Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Healthy Processed Foods Research » People & Locations » Rebecca Milczarek
Rebecca Milczarek
Healthy Processed Foods Research
Research Agricultural Engineer

Phone: (510) 559-5656
Fax: (510) 559-5818
Room 1107

USDA, ARS, PWA, WRRC-PFR
800 BUCHANAN STREET
ALBANY, CA 94710
Projects
New Sustainable Processes, Preservation Technologies, and Product Concepts for Specialty Crops and Their Co-Products
In-House Appropriated (D)
  Accession Number: 439532
Development of Food Processing Solar Thermal Technologies
Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)
  Accession Number: 432556

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon Reprint Icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
Quality of watermelon juice concentrated by forward osmosis and conventional processes Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Olsen, C.W., Sedej, I. 2020. Quality of watermelon juice concentrated by forward osmosis and conventional processes. Processes. 8(12). Article 1568. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8121568.
Texture of hot-air-dried persimmon (diospyros kaki sp.) chips: instrumental, sensory, and consumer input for product development Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Woods, R., Lafond, S.I., Smith, J.L., Sedej, I., Olsen, C.W., Vilches, A.M., Breksa Iii, A.P., Preece, J.E. 2020. Texture of hot-air-dried persimmon (diospyros kaki sp.) chips: instrumental, sensory, and consumer input for product development. Foods. 9(10):1434. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101434.
Fate of nutrients of interest during direct sun-drying of apricots Reprint Icon - (Proceedings)
Olsen, C.W., Milczarek, R.R. 2020. Fate of nutrients of interest during direct sun-drying of apricots. Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE). Paper number: 2000153. https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202000153.
Fate of nutrients of interest during direct sun-drying of apricots - (Abstract Only)
Olsen, C.W., Milczarek, R.R. 2020. Fate of nutrients of interest during direct sun-drying of apricots. Meeting Abstract. Poster Number 2000153.
Physical, microbial, and chemical quality of hot-air-dried persimmon (diospyros kaki) chips during storage Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Vilches, A.M., Olsen, C.W., Breksa III, A.P., Mackey, B.E., Brandl, M. 2020. Physical, microbial, and chemical quality of hot-air-dried persimmon (diospyros kaki) chips during storage. Journal of Food Quality. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7413689.
Enhancing quality and nutrition of spray-dried concentrated watermelon juice using watermelon co-product carrier blends - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Sedej, I. 2020. Enhancing quality and nutrition of spray-dried concentrated watermelon juice using watermelon co-product carrier blends. Meeting Abstract. Paper Number 25254.
Prediction of drying rate of nectarines (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) from real-time ambient weather factors during direct sun drying - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Ramirez-Gutierrez, D.M., Ileleji, K.E. 2019. Prediction of drying rate of nectarines (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) from real-time ambient weather factors during direct sun drying [abstract]. International Congress on Engineering and Food (ICEF), September 23-26, 2019, Melbourne, Australia.
Nondestructive determination of the astringency of pollination-variant persimmons (Diospyros kaki) using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Liang, P., Wong, T., Augustine, M.P., Smith, J.L., Woods, R., Sedej, I., Olsen, C.W., Vilches, A.M., Haff, R.P., Preece, J.E., Breksa, A.P. 2019. Nondestructive determination of the astringency of pollination-variant persimmons (Diospyros kaki) using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 149:50-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2018.11.006.
Olive Reprint Icon ()
Milczarek, R.R., Larson, D., Li, Y., Sedej, I., Wang, S. 2019. Olive. In: Pan, Z., Zhang, R., Zicari, S., editors. Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products. 1st Edition. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Inc. p. 355-371. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814138-0.00014-9.
Synthesis of descriptive sensory attributes and hedonic rankings of dried persimmon (Diospyros kaki sp.) Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Woods, R., LaFond, S.I., Breksa, A.P., Preece, J.E., Smith, J., Sedej, I., Olsen, C.W., Vilches, A.M. 2017. Synthesis of descriptive sensory attributes and hedonic rankings of dried persimmon (Diospyros kaki sp.). Food Science and Nutrition. 6(1):124-136. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.537.
Solar thermal drum drying performance of prune and tomato pomaces - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Ferry, J., Alleyne, F.S., Olsen, C.W., Olson, D.A., Winston, R. 2017. Solar thermal drum drying performance of prune and tomato pomaces. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 106:53-64.
Process and formulation effects on solar thermal drum dried prune pomace - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Ferry, J.J., Alleyne, F.S., Olsen, C.W., Olson, D.A., Winston, R.A. 2017. Process and formulation effects on solar thermal drum dried prune pomace. Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists. Session P04 Poster Session 4.
