Effect of Particle Size,Temperature, and Total Soluble Solids on The Rheological Properties of Watermelon Juice: A Response Surface Approach

Central composite design was used to analyze the effect of particle size (0.075, 0.15, 0.25, 0.355, 0.425 mm), temperature (1.6, 5, 10, 15, 18.4°C) and total soluble solids (14.77, 25, 40, 50, 65.23°Brix) on the rheological properties of watermelon juice. Experimental values of consistency coefficient k, varied from 0.178–0.628 Pa sⁿ and flow behavior index n from 0.281 to 0.949. Regression equation was computed and used to predict the values of k and n. Results revealed that coefficient of determination (R²) and standard error for consistency coefficient k were 0.84 and 0.043 and for flow behavior index n were 0.42 and 0.102 respectively. Surface graphs showed that k value increased with increase in total soluble solids and particle size while decreased with temperature.