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Refractance Window Drying vis-à-vis Osmotic and Hot Air Drying of Indian Gooseberry based: Comparison of Quality Attribute and Microstructural Changes

Author: Lalita, Saroj Kumar Giri and Aseeya Wahid

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Abstract

Amla or Indian gooseberry is a medicinal fruit native to India with good commercial value. Due to high ascorbic acid and total polyphenols contents, amla is considered a good source of antioxidants. However, these constituents are sensitive to heat. In this investigation, the effect of refractance window (RW) drying, osmotic dehydration (OD) and hot air drying (HA) on retention of heat sensitive compounds and changes in microstructures of dehydrated amla slices were compared in order to find out the suitable drying technique for amla fruits. The RWD process retained significantly higher content (4-6 %) of heat sensitive compounds compared to OSD and HAD samples. The refractance window dried samples had also a smoother and uniform microstructure. Cell structures were formed in layers in OSD sample indicating case hardening, whereas extensive collapse in cell structure was observed in case of HAD sample. The RW drying is best suitable for preserving heat sensitive compound in aonla.

Keywords

Amla, Ascorbic acid retention, Phenolic content, SEM

Conclusion

Drying is one of the most common techniques used for preserving amla, and various techniques like hot air drying, osmotic dehydration, solar drying, fluidized bed drying, freeze-drying, and oven drying have been explored for amla. Refractance window drying (RWD) is an alternative technique that is promising due to its ability to prevent thermal degradation of heat-sensitive nutritional constituents. RWD has potential for producing dried amla products with better retention of heat sensitive compounds with good nutritional properties compared to hot air drying and osmotic drying. Besides, maintaining nutritional qualities, the RW dried amla powder was more porous structure with better color retention. It can be recommended for dehydration of amla slices by RWD.

References

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How to cite this article

Lalita, Saroj Kumar Giri and Aseeya Wahid (2023). Refractance Window Drying vis-à-vis Osmotic and Hot Air Drying of Indian Gooseberry based: Comparison of Quality Attribute and Microstructural Changes. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 17-20.