Effect of blanching on microwave freeze drying of stem lettuce cubes in a circular conduit drying chamber

Effects of boiling water and microwave blanching methods on the dielectric properties, electrical conductivity as well as microstructure of stem lettuce cubes (as a model for plant tissue) were studied. The study also focused on how different blanching methods affect microwave freeze-drying (MFD) in a circular conduit drying chamber and conventional freeze drying (FD) of stem lettuce cubes. Results showed that the electrical conductivity of samples blanched by microwave was two times higher than that of boiling water blanched ones and five times higher than that of unblanched samples. Apart from that, dielectric constant (ε′) and loss factor (ε″) of the stem lettuce cubes decreased significantly after freezing. MFD duration of microwave blanched samples was approximately 4.5 h, reduced by 30% compared to boiling water blanched ones. MFD process in a circular conduit yielded products of high quality compared to that in a tray.     

Frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric properties of fruit juices associated with pasteurization by dielectric heating

Dielectric properties of apple, pear, orange, grape and pineapple juices were studied from 20 to 4500 MHz at 15-95 °C. The dielectric constants ε^′ of fruit juices decreased as frequency increased. The loss factors ε^″ decreased with increasing frequency to a minimum between about 1000 and 3000 MHz, depending on temperature, and then increased as frequency increased. The frequency of that turning point increased, whereas the minimum ε^″ decreased with increasing temperature. The ε^″ values increased with increasing temperature below about 1000 MHz, and decreased with increasing temperature above 3000 MHz. Dielectric constants decreased consistently and linearly with increasing temperature. Linear or polynomial correlations for the dependence of dielectric properties on temperature were developed. The power penetration depth of all fruit juices decreased with increasing frequency. The depth decreased as temperature increased at lower frequencies and increased with temperature above 3000 MHz. The dielectric properties obtained in the study provide important parameters for juice pasteurization by dielectric heating.     

Effect of expansion by instantaneous controlled pressure drop on dielectric properties of fruits and vegetables

The instantaneous controlled pressure drop (DIC) treatment is used for creation of a porous structure during drying of fruits and vegetables. DIC is based on high temperature, short time heating followed by an abrupt pressure drop into a vacuum. This abrupt pressure drop provokes auto-vaporization of the superheated liquid, expansion and breaking of the cell walls and instantaneous cooling. This process step is inserted between two drying stages at a moisture content of about 20% wet basis. The use of microwave radiation would provide more rapid and homogeneous heating than using steam in the DIC treatment and hot air during the final stage of drying. For that purpose the dielectric properties of the raw and DIC treated products were measured. The measurements were carried out with an open-ended coaxial probe at a frequency of 915 MHz in the range of temperatures 20-90 °C and moisture content 5-80% w.b. Three regions were revealed for the dependences of the dielectric constant and loss factor on moisture content. At low moisture content, these properties increased linearly with moisture content. At the middle moisture content, the increase was also linear but much steeper. At high moisture content, the dielectric properties were constant. The limits of these regions were different for ε′ and ε″ as well as for the products. The dielectric properties were slightly temperature dependent. The penetration depth increased with decreasing moisture content. The DIC treated products exhibited slightly lower dielectric properties than the raw products.     

Dielectric properties of soybean protein isolate dispersions as a function of concentration, temperature and pH

Dielectric properties of commercial soy protein isolate (SPI) dispersions were measured over the frequency range of 200-2500 MHz by the open-ended coaxial probe method using a network analyzer as a function of concentration (5, 10 and 15 g/100 g water), temperature (20-90 °C) and pH (4.5, 6.6 and 10). Results indicated that the dielectric constant (ε′) decreased with temperature (except at 90 °C) and frequency while increased with concentration. The loss factor (ε″) increased with frequency and concentration; however, temperature showed mixed effect. Both ε′ and ε″ data were related to frequency using a polynomial model. The significant change in ε′ and ε″ at 90 °C was a result of protein denaturation which was identified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Change in the association/dissociation behavior of SPI dispersions due to electrostatic attraction/repulsion among protein molecules on heating as a function of pH was assumed to be responsible for the significant increase in dielectric parameters. Penetration depth (D_p) was estimated under various conditions and it decreased with an increase in frequency, concentration, temperature and pH. The minimum D_p was found at alkaline pH at a temperature of 90 °C and frequency of 2450 MHz.     

