Freeze/Thaw Effects on Mass Transfer Rates during Osmotic Dehydration

A model fruit system (apple slices) was studied during osmotic preconcentration in concentrated solutions of corn syrup solids. The effect of freeze/thawing on water removal and solid uptake rates during complimentary osmotic dehydration was examined. Product response to freeze/thawing after partial osmotic dehydration was also explored. Osmotically preconcentrated, frozen/thawed samples did not exhibit a significant change in rate of water loss during complimentary osmotic dehydration. They had sharply higher sugar gain rates compared to controls. The duration of osmotic preconcentration had a significant effect on freeze/thaw induced exudation losses.