Effect of hydrocolloids on the dehydration kinetics, color, and texture of mango leather

Tray drying of mango pulp was carried out to prepare mango leather and the dehydration behavior was studied. Different hydrocolloids like guar gum, pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, gum acacia, pectin, and sodium alginate were also added to the mango pulp at levels of 1, 2, and 3% w/w to determine their effects on drying rate, moisture ratio, color, and equilibrium relative humidity. Texture of mango leather was studied using tensile deformation. Hydrocolloids lowered the drying rate of mango leather but only during the initial 2 h of drying. Mango leather had an extensibility, peak force to rupture, deformation modulus and energy to rupture of 14.54mm, 0.0036 kN, 0.2285 MPa, and 0.0369 J respectively. Hydrocolloids increased the extensibility and energy to rupture of mango leather. Yellowness and redness of samples was lowered but lightness of mango leather was not significantly affected by hydrocolloid addition. The equilibrium relative humidity of mango leather increased with increasing hydrocolloid concentration. The study revealed that hydrocolloids especially guar gum or pectin can be added to modify the texture of mango leather without significantly affecting the drying rate, color, and packaging requirements.