Pork pie penetration test

Case study

Pork pie penetration testing at the centre and edge of the crust

Pork pie texture testing by penetration with probe accessories

Solution

Software-controlled Texture Analyzer
Specific penetrometry probes for food firmness and bite force

Benefits

Objective results correlated to sensory quality
Repeatable testing on crusts, fillings and raw ingredients

"Mecmesin were able to offer us a texture analyser test system, which met with our testing needs. The range of probes supplied have been extremely useful, as it enables more variations of test to be performed with just the one system. This has been very useful as our product has 3 different component ingredients, which can be individually analysed using their dedicated test cells provided."

Liberty Horner, Food Technologist
Vale of Mowbray

Requirement

Vale of Mowbray have been baking pork pies since 1928. Having traditionally relied on sensory perception, where results are qualitative and could be biased, the company now needed an objective way of measuring the quality and consistency of their cooked and uncooked produce.

Solution

Mecmesin supplied the company with a Food Technology Corporation (FTC) TMS-Pro texture analyzer. This, combined with a Magness-Taylor Probe set, enable Vale of Mowbray to perform various penetration tests and flexural load tests on their cooked and uncooked produce.

A single or double penetration test allows the company to quantify textural, as well as sensory characteristics.

Subsequent texture tests provide further objective measurements relating to filling consistency, blend development and pastry firmness.

Performing multiple sample tests gives Vale of Mowbray a true picture of product characterisation, thus enabling benchmarking for future sample testing.

The TMS-Pro is a computer-controlled test system, giving the company full programmable control, and the ability to view results and pre-determined calculations graphically on a PC. The Magness Taylor Probe set provides food technologists with a wide range of penetration testing options. The set includes both flat and rounded profiles providing multiple test options.