Studying the influence of various types of zucchini pre-treatment before drying on finished product organoleptic indicators

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of various types of preliminary processing of zucchini before drying on the organoleptic properties of the finished product. The object of the study was fresh zucchini of the Kalazina F1 variety. The study was conducted at the Krasnodar Research Institute for Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products - a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution SKFNTSSVV. The organoleptic properties of the finished product were determined depending on the method of preliminary processing. During the organoleptic evaluation, it was found that the sample treated with a 1 % citric acid solution received the maximum overall score - 4.7 points. The lowest score was received by samples № 1 and № 2 (microwave 480 W for 120 s and 640 W for 60 s). Microwave pre-treatment in various parameters has a significant effect on the taste and the presence of an unpleasant aftertaste compared to other samples. Samples treated with a solution of citric acid in various dosages have a sour taste and prevent darkening of the product during drying. It has been established that various types of pre-treatment affect the quality of the dried product. It is worth noting the advantages of pre-treatment of zucchini with a 1 % solution of citric acid, which affects not only the extension of shelf life by reducing the moisture content of the product, but also the organoleptic properties. In addition, treatment with a 1 % solution of citric acid makes it possible to preserve the organoleptic properties of dried zucchini (prevents surface darkening), as well as reduce the moisture content of the product compared to the control sample.