Modelling of Rehydration Kinetics of Desert Truffles (Terfezia spp.) Dried by Microwave Oven

Abstract

It is very important to develop a new way of treatment for foodstuffs to provide consumers more chances to choose their foods. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of microwave drying conditions on the rehydration process of Algerian truffles. Previously dried truffles, at different microwave power output (350, 500 and 650 Watt) and weights (100 and 150 g) have been utilized to analyses and to model the rehydration kinetics. Among the six used empirical models, Weibull model has been the most fitted model to all the treated samples. Microwave power output and sample weight were found to have an effect on truffles during drying, and consequently on their rehydration capacity. The high samples amount has decreased the effects of microwave drying by decreasing the density of treatment, also, the high-power output has probably reduced the time of evaporation, and thus more preservation to the dried truffles. These results can be taken into consideration for more industrial applications of microwave drying and subsequent rehydration of truffles.