Date plum (Diospyrus lotus L.) is a delicious and nutritious fruit that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is not only a delightful treat but also possesses remarkable medicinal properties. A recent research article published in the Journal of Food Science by Hassan et al. explores the impact of convective drying parameters, such as temperature and air velocity, on the shrinkage, microstructure, rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds of date plum. This article aims to delve into the findings of the study, explain the implications for rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and discuss the phenolic compounds present in date plum.
What are the Rehydration Properties of Dried Date Plum?
Rehydration properties refer to the ability of a dehydrated product to regain its original moisture content and texture once water is added. In the case of dried date plum, the researchers analyzed the effects of different drying parameters on the rehydration properties of the fruit. The study discovered that convective drying significantly influenced the color, size, and distribution of the fruit cells in date plum. Moreover, the researchers found that the drying temperature played a crucial role in determining the rehydration properties of the dried fruit.
According to the study, drying date plum at a temperature of 70°C resulted in the highest rehydration properties. This means that when date plum was dried at this specific temperature, it had the ability to regain moisture content more effectively compared to other drying temperatures. The optimized rehydration properties of dried date plum make it a favorable choice for various applications, such as in the production of baked goods, granola bars, and trail mixes.
How Does Drying Affect the Antioxidant Activity of Date Plum?
Antioxidants are valuable compounds that help protect our bodies against oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals. The presence of antioxidants in foods can provide a range of health benefits. In the context of date plum, the research conducted by Hassan et al. investigated the impact of convective drying on the antioxidant activity of the fruit.
The findings of the study revealed that the drying process altered the antioxidant activity of date plum. The researchers measured the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of fresh date plum. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of dried date plum varied depending on the drying temperature.
Notably, drying date plum at 70°C resulted in the highest values of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant compounds, such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, resveratrol, and DPPH. These compounds play a significant role in combating oxidative stress and can contribute to improved overall health.
What are the Phenolic Compounds Present in Date Plum?
Phenolic compounds are a class of phytochemicals that are widely distributed in plants and have been associated with various health benefits. Date plum is known to be rich in phenolic compounds, and the study conducted by Hassan et al. aimed to identify and quantify these compounds in fresh and dried date plum.
The researchers analyzed the phenolic composition of date plum and found that it contained various phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, and resveratrol. These compounds have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Additionally, the study revealed that the drying process affected the concentration of these phenolic compounds in date plum, with the highest levels observed when the fruit was dried at 70°C.
The presence of these phenolic compounds in dried date plum makes it an excellent dietary choice for those seeking to incorporate natural antioxidants into their diet. These compounds can potentially contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases and support overall well-being.
Implications and Practical Applications
The research conducted by Hassan et al. provides valuable insights into optimizing the drying conditions for date plum to preserve its phenolic compounds, flavonoid content, and antioxidant properties. By determining the most suitable drying conditions, the study enables the production of dehydrated date plum with enhanced nutraceutical and antioxidant compounds.
The study identified the Midilli model as the best-fit model for describing the drying kinetics of date plum. This model aids in understanding the drying process and allows for better control and optimization of drying operations. Additionally, the Weibull model was found to be the most successful in describing the rehydration kinetics of dried date plum. This information is valuable for food manufacturers as it provides insights into the behavior of dried date plum when exposed to moisture.
The practical applications of this research are abundant. The findings pave the way for the continuous consumption of date plum throughout the year, even during off-seasons when fresh fruits may not be readily available. The dried fruits can be used in various food industries, such as bakery, confectionery, and snack production, due to their rich nutraceutical and antioxidant content. Moreover, the nutritional benefits of dried date plum can be harnessed in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.
The study conducted by Hassan et al. underscores the importance of optimizing drying processes to preserve the nutritional and functional properties of fruits like date plum. By understanding the impact of drying conditions on rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds, researchers and food manufacturers can unlock the full potential of dried date plum as a versatile and health-promoting ingredient.
Source: https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1750-3841.16322
Disclaimer: While I have a passion for health, I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice.
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