What You Need to Know
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tracks the endothermic gelatinization of starch and the exothermic retrogradation, providing enthalpy and temperature markers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation (T2) times quantify water mobility, correlating with crumb porosity and firmness. The ratio of DSC endotherm to exotherm areas predicts staling rate, linking thermal transitions to sensory quality.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Starch gelatinization and retrogradation