The impact caused by microwave drying on the sensory profile of macadamia nuts as opposed to the effects of the conventional drying process was evaluated by means of a quantitative descriptive analysis. Modifications of the sensory profile after a six-month storage period were also analyzed. The study involved seven samples of microwave-dried macadamia nuts and one sample of conventionally dried nuts. Post-processing tests indicated that the conventionally dried nuts tasted more rancid. As for the other characteristics of the nuts, no significant differences were found between the microwave and conventional drying processes. The microwave-dried samples showed no statistically significant difference from one another except in their aroma. The results after the six-month storage period were similar to those found immediately after processing. As for modifications in the samples’ sensory profile, there was a loss of intensity of the sensory attributes of texture and an increase in the sensory attributes of rancidity. From the sensory standpoint, it was concluded that the use of microwave-drying is viable, since the resulting product is similar to the conventionally dried one. The use of this type of energy reduced the drying time and therefore the impact on the product, particularly in terms of rancidity, when compared to the conventionally dried product.
microwave dryer; sensory attributes; quantitative descriptive analysis
