Hardness Texture Profile Analysis

Theory:

Hardness is given by the peak load of the initial compression. Peak hardness tends to occur at the max compression depth although this is not always true.

Fixture:

The peak load of the first chew compression is a primary attribute of all foods and therefore can be tested with all food compression testing fixtures.

Analysis:

The calculation for Hardness if extremely simple and just involves logging the peak load value of the first chew.

Hardness is a critical component for testing Gumminess, 

Associated Definitions:

Gumminess