PREDICTION OF ASCORBIC ACID RETENTION DURING DRYING I. MOISTURE AND TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN A MODEL SYSTEM

A methodology for the prediction of nutrient degradation during the process of air-drying is presented. This methodology was illustrated with the aid of model systems in which ascorbic acid had been incorporated. Information was collected for the drying behavior of the system and for the kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation as a function of moisture content, temperature and time. Prediction of ascorbic acid retention was found to be feasible with the mathematical models developed. Two consecutive papers are presented. This first part deals with the development of mathematical models to describe the drying behavior of the system. Moisture and temperature distribution as a function of time were established experimentally and with the aid of mathematical models.