Effects of Crystallization Parameters on Rheological Properties of Inter-esterified Based Shortenings

One of the challenges in edible oils and fat industries is the production of shortenings with special functional properties for various industries. Rheological properties of shortenings are directly linked to their functionality. The major objective of this study was to investigate effects of crystallization parameters on rheological properties of inter-esterified based shortenings.

Steady state and oscillatory shear parameters of five shortening treatments with various crystallization parameters were collected. Effects of cooling rate and kneading intensity on storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) were studied.

In frequency sweep assay within the frequency range of 0.628–126 rad/s, the maximum and the minimum of elastic moduli were respectively seen in Treatments 1 and 4 with cooling exit temperatures (3) of 28 and 29.5 ◦C, kneading rates (2) of 190 and 280 rpm and filling temperatures of 36 and 30 ◦C. Similar results were achieved for loss moduli.

Results showed significant decreases in the two moduli with decreasing temperature in third phase, increasing kneading intensity and decreasing filling temperature.