| This thesis research project is aimed at setting up prediction models based on NIR spectroscopy, for quality control of organic carrot discs (Daucus carota L., var. Romance) during hot-air drying process (horizontal flow) up to 8 h. Hot-water blanching was tested at 95°C for 1.5 min, as pre-treatment to control the occurrence of enzymatic browning during drying. Hot-water blanching had a positive impact on the appearance of the carrot discs. PLS regression showed good performances for the prediction of aw (RMSE = 0.04; R2 = 0.96), moisture (RMSE = 0.04; R2 = 0.98), SSC (RMSE = 4.32-4.40 °Brix; R2 =0.88), carotenoids (RMSE = 21.75-23.10; R2 = 0.96) and changes in color (RMSE = 1.40-1.46; R2 = 0.85-0.86) during drying. Also PLSDA classification showed very... |
