24 July 2024 | Alexandra Mari *, Danai Nikoleta Parisouli and Magdalini Krokida
This study reviews the latest advancements in osmotic dehydration, a crucial method for food preservation. Osmotic dehydration involves immersing food in a hypertonic solution to reduce moisture content, thereby inhibiting microbial and enzymatic activity. The review highlights the benefits of this method, including extended shelf life and preservation of nutritional value. Key aspects such as mass transfer dynamics, mathematical modeling, and the impact of process parameters like temperature, agitation, and osmotic agent concentration are explored. Pre-treatment techniques, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), ohmic heating (OH), and ultrasound (UIP), are emphasized for improving the effectiveness and quality of osmotic dehydration. The review also discusses the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly methods, and provides insights into process optimization, energy consumption, and future applications in the food industry. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of osmotic dehydration, offering practical guidance and addressing gaps in current research.This study reviews the latest advancements in osmotic dehydration, a crucial method for food preservation. Osmotic dehydration involves immersing food in a hypertonic solution to reduce moisture content, thereby inhibiting microbial and enzymatic activity. The review highlights the benefits of this method, including extended shelf life and preservation of nutritional value. Key aspects such as mass transfer dynamics, mathematical modeling, and the impact of process parameters like temperature, agitation, and osmotic agent concentration are explored. Pre-treatment techniques, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), ohmic heating (OH), and ultrasound (UIP), are emphasized for improving the effectiveness and quality of osmotic dehydration. The review also discusses the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly methods, and provides insights into process optimization, energy consumption, and future applications in the food industry. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of osmotic dehydration, offering practical guidance and addressing gaps in current research.