Predictive model for consumer preference of a dried, chip-style persimmon product - (Abstract Only)
Woods, R., Lafond, S.I., Smith, J.L., Milczarek, R.R., Preece, J.E., Breksa Iii, A.P. 2017. Predictive model for consumer preference of a dried, chip-style persimmon product. Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists. Session P05 Poster Session.
Texture attributes of a persimmon (Diospyros kaki) chip-style product - (Abstract Only)
Olsen, C.W., Woods, R., Sedej, I., Smith, J.L., Milczarek, R.R., Preece, J.E., Breksa Iii, A.P. 2017. Texture attributes of a persimmon (Diospyros kaki) chip-style product. Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists. Session P05.
Mathematical and computational modeling simulation of solar drying systems ()
Milczarek R.R., Alleyne F.S. 2017. Mathematical and computational modeling simulation of solar drying systems. In: Prakash, O., Kumar A., editors. Solar Drying Technology. Green Energy and Technology. Singapore: Springer. p. 357-379.
Sugar and organic acid content of astringent, non-astringent, and pollination variant persimmons (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Vilches, A.M., Sedej, I., Olsen, C.W., Smith, J.L., Woods, R., Preece, J.E., Milczarek, R.R., Breksa Iii, A.P. 2017. Sugar and organic acid content of astringent, non-astringent, and pollination variant persimmons [abstract].
Characterization of the organoleptic properties, vitamin C levels and anti-oxidant contents of Californian grown persimmons (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Sedej, I., Vilches, A.M., Olsen, C.W., Smith, J.L., Woods, R., Preece, J.E., Milczarek, R.R., Breksa Iii, A.P. 2017. Characterization of the organoleptic properties, vitamin C levels and anti-oxidant contents of Californian grown persimmons [abstract].
Improving the sun drying of apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Avena-Mascareno, R., Alonzo, J., Fichot, M.E. 2016. Improving the sun drying of apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials. Journal of Food Science. 81(10):E2466-E2475.
Reducing astringency in persimmons through processing, an approach for increasing marketability (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Sedej, I., Woods, R., Vilches, A.M., Olsen, C.W., Preece, J.E., Milczarek, R.R., Breksa III, A.P. 2016. Reducing astringency in persimmons through processing, an approach for increasing marketability (abstract). American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition - Philadelphia, PA - August 21-25, 2016.
Spray drying of a phenolic-rich membrane filtration fraction of olive mill wastewater: Optimization and dried product quality - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sedej, I., Milczarek, R.R., Wang, S., Sheng, R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Takeoka, G.R., Dao, L.T. 2015. Spray drying of a phenolic-rich membrane filtration fraction of olive mill wastewater: Optimization and dried product quality. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.13163.
When wastewater has worth: Water reconditioning opportunities in the food industry to achieve sustainable food manufacturing (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R. 2016. When wastewater has worth: Water reconditioning opportunities in the food industry to achieve sustainable food manufacturing (abstract).
Consumer evaluation of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) varieties for a chip-style product (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Woods, R., Lafond, S.I., Milczarek, R.R., Preece, J.E., Breksa III, A.P. 2016. Consumer evaluation of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) varieties for a chip-style product (abstract). Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting - Chicago, IL - July 16-19, 2016.
Process and formulation effects on the quality of flat plate dried pomace (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Alleyne, F.S., Ferry, J.J., Olson, D.A., Winston, R. 2016. Process and formulation effects on the quality of flat plate dried pomace (abstract). Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting - Chicago, IL - July 16-19, 2016.
Torrefaction of almond shells: effects of torrefaction conditions on properties of solid and condensate products - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chiou, B., Valenzuela-Medina, D., Bilbao-Sainz, C., Klamczynski, A., Avena-Bustillos, R.D., Milczarek, R.R., Du, W., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J. 2016. Torrefaction of almond shells: effects of torrefaction conditions on properties of solid and condensate products. Industrial Crops and Products. 86:40-48.
Torrefaction of almond shells: effects of torrefaction conditions on properties of solid and condensate products - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chiou, B., Valenzuela-Medina, D., Bilbao-Sainz, C., Klamczynski, A., Avena-Bustillos, R.D., Milczarek, R.R., Du, W., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J. 2016. Torrefaction of almond shells: Effects of torrefaction conditions on properties of solid and condensate products. Industrial Crops and Products. 86:40-48.
Optimization of flat plate drying of carrot pomace (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Alleyne, F.S., Ferry, J.J., Milczarek, R.R., Olson, D.A., Winston, R. 2016. Optimization of flat plate drying of carrot pomace (abstract). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting - Orlando, FL - July 17-20, 2016.
Optimization of solar thermal dryer designs for the production of sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca)(abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Alleyne, F.S., Ferry, M., Milczarek, R.R. 2016. Optimization of solar thermal dryer designs for the production of sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) (abstract). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting - Orlando, FL - July 17-20, 2016.
