| dc.description.abstract | Cashew apples are rich in phytochemicals particularly vitamin C and yet are highly underutilized in low
technological countries. This study investigated the effect of drying methods on quality attributes of osmotically
dehydrated cashew apples. Specifically; nutrient retention, rehydration coefficient, microbial safety and sensory
attributes were assessed. Fully matured, ripe and intact fruits were washed, blanched, sliced, and immersed in
70% sucrose before drying on hot air and solar drier. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed on
carotenoids (0.28-0.33 g/100g), vitamin C (0.73-0.85 g/100g), and tannins (266.59-267.95 mg/100g) in both
dried cashew apple slices, except on significantly higher total phenolic (p < 0.05) in hot air-dried slices. During
storage at room temperature for 60 days: total phenolic, tannins, and vitamin C were significantly reduced (p <
0.05) in both hot air and solar dried slices; while carotenoids were maintained (p > 0.05) in hot air-dried slices,
and slightly reduced (p < 0.05) in solar dried slices. Solar dried slices had better rehydration efficiency compared
to hot air-dried ones. Both dried products had similar (p > 0.05) overall acceptability, and zero microbial counts
when observed for 60 days. Though solar drying retained less of the desirable nutritive values, it is relatively
cheaper and is recommended for use in low resource settings. | en_US |
