, rehydration, colour change, sourness and energy consumption were investigated. Results showed that HAAMD had the best overall performance on the quality of the PFF powder. HAAMD PFF powder had higher expansion force (1.65 mL g⁻¹) and water-holding capacity (2.68 g g⁻¹), lower degree of compression (9.09%) and energy consumption, smaller colour change and better taste. Organic acids (mainly malic acids) of all drying powders decreased, but HAAMD and HAMAVD could better improve the acidity characteristics of PFF powders, which may be related to the drying time and the temperature change processes. Consequently, this study can provide references for the utilisation of fresh PFF, the design and commercialisation of PFF-related products.     

Cyanogenic,carotenoids and protein composition in leaves and roots across seven diverse population found in the world cassava germplasm collection at CIAT,Colombia

The objective of this study was to characterise the nutritional potential of leaves and identify a diversity centre with low cyanide and high nutrient content among 178 Latin American cassava genotypes. This field-based collection represents the seven diversity centres, held at The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT Palmira, Colombia) by the Cassava Program. The cyanide, all-trans-β-carotene and lutein concentrations in cassava leaves ranged from 346 to 7484 ppm dry basis (db), from 174–547 μg g⁻¹ db and 15–181 μg g⁻¹ db, respectively. Cassava leaves also showed significant levels of essential amino acids leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine and threonine, and average total protein content of 26.24 g 100 g⁻¹ db. Among seven diversity centres, South American rainforest group showed low cyanide and high carotene content in leaves. In addition, VEN77 and PAN51 genotypes stood out for having low cyanide in leaves and roots and high carotene in leaves. This genetic diversity can be used to select high potential progenitors for breeding purposes.     

Evaluation of oscillatory and shear strain behaviour for thermo-rheological plasticisation of non-ripened cheese curd: Effect of water,protein, and fat

Non-ripened cheese curd with different dry matter (34.5–47.0 g 100 g⁻¹), protein (13.4–30.4 g 100 g⁻¹), and fat (0.5–25.9 g 100 g⁻¹) contents were produced from pre-acidified milk (citric acid, pH 5.8) with different fat-to-protein ratios (0, 0.18, 0.33, 0.79, 1.60) and different curd cooking times (15 min, 30 min, 85 min). From small angle oscillatory temperature sweep and large strain capillary rheology shear experiments it was deduced that the protein content increases and fat decreases maximal loss tangent and storage modulus. This is discussed in relation to suggested changes in casein micelle voluminosity with temperature. A critical shear stress above which the flow behaviour changes from regular to melt fracture behaviour was observed. This is explained by shear jamming and the frequency dependency of the sol–gel transition.     

Application of simulation in determining suitable operating parameters for industrial scale fluidized bed dryer during drying of high impurity moist paddy

A systematic approach has been developed for selecting the suitable drying parameters to be used for drying of high moisture and high impurity paddy with an industrial fluidized bed paddy dryer (10–20 t h⁻¹ capacity) based on targeted specific air flow rate and residence time during two typical paddy drying seasons. A mathematical model was developed by modifying an existing model and was simulated and validated with observed industrial drying data as well as data reported in the literature. Comparison between the observed and simulated results showed that the mathematical model is capable of predicting outlet paddy moisture content and air temperature well. Suitable operating parameters were determined for reducing any initial paddy moisture content (mc) down to 24–25% dry basis (db), the safe mc level after fluidized bed drying to maintain rice quality, to achieve maximum possible throughput capacity of the dryer with corresponding energy consumption. Based on these criteria, bed thickness at 10 cm, specific air flow rate of 0.05 kg kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ (for corresponding bed air velocity of 2.3 m s⁻¹), air temperature of 150 °C and residence time of 1.0 min were found to be suitable drying conditions for reducing paddy mc from 30 to 24.30% (db) in one season while the maximum throughput capacity of 15.7 tonne per hour (t h⁻¹) might be achieved. The specific electrical and thermal energy were 0.48 and 6.15 MJ kg⁻¹ water evaporated, respectively. On the other hand, the dryer capacity was found to be limited to 7.4 t h⁻¹ during drying paddy of higher initial mc (35% db). This approach might provide easy and comprehensive guidelines for selecting suitable sets of operating parameters for any industrial fluidized bed dryer at its possible maximum throughput capacity for drying of freshly harvested high moist paddy with a high level of impurities.     

