Sensegood spectrophotometer for color measurement in grains

Same crop that is grown in different regions exhibits different characteristics due to their varied weather conditions. Researchers from University of Arkansas analyzed the differences in kernel physical (color: whiteness, yellowness – L*a*b*) and chemical (starch) properties in rice varieties from US, India, Italy, Taiwan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China.[1] There is a direct relation between grain color and nutrition value.



Same variety crop that is grown in the same region also differs in its color characteristics depending on harvesting time.[2] Research published in Elsevier, Wiley and American Association of Cereal Chemists mention the effects of processing conditions like steaming, socking and milling in rice on color changes.[3]-[5]Color of grain indicates its biochemical properties. Different colored grains in different varieties when undergo same process, does not give uniform and favorable results.

Sensegood spectrophotometer is an analytical color measurement instrument that is widely accepted in the industry and research fraternity for reliability. From raw material to final product, it comprehensively evaluates the color attributes of various samples, including solids, liquids, powders and pastes. Rotating sample platform and large viewing area (sensor’s field of view) averages out even a non-homogeneous sample and produces accurate repeatable color attributes. Sensegood spectrophotometer is the versatile device that is engineered to work as handheld/portable, benchtop/table-top or in-process/online color measurement instrument.

Sensegood spectrophotometer is an analytical color measurement instrument that is widely accepted in the industry and research fraternity. From raw material to final product, it comprehensively evaluates the color attributes of various samples, including solids, liquids, powders and pastes. Sample can be non homogeneous with different shape and size. Sensegood spectrophotometer has rotating sample platform with large viewing area (sensor’s field of view). It takes multiple measurements over number of rotations and generates average result representing the sample’s color. As a result, consistency can be maintained and quality standards can be met with less waste, time, and effort.

Color and texture of the final cereal or granola largely depends on the color quality of the input grains, ingredients and process parameters. Color has direct impact on the “perceived” taste. Establishing color tolerances using Sensegood spectrophotometer dramatically enhances color consistency in grain derived products like corn flakes and granola bars.

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References :

1. Patindol, J., Jinn, J.‐R., Wang, Y.‐J. and Siebenmorgen, T. (2016), Kernel and Starch Properties of U.S. and Imported Medium‐ and Short‐Grain Rice Cultivars, Wiley Cereal Chemistry, Cereals & Grain Association, 93: 529-535. https://doi.org/10.1094/CCHEM-03-16-0077-R
2. Kim, H.K., Lee, S.E., Kim, D.C., Keum, D.H., & Park, S., Effect of Harvesting Time on the Yield, Color, and Proximate Compositions of Jinbu Variety Green Rice, Journal of Food Science and Nutrition 16(4):381-385 • December 2011. https://doi.org/10.3746/jfn.2011.16.4.381
3. Lieve Lamberts, Els De Bie, Greet E. Vandeputte, Wim S. Veraverbeke, Veerle Derycke, Walter De Man, Jan A. Delcour, Effect of milling on colour and nutritional properties of rice, Elsevier Food Chemistry, Volume 100, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 1496-1503, ISSN 0https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.11.042
4. Lamberts, L., De Bie, E., Derycke, V., Veraverbeke, W.S., De Man, W. and Delcour, J.A. (2006), Effect of Processing Conditions on Color Change of Brown and Milled Parboiled Rice, Wiley Cereal Chemistry, Cereals & Grain Association, 83: 80-85. https://doi.org/10.1094/CC-83-0080
5. Zhong, Y., Liu, W., Xu, X., Liu, C. and Tu, Z. (2014), Correlation of Color and Eating Quality of Rice. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 38: 1890-1897. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.12161

This article is about the use of spectrophotometer or full spectrum colorimeter for color measurement in grains (wheat, maize (corn), rice, barley, millet, quinoa, chia, sorghum, linseed, amaranth, bulgur (triticum), rye, to name a few) and derived products.