Journal article
Effects of Air and Freeze Drying on Phytochemical Content of Conventional and Organic Berries
Drying technology, Vol.29(2), pp.205-216
01/17/2011
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/112864
Abstract
U.S. sales of organic products continue to climb due to consumer perception of both environmental and health benefits of organic produce. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of air and freeze drying and blanching treatment prior to air drying on phytochemical content of conventional and organic red raspberries and blueberries. Total anthocyanins and phenolics contents and total antioxidant activity were determined in two cultivars of blueberry ('Duke' and 'Reka') and in 'Meeker' red raspberry harvested under two different techniques (hand and machine). The phytochemical content was determined after subjecting the berries to air and freeze drying with or without blanching pretreatment.
In general, no consistent differences were noted between the phytochemical concentrations in fresh conventional and organic berries. The effect of drying on the retention of phytochemicals depended on drying technique, cultivar, and production system (conventional or organic). Blanching prior to air drying significantly increased the effective moisture diffusivity in both berries, thus reducing the drying time. In general, air drying caused significant reductions in anthocyanins, phenolics, and antioxidant activity in both blueberries and raspberries. Compared to air drying, freeze drying improved retention of phytochemicals during processing and in some cases it even increased the concentration of phytochemicals. The application of blanching resulted in enhanced moisture transport, thus reducing the drying time. The blanching treatment prior to air drying increased the retention of phytochemicals in dried berries.
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Details
- Title
- Effects of Air and Freeze Drying on Phytochemical Content of Conventional and Organic Berries
- Creators
- Shyam S Sablani - Department of Biological Systems Engineering , Washington State UniversityPreston K Andrews - Department of Horticulture and Landscape , Washington State UniversityNeal M Davies - Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Washington State UniversityThomas Walters - Northwestern-Washington Research and Extension Center , Washington State UniversityHector Saez - Northwestern-Washington Research and Extension Center , Washington State UniversityLuis Bastarrachea - Department of Biological Systems Engineering , Washington State University
- Publication Details
- Drying technology, Vol.29(2), pp.205-216
- Academic Unit
- Biological Systems Engineering, Department of; Horticulture, Department of
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group
- Identifiers
- 99900547574801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article