Contribuição ao emprego do modelo da difusão na otimização do processamento térmico de alimentos enlatados

Abstract

For foods that are warmed by conduction, knowledge of the thermal diffusivity property makes it possible to predict the rate of heat penetration inside the food to calculate thermal treatment. Other important variables in this process are the target organism, its heat resistance and the profile of heat penetration in food, making it possible to establish the appropriate thermal process to ensure the inactivation of bacteria capable of causing health risks and ensure the minimum possible deterioration of nutrients. Using the diffusion model and the principle of divided processes, this study showed it is possible to optimize the heat treatment in order to be able to reduce loss of nutrients in canned foods.