The main constituents of natural fats and oils are triglycerides. Triglycerides are formed from three fatty acids which are linked to glycerol by fatty acyl esters. Fatty acids are long aliphatic chains with carboxyl groups. These are grouped into saturated or unsaturated based on the number of double bonds present in fatty acid. Saturated fatty… Read More »
Fats are smooth, greasy substances that are insoluble in water. Fat is mainly a fuel source for the animal or plant in which it is found, or the animal that eats it. Fats contain more than twice the amount of protein or carbohydrate. Fats also contribute to the texture and give a rich flavour to… Read More »
Fats are invariably the mixture of different triglycerides and have different melting points. Therefore they do not melt at fixed temperature but over a range of temperature. The melting point is the temperature at which solid and liquid phases are in equilibrium. While melting point of fat is related to its physical and thermal properties.… Read More »
Ash refers to the inorganic residue remaining after either ignition or complete oxidation of organic matter in a foodstuff. A basic knowledge of the characteristics of various ashing procedures and types of equipment is essential to ensure reliable results. Two major types of ashing are used: dry ashing, primarily for proximate composition and for some… Read More »
The protein content of foods can be determined by numerous methods. The Kjeldahl method and the nitrogen combustion (Dumas) method for protein analysis are based on nitrogen determination. Both methods are official for the purposes of nutrition labeling of foods. While the Kjeldahl method has been used widely for over a hundred years, the recent… Read More »
Fat plays an important role in many foods. Fat contribute to the flavour of food as well as it gives texture and also mouthfeel to the food. It is an important component which gives us maximum energy. Approximately 9 Kcal energy per gram. Extra intake of fat mostly leads to obesity and below the level lead… Read More »