Gelling properties of gelatin–xanthan gum systems with high levels of co-solutes

The effects of moisture content, xanthan gum (XG) addition and glucose syrup (GS):sucrose ratio on elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli during in situ gelation and on large deformation rheological properties of cured gels were investigated. An increase in both moduli of the samples with XG addition indicates network structure being strengthened. All gel samples exhibited distinct fracture. An increase in GS:sucrose ratio led to a decrease in fracture stress and an increase in fracture strain, implying more flexible polymer network. Decreasing moisture content may lead to phase separation between sugar-rich and polymer-rich phases to form stronger connection within the network structure. Textural characteristics of samples analyzed using a texture map, indicated that increasing GS:sucrose ratio rendered the sample texture more rubbery when the samples contained XG. We also related factors affecting the gelling mechanisms in terms of T_g measured by different techniques including DMA and modulated DSC.     

Comparison of the effect of microwave freeze drying and microwave vacuum drying upon the process and quality characteristics of potato/banana re‐structured chips

This study investigated the drying characteristics of microwave freeze‐drying (MFD)/microwave vacuum drying (MVD) of banana/potato restructured chips of varying proportion and microwave power. The results showed the MFD drying time had a maximum one‐hour time difference between the samples treated with 2 W g^?1 and 3 W g^?1 microwave power; and the higher potato content samples have about 30 min predominance than low potato content samples in drying time and the total drying time of MVD samples was less than 60 min. For the rehydration ratio, MFD samples were far superior to the MVD samples. The MFD samples had more than 4.5 rehydration ratio. The data of the colour difference metre showed that 3 W g^?1 microwave power would make samples slightly charred. The biggest differences between the MFD and MVD chips lie in their texture and shape; the hardness of MVD samples was 30.86 N, thrice higher than MFD samples.     

Rheological evaluation of gelatin–xanthan gum system with high levels of co-solutes in the rubber-to-glass transition region

Effects of moisture content, xanthan gum (XG) addition, and glucose syrup (GS):sucrose ratio on the gelation of gelatin-XG systems with high levels of co-solutes were investigated in the rubbery and the glass transition regions. Frequency sweep tests were performed between 0.1 and 100 rad and the storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli of the system were measured in the temperature range of 60 to −15 °C. The onset of glass transition region increased with decreasing moisture content. The time–temperature superposition yielded master curves of G′ and G″ as a function of timescale of measurement. G″ and G″ were superimposed with the horizontal shift factor a_T, which was temperature dependent according to the Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) equation. Glass transition temperature (T_g) of the samples were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) from the peak of tan δ. T_g decreased with XG addition. The energy of vitrification of samples with XG increased compared to samples containing only gelatin. Relaxation spectra of the samples were calculated from rheological measurements using the first and second approximations. The Rouse theory was more closely followed with the second approximation.     

Effect of hydroxypropylation on physical and rheological properties of sweet potato starch

Sweet potato starches (SPS) were hydroxypropylated to evaluate the effect of molar substitution (MS, 0.042-0.153) on the rheological properties, thermal properties, freeze-thaw stability, paste clarity, and gel strength of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starches (HPSPS). The swelling power and solubility values of HPSPS were higher than those of native sweet potato starch (SPS) and increased with an increase in MS. The transition temperatures (T_o, T_p, and T_c), and enthalpy (ΔH) of gelatinization of HPSPS were lower than those of native SPS, and significantly decreased with an increase in MS.Rheological properties of HPSPS pastes were measured under the conditions of steady and dynamic shear. Their consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η_a,100), Casson yield stress (σ_oc), complex viscosity (η*), and dynamic moduli (G′ and G″) values decreased with an increase in MS, while their flow behavior index (n) and tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values increased. The dependence of apparent viscosity on temperature followed the Arrhenius model for all samples. The paste clarity of HPSPS paste was more pronounced with increasing MS of hydroxypropyl groups. The HPSPS gels showed lower gel strength and also better freeze-thaw stability with a significant decrease in syneresis (g/100 g) compared to native SPS.     

