Rehydration Rate Research Articles

Drying of avocado peels using carbonation-ultrasonication as pretreatment: energy consumption, antioxidant capacity and rheological properties

Fruit processing by-products, especially peels are underused and mostly discarded as waste. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ultrasonication (US) combined with carbonation (CUS) on the convective drying process of avocado peels at different temperatures, adding value to this waste. For this, the avocado peels were treated with dry ice for 15 min and subjected to US (400W/10 min, 30°C) before convective air drying (50-70°C). The energy consumption, antioxidant capacity, water adsorption isotherms, rehydration rate, and dynamic rheology of dried avocado peels pretreated by CUS were compared with a control process (without pretreatment) and only US pretreatment. The combined treatment (CUS70) resulted in a 2.6-fold reduction in drying time and a 2.3-fold decrease in energy consumption, with CO2 preserving bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity after the drying process. Differences were also observed in the rehydration capacity of the samples (CUS), with an increased water absorption capacity, along with a reduction in the viscoelastic properties of the peels. The results present new perspectives for the application of CUS in the food industry, paving the way for the development of creative, innovative, and simple approaches for the management and recycling of agri-food waste, with the potential to extend this knowledge to new food matrices.

Effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber and CaCl2 on the structure and properties of low-moisture extruded products.

Texturized vegetable protein is currently a leading alternative to animal meat. This study examined the effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber (SIDF) (0% to 20%) and CaCl2 (0% to 1%) on the structure and properties of extruded products made from a soybean protein isolate-wheat gluten (SPI-WG) composite. The study showed that SIDF (4% to 8%) increased the viscosity of extruded products, enhanced their specific mechanical energy, and improved their rehydration rate and tensile strength compared with a control group. The rehydration rate of the extruded products reached a maximum value of 331.67% in the 8% SIDF, 0.5% CaCl2 groups. The addition of excess SIDF prevented the cross-linking of protein molecules to form a loose network structure. Analysis of the infrared spectrum and intermolecular forces showed that physical interactions between fibers and proteins were the dominant forces, with hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds primarily maintaining the structure of the extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 (0.5%) led to protein aggregation and further improved the rehydration and tensile strength of extruded products. Soybean insoluble dietary fiber can improve the rehydration rate and quality of extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 mitigated the weakening of the protein structure caused by excess SIDF. These results provide a basis for the improvement of the quality of low-moisture-extruded texturized vegetable protein products with a high dietary fiber concentration and a high rehydration rate. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dynamic shape changes of dried pasta during cooking via designed surface grooves

The morphing of food during gastronomic treatments is of current interest not only for product innovation and unprecedented human-food sensory interaction but also for sustainable reasons because it would enable to increase the load saturation for food packages with several positive environmental impacts. A shape changing pasta during cooking has been achieved through designed grooves and protrusions on one side of the samples. However, a quantitative understanding of the effects of manufacturing and drying process on the shape morphing is still missing. Here, three pressures applied on the surface of the samples and three thicknesses of the sheeted dough have been analyzed for their effect on the dehydration kinetics of pasta, microstructure properties, water absorption and the kinetic of bending during cooking. Results proved the effectiveness of the proposed strategy to activate the morphing of dried pasta during cooking. The dehydration rates were primarily affected by the thickness of the sheeted dough while the applied pressure did not modify the dehydration kinetics of samples of 1.5 and 1 mm thick. 2D microCT images revealed that by using a constant pressure, the grooves were deeper as sheeted doughs were thick; the greater amount of dough permitted much more upward expansion between the teeth of the plastic stamp leading to higher protrusions/deeper grooves. The rehydration rate was mainly controlled by the height of the remaining layers below the grooves while the pressures applied did not affect the rate of the water absorption over time. The kinetic of bending during cooking was satisfactorily described by using a sigmoidal mathematical model. Results proved that the speed of bending was mainly affected by the thickness of the sheeted dough while the applied pressures affected the speed of bending only for the thinner samples of 1.5 and 1 mm thick while the thicker samples folded at the same speed with no changes among the pressure applied.

