Summary Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate variations in powder characteristics with respect to spray drying operating parameters including both feed rates (L min−1) and inlet temperatures (°C). Inlet temperatures around 180 °C provided the lowest values for moisture. Powder recovery was significantly affected (P < 0.10) by inlet air temperature and feed rate, where a raise in inlet temperature and feed rate resulted in higher powder recovery. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed for water activity, solubility and hygroscopicity between treatments. Regarding oil retention, the results showed a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between the two studied factors. A tendency for higher values of oil retention was observed when using combinations of high inlet temperatures/low feed rates and low inlet temperatures/high feed rates. Particle size distribution averaged 2.0, 8.1 and 18.3 μm for D10, D50 and D90, respectively. The morphology of particles showed no cracks in most capsules. The results indicate that high temperature (185 °C) and moderated feed rate (0.63 L min−1) are the best spray drying conditions.

Fodder palm, a great source of nutrients for human and animals, grows even in arid climates. Pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration is an efficient process for obtaining semidehydrated food. It was used to slice cladodes of fodder palm. The independent variables used were temperature (30-50°C), pulsed vacuum pressure (50-150 mbar) and NaCl concentration (5-15 g per 100 g solution). The response variables were water activity (a w ), moisture content (X), colour parameters, water loss (WL), solid gain (SG) and weight reduction (WR). The pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration process was optimised for minimum values of a w , X and SG, and maximum values of chroma. The experimental data obtained with the optimum condition (100 mbar; 10 gNaCl per 100 g solution, 44°C) were near the estimated ones. For example, WL, a w and ΔE, and their error were 8.15 g per 100 g, 11%; 0.985, 0.3% and 6.15, 15.2%, respectively.

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This work was made aiming at studying the best model for the rheological properties of Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum, Schum) pulps with 14 (in nature), 17, 19, 23 and 25°Brix of total soluble solids (TSS) which were me asured at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60°C temperature using a conc entric cylinder rheometer. The results were adjusted to the following