The document provides an overview of dehydration principles and technologies. It discusses:
- The history of food dehydration dating back 5000 years and developments through World Wars I and II.
- Key concepts in dehydration including moisture transport mechanisms, drying curves, kinetics, equilibrium moisture content, and factors that influence the process.
- Common drying technologies classified by operation mode, pressure, heat transfer mode, and product state. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods are described.
- Quality aspects of dehydrated foods regarding physical properties, microbiological and chemical changes, and nutritional impacts. Drying methods and pretreatments can influence quality.