Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 October 2002
An analytical method based on a fractal geometry concept was developed through the relationship between structure-texture of solid-like crackers, flat bread and Bretzels. An universal testing machine was used to determine indentation tests. The graphs were irregularly shaped so that usual interpretation was made not possible. Nevertheless, the irregular shape, or “roughness” displays auto-similarity properties which can be interpreted in terms of apparent fractal dimension texture (DT). A trained panel able to quantify the “hardness”, “porous structure” and “crispness” descriptors carried out sensorial characterisation of products. High correlation between sensorial hardness and resistance to indentation, on one hand, and between crispness and DT on the other hand was found. Modelling mathematics methods for complex systems allow useful contribution to Food Science.
This paper has been first presented orally at the C2I colloquium in February 2001