Effect of Presoaking on Textural,Thermal, and Digestive Properties of Cooked Brown Rice

Brown rice kernels (japonica type) were soaked in water at different temperatures (25 or 50°C) before cooking to a moisture content of 20 or 30%. Soaked brown rice was cooked in either the soaking water (SW) or in distilled water (DW) (rice solids to water ratio 1:1.4). Color, texture, and in vitro digestive properties of the cooked rice were examined. When the soaking temperature was higher (50°C vs. 25°C), water absorption and starch leaching were greater. To reach 20% moisture, the rice required 1 hr of soaking at 50°C but 2 hr of soaking at 25°C. Both the moisture content of the soaked rice and the soaking temperature affected the texture of the cooked brown rice. Rice that attained 20% moisture content during soaking was harder and less adhesive when cooked compared with rice that attained 30% moisture content. The rice soaked at 50°C was slightly softer but more adhesive when cooked than rice soaked at 25°C. The soaking temperature and moisture content of the rice kernels also affected the digestive properties of the cooked rice. The cooked brown rice that had attained 30% moisture before cooking was digested to a greater extent than rice that had attained 20% moisture. Even at equal moisture content, the rice soaked at the higher temperature (50°C) was digested more readily. It was assumed that the amount of soluble material leached during soaking differed according to the soaking temperature and moisture content, which subsequently affected the texture and digestive properties of the cooked brown rice. The rice cooked in its own soaking water was harder and more adhesive, had higher levels of resistant starch (RS), and exhibited smaller glycemic index (GI) values than its counterpart cooked with distilled water. This result indicated that the soluble material leached during soaking made the cooked rice harder and less digestible, perhaps due to interactions between these molecules and the gelatinized rice during cooking.     

Effect of Single‐Screw Extruder Die Temperature,Amount of Distillers' Dried Grains With Solubles (DDGS), and Initial Moisture Content on Extrudates

Corn distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was extruded with corn meal in a pilot plant single‐screw extruder at different extruder die temperatures (100, 120, and 150°C), levels of DDGS (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and initial moisture contents (11, 15, and 20% wb). In general, there was a decrease in water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), radial expansion, and L* value with an increase in DDGS level, whereas a* value and bulk density increased. Increase in extruder die temperature resulted in an increase in WSI and WAI but a decrease in L* and bulk density. Peak load was highest at 30% DDGS as compared with 0, 10, and 20% DDGS extrudates. Die temperature of 120°C and initial moisture content of 20% resulted in least peak load. The a* value remained unaffected by changes in extruder die temperature. Radial expansion was highest at extruder die temperature of 120°C. Maximum WAI, WSI, radial expansion, and L* value were obtained at 15% initial moisture content. An increase in initial moisture content, in general, decreased L* value and bulk density but increased a* value of extrudates.     

Heat expanded starch-based compositions

A heat expansion process similar to that used for expanded bead polystyrene was used to expand starch-based compositions. Foam beads made by solvent extraction had the appearance of polystyrene beads but did not expand when heated due to an open-cell structure. Nonporous beads, pellets, or particles were made by extrusion or by drying and milling cooked starch slurries. The samples expanded into a low-density foam by heating 190-210 degrees C for more than 20 s at ambient pressures. Formulations containing starch (50-85%), sorbitol (5-15%), glycerol (4-12%), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL, 5-15%), and water (10-20%) were studied. The bulk density was negatively correlated to sorbitol, glycerol, and water content. Increasing the EVAL content increased the bulk density, especially at concentrations higher than 15%. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) increased the bulk density more than EVAL. The bulk density was lowest in samples made of wheat and potato starch as compared to corn starch. The expansion temperature for the starch pellets decreased more than 20 degrees C as the moisture content was increased from 10 to 25%. The addition of EVAL in the formulations decreased the equilibrium moisture content of the foam and reduced the water absorption during a 1 h soaking period.     

Effects of Extrusion Variables and Chemicals on the Properties of Starch-Based Binders and Processing Conditions

The effects of extrusion variables (moisture, screw speed, and temperature) and chemicals (urea and sodium bicarbonate) on the properties of starch-based binders (water absorption, bulk density, binder yield, expansion ratio, solubility, pH) and processing conditions (die temperature and pressure, feed rate, and specific mechanical energy) were studied using a central composite design. All quadratic regression models, except the models for bulk density and pH, were significant at the P ≤ 0.06 level. These models can predict the binder properties and processing conditions when extrusion variables and the chemical concentrations are known. Optimum combinations of the chemical concentrations (g/100 g of starch) and extrusion variables to achieve high water absorption in the binders were 15–20 g of urea /100 g of starch, 0–4 g of sodium bicarbonate/100 g of starch, 35–40 g of moisture/100 g of starch, 100–120 rpm screw speed, and 185–215°C barrel temperature. The molecular degradation of the starch occurred during extrusion, especially when the moisture content of starch was <30 g/100 g of starch.     

