Optimal Conditions for Popping Amaranth Seeds

Abstract

Amaranth seeds can be popped under suitable heating conditions. On the basis of experimental results obtained in our laboratory, we have developed a prototype of a continuous processing system for commercial application. In addition, the effects of gas temperature, flow rate, and feed speed on the popping quality of seeds, such as their volume expansion ratio and yield, were examined.

The experimental results showed that the undersized yield ratio increased with the flow speed, whereas it decreased with an increase in the gas temperature. In addition, to achieve a high expansion ratio and maximum output, the feed speed was increased with the gas temperature. Furthermore, measuring the differential pressure in the test section of the experimental apparatus enabled the estimation of the quantity of seeds therein during the popping experiment.

Keywords:

• Amaranthus hypochondriacus
• Drying
• Feed speed
• Gas temperature
• Popping
• Volume expansion
• Yield

Notes

∗Outside the range of operating conditions.