The
A
w
values obtained after OD of melon were around 0.89–0.91, higherthan the minimal values to inhibit most pathogens or spoilage microorganisms(Chirife and Buera 1994). In fact, samples were spoiled within the first 7 dayswhen stored at 21C, indicating that this partial OD process should be used asa pretreatment followed by cold storage or drying. Melon processed by ODwith 60% (w/v) sucrose syrup showed lower
D
Aw
than mango and apple atatmospheric conditions, but was more noticeable at vacuum pressure (Mújica-Paz
et al.
2003). This effect would be attributable to the tissue deformation of melon that produces a general increase in water loss and solids gain.