班豆在浸泡加工过程中吸水特性的模拟

在生产速食干豆过程中,主要包括浸泡、蒸煮和干燥等工序。浸泡的温度和时间直接影响到在浸泡过程中固性物的损失和最终产品的质量。该研究测定了班豆在浸泡过程中在不同温度和时间下的吸水和固性物的损失特性,同时利用数学模型预测了在变温情况下班豆的吸水特性。该研究结果将对生产高质量的速食班豆有一定的指导作用     

Relating Rice Milling Quality Changes During Adsorption to Individual Kernel Moisture Content Distribution

Several varieties of rough rice that were either stored for an extended period of time or freshly harvested were conditioned to initial moisture contents ranging from 10 to 17%. After the individual kernel moisture content distributions were measured, the samples were soaked in water at temperatures ranging from 10 to 40°C. The samples were then dried and milled. The bulk critical moisture content, at which head rice yield began to decline due to moisture adsorption, ranged from 12.5 to 14.9%, depending on the variety, harvest moisture content, and storage conditions. The kernel critical moisture content, determined from each sample from the cumulative kernel moisture content frequency distribution, increased with increasing sample initial moisture content.     

Effect of Barley Flour on Development of Rice‐Based Extruded Snacks

This study was conducted to develop a ready‐to‐eat extruded food using a single‐screw laboratory extruder. Blends of Indian barley and rice were used as the ingredients for extrusion. The effect of extrusion variables and barley‐to‐rice ratio on properties like expansion ratio, bulk density, water absorption index, hardness, β‐glucan, L*, a*, b* values, and pasting characteristics of extruded products were studied. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effects of operating variables: die temperature (150–200°C), initial feed moisture content (20–40%), screw speed (90–110 rpm), and barley flour (10–30%) on properties like expansion ratio, bulk density, water absorption index (WAI), hardness, β‐glucan, L*, a*, b* values, and sensory and pasting characteristics of extruded products. Die temperature >175°C and feed moisture <30% resulted in a steep increase in expansion ratio and a decrease in bulk density. Barley flour content of 10% and feed moisture content of <20% resulted in an increased hardness value. When barley flour content was 30–40% and feed moisture content was <20%, a steep increase in the WAI was noticed. Viscosity values of extruded products were far less than those of corresponding unprocessed counterparts as evaluated. Rapid visco analysis indicated that the extruded blend starches were partially pregelatinized as a result of the extrusion process. Sensory scores indicated that barley flour content at 20%, feed moisture content at 30%, and die temperature at 175°C resulted in an acceptable product. The prepared product was roasted in oil using a particular spice mix and its sensory and nutritional properties were studied.     

Functional Characteristics of Extruded Blends of Whey Protein Concentrate and Corn Starch

The aim of this work was to study the effects of extrusion barrel temperature (70–180°C), feed moisture (18–30%), pH (3–8), different proportions of corn starch (75–95%), and whey protein concentrate (WPC, 80% protein concentration) (25–5%) on the preparation of functional blends. Expansion index (EI), bulk density (BD), compression force (CF), color, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), gel strength (GS), syneresis of the gel, and in vitro digestibility were evaluated. Barrel temperature and the proportion of WPC had significant effects on BD; at higher temperatures, BD was lower. Feed moisture and pH had significant effects on EI; with lower moisture and higher pH, the EI increased. An interaction of barrel temperature and feed moisture had an effect on WAI; at lower moisture content, the temperature effect was nonexistent, whereas at higher temperatures and feed moisture content, the WAI increased. The pH level had a significant effect on WSI, showing high WSI when lower pH levels were used. Color analysis showed that higher protein content and pH generated higher δE values; low feed moisture and low pH resulted in gel syneresis. Higher in vitro digestibility was obtained when a higher WPC proportion and pH were used. Extruded WPC-CS blends under alkaline and acidic conditions were affected by the preparation of diverse formulations that potentially can be used in foods to improve some functional and protein content.     