Effect of different extraction methods on the recovery of chlorogenic acids,caffeine and Maillard reaction products in coffee beans

Water and ethanolic extracts were obtained from green and roasted (3 different roast degrees) Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Three types of water extracts were prepared from the examined, finely ground material through: (a) brewing with boiling water, (b) boiling in water, and (c) boiling in water under elevated pressure. All these extracts were lyophilized. Two types of ethanolic extracts were derived from the examined material through (a) extraction of the finely ground coffee beans and (b) extraction of the solid residue that remained after boiling the coffee beans in water under elevated pressure. These ethanolic extracts were dried. Both water and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for concentration of potential antioxidants such as chlorogenic acids and caffeine (by HPLC) and Maillard reaction products (measurements of absorbance at 420 nm). Concentration of chlorogenic acids in Robusta extracts varied between 0.4 and 36.0 g × 100 g⁻¹ dry extract weight (db.), while in Arabica extracts it ranged from 0.1 to 22.4 g × 100 g⁻¹ db. Extracts of dark roasted Arabica contained more chlorogenic acids than those of Robusta. Concentration of caffeine, which in green and roasted coffee beans is maintained at the similar level, tended to increase in Robusta extracts with the roast degree and temperature of extraction with water, while in case of Arabica extracts there was no noticeable tendency. Caffeine concentrations varied between 0.12 and 8.41 g × 100 g⁻¹ db. and between 0.03 and 6.53 g × 100 g⁻¹ db. in Robusta and Arabica extracts, respectively. Ethanolic extracts were characterized by relatively higher caffeine concentrations and lower contents of brown pigments and chlorogenic acids as compared to water extracts. The richest in antioxidants were extracts of green Robusta coffee beans derived through boiling in water under elevated pressure.     

Effect of combined microwave‐hot air drying and superheated steam drying on physical and chemical properties of rice

Jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.) was subjected to two drying operations: combined microwave‐hot air drying (MHA) at initial power intensity of 3, 4 and 6 W g^?1 and superheated steam drying (SHS) at 300 °C and 400 °C. During drying, kinetic rate constants of SHS were significantly higher than those of MHA. Both drying operations could decrease enthalpy of starch gelatinisation from 9.28 J g^?1 to 1.64–6.17 J g^?1, increase gelatinisation extent to 33.51–82.33%, decrease crystallinity from 28.87% to 18.15–21.33%, improve scavenging ability of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, increase ferric reducing antioxidant power and increase hardness of cooked rice from 5.66 N to 5.83–6.55 N, depending on microwave power and drying medium temperature. However, taste profiles and liking scores were comparable to the regular brown rice. Therefore, MHA and SHS operations could be potentially used for reducing drying process and promoting antioxidant activity.     

Microwave and ultrasound assisted extraction of phytocompounds from black jamun pulp: Kinetic and thermodynamics characteristics

