Abstract
Processing conditions (potato level, frying temperature and frying time) were optimized for the development of buckwheat based chips using response surface methodology (RSM). Moisture content, oil uptake, color values, hardness and overall acceptability (OAA) were used as indices of product quality. The polynomial regression model was fitted with R(2) values of 0.983, 0.982, 0.98, 0.996, 0.973, 0.984 and 0.985 for moisture content, oil uptake, L, a*, b* values, hardness, and OAA respectively indicating fitness of the models. Potato level and frying temperature showed a significant effect on all responses at linear and quadratic levels except frying temperature for OAA at the linear level and hardness at quadratic level. Frying time showed significant effect on a* value, b* value, hardness and OAA at linear level. Interaction between all processing variables had a significant effect on a* value. Interaction between potato level and frying temperature had significant negative effect on moisture content of buckwheat chips. Potato level (30%), frying temperature (169 °C) and frying time (51 s) were found to be the optimum processing conditions with maximum OAA (8.36). 0.33 a(w) was established as the water activity at which maximum stability of chips was shown. Buckwheat chips packed in both polypropylene (PP) and metallised polyester (MP) remained stable and acceptable for 6 months at RT whereas for 3 and 6 months in PP and MP films respectively at 37 °C.