Effect of dehydration on the quality and storage stability of immature dates (Pheonix dactylifera)

摘要: Abstract Dates ( Pheonix dactylifera ) harvested from Kutch district of Gujarat, India were processed for the development dehydrated dates. grown in region Gujarat are before maturation, i.e. Khalal stage to prevent spoilage caused due rains. The processing and dehydration conditions preparation dates immature date fruits evaluated. Processing by blanching water at 96±1 °C subsequent 60±2 °C 18–20 h resulted good quality as compared dried without heat treatment. found be acceptable with respect colour, flavour, taste overall quality. contained a total sugars 520 g kg −1 , reducing 415.1 g kg tannins 13.5 g kg ascorbic acid 33.7 mg kg . Equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) was 75.9% an initial moisture content 159 g kg packed 75 μ low-density polyethylene packaging material shelf stable 6 months room temperature. remained during storage period.