The present study focuses on the extraction of phenolic compounds, anthocyanin and antioxidants from black jamun pulp by microwave and ultrasound assisted extraction process. The microwave-assisted extraction was carried out for 240 s at microwave power level of 100–400 W. The yield of total anthocyanin and total phenolic content in the microwave assisted extraction process at 400 W power level after an extraction period of 240 s was 8.197 mg of C3G g⁻¹ and 37.671 40.632 mg GAE g⁻¹, respectively. The ultrasound assisted extraction was performed at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C for 150 min. In the ultrasound assisted extraction at a sonication temperature of 70 °C, the yield of anthocyanin was 8.525 mg of C3G g⁻¹, while the yield of the phenolic compound was 47.331 mg GAE g⁻¹. The pseudo-second order model was found to be the most suitable model to represent the extraction kinetics of anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of black jamun pulp. The effective diffusion coefficient for ultrasound assisted extraction of phenolic components, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity in the temperature range of 40-70 °C was 5.704× 10⁻¹²–10.515 10⁻¹², 2.485× 10⁻¹² -8.507× 10⁻¹², and 2.061× 10⁻¹²–11.977 × 10⁻¹² m².s⁻¹ respectively. The negative Gibbs free energy change values for extraction of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin specified that the reaction was feasible and spontaneous. Thermodynamic parameters such as positive enthalpy change and positive entropy change indicated that the ultrasound assisted extraction process was endothermic and irreversible in nature.     

Spray‐drying of pomegranate juice with prebiotic dietary fibre

The prebiotic fibres, resistant dextrin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), were studied for use as drying‐aid agents for the spray‐drying of concentrated pomegranate juice, a low‐caloric juice containing interesting health‐related compounds. Resistant dextrin was the best drying‐aid agent as only 0.5 g g_CPJ^?1 of resistant dextrin was needed to avoid powder stickiness, compared with 1 g g_CPJ^?1 of maltodextrins and 1.5 g g_CPJ^?1 of fructooligosaccharides. The best conditions for spray‐drying a concentrated pomegranate juice (62.6% dry matter) using the resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE) were 1.25 g_NUTRIOSE g_CPJ^?1 and 0.10 g_CPJ g_solution^?1, a liquid feed rate of 1.08 L h^?1 and an air temperature of 160 °C. Powders were easily solubilised in water, while storage at 25 °C maintained the pomegranate bioactive components, and there were no stickiness problems for at least 2 months. Resistant dextrin could be used with all kind of fruit juices in substitution of maltodextrins, and the resulting prebiotic powders could be employed for formulating novel functional foods.     

Improved function of bamboo shoot fibre by high-speed shear dispersing combined with enzyme treatment

With the increase in global welfare, metabolic syndrome-related diseases seriously disrupt our quality of life. Balanced diet with low calories, low glycaemic index, and high dietary fibre such as bamboo shoot fibre is needed. Functional properties of dietary fibre can be improved by processing methods. Therefore, we compared the effect of three processing methods (high-speed shear dispersing, enzyme treatment and combined treatment) on the characteristics and functions of bamboo shoot fibres. Combined treatment resulted in high SDF content (10.15%), adsorption capacity of glucose (4.45–18.18 mmol g⁻¹), nitrite ion (505.49 μg g⁻¹ [pH 2.0]), and cholesterol (333.72 μg g⁻¹ [pH 2.0]). FTIR revealed that hydroxyl groups, sugar methylene and benzene rings of aromatic compounds existed in the treated bamboo shoots. The particle size (D₅₀) decreased from 383.90 to 30.65 μm. Honeycomb-like structure was also observed through SEM. Thus, proper processing of bamboo shoot fibres can improve their functions as food ingredients.     

Comparison of three microwave‐assisted drying methods on the physiochemical,nutritional and sensory qualities of re‐structured purple‐fleshed sweet potato granules

Purple‐fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) with high anthocyanin level was attractive to health concern. Three drying methods, namely microwave‐assisted freeze‐drying (MWFD), microwave‐assisted vacuum drying (MWVD) and microwave‐assisted spouted bed drying (MWSBD), were compared in the drying of PFSP granules. Product’s texture, colour, anthocyanin level and energy consumption were investigated. Drying periods varied among drying methods. MWSBD needed the least time to finish the drying process. Different drying methods had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on texture and anthocyanin level. Maximum penetration force of MWSBD treated sample was lowest (14.99 N). Anthocyanin level of MWSBD products was not as high as that of MWFD products, but colour and appearance were fine. MWFD products owned good crispness through sensory evaluation. Energy consumption of MWFD was about two times higher than that of MWVD. Final results indicated that MWSBD may be an alternative way to MWFD with measurements to maintain the anthocyanin level.     

