Effects of dehydrating agents on the physicochemical properties of dried plum (Prunus salicina L.) slices

Abstract

Plum (Prunus salicina L.) slices were dehydrated with red algae extract (RAE) at a concentration of 30% (w/w), and the dried samples were compared with maltodextrin (MD)-treated and hot-air dried samples in terms of physicochemical properties such as rehydration ratio, ascorbic acid, microstructure, and color. The rehydration ratios and colors of RAE-treated plum slices were better than those of MD-treated and hot-air dried samples. The ascorbic acid contents of RAE-treated samples were higher and their microstructures were finer than those of MD-treated or hot-air dried samples. These results suggest that plum slices can be dehydrated with RAE without loss of quality.