Evaluation of cassava tuber resistance to deformation

A study was carried out, hardness and resistant ability of cassava tuber was investigated, the study involved the use of laboratory penetrometer and a data lodger. Hand-drilling machine was fitted with a 500mm diameter blade. These devices were powered manually and by application of electricity. Forces were applied by allowing direct cutting of the tubers using rotating sharp blade. The penetrometer was used to test the strength of fresh tuber. The result obtained indicated that cassava tuber hardness increases with the reduction of moisture content. The penetration force of 5.4 Newton at 70% moisture content wet basis was recorded while 9.2 Newton was recorded at 50% moisture content wet basis. The cutting time of 5.3 seconds was recorded for equal size tuber when the moisture was at 70%, at 50%moisture content 9.7 seconds was recorded. The implication is that all process handling of cassava tuber involving cutting must be carried out when the tuber is still tender.