Kinetic modelling of texture development in potato cubes ( Solanum tuberosum L.), green gram whole ( Vigna radiate L.) and red gram splits ( Cajanus cajan L.)

Abstract

Texture is one of the most important quality parameter, which influences the acceptability of food products. The kinetics of texture development which was evaluated using a Stevens-LFRA Texture Analyzer in terms load in grams, has been studied over a temperature range of 50–120 °C (isothermal process), and also during normal open pan cooking, pressure-cooking and a cooking in a newly developed and patented fuel-efficient ‘EcoCooker’ (non-isothermal heating process). The texture development followed first order kinetics in potato cubes, whole green gram and red gram splits, the food samples used in this study. A mathematical model was developed using the rate constants of texture development at fixed temperatures and the time–temperature profile of the processing method.