A batch of $500\text{ g}$ of fresh fruit slices containing $84\%$ moisture (wet basis) is immersed in a $60^\circ\text{Brix}$ osmotic sucrose solution. After 4 hours of osmotic dehydration, the drained fruit mass decreases to $300\text{ g}$ and its moisture content is $55\%$ (wet basis). The percentage water loss ($WL$) based on the initial fresh fruit mass is ________ % (answer in integer).
Answer Key:
51
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
1. Initial water content in fruit:
$W_0 = 500\text{ g} \times 0.84 = 420\text{ g}$
2. Final water content in fruit:
$W_1 = 300\text{ g} \times 0.55 = 165\text{ g}$
3. Mass of water removed by osmosis:
$\Delta W = W_0 - W_1 = 420 - 165 = 255\text{ g}$
4. Percentage water loss ($WL$):
$WL = \frac{\Delta W}{M_0} \times 100 = \frac{255}{500} \times 100 = 51.0\%$