Determination of Texture Properties of White Long Turnip

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the texture and mechanical properties of white long turnip (also known as a radish) by using a double-bite compression test. The texture parameters were quantified by using the double-bite compression test. Double bite tests were applied to cylindrical specimens of turnip flesh. Samples were taken from a well-defined portion (upper portion, a middle portion, lower portion). The samples were prepared in the longitudinal and radial directions relative to the long axis of a turnip. The test parameters were determined through the evaluation of the force-time curves of experiments. The test was repeatedly conducted using a custom made testing machine. Texture properties such as hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and cohesiveness were obtained. The results show that hardness, fracturability, springiness and chewiness of specimens made in longitudinal direction are higher than those of specimens made in the radial direction. However, cohesiveness and resilience of specimens made in longitudinal direction are lower than those of specimens made in the radial direction. The result obtained in this study is useful in pickle process of white long turnip to improve the quality.