Mathematical approach for two component modeling of salep–starch mixtures using central composite rotatable design: Part II. Dynamic oscillatory shear properties and applicability of Cox–Merz rule

Dynamic shear rheological properties of salep–corn starch mixture (SCSM), salep–wheat starch mixture (SWSM) and salep–potato starch mixture (SPSM) samples were determined using a 2-factor-5-level Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). Salep increased loss modulus (G″) values, and decreased loss tangent (tan δ) values of only SCSM; however, all starch types increased the storage (G′), loss (G″), complex (G^∗) modulus, complex viscosity (η^*) values and decreased tan δ values. At various salep and starch combination levels, a remarkable synergistic effect was observed in the dynamic shear properties. Potato starch exhibited completely different rheological performance in terms of G′, G″ and η^∗ values. Salep did not obey the Cox–Merz rule; however, a modified Cox–Merz rule was applicable for SCSM and SPSM samples. The ridge analysis revealed that maximum G′, G″, η^* and G^∗ values for the SCSM, SWSM and SPSM samples would occur at salep = 0.54% and 0.26%, respectively, and each starch type = 2.83%.     

Dielectric Properties of Red Pepper Powder Related to Radiofrequency and Microwave Drying

To provide useful information for drying red pepper with radiofrequency or microwave energy and designing dielectric drying equipment, dielectric properties (dielectric constant ε′ and loss factor ε?″) of red pepper powder with moisture contents ranging from 10.4 to 30.8 % wet basis were measured at different temperatures (from 25 to 85 °C) over a frequency range of 20–4,500 MHz with a vector network analyzer and an open-ended coaxial-line probe. The results showed that both ε′ and ε?″ of red pepper powder were dependent on electromagnetic wave frequency, moisture content, and temperature. The value of ε′ decreased with increases in frequency over the tested range. The ε?″ decreased with increasing frequency when the frequency was below 4,000 MHz, and increased slightly when it was above 4,000 MHz. Both ε′ and ε?″ increased as either moisture content or temperature increased, and the increases were a little greater at high moisture and temperature than those at low moisture and temperature. The moisture- and temperature-dependent permittivities of red pepper powder at several frequencies of interest could be described by quadratic models. The results of variance analysis exhibited that both moisture content and temperature had significant influence (p<0.01) on permittivities of red pepper powder. The power penetration decreased as frequency, moisture content, and temperature increased. Large penetration depth at radiofrequencies below 100 MHz could be used to dry red peppers in a large scale, while microwave energy could be used for drying red peppers in a small scale.     

Rheological,thermal and structural behavior of poly(ε-caprolactone) and nanoclay blended films

Poly(ε-caprolactone)/nanoclay composite (PCLNC) films were prepared by solvent casting method using a wide range of layered silicate (2.5–10%) and were characterized by different techniques. Nanofiller dispersions in PCL matrix were studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and results indicated the formation of some intercalated nanostructure of PCLNC. Rheological and thermal properties of PCLNC were measured by parallel-plate oscillatory rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Rheological study indicated that the predominating liquid-like properties (viscous modulus, G″ > elastic modulus, G′) of neat PCL gradually transformed to solid-like (G′ > G″) behavior after incorporation of clay in the temperature range of 90–120 °C. A plot of G′ vs. G″ provide information on intercalation and microstructure of nanocomposite. Applicability of time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle and van Gurp–Palmen plot (phase angle vs. absolute complex modulus) on rheological data of clay incorporated PCL were employed and found that the results failed to follow the rules. Incorporation of the nanoclay into PCL matrix increased the crystallization temperature (T_c) and melting temperature (T_m) of neat PCL from 28.7 to 32.3 °C and 56.3 to 59.2 °C, respectively due to the nucleating effect, but the glass transition temperature (T_g) (≈−65 °C) was remained unaffected. The decrease in crystallinity with increase in clay concentration was confirmed by both XRD and DSC data.     

