Magnetic resonance imaging of single rice kernels during cooking

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2004.08.013
• Publication Date: 2004-09-21T18:24:36Z
• Authors: Aleš Mohorič; Frank Vergeldt; Edo Gerkema; Adrie de Jager; John van Duynhoven; Gerard van Dalen; Henk Van As
• Keywords: model; Time Factors; starch; Water; Oryza; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; nmr; 0404 agricultural biotechnology; water migration; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; gelatinization; Cooking; grain

The RARE imaging method was used to monitor the cooking of single rice kernels in real time and with high spatial resolution in three dimensions. The imaging sequence is optimized for rapid acquisition of signals with short relaxation times using centered out RARE. Short scan time and high spatial resolution are critical factors in the investigation of the cooking behavior of rice kernels since time and spatial averaging may lead to erroneous results. The results are confirming the general pattern of moisture ingress that has been suspected from previous (more limited) studies. Water uptake as determined by analysis of the MRI time series recorded during cooking compares well with gravimetric studies. This allows using these real-time MRI data for developing and validating models that describe the effect of kernel microstructure on its cooking behavior.