Optimization of Pre-treatment Parameters for Better Dal Milling Efficiency in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)
Mahendra Daheriya *
Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering. COAE, JNKVV Jabalpur, M. P.- 482004, India.
Mohan Singh
Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering. COAE, JNKVV Jabalpur, M. P.- 482004, India.
AK Gupta
Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering. COAE, JNKVV Jabalpur, M. P.- 482004, India.
K.C. Mahajan
Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering. COAE, JNKVV Jabalpur, M. P.- 482004, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted to take the pre-milling parameters in an optimum way in order to improve milling efficiency and dal recovery in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Experiments were conducted using CFTRI dal mill to determine the influence of four important variables, namely pitting time, oil application rate, water application rate and tempering time on the milling performance. Results showed that the maximum milling efficiency (84%) and dal recovery (64%) occurred using the pitting time of 210 seconds, 2.0% oil application, 12% water application and 12 hours of tempering. Beyond these values, both parameters decreased as a result of the higher rate of grain breaking and ME waste. The results show that adequate control of pre-milling treatments has a significant impact on dal quality and yield, which could provide useful information in the realm of small-scale processors and sustainable pulse milling operations.
Keywords: Efficiency, pigeon pea, pre-treatments milling