Computational methods have become important techniques for drying in food processing. There are two principle computational approaches for system analysis: continuous and discrete. In the continuous approach, the governing equations can be obtained by applying the fundamental laws such as conservation of mass, momentum and energy over an infinitesimal control volume. These equations are further discretized by using a suitable discretization technique. The recovered set of algebraic equations are then solved by an applied numerical method. The discrete approach concentrates on mimicking the molecular movement within system. Recent years have witnessed a rapid development in the field of computational techniques owing to its abundant benefit to the food processing industry. The relevance of advanced computational methods has helped in understanding the fundamental physics of thermal and hydrodynamics behavior that can provide benefits to the food processing industry in numerous applications such as drying, evaporation, sterilization, mixing and refrigeration.

​Coconut is an important economic crop widely cultivated in island and coastal ecosystems in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Emerging trends in biochemical characterization have highlighted the nutraceutical and nutritional importance of coconut and its products. However, the short shelf life of these products seriously restricts their market potential. Coconut beverages such as coconut water, inflorescence sap and coconut milk have numerous health promoting nutrients, although the highly perishable nature of coconut beverages and products causes significant post-harvest losses. Conventional thermal technologies implemented by the coconut processing industry affect the heat sensitive nutrients and create a negative impact on the color and flavor profiles of the products. Producers have been looking for an efficient alternative to thermal technologies, although most of the emerging non-thermal technologies such as cold plasma, ozone, pulsed light, UV-light, pulsed electric field and high-pressure processing are in lab scale. It is important to understand the practical application of these technologies at industry scale. Also, it is important to analyze the influence and application of these emerging technologies on the quality profile, safety and shelf-life extension of the products. The adulteration rate in coconut products has been increasing along with their prices, making it vital to understand the application of non-destructive tools for authentication.

The elapsing time from producer to consumer has significantly increased as a result of food marketing and trade globalization. Consequently, maintaining quality along the food value chain is becoming a significant challenge. Postharvest losses are considered a major component of food loss and waste in the supply chain from farmers to consumers, due to improper handling, storage, transport, preservation techniques and spoilage. Postharvest science aims to extend the shelf life of fresh and perishable commodities, and to reduce heavy losses, thereby contributing to food security. While significant progresses have been made in postharvest preservation and shelf-life extension, the continuous development of emerging technologies have changed our vision on postharvest science. Furthermore, recent advancements in molecular engineering of horticultural crops for quality improvement; the development of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have led to a better understanding of the physiology and the biochemistry of the senescence processes, resulting in better preservation and improved production of fresh crops.

The elapsing time from producer to consumer has significantly increased as a result of food marketing and trade globalization. Consequently, maintaining quality along the food value chain is becoming a significant challenge. Postharvest losses are considered a major component of food loss and waste in the supply chain from farmers to consumers, due to improper handling, storage, transport, preservation techniques and spoilage. Postharvest science aims to extend the shelf life of fresh and perishable commodities, and to reduce heavy losses, thereby contributing to food security. While significant progresses have been made in postharvest preservation and shelf-life extension, the continuous development of emerging technologies have changed our vision on postharvest science. Furthermore, recent advancements in molecular engineering of horticultural crops for quality improvement; the development of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have led to a better understanding of the physiology and the biochemistry of the senescence processes, resulting in better preservation and improved production of fresh crops.

Soil biota is an important and fundamental part of terrestrial ecology. The soil organisms include all those life forms which pass significant proportion of their life within a soil profile. The range of organisms may vary from microscopic entities to a macro level organisms. These organisms are the hidden beauties which take up the task of food chain regulation, organic matter decomposition, and nutrient enrichment of soil. Soil organisms can be grouped into three classes viz; chemical engineers (bacteria,fungi and protozoans), biological regulators (small soil invertebrates like nematodes and mesofauna) and ecosystem engineers (large soil invertebrates and small mammals). These creatures are mainly regulated by certain physical and biological factors. The physicochemical characteristics of soil can determine its biological diversity which influences the regulatory services in an ecosystem.

This book highlights the science underlying honey, which is central to an understanding of conventional medicine or ingredients of food used mostly in all societies and it is attracting increasing interest among food scientists and professionals worldwide. Honey, wax, propolis and royal jelly also have significant roles in various nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products and this book provides collective information and practical approaches regarding all characteristic features of honey and its applications as functional food and medicines. Not only does this book explain the comprehensive knowledge of honey and its medicinal properties based on current researched evidence, it also explores the contribution of honey in the food science and medicine industry as a significant part of nutraceuticals and functional food research. Written by leading scientists in the field, the book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of food chemistry, nutritional science, taste physiology, and neuroscience, as well as for professionals in the food industry.

