Osmotic Dehydration of Peas Ii. Influence of Osmosis on Drying Behavior and Product Quality

The effect of osmotic dehydration on subsequent air drying behavior and product quality was investigated for peas being osmosed in sucrose and sucrose+citrate mixed solutions. Compared to nonosmosed samples, osmosed samples gave much higher drying rate. It was found that initial osmotic step shortened the air drying time by 55–70%, depending on the osmosis solution and process conditions. It was shown that by initial osmotic dehydration especially in sucrose+citrate solution, a product with higher allowable moisture content and increased solid density can be obtained and rehydration characteristics of osmosed samples are improved. In addition, product thus obtained had a more attractive color and standard level of organoleptic acceptability.