Osmo-convective drying of cauliflower, mushroom and greenpea

Abstract The osmo-convective drying of cauliflower, mushroom and greenpea was carried out respectively in appropriate concentrated solution of sugar–salt, salt, and sugar–salt plus MgHCO 3 in water. The reduction in moisture content during osmotic dehydration process of 5 h was 40–60% wb. Further drying of the osmosed products was carried out in a tray dryer maintained at 60 °C to moisture content of 6–8% wb. Quality parameters like texture, moisture content, colour, hydration as well as rehydration ratios, and microbiological loads were evaluated and found acceptance to a satisfactory level.