Studies on Impact of Processing on Physiochemical and Biochemical Properties of Osmodehydrated Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L) Merr.) Cuboid and Its Storage Stability

Osmotic dehydration of pineapple cuboids were conducted to study the effect of sugar concentration of osmotic solution on mass transfer, weight reduction, vitamin-C, total phenol content and antioxidant property of samples pretreated with steam blanching and microwave heating. As treatment time went on, there was an increase in water loss, weight loss, and solids accumulation. The sample treated with 60°B experienced the highest mass transfer during the osmotic dehydration of pineapple cuboids, whereas the sample treated with 30°B experienced the lowest mass transfer. The pineapple cuboids immersed in 60˚B sugar syrup and dried in a tray drier resulted maximum weight loss. Microwave heated samples dipped in 60˚B sugar syrup showed better retention of nutritive value(total phenol content, vitamin C and antioxidant activity) as well as better color, texture, taste and mouth feel .According to the sensory analysis, the samples treated with 60°B solution received the highest acceptability for color, flavour, texture, mouth feel, and taste. Osmodried samples were stored for 3 months at ambient condition without any adverse effect on sensory and nutritional parameters.