Bentonite models simulate turkey rolls during convective heating.

A research strategy is presented to illustrate phases involved in developing a food model to simulate a food product. Such models can be used to reduce expenses involved in studying energy consumed during heat processing. Bentonite-glycerol-water dispersions were prepared to simulate raw turkey rolls when processed at 105 degrees and 135 degrees C (220 degrees and 275 degrees F) in oven loads of two, four, and six rolls in an electric convection oven. Total processing losses were similar for the models and the turkey rolls. When expressed as watt-hours per kilogram, energy consumption for the turkey and models was not significantly different at each oven temperature and load.