Impact of disperse microstructure on rheology and quality aspects of ice cream

Oscillatory thermo-rheometry (OTR) was used to correlate rheological properties with the microstructure and quality characteristics of ice cream. In a rotational rheometer (plate-plate geometry) the rheological behavior of ice cream was studied, performing oscillatory measurements at low deformation amplitudes for three different temperature ranges corresponding to important consumer properties of ice cream.The ice crystal microstructure determined the rigidity and “scoopability” of ice cream at low temperatures (−20°C to −10°C). The higher the overrun and the smaller the connectivity of ice crystals, the smaller were the measured storage and loss moduli G′ and G″.The slope of the variations in G′ and G″ with temperature in the range between −10°C and 0°C were correlated with the sensory impression of coldness. Decreasing overrun levels led to steeper slopes and correspondingly to a more pronounced impression of coldness.The microstructures of air and fat phases had also a significant impact on the rheology and the sensorial “creaminess” of ice cream especially in the molten state (0-10°C). With increasing overrun levels, ice cream showed increasing storage and loss moduli at temperatures higher than 0°C. Smaller air bubble sizes and increased fat globule aggregation in low temperature extruded (LTE) ice cream led to higher values of G″ in comparison to conventionally hardened (Freezer) ice cream.Sensorial studies demonstrated a close correlation between loss moduli G″ measured in the OTR-test and the ice cream quality parameters scoopability and creaminess. The improved scoopability and increased creaminess of LTE ice cream in comparison to Freezer ice cream was measured quantitatively by a decrease of G″ at a temperature of −15°C and a increase of G″ for ice cream in the molten state.     

微波泡沫干燥条件对树莓果浆干燥特性影响

为了研究微波泡沫干燥树莓果浆传热传质特性,以树莓为原料,采用中心组合实验设计方法,研究干燥条件对物料温度、含水率以及介电特性的影响规律,分析微波泡沫干燥过程中传热传质过程。结果表明:微波泡沫干燥树莓果浆过程中,干燥初期,介电常数与介电损耗因子均增大,使得物料吸收的微波能增大,果浆温度由室温上升至70℃,含水率无明显变化;干燥中期,介电常数与介电损耗因子先增大后减小,因此物料吸收的微波能呈先增大后减小趋势,果浆含水率由90%降至40%,温度变化不明显;干燥后期,介电常数与介电损耗因子均减小,物料吸收的微波能减少,果浆含水率缓慢降至15%左右,温度继续升高。微波泡沫干燥方法可有效提高高粘度果浆的干燥速度。      

Cold plasma enzyme inactivation on dielectric properties and freshness quality in bananas

Cold plasma (CP) technology is a novel, non-thermal method to inactive enzymes and improve the quality of food materials. In this study, banana samples were processed via CP treatment for different lengths of time (1, 1.5, and 2 min intervals) and their properties, including dielectric properties, enzyme activities, levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species), enzymatic browning products, color, flavor compounds, and surface microstructure, were measured. The dielectric constant (ε′) and loss factor (ε′′) after CP treatment decreased with increasing frequency and increased with increasing temperature, respectively. Higher values of ε′ and ε′′ could also be found after CP treatment. The enzyme activity of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxydase (POD) decreased with increasing CP treatment time. ROS levels in cells increased after CP treatment, and quinones generated from enzymatic browning decreased at extended treatment times. CP treatment had a positive effect on the surface color of bananas due to enzyme inactivation, while significant differences in a^⁎ and b^⁎ values at different treatment times were noted. However, surface morphology changed with increasing CP processing time, leading to a rougher surface microstructure. CP treatment has little impact on flavor compounds and has demonstrated a potential pretreatment technology for dielectric heating/drying.     

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.     

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying of tomato slices (Lycopersicon esculentum)

The drying rate of tomato slices (Early Urbana L.) treated by a high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) was investigated with an oven-drying and open-room drying sample, under identical conditions. ANOVA showed that the drying methods had a significant effect (P ? 0.01) on decreasing moisture content, surface temperature, and apparent color of tomato slices, but no difference was observed in shrinkage. Average drying rate for 3, 4, and 5 kV cm⁻¹ electrostatic fields over a period of 780 min increased by 1.3, 1.43, and 2 times, respectively, compared to that of the air-dried. Tomato slices dried with EHD⁺, which consumed only 16.5 mJ g⁻¹ of electric power, exhibited a better appearance (lightness and red color) with lower surface temperature than the air-dried and oven drying samples.     

