Changes in physical and chemical parameters (viscosity, total soluble solids and Hunter color parameters L*, a*, b*, chroma and hue angle) of água‐mel were investigated throughout processing. Kinetic parameters for color change of heat‐processed água‐mel were monitored. A zero‐order kinetic model was applied to changes in L* and b*, while a* and C* were described using a first‐order kinetic model. The heating process changed all three color parameters (L*, a*, b*), causing a shift toward the darker colors. Parameters L* decreased, while a*, b*, C* and hue angle (°h) increased during heating. Regarding changes in total soluble solids and in apparent viscosity, both fitted first‐order kinetics. A direct relationship was found between the changes in these two parameters. The increase in both total soluble solids and viscosity affected a*, b* and C*. In addition, a flow diagram for the Portuguese água‐mel production process has been established.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The results of this work have practical uses in the standardization of água‐mel production process. In addition, an instrumental method for color determination, using Hunter color parameters a*, b* and chroma, is suggested for the determination of the production heating time.