Optimizing insect repellence in open sun drying of fish through the combined influence of salt, turmeric, pepper and the bacteriocin nisin under tropical conditions

AbstractBackgroundSun drying of fish in open air is an age‐old traditional practice in Asia and some other parts of the world. This study aims to suggest optimal field doses of turmeric, pepper, salt and the bacteriocin nisin (food additive, E234) for open‐sun‐dried silver jewfish (Johnius argentatus) under a tropical environment. Investigations were carried out on the blowfly infestation, proximate composition, water reconstitution properties and organoleptic and microbial quality of open‐air‐dried fish samples.ResultsA direct relationship between moisture reduction and drying period was observed with salt‐treated samples demonstrating accelerated moisture reduction, reaching as low as 14.1% after 34 h. Turmeric and pepper treatments provided some protection against weight loss but ultimately extended the drying time to 38 h. Botanical pesticides like turmeric or pepper exhibited significant efficacy against blowfly adult and larval infestation with similar efficacy observed in 15% and 25% salt‐treated samples. Proximate composition analysis revealed that salt‐treated samples had lower moisture ranging from 14.1% to 16.0% but higher protein of 58.2%–62.1%, while the lipid and ash content did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The water reconstitution properties of salt‐treated samples exhibited superior rehydration rates, with the highest in nisin (Niseen S) + 15% salt‐treated samples at 60°C, while organoleptic evaluations revealed salt‐treated samples to possess favourable attributes with minimal insect infestation and broken pieces. Finally, microbial analysis demonstrated the lowest aerobic plate count in dried fish samples treated with nisin (Niseen S) alone or in combination with 15% salt and/or 3% turmeric ranging from 3.97 ± 0.20 to 4.33 ± 0.07 log cfu/g.ConclusionIt is concluded that 200 ppm nisin (Niseen S)‐treated samples in combination with 3% turmeric and/or 15% salt are a viable option for producing high‐quality dried fish in traditional open‐air sun‐drying practices.

Elucidating the mechanism of inulin-induced improvement in the structural and functional properties of High-moisture extruded products

High-moisture extrusion (HME) has increasingly garnered attention in the production of plant-based meat analogs. Nevertheless, the disorganized structural properties and poor functional characteristics of HME extrudates pose significant challenges to the advancement of plant-based alternatives in the food industry. The coextrusion of proteins and polysaccharides has emerged as an effective strategy to improve the sensory qualities of HME meat analogs. Herein, we investigated the effects of the type and addition of inulin on the structural and functional properties of HME extrudates comprising soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, and wheat protein. The results indicated that inulin facilitated the conversion of 7S to 11S globulin and induced a transformation from a β-turn angle to a β-folded protein structure, promoting lamellar structure formation and enhancing the overall stability of the protein matrix. Optimal results were achieved with the addition of 6% long-chain and short-chain inulin. In terms of functional characteristics, the incorporation of short-chain inulin resulted in a superior fiber structure and protein digestibility, whereas long-chain inulin enhanced the water-holding capacity, rehydration rate, and thermal stability. Additionally, intermolecular interaction analysis revealed that these inulin-induced improvements in the quality of HME extrudates are primarily attributed to the strengthening of disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds. These findings offer crucial insights for advancing the quality of plant-based meat analogs, providing valuable directions for future product development in the food industry.

Physicochemical properties and water migrations in freeze-dried rice noodles during rehydration: Effects of raising agent addition and water state variation

Rapid rehydration is a critical factor to consider when evaluating the quality of instant noodles. In this study, freeze-dried rice noodles (FDRNs) were prepared by incorporating varying mass ratios (0.5–2.0 g/100g) of raising agents (RA). The influence of the RA on the physicochemical properties, water migration dynamics, and rehydration process of the FDRNs was investigated in this paper. The DMA results indicated that adding RA altered mechanical modulus and thermal temperatures in FDRNs. The morphological analysis of SEM revealed that the porous structure of FDRNs was enhanced when the RA content was 1.0 g/100g. After soaking in hot water (65, 75, and 85 °C), rehydration curves and the Peleg model could distinguish the rehydration process of FDRNs into three stages, including external wetting, internal capillarity, and core hygroscopicity. The textural properties of FDRNs were also affected by adding RA. The LF-NMR revealed an increased consumption time for the core hygroscopicity and promoted the formation of component-interacted water, suggesting that the RA added to FDRNs facilitated water migration within the core hygroscopicity stage and accelerated the rehydration rate thereafter. These data sets can provide a practical application of water-controlling strategies in producing high-quality instant rice noodles.