Effect of heating–cooling on rheological properties of tapioca starch paste with and without xanthan gum

The effect of xanthan gum (Xan) on pasting and gelatinization behavior of tapioca starch (TS) was investigated. Rheological measurements of TS/Xan mixtures with 5% w/w total polysaccharide concentration at different mixing ratios (10/0, 9.5/0.5, 9/1 and 8.5/1.5) were performed to understand the pasting and gelatinization behavior of TS with and without Xan on heating–cooling cycle using a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) and conventional rheometers. Xan increased storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of TS dispersions during gelatinization process. Pastes of TS/Xan tended to be more solid-like, i.e., G′ larger than G″, with increasing Xan. The G′ of TS/Xan paste increased when kept at 10 °C indicating the network formation. Pasting temperatures, peak viscosity, final viscosity and breakdown values of TS increased with increasing Xan content but the opposite result was observed in setback value from RVA measurement. Temperature dependence of steady shear viscosity became less pronounced with increasing Xan content on both cooling and reheating indicating that Xan made the mixture more thermally stable. All the results suggest that the sample preparation and measuring conditions influence the rheological properties of TS/Xan mixtures, which should be taken into account in food application.     

Highly acetylated pectin from cacao pod husks (Theobroma cacao L.) forms gel

A pectin (OP) obtained from cacao pod husk with a high acetyl content, which is a structural feature that could disturb the pectins' gel formation, was able to form gels at low pH and a high sucrose content. Pectin gels (1.32% GalA equivalent, w/w) were prepared at pH 2.5–3.3 in the presence of 60% sucrose (w/w). Rheological analyses were performed to determine the optimal pH for further studies. Next, the OP samples were prepared at pH 2.7 in concentrations ranging from 0.33 to 1.98% GalA (w/w) with 60% sucrose (w/w) and subjected to rheological analysis. Dynamic oscillatory experiments at 25 °C indicated the presence of gels for all of the analysed concentrations. Measurements of the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli at 25 °C also indicated that increasing the pectin concentration resulted in stronger gels. Rotational experiments revealed a shear-thinning behaviour in which the apparent viscosities of the samples increased as the concentration increased. Although the OP had a high degree of acetylation, this pectin was able to form gels, which suggests its potential for use as a gelling and thickening additive.     

Dielectric Properties of Potato Puree in Microwave Frequency Range as Influenced by Concentration and Temperature

Dielectric properties of potato flour-water dispersions (slurry) were measured in the frequency range of 500–2500 MHz by the open-ended coaxial probe method using a network analyzer as a function of concentration (10–25% w/w) and temperature (20–75^oC). Both commercial and laboratory prepared samples of potato flours were used. Results indicated that the dielectric constant (ε′) decreased with temperature and frequency while increased with concentration. The loss factor (ε″) increased with frequency and concentration; however, temperature showed mixed effect. Both ε′ and ε″ data in conventionally used microwave frequencies (915 and 2450 MHz) were studied as function of concentration and temperature for two sample types using a response surface methodology and found to follow 2^nd order polynomial models. Temperature and concentration contributed significantly on dielectric spectra of potato slurry and the sample source had some effect. A change in ε′ and ε″ above 70^oC could be attributed by starch gelatinization. Penetration depth (D_p) decreased with an increase in frequency and non-systematic with temperature. Addition of salt substantially reduced D_p of potato slurry.     

Rheological characteristics of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) juice concentrates

The steady-shear and small-amplitude oscillatory rheological properties of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) juice concentrate (TJC) were studied in the temperature range of 10-90 °C using a controlled-stress rheometer. Under steady-shear deformation tests, shear stress-shear rate data were adequately fitted to the Herschel-Bulkley and Casson model at lower (10-30 °C) and higher (50−90 °C) temperature range, respectively. The Carreau model was applied to describe the shear-thinning behaviour of the concentrate, and the model parameters estimated empirically showed temperature dependence. Oscillatory shear data of TJC revealed predominating viscous behaviour (G″>G′) at lower frequency range while the elastic modulus predominating over the viscous one (G′>G″) at higher frequency range. The Cox-Merz rule that relates steady shear and dynamic material functions was tested and not followed by most of the temperatures. The specific heat of TJC increased with temperature and the glass transition temperature of the product was found to be −70.74 °C.