Effect of Pre-Treatments on the Qualities of Banana Dried by Two Different Drying Methods

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I reviewed the manuscript based on originality, technical quality, clarity of presentation and potential significance. The discussion is not robust enough to justify the job done.

Attached is the file with suggestions

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Extensive editing of English language required

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses in track changes in the submitted files.

Reviewer’s comments and our response

 

Reviewer 1

• The title was changed from Evaluating the attributes of dried bananas using various Pre-treatments and drying methods

To: Effect of pre-treatments of qualities of banana dried by two different drying methods

• Sodium bicolpate is replaced to sodium bisulphate
• Citric, acetic and ascorbic replaced to citric, acetic and ascorbic acid

Thank you

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear authors, Here are some suggestions for improvement: Make sure your language is clear and concise throughout the article. Avoid using complex sentences when a simpler one can convey the same meaning. 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses in track changes in the submitted files.

Reviewer 2

• The research aims to study the effect of some pre-drying treatments and drying methods (sun and solar-controlled tunnel drying) on the quality of dried bananas. Replaced to

This study investigates the impact of various pre-drying treatments and drying methods on the quality of dried bananas.

• Quality refers to the physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensorial quality of dried bananas
• Abbreviations have been standardized in the search SD refers to sun drying while TD refer to tunnel drying.

 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Dear authors,

I found your article to be extremely interesting and relevant; however, I believe it could benefit from some significant improvements. Initially, I think it would be appropriate to introduce a section dedicated to the state of the art regarding dried fruit and consumers' attitudes towards it. I would suggest expanding the introduction or even creating a second paragraph devoted to a more in-depth literature review.

Furthermore, it is crucial to enhance the discussion and conclusion sections. In the discussions, it is necessary to draw a comparison between your results and those previously reported in the literature to better contextualize your research. As for the conclusions, they should encompass the practical and theoretical implications of the study, outline inherent limitations, and suggest possible directions for future research.

To assist you in your bibliographic research, I provide below a list of some works that could be useful in enriching your literature review:

- Asioli, D.; Rocha, C.; Wongprawmas, R.; Popa, M.; Gogus, F.; Almli, V.L. Microwave-dried or air-dried? Consumers' stated preferences and attitudes for organic dried strawberries. A multi-country investigation in Europe. Food Research International 2019, 120, 763-775.

- Testa, R., Rizzo, G., Schifani, G., Tinebra, I., Farina, V., Vella, F., & Migliore, G. (2023). Can Dried Fruits Replace Unhealthy Snacking among Millennials? An Empirical Study on Dried Fruit Consumption in Italy. Sustainability, 15(9), 7083.

-  Sun, Y.; Liang, C. Effects of determinants of dried fruit purchase intention and the related consumer segmentation on e-commerce in China. British Food Journal 2021, 123(3), 1133-1154.

- Alphonce, R.; Temu, A.; Almli, V.L. European consumer preference for African dried fruits. British Food Journal 2015, 117(7), 1886-1902.

 

I hope these suggestions will be helpful in further improving your article.

 

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses in track changes in the submitted files.

 

Reviewer 3

• I would suggest expanding the introduction to the state of the art regarding dried fruit and consumer's attitudes towards it.

Consuming dried fruits in place of unhealthy snacks that are heavy in sugar, salt, and fats may be a realistic alternative to achieving the WHO's daily fruit intake requirements and encouraging the adoption of a sustainable diet [6]. Although dried fruits have several advantages that satisfy the growing consumer desire for wholesome and practical products [7,8], their consumption is still considerably lower than the daily suggested serving (30 g) [9]. Consumption of dried fruit is lower than that of harmful foods, particularly among young individuals [6].

 

Much research in the scientific literature has examined consumer preferences for dried fruits to comprehend the elements that influence this decision [10–12].

For instance, Jesionkowska and colleagues [14] highlighted that health factors are key factors in the selection of dried fruits as perceived as rich in beneficial components, while Sabe et al. [13] demonstrated that product familiarity is the most significant determinant of purchase intention. Similarly, a study by Sun and Liang [10] that divided consumers into age groups based on their preference for dried fruits discovered that younger people consider health-related factors to be the most significant variable in the decision-making process, while older consumers prefer the convenience features.

By contrast, Sijtsema et al. [15] noted that dried fruits are preferred over their fresh counterparts not because of their health benefits, but rather because of their convenience. Alphonce and colleagues, on the other hand, showed in their study [16] that consumers are most influenced by the flavor of dried fruits and their credibility attributes, such as organic and fair trade, for which consumers are willing to pay a higher price.

• Results and discussions have been strengthened

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

dear Editor, the authors have made the requested corrections

Dear Editor, the authors have made the requested corrections

 

Kind regards

V. Sicari

Reviewer 3 Report

The authors of this article have demonstrated a significant commitment to carrying out the necessary implementations for conducting accurate and comprehensive research. All the suggestions provided during the initial refereeing phase have been adequately followed.

Based on the above, I believe that this article is suitable for publication. The quality of the implementations and methodologies used is in line with academic standards and will significantly contribute to the scientific community in the relevant field.