THE EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND PRE-TREATMENT ON THE COLOR, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT OF FREEZE-DRIED BANANA SLICES

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non-thermal ultrasound treatment applied as a pre-treatment at different times on the physicochemical properties of freeze-dried banana samples. Color values (L*, a*, b*), rehydration rate, dry matter and bioactive compounds of freeze-dried bananas with ultrasound pre-treatment were compared with the freeze-dried bananas with no pre-treatment as well as fresh banana samples. All banana samples that were subjected to ultrasound pre-treatment showed better results compared to the samples with no ultrasound pre-treatment. The highest dry matter and rehydration ratio (84.65%; 6.49%, respectively) were determined in the banana samples (DK3 samples) that were freeze-dried after 20 minutes of ultrasound pre-treatment. L*, a*, b* values closest to fresh banana samples were obtained for DK3 samples (L*: 56.68, a*: 8.22 and b*: 23.65). In addition, DK3 samples showed the highest antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content (1569.95 mg GAE/100g; 3860.26 ?mol trolox/100g, respectively).

Energy analysis, mass transfer, and rehydration kinetics of okra dried using evacuated tube solar dryer

ABSTRACT Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), like most fruits and vegetables, deteriorates quickly after harvesting due to its high moisture content and respiration rate. To preserve it and mitigate the post-harvest losses, a developed evacuated tube solar dryer (ETSD) with heat pipes was used to dry fresh okra. Thermal profiling of the ETSD was carried out to investigate the range of temperature gain inside the drying chamber. The effect of different blanching temperatures, viz. 70, 80, and 90°C, on drying characteristics and physical properties like color, water activity, and rehydration kinetics of okra were investigated. The energy efficiency of the collector ranged from 13.21% to 42.67%. Similarly, the convective mass transfer coefficient was calculated and ranged from 3.41 × 10−07 to 8.57 × 10−07 m/s. The okra blanched at 80°C, showing maximum greenness retention and lower water activity. The rehydration ratio was 6.05, 7.19, 7.73, and 7.41 for control, and okra blanched at 70, 80, and 90°C. The rehydration kinetics were analyzed using four distinct models: Peleg, Weibull, exponential, and first order. The Weibull model demonstrated the most accurate fit to the data. It is suggested that okra blanched at 80°C and dried under ETSD gives better retention of color and a higher mass transfer and rehydration rate.

Innovative hybrid strategy for quality improvement of Goji tea: ultrasonic-ethyl oleate pretreatment combined with heat pump drying.

Goji berries, renowned for their nutritional benefits, are traditionally dried to extend shelf life and preserve quality. However, conventional drying methods often result in uneven drying, color loss and reduced rehydration capacity. This study investigates an innovative hybrid strategy combining ultrasonic-ethyl oleate (US+AEEO) pretreatment with heat pump drying (HPD) to enhance the drying process of Goji berries. Fresh Goji berries underwent US+AEEO pretreatment, which significantly disrupted the waxy layer, enhancing drying efficiency and water infiltration during rehydration. Compared to freeze drying (FD), HPD combined with US+AEEO pretreatment resulted in higher retention of total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the Goji soaking soup. Specifically, the HPD-US+AEEO samples exhibited the highest TPC and TFC levels, significantly outperforming FD samples. Additionally, the DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays demonstrated higher scavenging activities in HPD-US+AEEO samples. The rehydration kinetics revealed that HPD samples had a superior rehydration rate and final moisture content compared to FD samples. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging analyses confirmed enhanced water distribution and higher mobility in HPD-US+AEEO samples. Scanning electron microscopy indicated a more porous structure in US+AEEO-treated samples, facilitating better water absorption and functional component retention. The combination of US+AEEO pretreatment with HPD significantly improves the drying process of Goji berries, enhancing nutrient retention, color preservation and rehydration properties. This innovative drying method offers a promising solution for producing high-quality dried Goji berries, benefiting both the food industry and health-conscious consumers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality assessment and sensory evaluation of green banana starch enriched instant noodles

