This study aimed to adjust different mathematical models to experimental data of hygroscopicity of crambe fruits, selecting one that best represented the phenomenon, and obtain the values of the isosteric heat of desorption as a function of equilibrium moisture content. To obtain an equilibrium moisture content, crambe fruit was used with an initial moisture content of 26.0% (dry basis) and static gravimetric method. For each replicate 10 g of fruit were placed surrounded by a permeable fabric to permit air contact with the product and placed within the desiccators. To control the relative humidity inside the desiccators, saturated solutions were used. The desiccators were placed in incubator B.O.D., adjusted to temperatures of 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C. The equilibrium moisture content of crambe fruits is directly proportional to water activity and decreases with increasing temperature for the same value of equilibrium relative humidity. Based on statistical parameters, the models of Copace and Modified Oswin are those that best represent the hygroscopicity of crambe fruits compared to other tested models. The isosteric heat increases with decrease in equilibrium moisture content and requires a larger amount of energy to remove water from the crambe fruit.
Crambe abyssinica; water activity; mathematical modeling
