Hot air-assisted radio frequency drying of black carrot pomace: Kinetics and product quality

Abstract

This research investigated the application of combined hot air and radio frequency drying technology on the drying efficiency and the quality of black carrot pomace (BCP). Electrode gap (8, 9 and 10 cm), thickness (2, 3 and 4 cm), weight (500, 750 and 1000 g) and compaction density (0.44, 0.66 and 0.88 g/cm3) were the parameters studied to determine the drying characteristics of the pomace by hot air-assisted radio frequency (HARF) drying system. Electrode gap of 8 cm and thickness of 2 cm, weight of 500 g and compaction density of 0.44 g/cm3 were identified as the ideal HARF drying conditions. HARF drying shortened the drying time by 39% compared to conventional hot air (HA) drying. Six different mathematical models were used for describing the drying characteristic of BCP. The effective moisture diffusivities were estimated by two approaches: the diffusion equation method and the method of slope for HARF drying and HA drying methods. HARF drying provided the dried products with better color, phenolic content, anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. Industrial relevanceBlack carrot pomace is an industrial waste left after the juice extraction from black carrot. The most common utilization way of this valuable by-product is to use it as animal feed. The reason behind this fact is the difficulties in drying of a high moisture bulk material in huge quantities produced in winter season. If it is not dried on time, it gets fermented and become useless for the separation of valuable components such as anthocyanin, pectin and fiber. So, a fast and efficient drying method and its characterization is essential for the utilization of this valuable by-product.