Food Science and Technology Department

 

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

3-2012

Citation

Journal of Cereal Science 55:2 (March 2012), pp. 188–194; doi: 10.1016/j.jcs.2011.11.006

Comments

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. Used by permission.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of hybrid and environment on physical and chemical characteristics of popcorn kernels that have shown importance in predicting end-use quality. Three popcorn hybrids grown in three different environments were tested for physiochemical attributes and popping performance. Hybrid had a significant effect on kernel sphericity, time-to-grind, dietary fiber, sugars, and starch. Environment effect alone affected total mineral content. Hybrid and environment main effects influenced test weight, tangential abrasive dehulling device index, thousand-kernel weight, total carbohydrates, and kernel protein content. Oil adherence to the bag averaged 15.8% and was proportional to oil amount added prior to microwave popping. Unpopped kernels averaged 11.4 ± 5.3%. Most unpopped kernels were observed to successfully pop when heated a second time in microwave tests. Expansion volume was 44.7 ± 3.7 and 47.3 ± 6.4 cm3/g, depending on the method of determination. Expansion volume was correlated (p < 0.05) with several kernel physiochemical parameters that were influenced by hybrid effect. Sphericity, thousand-weight, and total fat are physiochemical characteristics that appear to be good predictors (p < 0.05) of expansion volume.

Included in

Food Science Commons

Share

COinS