Membrane-filtered olive mill wastewater: Quality assessment of the dried phenolic-rich fraction - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sedej, I., Milczarek, R.R., Wang, S., Sheng, R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Takeoka, G.R., Dao, L.T. 2016. Membrane-filtered olive mill wastewater: Quality assessment of the dried phenolic-rich fraction. Journal of Food Science. 81:E889–E896. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.13267.
Efficiency and design analysis of a solar thermal powered flat plate dryer (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Ferry, J.J., Alleyne, F.S., Milczarek, R.R., Olson, D.A., Winston, R. 2016. Efficiency and design analysis of a solar thermal powered flat plate dryer. (abstract) American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting - Orlando, FL - July 17-20, 2016.
Design of solar thermal dryers for 24-hour food drying processes - (Proceedings)
Alleyne, F.S., Milczarek, R.R. 2015. Design of solar thermal dryers for 24-hour food drying processes. In: Proceedings of the 2015 COMSOL Conference in Boston. COMSOL Conference 2015, October 7-9, 2015, Boston, Massachusetts. 2015 COMSOL Conference 2015, October 7-9, 2015, Boston, Massachusetts. 2015.
Design of solar thermal dryers for 24-hour food drying processes (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Alleyne, F.S., Milczarek, R.R. 2015. Design of solar thermal dryers for 24-hour food drying processes (abstract). COMSOL Conference 2015, October 7-9, 2015, Boston, Massachusetts. Paper No. 29072.
Sustainable technologies for olive mill wastewater management (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Sedej, I., Milczarek, R.R., Wang, S.C., Sheng, R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Takeoka, G.R. 2015. Sustainable technologies for olive mill wastewater management (abstract). University of California, Davis Postdoctoral Research Symposium.
Olive mill wastewater membrane filtration fraction: Drying techniques and quality assessment of the dried product (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Sedej, I., Milczarek, R.R., Wang, S.C., Sheng, R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Takeoka, G.R. 2015. Olive mill wastewater membrane filtration fraction: Drying techniques and quality assessment of the dried product (abstract). Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL July 11-14,2015.
Evaluation of sectrally-selective materials for multi-layer solar thermal crop drying (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Alleyne, F.S., Milczarek, R.R., Mchugh, T.H. 2015. Evaluation of sectrally-selective materials for multi-layer solar thermal crop drying (abstract). Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL; July 11-14,2015.
Improving sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Avena-Mascareno, R., Alonzo, J., Fichot, M.E. 2015. Improving sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) with photo-selective dryer cabinet materials (abstract). International Congress on Engineering and Food - Québec City, Canada - June 14-18, 2015.
Torrefaction of pomaces and nut shells - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chiou, B., Valenzuela-Medina, D., Bilbao-Sainz, C., Klamczynski, A., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Milczarek, R.R., Du, W., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J. 2014. Torrefaction of pomaces and nut shells. Bioresource Technology. 177:58-65.
Computer and control applications in a vegetable processing plant ()
Bingol, G., Milczarek, R.R., Balaban, M., Yu, W. 2015. Computer and control applications in a vegetable processing plant. In: Hui, Y.H., Özgül Evranuz, E., editors. Handbook of Vegetable Preservation and Processing. 2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor and Francis Group. p. 393-412.
New co-products from grain-based fuel ethanol production and their drying performance - (Abstract Only)
Liu, K., Milczarek, R.R., Barrows, F. 2014. New co-products from grain-based fuel ethanol production and their drying performance. American Oil Chemists' Society Meeting. PCP 5 Sysposium.
Centrifugation as a pre-treatment in olive mill wastewater processing (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Sedej, I., Milczarek, R.R., Wang, S., Sheng, R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Takeoka, G.R. 2014. Centrifugation as a pre-treatment in olive mill wastewater processing (abstract). Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo. Paper No. 120-01.
Drum drying performance of condensed distillers solubles and comparison to performance of modified condensed distillers solubles Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Liu, K. 2015. Drum drying performance of condensed distillers solubles and comparison to performance of modified condensed distillers solubles. Journal of Food and Bioproducts Processing. 94:208-217. DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2014.01.004.
Torrefaction of agricultural by-products: Effects of temperature and time on energy yields - (Abstract Only)
Whole grain gluten-free egg-free high protein pasta - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kahlon, T.S., Milczarek, R.R., Chiu, M.M. 2014. Whole grain gluten-free egg-free high protein pasta. Vegetos: An International Journal of Plant Research. 26:65-71.
Effects of infrared radiation heating on peeling performance and quality attributes of clingstone peaches - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, X., Zhang, A., Atungulu, G., Delwiche, M., Milczarek, R.R., Wood, D.F., Williams, T.G., Mchugh, T.H., Pan, Z. 2013. Effects of infrared radiation heating on peeling performance and quality attributes of clingstone peaches. LWT - Food Science and Technology. 55(1):34-42. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2013.08.020.
