Abstract
Abstract: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the monitoring of internal moisture content of food products during drying non-destructively. In an experimental set-up with continuous and controlled hot air supply, the internal moisture distribution of broccoli with different pre-treatments are measured during drying. Moisture distribution, drying rate and shrinkage are compared and analyzed quantitatively. MRI results indicated that for fresh broccoli stalks the moisture content in the core of the sample increased after some hours of drying. With pre-treatments as peeling, blanching or freezing the moisture transport barrier in the skin of the broccoli sample was reduced. Shrinkage was uniform for most of the pre-treated samples and the moisture increment in the core did not occur. It was also found that with these pre-treatments progress of drying enhanced significantly. Therefore, from an drying efficiency and economic point of view, pre-treatments prior to drying offer important opportunities.
Keywords: MRI, hot air drying, broccoli stalk, increased moisture content, pre-treatments
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | 7th Asia-Pacific Drying Conference, Tianjin, China - Duration: 18 Sep 2011 → 20 Sep 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | 7th Asia-Pacific Drying Conference, Tianjin, China |
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| Period | 18/09/11 → 20/09/11 |
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Jin, X., van der Sman, R. G. M., Gerkema, E., Vergeldt, F. J., van As, H., van Straten, G., ... van Boxtel, A. J. B. (2011). Investigation on the influence of pre-treatments on drying behaviour of broccoli by MRI experiments. Paper presented at 7th Asia-Pacific Drying Conference, Tianjin, China, .