The Benefits of Hyperspectral Imaging for Frozen Food Moisture Content Analysis
Moisture Content Ratio Explained
Moisture Content Ratio refers to the amount of water present in a substance, typically expressed as a percentage of the total weight of that substance. The proper MCR is crucial for frozen foods because it directly affects the product’s texture, stability, and overall quality/sensory attributes.
A more significant portion of the freezing process for frozen food includes lowering the temperature of the product to below its freezing point, leading to the formation of ice crystals, which, in turn, plays a key role in determining the texture and tastefulness of the product after thawing.
Below are reasons as to why Moisture Content Ratio is important in frozen foods:
- Texture
The freezing process can affect the texture of certain food items. If the moisture content is too high, it can result in larger ice crystals, which may damage the food’s cell structure, leading to a mushy or undesirable texture upon thawing. On the other hand, if the moisture content is too low, the frozen food may become dry and lose its original texture and color, commonly referred to as “freezer burn.” - Stability
MCR also influences the microbial stability of frozen foods. While freezing inhibits the growth of most microorganisms, it does not entirely eliminate them. Controlling the moisture content helps to minimize the risk of spoilage during storage.
- Quality
The moisture content in frozen foods contributes to their overall quality and shelf life. Proper moisture levels help maintain the product’s original flavor, color, and nutritional content, ensuring a more satisfactory consumer experience.
Understanding Hyperspectral Imaging
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) involves capturing and processing information from a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike traditional imaging systems that use only three color channels (red, green, and blue), hyperspectral imaging captures information across numerous bands, providing a detailed spectral signature for each pixel in an image. This capability opens up new possibilities for analyzing the composition of materials, making it particularly valuable in the frozen food industry.
Detecting Moisture Content of Frozen Foods using Hyperspectral Imaging
- Non-destructive Analysis
Hyperspectral imaging allows for non-destructive analysis, letting manufacturers assess moisture content without altering the integrity of the frozen food product. This is particularly advantageous for testing processes where samples need to be preserved for further analysis, ultimately contributing to improving frozen food quality. - High Precision and Accuracy
Moisture content analysis may need more precision for modern food processing. Hyperspectral imaging is becoming the new gold standard with high-resolution data, allowing for accurate and precise measurement of moisture content. Meeting regulatory standards and ensuring the consistency of frozen food products is more crucial than ever.
Benefits of Hyperspectral Imaging for Frozen Food Moisture Content
- Rapid Assessment:
Time is of the essence in food processing, and hyperspectral imaging offers a rapid and efficient solution for moisture content analysis. The technology can scan large quantities of frozen food, providing real-time data that allows manufacturers to make timely adjustments to their processes.
As seen below, traditional processes require manual measurement/intervention, which can delay or even halt a production line. Real-time monitoring of MCR with a hyperspectral imaging system, including a camera such as with the FX-17, allows frozen food producers to save time with their analysis and continue their production processes without stoppage.
- Uniformity Detection
Frozen foods are often composed of various ingredients with different moisture levels. Hyperspectral imaging can detect and quantify the uniformity within a product, providing insights into the moisture content distribution. This capability is particularly valuable in ensuring even quality throughout a batch of frozen food, with the ability to maintain the texture, stability, and quality of the products (as mentioned above) as it relates to the effects of MCR. - Quality Assurance and Process Optimization
Manufacturers and OEMs can easily integrate hyperspectral imaging into a production line and/or a laboratory, where quality assurance protocols and optimizing processing parameters can be enhanced. A hyperspectral imaging system allows for continuous monitoring of the graphic above. Random and manual “spot checks” may miss products with MCR issues, affecting product quality and consistency. - Reduce Waste and Save Money
Utilizing Hyperspectral imaging technology enables precise moisture content measurement, prevents over-processing and waste, and results in cost savings, promoting eco-friendly practices in real time. Stoppage of the production line is unnecessary, and catching any issues early in the production cycle will drastically reduce waste in the product due to Moisture Content Ratio issues.
Moisture Content Ratio is critically important to the frozen foods industry. Maintaining the correct moisture content is essential throughout the freezing process and subsequent storage. The use of Hyperspectral imaging presents an innovative advancement in the field of frozen food quality control, specifically in moisture content analysis. Its non-destructive nature, high precision, rapid assessment capabilities, and ability to detect proper product diversity make it a valuable tool for manufacturers and OEMs striving to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning consumer market. As technology advances, hyperspectral imaging will likely play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of frozen foods for years to come.
Products Mentioned in this Blog:
High sensitivity and detection accuracy beyond the capability of any other inspection method make the FX17 hyperspectral imaging camera an industry stand-out. As it operates in the near infra-red region, FX17 informs us of the finest details, many not detectable by the human eye. Small and lightweight, its built-in self-correcting image feature makes the workload even lighter, with non-uniformity, bad pixels and automatic image enhancement (AIE) being addressed by the camera automatically. Integration with standard analysis software is another benefit of this hyperspectral imaging camera, designed for ease of use in every possible way.
