Pineapple (Anana comosus) slices were dried by hot-air convective drying technique at fixed temperature (45, 60 and
75 ◦C) and constant air velocity of 1.5 m/s. The effect of drying conditions (drying time and air temperature) on the
pineapple quality was evaluated. The quality of dehydrated pineapple was analyzed by color and texture changes,
l-ascorbic acid loss and the ability of water uptake during rehydration procedure. Water uptake during rehydration
was described by Page model. Statistical analysis of data revealed not significant difference (p > 0.05) among color and
mechanical characteristics of pineapple samples dried at different drying temperatures to preset moisture content.
Pineapple samples dried at 45 ◦C had better rehydration ability and more l-ascorbic acid retention than those obtained
by air drying 75 ◦C. Hence, 45 ◦C drying temperature was best condition for pineapple quality preservation.
© 2011 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved