Volatile composition changes of pineapple during drying in modified and controlled atmosphere

Abstract

Pineapple samples were dried in normal and modified atmospheres by addition of 0.5% ethanol v/v to the air stream using two different temperatures and two different velocities. The volatile composition changes during the drying process were determined using the solid phase microextraction coupled to a gas chromatographer with mass spectrometer. The modification of the drying atmosphere with ethanol vapor promoted a more intense water evaporation as well as a less pronounced loss of volatiles. The volatile composition changed significantly during drying not only by the loss of some components but also by the appearance of others.