Textural properties
The textural qualities i.e. hardness and toughness of the uncooked
unfortified, calcium fortified rice and biopolymer coated
fortified rice were measured using a Texture Analyzer (TA-Hdi,
Stable Micro System, Surrey, UK), equipped with a 500-N load cell
and graph recorder. TA settings were as pre-test and post test
speed, 2 mm/s; test speed, 1 mm/s; distance 0.4 mm and SMS P/5
probe. The individual calcium fortified rice kernel was loaded between
probe and base plate and compressed at preset conditions
until rupture occurred. From the resulting curve, hardness and
toughness were determined. The peak force from the resulting
curve was considered as hardness (N) and the area under the peak
force on the graph was considered as toughness (Nmm).