Phenolic content and some physical properties of dried broccoli as affected by drying method

Broccoli samples (Brassica oleracea) with an initial moisture content of 82.87% (wb) were dried using microwave technology (18, 36, and 54 W/g). Convective drying was used as a control group. The dependent variables investigated in the study were phenolic content, color, rehydration capacity, and microstructure of broccoli samples. Moreover, the best fitting thin layer model to the experimental moisture ratio was determined. The phenolic contents were found as 892.4, 740.6, and 759.8 mg gallic acid/100 g dry matter for fresh, convective dried, and microwave (MW) dried at 54 W/g broccoli samples, respectively. The total phenolic content of samples dried at 54 W/g was closest to fresh samples compared to other MW power intensities and convective drying. A similar result was obtained for color values too. L*, a*, and b* of microwave-dried samples at 54 W/g were comparable to fresh broccoli. Another important result obtained from the study was the insignificant effect of drying conditions on rehydration capacity. In addition, it was found that microwave power had a positive effect on drying time; as the microwave powers applied were compared, the shortest drying time was reached at 54 W/g. When the process durations of microwave drying and convective drying were compared, it can be reported that a much lower process time for microwave drying was obtained with respect to convective drying. Drying in microwave oven has reduced the drying time by 49–52%. In the light of the results obtained, it may be declared that it is possible to produce high-quality dried broccoli samples in a very short time by using microwave drying at 54 W/g.