Correlation analysis between extrusion process variables and quality of purslane leaf powder rice extrudates

Abstract

Extrusion has become one of the most popular techniques in food processing, and the process parameters are closely related to product quality. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) can be used in medical and food products as a vegetable and herb. It has limited application in extrusion. The effects of extrusion process variables (screw speed, barrel temperature, and feed moisture) on system variables (specific mechanical energy [SME], die head pressure, and torque) and target variables (water absorption index, water solubility index, iodine blue value, color, pasting properties, and textural properties) of purslane powder compound rice were studied. The results showed that SME was moderately positively correlated with screw speed (r = 0.608, p < 0.05). However, torque was moderately negatively correlated with feed moisture (r = −0.574, p < 0.05), and die head pressure was moderately negatively correlated with barrel temperature (r = −0.635, p < 0.01). The target variables of extrudates were also correlated with the system parameters to varying degrees. These results are helpful to control and predict the texture, pasting properties, and other quality characteristics of extruded products containing purslane powder.