María Lorena Luna-Guevara
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Teresita González-Sánchez
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Adriana Delgado-Alvarado
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María Elena Ramos-Cassellis
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José Guillermo Pérez-Luna
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Objective: To study the effect of storage temperatures and dehydration conditions (solar and convective drying; SD, CD), on the quality, physicochemical parameters and antioxidant properties of tomato fruits.
Methodology: The physicochemical characteristics pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids (°Bx) and color parameters (L*, a* and b*), were evaluated. The lycopene, carotenoids and antioxidant activity percentages retention of tomatoes fruits stored at 7 and 22 ° C for 5 days and subjected to SD (Temperature (T) of 67 °C and luminescence of 685 lum/sqf) and CD (T 70 °C, flow rates 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s), were analyzed.
Results: The fruits reached humidities of 17 and 15% for SD and CD. The parameters pH, °Bx, L*, a*, b* were highest with 22°C and CD (1.5 m/s). The value of the carotenoids was higher in fruits stored at 7 ° C and subjected to CD (1.0 and 1.5 m/s) and SD with values of 83.85, 85.98 and 99.43%, respectively. The CD (0.5 m/s) and SD improved lycopene (94.37 and 95.14%) and the antioxidant activity with values of 73.06 and 97.21%.
Implications: The application of solar dehydration depends on luminescence condition; however, it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative.
Conclusions: The results derived in a viable alternative for the conservation and commercialization of tomato fruits in rural communities
