In Indian pulse (dal) milling, applying edible oil (0.2% to 0.5%) followed by sun-drying is a crucial pre-treatment step specifically intended to:
Options:
(A) Loosen the fibrous seed coat (husk) from the underlying cotyledons by diffusing through the micropyle and weakening the gum mucilage bond
(B) Increase grain moisture content to 25%
(C) Prevent insect infestation during storage
(D) Color the split pulses artificially
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Oil penetrates the seed coat and dissolves/weakens natural uronic acid gum layers binding husk to cotyledon; sun-drying then shrinks cotyledons, causing the husk to detach cleanly during dehusking.