Maximization of the performance ratio of osmotic dehydration of mango cubes.
Azeredo H. M. C. de, Araújo F. B. S., Souza A. C. R. de, Souza Neto M. A. de, Garruti D. dos S.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, R. Dra. Sara Mesquita, 2270, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP: 60511-110, Brazil.
Proceedings of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture 47 : 200-202
Abstract : The concentration gradients resulting from dipping fruits in a hyperconcentrated solution cause the fruit to lose water and gain solids. The solid gain results in undesirable sensory changes. The aim of this work was to maximize the performance ratio (PR: defined as the ratio of water loss to solid gain) of osmotic dehydration of mango cubes. Two experiments were carried out, by using non-coated (A) and alginate-coated (B) mango cubes. Each experiment was performed according to a central composite design, varying temperature (30-50°C) and concentration of osmotic solution (50-70°Brix). Maximum PR was predicted to occur under the following conditions: 46°C, 65.5°Brix, for A; 44°C, 65.5°Brix, for B. The PR values of 5.16 and 9.51 were observed, respectively, for A and B under such conditions. The alginate coating increased water loss and reduced solid gain, enhancing the PR of the process.