Solar thermal drying of apricots: Effect of spectrally-selective cabinet materials on drying rate and quality metrics (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Alonzo, J.H., Mchugh, T.H. 2013. Solar thermal drying of apricots: Effect of spectrally-selective cabinet materials on drying rate and quality metrics (abstract). Institute of Food Techologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo. 169.01.
Torrefaction of agricultural by-products (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Chiou, B., Bilbao-Sainz, C., Valenzuela-Medina, D., Klamczynski, A., Milczarek, R.R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Du, W., Imam, S.H., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J. 2013. Torrefaction of agricultural by-products (abstract). American Chemical Society Abstracts. p.1.
Whole grain gluten-free egg-free pasta Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kahlon, T.S., Milczarek, R.R., Chiu, M.M. 2013. Whole grain gluten-free egg-free pasta. Cereal Foods World. 58(1):4-7. DOI: 10.1094/CFW-58-1-0004.
Optimization of microwave roasting of almond (Prunus dulcis) Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Greta, P., Mchugh, T.H. 2012. Optimization of microwave roasting of almond (Prunus dulcis). Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.12046.
In Vitro bile acid binding of kale, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage and green bell pepper improves with microwave cooking - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kahlon, T.S., Milczarek, R.R., Chiu, M.M. 2012. In Vitro bile acid binding of kale, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage and green bell pepper improves with microwave cooking. Vegetos: An International Journal of Plant Research. 25(2):29-36.
Exploration of conditions for microwave roasting of almonds (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Avena Bustillos, R., Mchugh, T.H. 2012. Exploration of conditions for microwave roasting of almonds (abstract). Microwave Power Symposium Proceedings. (00).
Exploration of conditions for microwave roasting of almonds - (Proceedings)
Milczarek, R.R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Mchugh, T.H. 2012. Exploration of conditions for microwave roasting of almonds. Microwave Power Symposium Proceedings. June 20-22, 2012, Las Vegas, Nevada. p. 122-131.
Spatial variation of drying rates within a multi-tray cabinet dryer (abstract) - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Vallot, L., Tom, M.Y., Mchugh, T.H. 2012. Spatial variation of drying rates within a multi-tray cabinet dryer (abstract). National Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists/Food Expo. (00).
In vitro bile acid binding of mustard greens, kale, broccoli, cabbage and green bell pepper improves with sautéing compared with raw or other methods of preparation. Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kahlon, T.S., Milczarek, R.R., Chiu, M.M. 2012. In vitro bile acid binding of mustard greens, kale, broccoli, cabbage and green bell pepper improves with sautéing compared with raw or other methods of preparation. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 3: 951-958. DOI: 10.4236/fns.2012.37126.
Effect of microwave- and microwave-convection drying conditions on the total soluble phenolic content of 2-phase olive mill waste - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Jackson, O.A., Mc Hugh, T.H. 2011. Effect of microwave- and microwave-convection drying conditions on the total soluble phenolic content of 2-phase olive mill waste. Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists.
Practical implications of probe- and sample-related variables in puncture testing of clingstone peaches - (Proceedings)
Milczarek, R.R., McHugh, T.H. 2011. Practical implications of probe-and sample-related variables in puncture testing of clingstone peaches. In: Taoukis, N.G., Stoforos, N. G., Karathanos, V.T., Saravacos, G.D., editors. Proceedings of the International Congress on Engineering and Food, May 22-26, 2011, Athens, Greece. p. 215-216.
Milling by product Utilization Research at USDA-ARS ()
Milczarek, R.R., Avena Bustillos, R.D., Du, W., Chiou, B., Mc Hugh, T.H. 2010. Milling by product Utilization Research at USDA-ARS. Trade Journal Publication. 1(12)1.
Effect of shrinkage on isothermal drying behavior of 2-phase olive mill waste - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Milczarek, R.R., Dai, A.A., Otoni, C.G., Mchugh, T.H. 2011. Effect of shrinkage on isothermal drying behavior of 2-phase olive mill waste. Journal of Food Engineering. 103(4): 434-441.
Prediction of processing tomato peeling outcomes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Isothermal microwave and microwave-convection drying of olive pomace - (Proceedings)
Milczarek, R.R., Mc Hugh, T.H. 2010. Isothermal microwave and microwave-convection drying of olive pomace. Microwave Power Symposium Proceedings. 233-238.
Isothermal microwave and microwave-convection drying of olive pomace - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Mc Hugh, T.H. 2010. Isothermal microwave and microwave-convection drying of olive pomace. Meeting Abstract.
Multiphysics modeling of microwave heating of whole tomato - (Abstract Only)
Milczarek, R.R., Mc Hugh, T.H. 2010. Multiphysics modeling of microwave heating of whole tomato. Institute of Food Technologists.
ARS News Articles