Impact of lecithin incorporation on gel properties of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi

Gelling characteristics of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi functionalised by lecithin at different concentrations were investigated. Lecithin at ≤1 g 100 g⁻¹ had no impact on breaking force and deformation (P > 0.05). Expressible drip tended to decrease with increasing lecithin level up to 1 g 100 g⁻¹. Lecithin at 1–3 g 100 g⁻¹ improved the whiteness (P < 0.05). Jointed clusters were formed in the gel microstructure with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin. Gel without and with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin had the same texture profile and likeness scores (texture, odour and flavour) (P > 0.05). Peroxide value, TBARS content and rancid odour score of gels were changed considerably during refrigerated storage (4 °C/polyethylene bag) for 15 days but lower values of all indices were noticeable in gel with lecithin. Therefore, lecithin at 1 g 100 g⁻¹ was the optimum concentration for stabilising the texture, improving the water holding capacity, whitening the colour and retarding the lipid oxidation of bigeye snapper surimi gel.     

Effect of hydrocolloid addition and microwave-assisted freeze drying on the characteristics of foamed raspberry puree

Foamed fruit purees can be dried and consumed as snacks. This study compares the characteristics of foamed raspberry puree dried via microwave-assisted freeze drying and conventional freeze drying. The effect of potato protein (PP) (as a foaming agent), maltodextrin (MD) (as a foam stabilizer), and microwave power on the product characteristics was investigated. The puree contained 18%–20% higher content of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid than unprocessed raspberries. The retention of ascorbic acid and anthocyanins increased with increasing concentrations of MD and PP. Both drying methods resulted in 66%–81% retention of ascorbic acid and 53%–84% retention of total anthocyanins. The higher drying rates obtained at higher maltodextrin concentrations resulted in higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin retention. The total color difference was significantly higher for the foam with 30% MD (w/w) at 2.0 W g⁻¹, accounting for the formation of hot spots. Protein concentration did not have a considerable effect on product color. Increasing the maltodextrin concentration yielded a harder foam structure, while increasing the protein concentration had the opposite effect. Overall, microwave-assisted freeze drying was found to be a promising alternative to conventional freeze drying, as it offers a more efficient drying process with comparable product quality.     

Microwave assisted fluidized bed drying of nutmeg mace for essential oil enriched extracts: An assessment of drying kinetics,process optimization and quality

The drying mechanism of the myristicin enriched nutmeg mace has been optimized in a microwave assisted fluidization bed dryer (MWFBD) through multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The developed drying technique overcomes the non-uniformity heating problems in microwave heating and prolonged drying in fluidized bed drying. During the novel method of drying selected input variables were drying air temperature (DT) (40–50 °C) and microwave power (MP) (480–800 W) and output variables involving colour, oil yield, and myristicin quantity have been investigated by a continuous air velocity of 5.1 m/s. Six mathematical models about one to four conditions have fitted with an experimental design. Suitable enforcement of such models was evaluated through statistical measures. The coefficient of determination (R²) of MLR varied from 0.89 to 0.98, and the sum of squared error (SSE) varied within 6 × 10⁻³ to 158.18, while R² of ANN fluctuated from 0.82 to 0.95, and the mean squared error (MSE) varied between 0.006 and 0.1450, which shows MLR design performance superior than ANN design. The processing conditions of 48.24 °C DT and 637.431 W MP with a drying time of 1.3 h were identified as optimum conditions with a desirability value of 0.98 to obtain maximum oil yield (13.38%) and good colour (L* (20.83), a* (17.34), b* (8.62)) of nutmug mace. Moreover, no myristicin (5.92%) degradation was observed compared with the sun and convective drying. Among the tested models, page and logarithmic models gave a better prediction of moisture ratio.     

