Effect of soaking time on water absorption behavior of dehulled soybean dhal

Abstract

The effect of soaking time on water absorption behavior of dehulled soybean dhal (variety-JS-335) was studied at the Department of Agricultural Process Engineering, CAET, Parbhani to see the variation of water content (gm), moisture content (%, d.b.) and water absorption(%). Samples of soybean dhal (20gm) were soaked in water in the ratio of 1:3(w/v) at 15 oC, 25 oC and 35 oC water temperatures up to saturation point. During this experiment the amount of absorbed water increased as soaking time and temperature increased. During soybean hydration, the water is absorbed to a maximum of 140.78% in 4 hours, 3 hours and 2 hours at 15 oC, 25 oC and 35 oC, respectively. Initial water uptake was high due to high water concentration gradient between the soaking medium and dry cotyledons of the seeds. However, the rate of water absorption steadily decreased as the soaking process continued.