Abstract: In this study,the drying process and characteristics of Penaeus vannamei are studied under different pretreatments using water steaming and soaking.Further,the effects of the pretreatment methods on the quality of the dried products are studied based on their hardness,elasticity,and rehydration rate.The experimental results denote that the water content of Penaeus vannamei obtained using different pretreatments vary;further,the initial moisture content of Penaeus vannamei and loss of dry matter after steaming is lower than those after boiling.The drying process of Penaeus vannamei only undergoes the falling drying rate stage,and water diffusion plays a dominating role.The quality of the dry products can be improved by conducting pretreatment before drying.When compared with the product obtained using the boiled pretreatment method,the dried product obtained after conducting steam pretreatment exhibits a higher rehydration rate,brighter color,and tighter and more elastic muscle tissue.

Key words: Penaeus vannamei, pretreatment, drying, texture