体积置换法直接测量土壤质量含水率及土壤容重

土壤含水率直接测量是相关研究和应用的基础,在土壤力学、作物栽培、农田灌溉、生态环境等研究和实践中十分重要。该文提出了一种与传统烘干称质量法相当的体积置换法直接测量土壤质量含水率及土壤容重。该方法在假设一定土壤颗粒密度的前提下,用一定体积的标准取样环刀取得土样后,通过向待测量土体补充水分使土壤达到饱和,用一定体积的水置换土壤中的充气空隙,直到土样达到饱和状态;再通过测量得到的初始/原始土样质量、饱和后土壤的质量以及已知土壤颗粒密度和水密度,计算得到被置换的充气空隙的体积,进而由此计算得到土壤质量含水率和土壤容重。采用3种不同土壤,即陕西杨凌黏黄土、北京粉壤土和江西黏红土,分别预配制成7种不同初始土壤体积含水率,含水率约为:风干土(含水率2%～3%)、5%、10%、15%、25%、30%和饱和含水率,以及3种不同土壤容重:1.25、1.35和1.45g/cm3进行室内试验。用类似的土样,采用传统方法烘干土样8、12、24、48h后,测量确定土壤的质量含水率,通过延长烘干时间测得数据表明,传统方法烘干8h所测得的质量含水率仍有1%～3.2%的含水率误差。最终试验结果表明体积置换方法测得的土壤含水率比传统烘干土样8h所测得的结果大2%～3%,比烘干土样48h所测得的结果大1%左右。体积置换方法测量操作过程简单,耗时较少,节约能源,测量结果具有较高精度。     

多因素影响下浑水膜孔肥液入渗土壤水分运移特性

为研究不同因素对浑水膜孔肥液入渗土壤水分运动特性的影响,开展室内土箱入渗试验,试验设土壤初始含水率、土壤容重、含沙率和肥液浓度4因素,每个因素设3个水平,共12组试验(9组正交试验,3组验证试验)。分析影响因素对浑水膜孔灌肥液入渗单位膜孔面积累积入渗量、入渗率及湿润体平均体积含水率增量的影响。利用多元回归推求并验证单位膜孔累积入渗量和湿润体平均体积含水率增量与影响因素的经验模型和模型参数。结果表明:土壤初始含水率、土壤容重、含沙率和肥液浓度对单位膜孔累积入渗量影响极显著(P<0.01),各影响因素影响程度由大到小依次为含沙率、土壤容重、土壤初始含水率、肥液浓度;土壤初始含水率、含沙率和肥液浓度对湿润体平均体积含水率增量影响极显著(P<0.01),土壤容重对其影响显著(P<0.05),各影响因素影响程度由大到小依次为土壤初始含水率、肥液浓度、含沙率、土壤容重。建立的经验模型及模型参数检验合格,预测值与实际测算值误差均在±10%以内,精度良好,可用于试验因素不同时土壤水分入渗情况预测。     

Soaking Conditions During Brown Rice Parboiling Impact the Level of Breakage‐Susceptible Rice Kernels

If properly executed, parboiling, a hydrothermal treatment consisting of soaking, steaming, and drying of rice, substantially reduces its milling breakage susceptibility. Here, brown rice was soaked at 40, 55, or 65°C for different times (150 s to 240 min) and subsequently parboiled under standardized steaming and drying conditions. The moisture absorption during initial soaking induced fissures in more than 90% of the rice grains, which disappeared with further soaking. The fissuring incidence in the soaked rice samples was related to that of the parboiled rice samples. The extent of starch gelatinization during steaming increased with the moisture content of the soaked grains. In addition, as a result of starch gelatinization, the level of white bellies (i.e., parboiled grains with translucent outer layers and an opaque center) decreased from over 90% to less than 3%. Rice grains need to absorb sufficient moisture during soaking to minimize the level of breakage‐susceptible white bellies and fissured rice grains in the parboiled end product.     

Hydration Dynamics of Durum Wheat Endosperm as Studied by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Soaking Experiments

The precise knowledge of the kinetics of water transport in durum wheat endosperm is a prerequisite for the optimization of wheat processing techniques like pasta dough mixing on a fundamental basis. Pieces of endosperm were cylindrically cut, prepared from durum wheat kernels, and used to study the water uptake by applying a gravimetric method and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The total water uptake of endosperm cylinders at different soaking times was determined by gravimetric soaking experiments and revealed a swelling limit of ≈40 g/100 g wb after 60 min. With these results it was possible to estimate an apparent diffusion coefficient of water in durum endosperm by using numerical simulation based on a diffusion model (D_25°C ~ 0.76 × 10^–10 m²/sec). MRI was used to quantify the water distribution in the endosperm cylinders over time at excess and limited water conditions. The calibration of MRI for the quantification of local and time‐dependent water contents was successful by correlating the spin‐spin relaxation time (T₂) with the water content of calibration samples at intermediate moisture levels (19–45 g/100 g wb). Water content maps were generated and showed the kinetics of water distribution inside the endosperm cylinders up to equilibrium conditions. The water uptake of the endosperm cylinders over time, as measured by MRI, fitted well to the water uptake as determined gravimetrically in soaking tests, which validated the applied MRI calibration and measurement procedures. The results allow the quantitative prediction of water transport properties of durum wheat endosperm during moistening procedures.     

