Water Activity in Foods

Water Activity in Foods: Fundamentals and Applications is a one-of-a-kind reference text that brings together an international group of food scientists, chemists, and engineers to present a broad but thorough coverage of an important factor known to influence the attributes of foods – water activity. A team of experienced editors designed this book for lasting value as a sound introduction to the concept of water activity for neophytes and seasoned professionals in both academe and industry. Topics have been carefully selected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which water activity influences the quality, shelf life, and safety of food products. Other approaches for studying water relations in foods are also discussed including the polymer science approach and water mobility by nuclear magnetic resonance. Concepts in the practical uses and applications of water activity for food formulation, processing, and storage are generously illustrated with practical examples from the food industry that will facilitate later application by professionals in their own laboratories and production facilities.

Progressing from the scientific to the practical, the book examines the fundamentals and relationships of water activity, ranging from glass transition theory and the measurement of moisture content, water activity, and isotherms, to ways in which water activity affects microorganisms, chemical reaction rates and physical properties, to moisture gain and loss through packaging, water activity as a hurdle, and applications of water activity management in the food industry and non-food systems.

Water Activity in Foods belongs on the shelves of all food science professionals for use in product development, quality control, and food safety. Students and newcomers to these areas will appreciate the instructional approach adopted by the experienced teachers and industry specialists who have contributed chapters to this comprehensive overview.

Gustavo V. Barbosa-Cánovas, Ph.D., Professor of Food Engineering, Center for Nonthermal Processing of Food, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Anthony J. Fontana, Jr., Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Decagon Devices, Inc., Pullman, WA

Shelly J. Schmidt, Ph.D., Professor of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

Theodore P. Labuza, Ph.D., Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Food Science and Engineering; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN