Assessment of physical characteristics of quality protein maize (QPM) and common maize

The present study analyzed the physical characteristics of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and common maize grains. The results revealed the length, width and thickness of QPM grains as 10.7±0.03, 10.1±0.03 and 5.1±0.01 mm and 9.2±0.03, 8.1±0.05 and 4.6±0.03 mm, respectively for common maize grains. Seed weight and seed volume of QPM was 37.07±0.06 g/100 grains and 29.96±0.05 ml/100 grains which was significantly higher than that of common maize as 21.53±0.11 g/100 grains and 17.96±0.15 ml/100 grains. The hydration capacity and swelling capacity was significantly higher for QPM i.e. 11.14±0.20 g/100 grains and 19.78±1.05 ml/100 grains. The results of particle size distribution showed the maximum retention of flours on 85 mesh sieve. The study concluded that QPM grains has good physical and thus can be utilized in developing quality food products.