Optimization of osmosis-hot air drying of pear using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of the conditions for hot air drying of pear slices with osmosis pretreatment. The effects of two parameters including drying temperature (50-70 °C) and drying time (240-360 minutes) as independent variables on moisture content, shrinkage percentage and rehydration ratio of pear slices as dependent variables (responses) were evaluated. The regression models for all responses were statistically significant at the 99% confidence level and lack of fit was not significant. All process variables had linear effect on all the responses (p