Effect of spray drying conditions on the physicochemical properties of cornelian pherry juice powder.

In this study, the effects of some processing parameters on drying yield, moisture content, solubility and bulk density of spray dried cornelian cherry (Cournus mas L.) juice powders were investigated. A pilot-scale spray dryer was employed for the spray drying process and maltodextrin and gum Arabic were used as carrier agent. Experimental design involved the use of Box-behnken design and response surface statistical method. Independent variables were inlet air temperature (110, 140, and 170 C), concentration of drying aids (0, 7.5, and 15 %) and feed flow rate (6, 9, and 12 %). Results show that increasing in concentration of drying aids, increases drying yield and the solubility and reduces the moisture content and bulk density of powder; also increasing in inlet air temperature, increases drying yield and reduce solubility, moisture content and bulk density of powder. Optimization carried out using response surface methodology and optimum conditions were inlet air temperature of 140 oC, maltodextrin concentration of 7% and feed flow rate of 9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]