Goat milk is still an underexploited product, mainly due to technical hurdles. Conversion into powder by spray drying can ensure product quality and safety, but un-optimized processing causes losses on product value. Therefore, our work intended to study the effects of spray drying on goat milk powder using fundamental parameters. A set of 12 experiments were conducted by varying outlet temperature, and feed flow rate so different drying kinetics were tested. The process presented yields ranging from 41 to 62.5%, benefitting from lower relative humidity conditions. Also, drying gas relative humidity close to 1% in combination with smaller droplets produced powders with higher density, lower color alterations, and lower variations on the chemical content of the powdered milk. Finally, it is concluded that the feed flow rate is a critical process parameter because it influences droplet size and relative humidity.

Avocado (Persea americana), originally from Mesoamerica, has emerged as a focus of intense scientific and industrial interest due to its unique combination of nutritional richness, bioactive potential, and technological versatility. Its pulp, widely consumed across the globe, is notably abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can comprise over two-thirds of its lipid content. In addition, it provides significant levels of dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol. These constituents are consistently associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic regulatory, and cardioprotective effects, supported by a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the chemical composition and functional properties of avocado, with particular emphasis on its lipid profile, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It also explores recent advances in environmentally sustainable extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted processes, as well as the application of natural deep eutectic solvents. These technologies have demonstrated improved efficiency in recovering bioactives while aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The use of avocado-derived ingredients in nanostructured delivery systems and their incorporation into functional foods, cosmetics, and health-promoting formulations is discussed in detail. Additionally, the potential of native cultivars and the application of precision nutrition strategies are identified as promising avenues for future innovation. Taken together, the findings underscore the avocado’s relevance as a high-value matrix for sustainable development. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction protocols, clarifying pharmacokinetic behavior, and ensuring long-term safety in diverse applications.

The growing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy strategies has driven increasing interest in the valorization of agro-industrial by-products. Among these, the peel and seed of avocado (Persea americana), typically discarded during processing, have emerged as promising sources of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic constituents with recognized antioxidant capacity. This review critically examines the current scientific literature on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and potential health benefits associated with avocado peel and seed. In addition, it explores recent technological advances in extraction methods and highlights the applicability of these by-products in the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other health-related products. Challenges related to safety, bioavailability, and regulatory aspects are also discussed. By consolidating available evidence, this work supports the potential of avocado peel and seed as valuable functional ingredients and contributes to sustainable innovation in the food and health industries.

This research focuses on the drying kinetics of industrial pineapple processing waste on a flat plate, revealing a two-phase drying process: an initial phase with a constant drying rate followed by a phase with a decreasing drying rate. During the constant rate phase, the convective mass transfer coefficient, influenced by temperature variations from 40 to 70 °C, ranged from 5.69 × 10⁻⁷ to 2.79 × 10⁻⁷ m s⁻¹. The study introduced a novel approach to modeling the decreasing drying rate phase, applying equations derived from the Fick equation. This process involved determining the activation energy and thermodynamic properties of drying using an experimental forced convection dryer at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, and an air velocity of 1.5 m/s. Data were fitted to several mathematical models, including Fick’s with four series terms, and versions of the Henderson–Pabis and Page models modified by Cavalcanti-Mata, among others. The Cavalcanti-Mata and modified Page models provided the most accurate fit to the experimental data. Results showed that diffusion coefficients vary per model yet align with literature values. Additionally, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) values decreased with temperature, while Gibbs free energy (ΔG) increased, indicating that drying is an energy-dependent, non-spontaneous process.

Innovation in the drying process during the roasting of cashew nut almonds has the potential to significantly improve product quality. This study aimed to investigate the drying kinetics of the almond, comparing the experimental data with the mathematical models of Fick, Page, Cavalcanti Mata, and Henderson and Pabis. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Physical Measurements and Drying of the Academic Unit of Food Engineering at the Federal University of Campina Grande. For drying, equipment with high air velocity and precise temperature control was used, operating at 120, 140, 160, and 180 °C, with an air velocity of 3 m s⁻¹. Based on the drying kinetics parameters, the activation energy for each mathematical model was determined, which indicates the energy required to break the bonds that maintain water in the product. The thermodynamic properties of the process were also determined, which are essential to help understand the drying behavior of the fruit, optimize energy efficiency and the quality of the final product. The Fick model, using six terms in the series and considering the cylindrical shape of the almond, along with the other models analyzed, showed a good fit for the experimental data, as evidenced by the R² values obtained. For the Fick model, the R² values varied between 0.9675 and 0.9738, for the Page model, between 0.9809 and 0.9954, for the Cavalcanti Mata model, between 0.9921 and 0.9973 and for the Henderson and Pabis model, between 0.9906 and 0.9976, for the temperatures studied.