5. Conclusions
To simulate the drying behavior of squid, seven different thinlayer
drying models were compared. Based on the statistical tests
results, the Logarithmic and Two-term drying models gave the best
fits and could be used to accurately predict the moisture content of
dried squid from 50 to 90 C. Air-drying temperature influenced the
chemical, physical and nutritional properties of squid. Discoloration
of product was more noticeable at high drying temperatures where
combined effects of non-enzymatic browning as well as protein
denaturation modified the original color of the squid samples.
Rehydration indexes (RR and WHC) showed a decrease while
texture presented an increase with increasing air-drying temperature
probably due to changes in food protein matrix. The important
increase of Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) with air-drying
temperature could be associated to the salt ammonium chloride
decomposition during determination of TVBN, in particular at high
temperatures (e.g. 80 and 90 C). The antioxidant activity presented
a decrease with process temperature, in particular at high process
temperatures (e.g. 90 C). In conclusion, the results of this work
indicate that the drying kinetics together with the reported quality
attributes of the dried squid can be used to improve the final
characteristics of the product. Optimization of food quality during
process requires more investigations in order to overcome the
constraints related to structural and functional food behavior and
their role in the coupling of heat and mass transfer mechanisms.