Reduction in lentil cooking time using micronization: Comparison of 2 micronization temperatures

Laird No. 1 lentils micronized thigh-intensity infrared heat) to give internal temperatures of 138 and 170 degreesC were compared to unprocessed lentils stored at room temperature. Micronized lentils, which had been tempered to 33% moisture for 16 h, required less force to compress after cooking and contained increased levels of gelatinized starch and pectic substances but decreased levels of soluble protein, phytic acid, and neutral detergent fiber compared to the unprocessed lentils. Cell walls in the micronized lentil were less susceptible to fracture, and the microstructure was more open. Properties of the micronized lentils were better when the internal temperature reached 138 degreesC. When micronized to an internal temperature of 170 degreesC, cooked lentils were harder, possibly due to greater moisture losses and a change in the neutral detergent fiber. Micronization resulted in a slight darkening of the lentils, and this was accentuated at 170 degreesC.