Production of tamarind powder by drum dryer using maltodextrin and Arabic gum as adjuncts

Abstract

Tamarind powder specimens were produced by drum-drying of mixture between juice squeezed from tamarind pulpand drying aid. Two popular drying aids namely maltodextrin (MD) and Arabic gum (AG) were applied at the ratios of juice(20°Brix) and drying aids of 1:0.4, 1:0.8 and 1:1.4. A double drum dryer was employed in this work at the drying temperaturesof 120 and 140°C, drum speed of 0.35 rpm, and the gap between drums of 0.4 mm. The results indicated that in order to obtainthe tamarind powders, the ratio of tamarind juice and MD should be 1:0.8 if drying at 140°C or 1:1.4 if drying at 120-140°C.In case of using AG as a drying carrier the proportion should be 1:0.4 or 1:0.8 for drying temperatures between 120 and 140°C.Sensory evaluation indicated that the tamarind powders with MD were preferred in facet of appearance, color, and overallliking, while those with AG were favored in their aroma and taste. The energy costs of producing tamarind powders werebetween 7.27 and 21.00 Baht/kgpowder whereas the drying aid costs were in the ranges of 208-228 Baht/kgpowder and 640-768Baht/kgpowder if using MD and AG respectively.

Keywords

• drum drying
• drying aid
• instant tamarind juice
• tamarind
• tamarind powder