Drying of pineapple slices using combined low-pressure superheated steam and vacuum drying

Abstract A method of combining low-pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD) and vacuum drying (VD) was proposed to improve the dried pineapple quality and increase the drying rate. It was found that the inversion temperature in low-pressure superheated steam drying of pineapple was 85.75 °C in terms of the first falling rate period. The combining drying (LPSSD–VD) reduced the maximum material temperature by 9.5 °C and 0.35 °C, and shortened the drying time by 50 min and 90 min compared with LPSSD and VD at the same drying temperature of 90 °C. The vitamin C retention rate of dried pineapple by LPSSD–VD was 29.33% and 15.94% higher than that of LPSSD and VD, respectively. The color of dried pineapple was also improved. Moreover, the sugar content of dried pineapple can be well controlled to meet the health demand of low sugar and ensure the taste of dried pineapple during LPSSD–VD process.