Subtopic: Processing of seeds, spices, fruits and vegetables
Question Statement:
In commercial dhal milling of pigeon pea (arhar), the application of edible vegetable oil followed by sun drying is used primarily for:
Options:
(A) Loosening the tough gum bond between the seed coat (husk) and cotyledons
(B) Preventing insect pest infestation during dehusking
(C) Increasing the moisture content of the cotyledons
(D) Bleaching the cotyledon surface color
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Pigeon pea grains have a strong mucilaginous/gum layer binding the husk to the cotyledons. Oil treatment ($0.15 - 0.5\%$) diffuses through the husk, softening and weakening the gum bonds, facilitating clean dehusking in emery roll mills with minimal cotyledon breakage.