New freshness test for pre-packaged bread
way of determining bread softness and freshness in pre-packaged
loaves - allowing manufacturers to test store-ready bread without
risking damage.
The Bread V Squeeze Rig is designed for packaged loaves, negating the need for samples and therefore reducing some of the waste and costs involved in industrial production.
According to the company: "The Bread V Squeeze Rig offers simplicity, speed and ruggedness by the fact that the loaf requires no sample preparation and this non-destructive freshness assessment can be determined within the packaging as is most commonly performed in store."
Consumers place a high value on the texture and pliability of bread as it is an indication of freshness. Traditionally, the test involved pinching part of the loaf in a 'Palmer grasp' between the thumb and forefinger.
The Bread V Squeeze Rig, which can also be used on sliced loaves, mimics this movement with rounded finger-like attachments to measure compression.
The more force needed to compress the bread, the more springy and therefore fresh it is.
Common industry practice in testing bread uses the method devised by the Association of American Cereal Chemists (AACC) which measures the force needed to compress two bread slices to 25 per cent of their height.
Stable Micro Systems specialise in developing texture analysis instruments for testing bread toughness, dough stickiness, dough extensibility, and springiness of muffins, doughnuts and cakes.
