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Intermediate moisture foods (IMF) are shelf-stable products that have water activities of 0.6-0.85, with a moisture content ranging from 15% - 40% and are edible without rehydration. [1] These food products are below the minimum water activity for most bacteria (0.90), but are susceptible to yeast and mold growth .
More accurate measurements become important in the large volumes used in commercial food production. Also, a home cook can use greater precision at times. Water at 4.0 °C (39.2 °F) may be volumetrically measured then weighed to determine an unknown measuring-utensil volume [13] without the need for a water-density adjustment. [14]
Food moisture analysis is the determination of the concentration of water in a food sample. A variety of techniques may be used including Karl Fischer titration and loss on drying. Many technical standards exist which define test methods for determining moisture in different types of food.
In a recipe, the baker's percentage for water is referred to as the "hydration"; it is indicative of the stickiness of the dough and the "crumb" of the bread. Lower hydration rates (e.g., 50–57%) are typical for bagels and pretzels , and medium hydration levels (58–65%) are typical for breads and rolls . [ 25 ]
See also References Further reading External links A acidulate To use an acid (such as that found in citrus juice, vinegar, or wine) to prevent browning, alter flavour, or make an item safe for canning. al dente To cook food (typically pasta) to the point where it is tender but not mushy. amandine A culinary term indicating a garnish of almonds. A dish served amandine is usually cooked with ...
The water in food has a tendency to evaporate, but the water vapor in the surrounding air has a tendency to condense into the food. When the two tendencies are in balance— and the air and food are stable—the air's relative humidity (expressed as a fraction instead of as a percentage) is taken to be the water activity, a w .
Fruits and vegetables are 70 to 95% water. Most meats are on average about 70% water. Breads are approximately 36% water. [3] Some foods have a water content of less than 5%, e.g., peanut butter, [3] crackers, and chocolate cake. [4] Water content of dairy products is quite variable. Butter is 15% water. Cow's milk ranges between 88 and 86% water.
Moisture dew point is the temperature at which moisture condenses out of a gas. This parameter is inherently related to the moisture content, which defines the amount of water molecules as a fraction of the total. Both can be used as a measure of the amount of moisture in a gas and one can be calculated from the other fairly accurately.