In this study, instant noodles (INs) were prepared by partially replacing wheat flour with green banana starch, which has a functional ingredient called resistant starch (RS). The starch was isolated from green banana, and was incorporated in the formulation as a source of resistant starch. Four different formulations were developed, and investigated the effects of the addition of banana starch on the nutritional composition, and functional properties of formulated instant noodles. The quality of the developed products was determined by moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, enery, resistant starch, minerals, functional properties, and sensory attributes. Instant noodles with no banana starch had the highest moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and energy contents but the lowest carbohydrate content. Among these, moisture, fat, protein, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content were varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed that with the increase of banana starch percentage, the RS content increases significantly (p ≤ 0.05), and found 0.81 and 8.67 g/100 g respectively for control, and 11.75 % banana starch containing instant noodles. The functional properties exhibited that with the increase of the banana starch percentage in formulation, the water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, and rehydration rate increases significantly (p ≤ 0.05) but swelling index was not varied significantly (p > 0.05). The nine point hedonic scale based sensory evaluation results involving ten panelists showed that 11.67 % wheat flour supplemented with banana starch was highly accepted with desirable properties. Therefore, banana starch containing instant noodles can open up a new dimension for food product manufacturers to formulate green banana starch enrich food products which can improve RS consumption with potential health benefits.

Understanding the mechanism for sodium tripolyphosphate in improving the physicochemical properties of low-moisture extrusion textured protein from rapeseed protein and soybean protein blends

Our previous experiments found that rapeseed protein (RP) has applicability in low-moisture textured proteins. The amount of RP added is limited to <20 %, but the addition of 20 % RP still brings some negative effects. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of 20%RP textured protein, this experiment added different proportions of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to improve the quality of the product, and studied the physical-chemical properties and molecular structure changes of the product to explore the possible modification mechanism. The STPP not only improved the expansion characteristics of extrudates, but also increased the brightness of the extrudates, the rehydration rate. In addition, STPP increased the specific mechanical energy during extrusion, decreased the material mass flow rate. Furthermore, STPP decreased the starch digestibility, increased the content of slow-digesting starch and resistant starch. STPP increased the degree of denaturation of extrudate proteins, the proportion of β-sheets in the secondary structure of proteins, as well as the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The gelatinization degradation degree of starch molecules also decreased with the addition of STPP. STPP also increased the protein-starch interactions and enhanced the thermal stability of the extrudate. All these indicate that STPP can improve the physical-chemical properties of extrudate.

The effect of pretreatments on the drying of persimmon with infrared energy

AbstractThe effects of various pretreatments, including edible coatings, on drying kinetics and some physical quality parameters of persimmon varieties (Fuyu and Rojo Brillante) and differences between varieties were investigated. The experiments were conducted at an infrared radiation intensity of 1210 W m−2 and air velocity (v) of 1.5 m s−1. Drying time differed depending on pretreatments and varieties. Pretreatments generally shortened the Fuyu variety's drying time and increased the Rojo Brillante variety's drying time. Lower specific energy consumption and higher diffusion coefficient values were recorded for the Rojo Brillante variety compared to the Fuyu. In terms of quality parameters, the Fuyu variety generally obtained lower values for shrinkage. Rehydration rate was higher for the Rojo Brillante variety. Total color change was lower in the Rojo Brillante variety. Based on the pretreatments applied, xanthan gum gave better results in terms of operational parameters. In terms of quality parameters, ascorbic acid had better results for rehydration rate and shrinkage. For total color change, better results were obtained in arabic gum pretreatment. As a result, when an evaluation is made regarding variety differences and pretreatments applied, the Rojo Brillante variety can be recommended for drying.Practical applicationsPersimmon is a popular fruit in appearance, flavor, and rich nutritional content. The high moisture and sugar content in the fruit increases spoilage in a short time, making it difficult to consume in all seasons. For this reason, different preservation methods are being investigated to extend the shelf life. Sun drying and other drying methods developed as an alternative to these methods have many disadvantages. Different pretreatments prevent the negativities that occur in other drying methods. Especially, edible coatings can increase product quality by preserving color and appearance as well as controlling mass transfer, flavor, and aroma losses. This study investigated the effects of various pretreatments, including edible coatings, on drying kinetics and some physical quality parameters of persimmon varieties, as well the differences between varieties. Based on variety differences and pretreatments applied, the Rojo Brillante variety can be recommended for drying in terms of both processing and drying characteristics.