PH—Postharvest Technology: Diffusive Drying Kinetics in Wheat,Part 2: applying the Simplified Analytical Solution to Experimental Data

Reanalysis of the drying background in wheat showed that analytical solutions may be employed in this grain to estimate diffusion coefficients by using the simplified equation for short times instead of the time-consuming series. Sixteen thin-layer drying curves of hard wheat were measured (airflow ≈ 0·3 kg m⁻²s⁻¹) covering four air temperatures (35–70°C) at each of four initial moisture content levels (0·189–0·269 decimal, d.b.). Experimental curves of the moisture ratio versus time grouped by initial moisture content showed the expected strong accelerating effect of temperature on drying rate. Besides, when the same curves were grouped by temperature, the moisture ratios corresponding to higher initial moisture contents fell, after some time, consistently faster, showing that the diffusion coefficient should increase somehow with water concentration. The short time simplified diffusive equation fitted each curve very well, with values of the coefficient of determination above 0·99. Values of the diffusion coefficient for the whole kernel ranged from 1·4×10⁻¹¹to 7·1×10⁻¹¹m⁻²s⁻¹, presenting the classical Arrhenius temperature dependency (activation energy ≈ 27·0 kJ mol⁻¹), but with a pre-exponential factor that depends linearly on initial moisture content. This diffusive kinetics is expected to be useful for fast and accurate dryer simulation.     

Impact of Soaking Temperature and Duration on Fissure Incidence of Rough Rice Kernels

Internal stresses owing to moisture and temperature gradients often result in the development of rice kernel fissures. Fissured rough rice kernels tend to break upon milling and potentially reduce the market value of rice. This work was conducted on the premise that fissures may be healed by soaking in water at a specific temperature and duration. Fissured rough rice kernels of a long‐grain cultivar, Wells, were selected by X‐ray imaging. Fissured kernels were soaked in a water bath at six soaking temperatures (22, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80°C) and three soaking durations (1, 2, and 3 h) and then gently dried for characterization. X‐ray images revealed that soaking at 75°C for 3 h healed up to 70.0% of the fissured kernels. Soaking at 22, 60, or 65°C did not result in healing. For normal kernels, soaking at different temperatures for 3 h created fissures. Bending tests using a texture analyzer showed that brown rice breaking force increased from 18.5 N (fissured kernels) to 43.7 N (healed kernels). Soaking rough rice in water at a temperature slightly above its onset gelatinization temperature may potentially heal fissures.     

Water Barrier Properties of Zein‐Oleic Acid Films

Free‐standing films were prepared from zein formulations containing 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% oleic acid (OA). Zein/OA formulations were also used as coating films for rodent diet bars. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of films and moisture loss rate (MLR) of coated rodent diet bars were measured at 4 and 25°C. Temperature affected the water barrier properties of films and coatings. At 4°C, WVP of films decreased with OA concentration while it increased at 25°C. WVP behavior was attributed to oleic acid phase changes due to temperature. At 4°C, OA is a crystalline solid that limits water diffusion through the films. At 25°C, liquid OA increased the system free volume and allowed for water diffusion. The effect was more pronounced the higher the OA concentration in films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of zein/OA films showed endothermic peaks at 12–18°C, confirming the melting of OA in that temperature range. MLR of coated rodent diet bars was also affected by temperature and OA concentration in coating formulations. In this case, formulations containing 40, 50, and 60% OA were better moisture barriers than coatings with higher OA content at both 4 and 25°C. Moisture losses were reduced at 4°C due to OA solidification.     

Extrusion of Regular and Waxy Barley Flours for Production of Expanded Cereals

Grains of two regular and two waxy barley cultivars were milled into break and reduction stream flours using a wheat milling mill, granulated to facilitate feeding and flow through the barrel, and extruded to form expanded products using a modified laboratory single‐screw extruder. As moisture content of barley granules decreased from 21 to 17%, the expansion index of extrudates increased from 1.81 to 2.68, while apparent modulus of compression work (AMCW) decreased from 17.1 × 10⁴ to 7.8 × 10⁴ N/m². Break stream flours of both regular and waxy barley produced extrudates with higher expansion index (2.72–3.02), higher water absorption index (WAI), and lower AMCW than extrudates from reduction stream flours. Extrudates produced from regular barley had generally higher expansion and lower density than those produced from waxy barley. The specific mechanical energy (SME) was greater during extrusion of regular than of waxy barley. Barrel temperatures of 130, 150, and 170°C for the feeding, compression, and metering sections, respectively, resulted in higher SME, higher expansion index, lower water absorption index and lower AMCW of extrudates compared with a constant extruder barrel temperature of 160°C. Increased screw speed generally resulted in larger expansion index and increased WAI of extrudates. With increased feed rate from 89 to 96 g/min, the expansion index of extrudates decreased from 3.20 to 2.78 in regular barley and 3.23 to 2.72 in waxy barley, and harder extrudates were produced.     

