Statistical comparison of a new rheological method for defining changes in mash consistency during mashing with the established Rapid Visco Analyser

The determination of mash consistency proved to be difficult but is of great importance particularly with regard to process and quality control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a new rheological method for precisely determining changes in mash consistency occurring during the mashing process. For that purpose, five mashes with various levels of unmalted oats (0-40%) have been analyzed using a Physica MCR rheometer equipped with a paddle-shaped rotor enabling mash particles to be kept in suspension throughout the rheological measurement. For validating this new method, a statistical comparison with the established Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) has been carried out. For this purpose, the mash consistency curves have been described by regression functions with the aim to determine characteristic curve points mathematically correct. As a result, the start and end point of starch gelatinization/liquefaction have been well-defined. By calculating the coefficients of determination, good to very good linear correlations between respective curve values and adjunct levels have been found for both methods (MCR and RVA). By calculating the repeatability, however, it has been revealed that the precision of the MCR method is significantly better than that of the RVA method.