TEST OBJECTIVE
Determination of the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of gummies by compression using a TA4/1000 (C) probe fitted to a CTX Texture Analyzer.
A CTX Texture Analyzer with a 25.0 kg load cell was used for this test. TA4/1000; C probe from TA-P-KIT2 was attached to the load cell to compress the probe into the gummy to a set distance.
BACKGROUND
Gummies are candies containing gelatine, corn starch, water, sugar, food colours and flavours. Candies are eaten with profound liking by people of all ages. The very reason they have now become carriers of medicines – mostly vitamins and laxatives for children and aged people. They come in various shapes, colours and flavours.
The most commonly available shapes are fruits, animals or geometrical shapes; colours are red, yellow, orange, green, blue, etc, and flavours are lemon, raspberry, cherry, and orange.
To measure these parameters, the test requirement is a Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) test. It provides textural parameters which correlate with sensory evaluation parameters.
METHOD
| Equipment: |
CTX with 25 Kg Load Cell (CTX)
|
|
Fixture Base Table (TA-BT-KIT) |
|
Standard probe TA4/1000 (Flat cylindrical probe; 38.1 mm diameter) from TA-P-KIT2
|
|
TexturePro Software (SWL-02-111)
|
PARAMETER SET
| Parameter |
Value set |
| Test Type: |
Compression |
| Target Type |
Distance |
| Go to trigger value (Down) |
1.0 mm/s |
| Go to trigger value (Down) |
1.0 mm/s |
| End Test (Up): |
1.0 mm/s |
| Target load: |
100.0 g |
| Distance: |
2.50 mm |
| Start position |
0.00 mm |
SAMPLE PREPARATION
Gummies of different shapes and sizes were studied.
PROCEDURE
-
Attach the 38.1mm dia. TA4/1000 flat cylindrical probe for testing gummy samples to the analyzer.
-
Fix the fixture base table to the base of the instrument and loosely tighten the thumb screws to enable some degree of mobility.
-
Insert a base plate to the fixture base table and tighten it to position using the side screws.
-
Position the fixture base table centrally under the probe and then tighten the thumbscrews to prevent further movement.
- Remove the sample and place it on the fixture base plate.
-
Lower the arm of the instrument so that the probe is a few millimeters above the sample.
- Position the sample centrally under the probe with the side toward the center of sample facing up.
-
To enable reliable and reproducible results, sample orientation when presenting the sample to the instrument must be kept consistent throughout all tests performed.
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Once alignment is complete, commence the test.
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Ensure that the sample does not stick to the probe on the return stroke.
-
Each sample should only be tested once.
OBSERVATIONS
When a trigger force of 100 gm has been detected at the sample surface, the probe proceeds into the sample at a test speed of 0.8 mm/s and travels to a distance of 2.5 mm. Once the target distance is met the probe returns to the starting position and will repeat the second test automatically. The maximum force value over the specified distance is a measure of sample hardness, the higher the value, the harder the sample. The hardness work done is the area under the graph from the start of the test to the maximum force or target distance point. The larger the value, the more work required to break down the sample. The Springiness is the distance that the material recovers between the first and the second compression cycles.
The table below reports the data collected
|
Sample
|
Sample 1
|
Sample 2
|
|
Load cell
|
25 Kg
|
25 Kg
|
|
Hardness Cycle 1 (g)
|
10839.00
|
20040.00
|
|
% Deformation at Hardness
|
30.80
|
30.70
|
|
Hardness Work Cycle 1 (mJ)
|
73.30
|
103.40
|
|
Hardness Cycle 2 (g)
|
7453.00
|
17941.00
|
|
Hardness Work Cycle 2 (mJ)
|
27.00
|
64.80
|
|
Springiness (mm)
|
1.33
|
2.18
|
|
Gumminess (g)
|
3997.00
|
12571.00
|
|
Chewiness (mJ)
|
52.30
|
268.40
|
Figure I
The load vs. time graph: The first curve in the graph shows the first compression to be more rigid than the second. The sample being hard will usually see less recovery in the second cycle..
The load vs. distance graph displays the response of the sample to the application and removal of strain.
DATA REPORT
TexturePro Software is used to program and control the CTX during experimental tests. It automatically measures peak load values and calculates the hardness and other characteristic properties.
The first curve in the Load vs Time graph shows the first compression to be more rigid than the second. The sample being hard will usually see less recovery in the second cycle. Less recovery means less springiness.
- Hardness is the Force required to compress food between the molars.
- Springiness is the height that the food recovers between the first and the second bites.
- Gumminess is the energy required to disintegrate a SEMI-SOLID food product to a state ready for swallowing, and
- Chewiness is the energy required to chew a SOLID food to the point required for swallowing it.
CONCLUSION
The test results can be used to determine the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of gummies by compression method.
The test procedure, sample preparation, and equipment setup must be adhered to for reproducible test results.
For repeatability and reproducibility of results, the following must be taken into account:
- Physical parameters of the sample.
- Position of placing the samples in case of irregularly shaped samples.
- Temperature and humidity-sensitive samples to be conditioned and maintained at the required conditions.