Physiochemical characterization and optimization of sesame seed dehulling process: a RSM approach

The study was conducted with the intent to characterize and optimize the sesame seed dehulling process. A CCRD-RSM was employed using various parameters: water soaking time (60-120 min.), hydration temperature (35-55 °C), and retention time (5-7 min.). The dehulling attribute was assessed based on dehulling efficiency, hullability, yield loss, embryo recovery, and extraction rate and modelled by multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that the water soaking time exerted the highest influence among the tested variables, followed by the, hydration temperature and retention time. Optimum dehulling attributes were obtained with water 74.50 min. soaking time, 50 °C hydration temperature, and 7 min. retention time. The water soaking time for sesame seeds was successfully reduced by approximately ≈ 61% by increasing the hydration temperature, resulting in enhanced dehulling efficiency and improved product quality. This significant advancement in sesame seed processing not only streamlines the dehulling process but also minimizes the risk of oil quality deterioration by preventing oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity, microbial contamination, and sensory degradation. The correlation results indicated that dehulling parameters are strongly associated with the selected physicochemical characteristics of the seeds.