Ascorbic Acid Thermal Degradation during Hot Air Drying of Camu-Camu ( Myrciaria dubia [H.B.K.] McVaugh) Slices at Different Air Temperatures.

Air drying of camu-camu slices was performed in order to estimate the effect of air temperature on the kinetics of ascorbic acid thermal degradation. Moisture variation during the air drying process was monitored gravimetrically by weighing the trays at predetermined time intervals. The experimental points were adjusted by Fick's diffusion model and by the Page empirical model. The effective diffusion coefficient (D eff ) ranged from 8.48 × 10 -10 to 1.34 × 10 -9 m 2 /s.The ascorbic acid content was evaluated in samples taken during the drying process using Iodine titration, and the results modeled by the Weibull equation. Concerning ascorbic acid retention the best drying condition required air at 50°C. The ascorbic acid retention was 78%, when the moisture content of the product reached 10% (wet basis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]