Although digenetic trematodes have been largely neglected, they constitute a major group of helminths that parasitize human and animals causing significant morbidity and mortality. This is of special importance today, since the geographical limits and the populations at risk, traditionally limited to developing or low-income countries, are currently expanding and changing in relation to factors such as growing international markets, improved transportation systems, and demographic changes. This has led to a growing international interest in trematode infections, although factors such as the difficulties entailed in the diagnosis, the complexity of human and agricultural practices, the lack of assessments of economic costs, or the limited number of effective drugs are preventing the development of control measures of these diseases in humans and livestock. In-depth studies are needed to clarify the current epidemiology of these helminth infections and to identify new and specific targets for both effective diagnosis and treatments. The main goal of the third edition of this book is to present the major trematodes and their corresponding diseases in the framework of modern parasitology, considering matters such as the application of novel techniques and analysis of data in the context of host-parasite interactions and also with the resident microbiota, showing the application of modern techniques and concepts to the studies on digenetic trematodes. This is an ideal book for parasitologists, microbiologists, zoologists, immunologists, public health professionals, clinicians and graduate and post-graduate students.

The integration of enzymes in food processing is well known, and dedicated research is continually being pursued to address the global food crisis. This book provides a broad, up-to-date overview of the enzymes used in food technology. It discusses microbial, plant and animal enzymes in the context of their applications in the food sector; process of immobilization; thermal and operational stability; increased product specificity and specific activity; enzyme engineering; implementation of high-throughput techniques; screening of relatively unexplored environments; and development of more efficient enzymes. Offering a comprehensive reference resource on the most progressive field of food technology, this book is of interest to professionals, scientists and academics in the food and biotech industries.

Traditional sourdough bread refers to spontaneous fermentation of cereals by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, leading to natural selections of microorganisms. The metabolic activity of these microorganisms promotes the formation of organic acids, flavor development and leavening in food matrices, which most know as sourdough bread. This bread is still widely manufactured at farm level across Europe and worldwide, being highly appreciated by consumers for its distinct flavor, texture, healthy attributes and natural origin.

The complexity of food chemistry makes it a challenging subject for students studying in a food science course. Although there are excellent food chemistry books available in the market they have two major flaws: they are either encyclopedic or they are not pitched correctly to undergraduate food science students. The first problem creates difficulties for students to identify what is important and how much they need to know. The second problem arises when the book is written by authors that are not food scientists (e.g., chemists), they are not academics that are engaged with teaching or they are not sufficiently qualified to teach. In this case, it is difficult to find links between the chemistry of foods and its relevance to applications or, quite frequently, future employment prospects of the student.

Protein is one of the most important ingredients of the human diet and is considered crucial for the growth development of all age groups. Studies have set the recommended dietary allowance of protein as 0.8 g/kg body weight per day for healthy adults. The world population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050 and it will be a significant challenge for the scientific community to overcome the growing demand for protein. The results of global warming, from shifting climactic conditions to unpredictable rainfalls, have further complicated the situation. The search for alternative protein sources that can be both sustainable and renewable is one of the major challenges in the face of potential mass protein malnutrition.

When compared to other major fruits, citrus fruits have resistance to pests and diseases, a short growing season and productivity even under harsh environmental conditions. Worldwide, citrus fruits are well known for their nutrients-rich juice and medicinal properties. Juice extracted from citrus fruits is rich source of vitamin C and various antioxidant compounds that are required to sustain a healthy life. Fruits are consumed in raw as well as processed forms, and the pharmacological importance of citrus fruits are not only limited to its edible parts, but also to non edible seeds and peel that are also a rich source of bioactive constituents with health benefiting properties. In current fruit processing techniques the peel is discarded as a byproduct after extraction of the juice. Researchers and food scientists are now focusing on utilization of fruit waste/byproducts to use them as a substrate in food processing, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Whole fruits, seeds contain important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Starch is one of the major components responsible for the structure of final food products. A recent report by Industrial Starch Market predicts the industrial starch market to reach about 106.64 billion by 2022. The major portion of the starch volume will be contributed by conventional sources like maize, wheat and potato. These native starch sources are well capable to meet the industrial requirements. However, modification of starch brings lot of positive changes in functional and structural properties of starch. As compared to their native counterparts, modified starches are gaining a significant market growth due to their enhanced functionalities and applications. Starch: Advances in Modifications, Technologies and Applications provides comprehensive coverage of the most recent advances in the modification techniques, their impact on functionality of starch and potential application food industries.

This book is designed to give students an understanding of the role of microorganisms in food processing and preservation; the relation of microorganisms to food spoilage, foodborne illness, and intoxication; general food processing and quality control; the role of microorganisms in health promotion; and federal food processing regulations. The listed laboratory exercises are aimed to provide a hands-on-opportunity for the student to practice and observe the principles of food microbiology. Students will be able to familiarize themselves with the techniques used to research, regulate, prevent, and control the microorganisms in food and understand the function of beneficial microorganism during food manufacturing process.

Bread and leavened bakery products have been essential to human nourishment for millennia. Traditionally, bread production has relied on the use of sourdough as a leavening agent and to impart a characteristic quality to baked goods. In recent years, improved understanding of the biodiversity and microbial ecology of sourdough microbiota, the discovery of new species, the improved management and monitoring of its meta-community and the commercialization of innovative products have vastly expanded the potential of sourdough fermentation for making baked goods. For example, raw materials such as cereals, pseudo-cereals, ancient grains, and gluten-free substrates, as well as a large number of baked good varieties (e.g., typical and industrial breads, sweet baked goods, gluten-free products) may benefit from advances in sourdough fermentation. In addition, biotechnological tools and culture properties have been discovered to improve both the shelf life and the sensory and textural qualities of baked goods, as well as their nutritional and health-promoting properties.