Response surface methodology was used to determine the best conditions for maximum weight and moisture loss, low water activity and solid gain value, and the highest vitamin C content cashew apple from Cerrado (vast tropical savanna ecoregion of Brazil), using osmotic dehydration as a pre-treatment. The processing time (2-4 hours), temperature (30-50 °C), and sucrose concentration (40-60 °Brix) were investigated to explain weight loss, moisture loss, solid gain, water activity, and vitamin C content in the final products. The experiments were designed according to Central Composite Rotatable Design with 19 treatments including central and axial points. For each response, second order polynomial models were developed using multiple linear regression analysis. The response surface methodology showed an interaction of the process variables. A sensorial test was applied to 33 tasters to evaluate the acceptability of the best technological ant nutritional quality final products. The best treatment was the one processed under 4 hours, 50 °C, and 40 °Brix.
osmotic dehydration; cashew apple; drying; response surface methodology
