2.4. Technological properties
Water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC)
were determined according to Robertson et al. (2000) with some
modifications. Twenty five millilitres of buffer phosphate (1 M,
pH 6.3) or commercial olive oil were added to 250 mg of dry sample,
stirred and left at room temperature for 1 h. After centrifugation,
the residue was weighed. The WHC was expressed as gram
of water held per gram of sample, while the OHC was expressed
as gram of oil held per gram of sample.
Swelling capacity was determined according to Robertson et al.
(2000). Accurately weighed dry sample (0.2 g) was placed in a
graduated test tube and 10 mL of buffer phosphate (1 M, pH 6.3)
added and the mixture was hydrated for 18 h. After 18 h, the final
volume attained by fibre was measured. Each assay was carried out
in triplicate.