This study evaluated the effect of post‐processing techniques such as blanching, steaming, roasting, microwaving, shallow, and deep‐frying on the quality of three‐dimensional (3D) printed rice starch constructs. To explain this, post‐processed samples were subsequently analyzed for physico‐mechanical properties, microscopic structure, cooking loss, and sensory attributes. The impact of post‐processing was significantly evident (p ≤ .05), also explaining significant differences in the sensorial quality of 3D‐printed constructs. Overall, deep‐fried constructs exhibited the best characteristics, with the least cooking loss (0.73 ± 0.02%), increased hardness (1,708.59 ± 0.05 g), and comparatively better shape stability, followed by steaming, shallow‐frying, and roasting. Besides, the principal component analysis revealed that factors such as thread quality, dimensional stability, and overall acceptability justify deep‐frying as the most suitable post‐processing method for rice‐based 3D‐printed constructs. This study provides insights into the choice of post‐processing treatments for 3D‐printed foods, particularly applicable to rice starch‐based products.
Practical Applications
In the context of three‐dimensional (3D) food printing, printability is not the sole criteria determining the quality of the product. Structural stability and consumer acceptance are significantly influenced by the post‐processing methods. The present work focuses on this aspect and provides insights into the effect of post‐processing methods on stability and sensory acceptance.
Post‐processing methods and conditions also relate to the development of “novel food products” using 3D printing technology.
The findings of this study provide information on explaining the most suitable post‐processing technique for rice‐based 3D‐printed products.