The knowledge of rheological properties of agricultural fruits can be significantlyhelpful in design and fabrication of the appropriateprocessing machines .In this study, the viscoelastic characteristics of date (Mazafati variety) were investigated. Experimental tests were established in six moisture levels (7.5, 9.0, 10.8, 12.8, 17.59 and 25.5 on dry basis) and temperature of 45ºC which contributed to obtain a suitable model. To achieve the desired moisture levels, various saturated salts were used. A chamber capable of controlling temperature was fabricated and placed around the plunger of texture analyzer to monitor the temperature during the experiments. Tests were conducted using an Instron Universal Testing Machine in the way that, samples were... |