Development of a Method for Measuring Pasta Quality Parameters

Sammanfattning: In this work the objective was to develop a method that would make it easier to quantitatively evaluate different quality parameters in pasta. This was done with the assistant of a texture analyzer from TexVol Instruments. The quality parameters that were investigated were hardness, resilience, elasticity and adhesiveness. Two different types of measurements were used to measure three different pasta brands. These were single cycle and hold until time. Before this was done the main parameters in the texture analyzer were tested and adjusted to suite the method. Most of the steps in the developed method worked satisfactorily but more studies have to be done to make the method useful in the daily work with pasta production and pasta development. With all tests in mind it could be said that the De Cecco pasta was the one with the best texture parameters. It had the highest hardness, elasticity and resilience and the lowest adhesiveness. The other two brands, Kungsörnen and Tomadini had lower but similar results. Further important studies to look into is if there`s a possibility to get a computer software that are more targeted on pasta measurement. Another important thing is if these pasta measurements can be done in a different way, perhaps just using a few spaghetti straws. It would also be interesting to study the protein network in an electron microscope because then it´s easier to understand what´s happening when pasta is prepared. Last but not least I think it´s important to do a organoleptic test to see if it´s possible to taste the measured results.