Introduction
The effects of the sucrose and calcium lactate concentrations on the osmotic dehydration kinetics ofpineapple, and the diffusivity of each component were investigated. The color, water activity, texture and fruit composition were also evaluated. Osmotic dehydration was carried out using 40% and 50% sucrose solutions with added 0%, 2% or 4% calcium lactate for 1, 2, 4 and 6 h
Observed that the osmoticpretreatment in a sucrose solution protected the color of pineapple rings during drying.
The addition of calcium salts to osmotic solutions has been used to reduce the damage caused to the structure of the cell wall due to dehydration. However, the use of these salts in osmotic solutions can also increase the rate of water loss, reduce the water activity and increase the calcium content of the
vegetables and fruits, resulting in fortified products. The food industry has been encouraged to fortify its food with calcium to increase consumer calcium intake, preventing some diseases without the use of supplementation