Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Pooja Sahu, S Patel, PS Pisalkar, Pratibha Katiyar and D Khokhar

Abstract:
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional, physical, and thermal properties of charota seeds (Cassia tora). The seeds were found to consist of three main components: husk (16.83%), endosperm (40.67%), and gum layer (42.50%). On average, the charota seeds measured 0.612 mm in size and contained 4.44% ash, 9.25% fat, 28.13% fiber, 23.44% protein, and 25.68% carbohydrates at a moisture content of 10.82% (wb). Notably, charota seeds were rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The seeds exhibited specific physical characteristics, including a length of 4.57 mm, width of 1.90 mm, thickness of 1.76 mm, arithmetic mean diameter of 2.74 mm, geometric mean diameter of 2.47 mm, thousand seed weight of 14.77 g, volume of 22.745 mm³, sphericity of 0.559, surface area of 17.04 mm², and aspect ratio of 42.06. Additionally, the seeds had a true density of 921.33 kg/m³, bulk density of 816.06 kg/m³, porosity of 11.43%, and an angle of repose of 40.02°. In terms of friction characteristics, charota seeds exhibited higher friction on plywood surfaces, followed by rubber, mild steel, and glass surfaces. Moreover, the thermal properties of charota seeds included a thermal conductivity of 0.0663 W.m^-1.K^-1 and a resistivity of 0.00155 °C cm/W.