Effect of dehydration on raspberries: polyphenol and anthocyanin retention, antioxidant capacity, and antiadipogenic activity.

Fresh and dried raspberries prepared by freeze drying (FD), microwave-vacuum (MIVAC), hot-air drying (HAD), and a combination of hot-air drying and microwave-vacuum (HAD/MIVAC) drying methods were evaluated for polyphenol retention, total polyphenol and anthocyanin contents, total antioxidant capacity, and antiadipogenic activity (the inhibition of fat cell development). Ellagic acid and quercetin were present in the largest concentrations in fresh and dehydrated raspberries. Dehydration led to a loss of polyphenols and anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols (aglycone form) were retained in the greatest amount: 20% (freeze dried) to 30% (HAD/MIVAC) (fresh = 100%). A total of 30% of polyphenols (glycoside form) were retained in raspberries dried by the HAD/MIVAC methods with 5% of retention observed for raspberries dried by FD, HAD, or MIVAC. FD and MIVAC resulted in higher retention of anthocyanins (aglycone form) than other drying methods. It was also observed that antioxidant activity was reduced by dehydration. Adipogenesis was inhibited by polyphenolic glycosides (30%) and aglycones (30% to 40%) in fresh and HAD/MIVAC raspberries. Extracts from dried raspberries by HAD/MIVAC methods were relatively more effective at inhibiting adipogenesis compared to HAD and FD dried raspberries.

Improving grape quality using microwave vacuum drying associated with temperature control.

Microwave (MW) vacuum dehydration using temperature to control the level of MW power demonstrated potential in improving the performance of the process. Product surface temperature measured by an infrared temperature sensor was used to control MW power at any level between 0 and 3 kW. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated an r2 = 0.942 for prediction of final moisture content and r2 = 0.985 for prediction of puffed character of grapes based on product temperature, time, specific energy, fresh fruit sugar, and fresh fruit moisture content. Temperature was found to be the most significant predictor. The elemental and compound contents of grapes dried using MW vacuum was compared to sun-dried raisins. The grapes dried using MW vacuum exhibited better preservation. Vitamin A was found in the MW-vacuum-dried grapes but none was detected in the raisins, and Vitamin C, thiamine, and riboflavin were also higher in the MW-vacuum-dried grapes than in the raisins.