Characterization of microwave vacuum-dried durian chips

Durian CV. Monthong was subjected to microwave vacuum drying (at 13.33 kPa) to produce durian chips. Various levels of microwave power (3.88 W g⁻¹, 5.49 W g⁻¹ and 7.23 W g⁻¹) were used. Prior to the microwave vacuum drying, the sliced durian was either chilled at 4 °C or frozen at −18 °C. Both pretreatments yielded non-significant difference in dissipation factor (p > 0.05). Among several thin layer models, the Page model was found to be the best for explaining the drying characteristics of durian chips. An increase in the microwave power intensity produced a clear increase in the drying rate and did not affect lightness and yellowness of the durian chips (p > 0.05). The structure and hardness of the dried durian chips were comparable to that of conventionally fried durian chips. In addition, microwave vacuum drying reduced the fat content of the durian chips by at least 90%, compared with conventionally deep fried durian chips.     

Polyphenolic composition,antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of wild and cultivated blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) pomace

The content of total polyphenolics, antioxidative capacity and antiproliferative activity were tested in wild and cultivated blackberry pomace. Wild blackberry pomace extract Tw2 showed the highest following contents: total polyphenolics (50.16 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw), flavonoids (7.73 mg Qc g⁻¹ dw), flavonols (6.63 mg Qc g⁻¹ dw) and total monomeric anthocyanins (13.40 mg Cy g⁻¹). Tw2 extract significantly inhibited free radicals: IC₅₀^DPPH = 127.76 μg mL⁻¹, IC₅₀^ABTS = 26.53 μg mL⁻¹ and IC₅₀ ^{˙ OH} = 168.62 μg mL⁻¹, and the growth of breast adenocarcinoma IC₅₀^MCF7 = 306.68 μg mL⁻¹ and cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell lines IC₅₀^HeLa = 315.49 μg mL⁻¹. Wild blackberry varieties had higher extraction yields, higher total polyphenolic contents and possessed stronger biological effects compared to cultivated blackberries (P < 0.05). All blackberry extracts showed high biological potential that could be attributed to high total polyphenols and flavonoids content and could be utilised as value-added functional food.     

Hydration of casein micelles and caseinates: Implications for casein micelle structure

By studying the hydration of casein micelles using a variety of techniques, a distinction could be made between water that appeared bound by the protein (∼0.5 g g⁻¹ protein), water associated with the κ-casein brush (∼1.0 g g⁻¹ protein) and water entrapped in the casein micelles (∼1.8 g g⁻¹ protein), yielding a total micellar hydration of ∼3.3 g g⁻¹ protein, in line with casein micelle voluminosity derived from intrinsic viscosity measurements. For caseinate particles, however, the main contributor to intrinsic viscosity was not protein hydration but the non-spherical particle shape. These non-spherical particles in caseinate are likely to be naturally present as primary casein particles (PCP) in casein micelles. PCP could be used to build casein micelles by controlled introduction of micellar salts. Based on the findings of this study, casein micelles could be described as a porous network of non-spherical PCP linked by calcium phosphate nanoclusters.     

Changes of microwave structure/dielectric properties during microwave freeze‐drying process banana chips

This experimental study investigated the trend of structure and dielectric properties during microwave freeze‐drying process banana chips. The mass of banana samples was 160 g, the microwave power set as 2 W g^?1 and the highest drying temperature set as 55 °C. The whole drying process can be finished within 6 h. A network analyser and light microscope were used to determine the dielectric properties and structure. The dielectric properties, ε′ (from 20.80 to 1.20) and ε′′ (from 7.74 to 0.15), and the size of cell get smaller as the drying process continues, especially during the 3–4 h drying, which is the end of primary drying stage and the beginning of secondary drying stage. The trend of dielectric properties and microstructure of samples during drying can be an exact indication of drying stage of MFD.