The use of a combination of thermal and freeze-drying processes was tested on different
foodstuffs: apple, potato, carrot and courgette. The samples were predried by means of a
thermal process and the complete dehydration was achieved via freeze-drying. The
effect of the moisture content at which the ® rst process stops and the second starts on the
quality of the dry foodstuffs was experimentally determined. Physical and textural properties
were determined for samples processed under different conditions and compared with those of
freeze-dried products. The combination process was demonstrated to be a promising technique
in the production of high quality dehydrated vegetables and fruits.