The conditions of convective drying induce a negative effect on the quality of the dried products, and thus, innovative solutions, such as the utilization of ultrasound and dehumidified air are gaining importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ultrasound pretreatment and variable air temperature on the kinetics of convective drying with dehumidified air and the quality of dried apples. Apples were dried with dehumidified and non-dehumidified air at 55, 70 and 85 °C. Preliminary ultrasound treatment was conducted by immersion for 60 min. The effect of both ultrasound and dehumidified air utilization was more prominent in the terms of drying time reduction, when lower drying temperatures were used. Drying of apples with dehumidified air, preceded by ultrasound pretreatment, resulted in a greater rehydration capacity of the products, and limited the browning process. Dehumidified air increased the lightness of the dried products, while sonication darkened them. The use of ultrasound before drying coupled with a drying with dehumidified medium at a temperature of 70 °C reduced the exposure of the product to a high temperature and oxygen. Products treated before dehumidified air drying with ultrasounds were characterized by high total phenolic content and the greatest antioxidant activity. This was because such technological treatment reduced exposure of the product to a high temperature and oxygen.
Keywords: apple; convective drying; dehumidified air; quality; ultrasound.