Modeling of simultaneous mass transfer and structural changes in fruit tissues

Osmotic dehydration of plant tissues promotes sample volume reduction in li ne with cell deformation while linked through bonding zones, thus leading t o a shrunk cell network. The sample volume changes of apple slices througho ut osmotic processes at 30 degreesC, 40 degreesC and 50 degreesC were analy sed by using sucrose solution of different concentration (25-65 degrees Bri x), in treatments carried out at atmospheric pressure and by applying a vac uum pulse. These volume changes are compared with the volume variations of sample liquid (water plus soluble solids) and gas phases in order to analys e their different contribution to sample volume development and the porous structure role. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.