Physicochemical, Functional and Bioactive Properties of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Pods Microwave and Convective Dried Powders

Abstract As the primary by‐product of pea processing industry, pea pods represent a rich source of various high-value molecules. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of nine different microwave output powers (200 to 1000 W) and five different ventilated oven temperatures (40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 °C) on the quality of pea pod such as physical-chemical (water activity, total color change), functional properties (water retention capacities and swelling capacity) and bioactive properties (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity). The results show that microwave drying reduced significantly the drying time. Convective drying led to a greater color change than microwave drying. Convective drying at 80 °C for 135.33 min appeared the best process in terms of functional properties giving the highest values of water retention capacity and swelling capacity. Both microwave and convective drying methods could increase phenolic and antioxidant compounds content of pea pods. It was suggested that the microwave method can be a promising technology for drying the pea pods due to the shorter drying time, and higher product quality.