Effect of Milling and Particle Size on Functionality and Physicochemical Properties of Cowpea Flour

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) were milled through 0.5‐, 1.0‐, and 2.0‐ mm screens, and the flour was subsequently separated into different particle‐size ranges. Such procedures caused only minimal changes in moisture, fat, protein, ash, and total carbohydrate. The amount of extractable starch, however, varied from 34.5 to 52%. The effects of both mill screen and sieve mesh size were significant (P < 0.05). Differences in milling and separation procedures resulted in significant variations in water absorption (0.41–2.81 g of water/g of flour), solids lost (0.34–1.17 g/g of flour), and protein solubility (21.2–37.4%) (P < 0.05). Finely milled flours (91% moisture) had lower initial gelatinization temperatures (70–73°C), as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (P < 0.01). Gelatinization peaks in high‐moisture flour were similar to that of pure starch. At lower moisture, a second peak was observed indicative of protein. Light‐scattering analysis showed that different conditions produced a bimodal particle‐size distribution when samples were suspended in water. The small size had relatively constant diameters (19–21 μm) and was associated with starch granules. The latter had a large size distribution and varying peak size and was associated with aggregated flour particles. These results indicate that changes in processing produces cowpea flours with differing chemical and physical properties.     

Relating Electrolyte Leakage to Shelled Corn Storability

Corn from three growing seasons was harvested, dried, and stored in small bins. Samples taken at harvest and after various periods of bin storage (up to 77 months) were evaluated by two primary tests: carbon dioxide evolution during accelerated storage at ≈20.5% moisture content and 26°C and electrolyte leakage from bulk (100 g) samples soaking in deionized water. The initial (t < 72 hr) slope of carbon dioxide evolution rate curves (SLOPE72) was used as a base measure of storability (i.e., potential for safe storage without significant mold invasion). In electrolyte leakage tests, both test temperature and initial sample moisture content influenced results. Additionally, water conductivity after 10 min was correlated (r = 0.79) with SLOPE72, implying that electrolyte leakage has the potential to provide rapid information regarding future storability.     

Straw decomposition and nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction): Effects of soil moisture and temperature

The effects of moisture and temperature on straw decomposition (CO₂ production) and nitrogenase activity (C₂H₂ reduction) were measured in laboratory experiments to evaluate the potential for nitrogenase activity at various times of the year in soils with added wheat straw. Soils collected from two areas (Gunnedah and Cowra) representative of large areas of the wheat belt of New South Wales, Australia, were examined. Straw decomposed over a wide range of temperatures (20–50°C, Gunnedah; 15–45°C, Cowra) and moistures (0.3–2.0 times ?10 kPa water content). Microbial populations that fix nitrogen were adapted to a broad range of temperatures (10–45°C, Gunnedah; 4–40°C; Cowra). However, nitrogenase activity with added glucose occurred at much lower soil moisture contents in the Gunnedah soil (0.5–1.75 times ?10 kPa water content) than in the Cowra soil (1.0–2.5 times ?10 kPa water content). Despite the differences between the soils the results show that there is potential for straw decomposition and nitrogenase activity throughout most of the year.     

Effects of Product Temperature and Moisture Content on Viscoelastic Properties of Glutinous Rice Extrudates

The viscoelastic properties of glutinous rice flour extruded at moisture contents of 45–55% and barrel temperatures of 75–95°C have been investigated using a small amplitude oscillatory rheometer. High moisture contents (50 and 55%) resulted in product temperatures 3–5°C lower than the barrel temperatures. It appeared that the moisture content was a key element in influencing the value of G′ and tan δ. Raising product temperature reduced the difference in G′ caused by the moisture content. When the product temperature was >85°C, the extrudates yielded a similar degree of gelatinization despite the difference in moisture content. Meanwhile, both G′ and G″ decreased due to the disintegration of starch granules. The relationship between the energy input, measured as specific mechanical energy, and the viscoelastic properties was also assessed.