Effect of Soluble Solids Concentration and Temperature on Thermo-Physical and Rheological Properties of Mango Puree

Thermo-physical and rheological properties of mango pulp were evaluated at different temperatures (20, 40, 60, and 80°C) and total soluble solids concentrations (15, 20, 32, and 40°Brix). Thermal properties were primarily dependent on the moisture content of the sample, and increased with temperature and decreased with soluble solids concentrations. Density showed a reverse trend. Glass transition temperatures increased with an increase in soluble solids concentrations indicating better stability. Empirical models developed for each thermal property as a function of temperature and soluble solids concentrations (R² > 0.90) generally showed better predictions than published models. Mango puree exhibited pseudo-plastic behavior during steady shear measurements, and the power law model well described their flow behavior. Consistency coefficient increased with soluble solids concentrations and decreased with temperature. The flow behavior index ranged between 0.27 and 0.38 but did not show a clear trend either with soluble solids concentrations or temperature. Small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements revealed that mango puree behaved like a weak gel and demonstrated visco-elastic properties.