Optimization of Processing Conditions for the Production of Puffed Rice

Abstract

The objective of this study was to optimize processing conditions for the production of an instant puffed rice product using response surface methodology (RSM) and contour analysis. Sensory and texture qualities, and physical properties of the puffed rice were analyzed with various processing conditions related to drying and puffing temperature, and moisture content. Preference, color intensity, cohesiveness, rehydration ratio, density and lightness of the puffed rice product significantly varied depending on the processing conditions. The responses showed high R² values (0.623, 0.852, 0.735, 0.688, and 0.790) and lack-of-fit. Rehydration ratio was found to have a negative correlation with density in the condition of drying and puffing temperature. Lightness and preference scores of the puffed rice increased as the moisture content increased. According to RSM, the preference scores were very highly related to the moisture content, and the optimum processing conditions of the puffed rice product were at 40℃ of drying temperature, with 11.0% of moisture content, and at 232.7℃ of puffing temperature.