Effects of delayed drying interval and the drying temperature of popcorn on sensory and technological quality

The maintenance of the sensory and expansion properties of popcorn are essential during the post-harvest stages. The delay in drying, and drying temperature can negatively influence the technological and sensorial quality of the popcorn. Therefore, in this study the effects of the delayed drying interval and drying temperature on black and white popcorn were evaluated. The increase in delayed drying interval, linked to increased drying temperature provided a reduction in protein solubility (31.14 and 21.06%), expansion weight (65.01 and 100.00%) and expansion yield (89.40 and 100.00%), when analyzing the white and black popcorn, respectively. Furthermore, an increase was observed in expansion residue (308.07%) and a reduction in the brightness of the expanded popcorn (24.77%), when analyzing the white popcorn. It was observed a reduction in all evaluated sensory parameters (Global acceptance, purchase intent, and expanded popcorn size, odor and flavor). In both genotypes studied, the maintenance of sensory and expansion properties, which give the higher added value to this product, were achieved with the lower delayed drying interval and drying at 40 °C. The outcomes of this study showed the importance of drying popcorn grains right after harvesting. The effects of drying delay significantly affected the quality of both studied genotypes.