Optimization of the spray drying process for the obtaining of coconut powder (Cocos nucifera L.) fortified with functionally active compounds

Abstract   The objective of this work is to contribute to the generation of a significant advance of the coconut agroindustry in Colombia, for which the process of spray drying was optimized to obtain coconut powder added with functionally active components (CP+PAC) (calcium and vitamins C, D3 and E), food that is framed in the context of functional foods. Initially, the behavior of the physicochemical properties of the coconut during storage at a temperature of 25ºC was evaluated. Then the base emulsion was designed, determining the influence of the composition of emulsions based on coconut milk, on its physicochemical stability, the answer surface methodology was used with a central composite design, considering the independent variables: water/coconut ratio; xantan gum; coconut fiber; terbutilhidroquinona. Subsequently, it was experimentally optimized according to the operating characteristics of the dryer and the product, using a response surface design based on five independent variables: Maltodextrin, air inlet temperature, air outlet temperature, atomizer disk speed and vacuum pressure in the drying chamber. Finally, the stability of the PC+PAC properties was evaluated, using a factorial design based on the independent variables: storage temperature, storage time and packaging. Keywords: coconut, colloidal system, deposit formation, yield, vitamins.