Interpretation of the force deformation curves of soaked red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Document Type Article
International Journal of Food Science & Technology
Abstract
In this study, the textural patterns of red kidney beans soaked in water at 20, 30, 40 and 60 °C are reported. Texture (hardness) was measured instrumentally by cutting with a wedge-type blade mounted on an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a speed of 200 mm min−1. The general trend of the force deformation curves was similar for all of the soaking temperatures studied throughout the soaking process. At initial stages of hydration, textural changes were a function of the soaking time. However, once the hydration process attained equilibrium, changes in texture became minimal and were within the range of 34 ± 2 N, regardless of the soaking temperature and hydration time. The force deformation curves were influenced by the presence of a large cavity between the two cotyledons of red kidney beans. Interpreting textural patterns of soaked beans would provide a better control of the water absorption process, which subsequently influences changes in texture.