Optimization results of the broccoli vacuum cooling process

In this paper, the effects of vacuum cooling factors on the weight loss of postharvest broccoli were initially investigated. In sequence, the vacuum cooling treatment conditions were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) combined with the genetic algorithm (GA) technique. Fresh broccoli samples were harvested from a Chinese farm, and the green heads of selected samples were cut into smaller pieces, with diameters approximately 3?4?cm, and sequentially equilibrated to room temperature. Pressure (200?600?Pa), broccoli weight (200?500?g), water volume (2?6%, v/v) and time (20?40?min) were used as factors, and weight loss and end temperature were recorded as responses. The GA was employed to find the optimal condition for processing broccoli, and its initial solution was obtained from the RSM. The results demonstrate a good performance of the GA for the optimization of the broccoli cooling process. The best conditions of vacuum cooling process were as follows: a weight between 273.5?g and 278.0?g, a water volume of 3.0% v/v, a processing time of 40?min, a pressure of 200?Pa, and a weight loss and end temperature of 0.34???0.01% and 2.0???0.0??C, respectively, leading to a percentage of profit of 99.66???0.01%. SourcesOptimization of vacuum cooling treatment of postharvest broccoli using response surface methodology combined with genetic algorithm techniqueJos? Carlos C. Santana a, Sidnei A. Ara?jo b, Wonder A.L. Alves b, Peterson A. Belan b, Ling Jiangang c, Chen Jianchu d, e, Liu Dong-Hongd, ea Industrial Engineering Graduate Program, Nove de Julho University, 01504-000 S?o Paulo, Brazilb Informatics and Knowledge Management Graduate Program, Nove de Julho University, 01504-000 S?o Paulo, Brazilc Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ningbo 315040, PR Chinad Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR Chinae Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR ChinaComputers and Electronics in Agriculture?Volume 144, January 2018, Pages 209?215https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2017.12.010Science Direct Picture by?Weber Cooling