Effect of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration on the drying characteristics and quality properties of goji

AbstractThe waxy layer on the surface of the goji fruit increases the dehydration time. In this study, the novel use of ultrasound pretreatment (10, 20, and 30 min) assisted with osmotic dehydration was utilized to improve drying efficiency and product quality of goji. The results showed that goji treated with ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration lost more water and gained more solids during osmotic dehydration than goji treated with osmotic dehydration only. Furthermore, the ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment method shortened the drying time for freezing drying goji and lowered the water activity of the dried goji. This may be due to the destruction of the wax layer on the surface of the goji by ultrasound. The rehydration rate of the goji treated with ultrasound for 20 min was significantly higher than that of the samples dried by osmosis dehydration only. The application of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration resulted in the best color and the highest glutathione and total free amino acid content of goji, especially the taurine. Besides the above, the antioxidant capacity of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration‐treated goji was enhanced, with the highest 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values for the samples in the 20‐min ultrasound‐assisted group. The results demonstrate that ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration not only reduces the drying time of goji but also enhances its product quality.Practical applicationsThis study explored the effects of different ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration methods on the drying efficiency and quality of freeze‐dried goji. The findings provide a scientific basis for improving goji drying engineering and offer a potential strategy for enhancing goji quality.

Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Quality of Oudemansiella raphanipes.

In this study, we used fresh Oudemansiella raphanipes as raw materials and pre-treated through hot air drying (HD), infrared radiation drying (ID), and vacuum freeze drying (VD) to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the rehydration rate, appearance quality, microstructure, and volatile flavor components of the dried products, as well as to determine the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of the polysaccharides in the dried O. raphanipes. The results showed that the VD O. raphanipes had the highest rehydration rate and the least shrinkage in appearance, and it better maintained the original color of the gills, but their aroma was not as strong as that of the HD samples. The scanning electron microscopy results indicate that VD maintains a good porous structure in the tissue, while HD and ID exhibit varying degrees of shrinkage and collapse. Seventy-five common volatile substances were detected in the three dried samples, mainly alkanes, alcohols, and esters. The polysaccharides (PS-H, PS-I, and PS-V) extracted from the dried samples of these three species of O. raphanipes had similar infrared spectral features, indicating that their structures are basically consistent. The highest yield was obtained for PS-V, and the polysaccharide content and glucuronic acid content of PS-I were higher than those of the remaining two polysaccharides. In addition, PS-V also showed better antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase as well as α-amylase. In conclusion, among the above three drying methods, the quality of O. raphanipes obtained by vacuum freeze drying is the best, and this experiment provides a theoretical basis for the selection of drying methods for O. raphanipes.

Quality-based selection of the optimal hot air gradient drying method for anchovy and modeling of drying kinetics

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hot air gradient drying on anchovy drying quality and efficiency. Anchovies were initially dried at 40 °C to until their moisture content was 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% respectively, followed by a second drying stage at an increased temperature of 60 °C until the moisture content reached 40%. Six drying models were selected to fit the anchovy drying curves, and the Page model was found to be conformed the anchovy drying model. The drying time decreased by a minimum of 8.3% and a maximum of 33.3% as the moisture content at the turning point rose. In addition, the rehydration rate of dried anchovies increased and then decreased with increasing moisture content, while the TBA and TVBN values decreased and then increased, and there were differences in the textural properties of drying at different moisture contents. Among them, the dried anchovies with a moisture content of 55% at the turning point had the highest rehydration ratio, the lowest TBA and TVBN values, and better textural characteristics.

Effect of PEF Treatment on Chosen Properties of Raw and Hot Air- and Freeze-Dried Poultry Meat

The properties of fresh meat, such as high water activity, a slightly acidic reaction, and the availability of carbohydrates and proteins, make it a microbiologically unstable and easily perishable raw material. One of the oldest food preservation techniques is drying. Furthermore, non-thermal food processing techniques such as pulse electric field (PEF) treatment can be used to support the drying process and change the properties of the obtained product. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the impact of pulsed electric field treatment on the hot air-drying and freeze-drying of poultry meat as well as on the quality of the dried meat. The PEF pretreatment and drying methods significantly altered the physical characteristics of the poultry meat. The PEF treatment enhanced the efficiency of freeze-drying by electroporation, reducing drying time and shrinkage. However, in the hot air-drying, the PEF-treated samples prolonged drying, potentially due to muscle structure damage and increased shrinkage. The pretreatment techniques affected the structure of the meat and positively influenced the higher porosity and lower shrinkage. Also, drying decreased the water activity and increased the dry matter content, which ensured the safety of the final product. The freeze-dried material exhibited a higher rehydration rate, improved hygroscopic properties, and better meat color compared to the hot air-dried material. Nevertheless, the selection of the process parameters, for both the pretreatment and drying process, is crucial to ensure a high quality of the dried meat product and should be selected carefully in order to guarantee that the highest quality of the dried product is obtained.

