Modelling of solute aqueous extraction from carrots subjected to a pulsed electric field pre-treatment

This study is devoted to solid-liquid extraction from carrot samples subjected to pulsed electric fields (PEF) of different energy levels. Aqueous extraction of solute from carrot samples prepared in the forms of disc or slices (coarse and fine) was conducted at room temperature with and without agitation. A two-exponential kinetic model corresponding to the two-stage extraction (rapid washing and slow diffusion) described successfully the experimental data. For the studied carrot samples, the solute yield increased with the increase in energy level up to a threshold value of 9kJ/kg. Furthermore, the increase in stirring speed up to 250min(-1) enhanced extraction kinetics. Finally, fragmentation of carrot particles increased the solute yield obtained during the washing stage of extraction. (c) 2004 Silsoe Research Institute. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd.