pH, TEMPERATURE AND HYDRATION KINETICS OF FABA BEANS (VICIA FABA L.)

Soaking kinetics of dry faba beans was studied in the temperature range 20–65C, and at pH 3, 6, 9 and 12 by the method of weight gain until equilibrium conditions were attained. Increasing the soaking temperature from 20 to 35C resulted in a small increase in hydration rate constants as compared to that realized with further increase to 50 and 65C in the investigated range of pH. Soaking at 65C decreased the amount of water absorbed by the beans and the time at which equilibrium was attained. Beans soaked at alkaline pH exhibited higher hydration rates especially when hydration was carried out at ≥ 50C