The kinetics of L-ascorbic acid degradation during drying of
pineapple in normal and modified atmosphere was studied. Drying
experiments were carried out in a tunnel dryer at two drying temperatures
and air velocities. The drying atmosphere was modified
by the addition of ethanol (0.5% v/v). The presence of ethanol in
the drying atmosphere promoted a more intense water evaporation
compared to the conventional process. Although the L-ascorbic acid
degradation rate during the pineapple drying (final moisture content
of 27% wet basis) under ethanolic atmosphere was higher, these
samples retained higher amounts of L-ascorbic acid. Moreover,
the Weibull model was applied to fit the kinetics data.