Evaluation of physical, nutritional and popping quality of some maize (Zea mays) varieties

Abstract

Freshly procured maize varieties HQPM-1, HQPM-5, HKI-161, HKI-193 and JM-216 were studied to assess the physical attributes indicating the quality of maize. The kernel Seed weight(g) ranged from 1.69 – 3.80, density (g/cm3) 1.1- 1.90, Volume(cm3/g) 15 - 30, Size (Average of L, W,T (m3) 4.35-5.15, bulk density gm/ml 0.11 – 0.19 and spherecity (m3) 0.67-0.81. On the basis of physical properties effect of different concentration of salt (5 -20 %) and oil (5 -20 Ml.) on popping expansion volume were measured. Expansion volume was 0.82 ± 1 to 5.63 ± 2 cm3/g. Expansion volume was correlated (p