Radio frequency-assisted hot air drying of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): drying kinetics, product quality and composition evaluation

ABSTRACT The influence of radio frequency-assisted hot air drying (RFHAD) on the drying kinetics, product quality and composition of Pacific white shrimp was evaluated and compared with radio frequency drying (RFD) and hot air drying (HAD). The results demonstrated that RFHAD showed faster drying rate and also ensured better product quality in terms of texture property, astaxanthin content, color quality, rehydration rate and microstructure of shrimp. Furthermore, RF wave could significantly reduce the formation of bitter amino acids (p < .05) and showed no significant difference in the content of umami amino acid. However, secondary structure changes were observed in RFHAD shrimp with a decrease in β-sheet and α-helix contents and increase in β-reverse fold, and RFHAD noticeably decreased the onset temperature, peak temperature and thermal enthalpy (ΔH) values of shrimp, which showed lower thermal stability. Therefore, the RFHAD method is a fast and efficient drying technology for shrimp with high-quality characteristic.

Effects of combined vacuum and heat pump drying on drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of pineapple

Vacuum drying (VD) and heat pump drying (HPD) are widely used in the food industry. However, their application is limited due to low drying efficiency and the resultant poor quality of dried products. Additionally, varying drying durations in combined drying can markedly impact the physical and chemical properties as well as the nutritional content of the dried product. To achieve the highest quality dried products, VD + HPD was initially compared and identified as the most suitable drying method. This paper investigates the impact of the first stage drying duration on the physical characteristics (color, microstructure, texture, volume shrinkage rate (VSR), rehydration rate (RR)) and bioactive components (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), Polysaccharides) of pineapple. The results indicated that VD + HPD necessitated lower energy consumption and markedly enhanced the physical properties of dried products. The brightness, rehydration rate (RR), color difference, volume shrinkage rate (VSR), and surface microstructure of pineapple dried by VD 5h + HPD 5.5h were all optimal. In comparison with other tested drying methods, the textural properties (hardness, chewiness, viscosity) and bioactive components (TPC, Polysaccharides) exhibited significant improvement. Overall, these results indicate that VD5h + HPD5.5h can be viewed as a valuable technology for improving the quality of dried pineapples.

Biologically Structured Water-A Review (Part 2): Redox Biology, Plant Resilience, SW Drinking Water Types, BSW Water and Aging, BSW Water and Immunity

A review was conducted between redox biology and BSW water to link their interactions with cell bioenergetics. The exchange of electrons and protons from energized BSW water significantly contributes to recycling energy biomolecules during aerobic respiration. Plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors is also significantly improved by maintaining adequate levels of BSW water. The physicochemical properties of SW water are readily measured and are associated with improved human health. Natural healing water and SW water products have similar physicochemical properties. Medical literature shows a direct association between dehydration and age-related diseases. Drinking SW water enhances rehydration rates and increases intracellular water content. Research has also suggested that drinking SW water has a positive effect on certain neurological diseases and cancer types. Finally, drinking SW water improves the immunity system in humans.

Difference in Quality and Volatile Flavor Compounds of Zingiber officinale Roscoe with Different Drying Methods

In order to study the effect of different drying methods on the quality of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in Guizhou Province, the study comparatively analyzed the edible quality, functional components, and volatile flavor compounds of dried ginger. The results revealed that vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) was superior to vacuum microwave drying (WAD), hot air drying (HAD), and natural drying (ND) in terms of retaining ginger color change, rehydration rate, flavonoids, and ginger spicy element. The polyphenol retention in VFD ginger was second only to that in WAD ginger. A total of 86 volatile flavor compounds were detected in fresh ginger and all four drying samples. Ester and aldehyde compounds were identified as the main flavor components in dried ginger, with variations observed among the different drying methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the nearest neighbor algorithm successfully distinguished the ginger samples treated with different drying methods. The aroma activity value (OAV) was calculated based on the threshold, and 12 volatile flavor compounds with OAV ≥1 were identified as the key aroma components of ginger. The aroma profiles of ginger were generally similar across the four different drying methods, among which WAD ginger exhibited distinct flavor characteristics associated with drying. This study employed physicochemical properties, active components, and GC-IMS to evaluate the effect of different drying methods on ginger, providing valuable insights for the processing and flavor quality control of drying ginger.