After reaching the desired temperature, the sample
was removed from the water bath and thermal conductivity
probe was immediately inserted. For average
thermal conductivity measurement, the probe was inserted
from the cucumber surface to the center, while,
for mesocarp and endocarp measurements, the probe
was inserted into either the mesocarp or the endocarp.
Time and temperature data were recorded by a datalogger
(OM-3000, Omega Engineering, Stamford, CT)
at the rate of 5 readings per second. Thermal conductivity
was calculated from the relation (Sweat, 1986