Texture evaluation of baby carrots

The Application

Measuring texture of baby carrots to detect differences in core toughness.

Problem

The processor of baby carrots, through sensory testing, knew some of the baby carrots had different core toughness. However, they needed a way to measure that difference repeatably and obtain quantifiable data to compare.

Sample Preparation

The frozen samples were defrosted in ambient temperature water. The product was run in two sample sizes: 5 small baby carrots placed perpendicular to the grids to form one layer of carrots in the bottom of the test cell. 10 small baby carrots placed perpendicular to the grids form two layers of carrots in the bottom of the test cell.

Solution

Two frozen samples of carrots with different degrees of core toughness were analyzed, using the FTC Model T-2000 texturepress with a CS-1 Kramer Shear Cell. Significant differences were detected between core toughness texture.

Benefits

• Quick and easy test that gives repeatable, objective results that are nearly real time with the processing

• Allows for more concise control of textural attributes of the product

• Reduces the possibility of downtime due to a product that does not meet quality standards