Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The physical properties of bread dough, such as plasticity, elasticity, and resistance to extension, are collectively known as dough rheology. Specific instruments are designed to measure these properties to predict the dough's behavior during processing and the quality of the final bread.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Brabender Farinograph: This is a standard instrument in the baking industry used to measure the physical properties of dough. It records the resistance of a dough against the mixing action of two blades. The resulting chart, called a Farinogram, provides information about the flour's water absorption, dough development time, stability, and its mixing tolerance, which are related to the dough's plasticity and elasticity.
- Penetrometer: This instrument measures the hardness or consistency of materials like fats, gels, and fruits by measuring the depth a cone or needle penetrates the sample under a known weight.
- Fibrograph meter: This is used in the textile industry to measure the length and uniformity of cotton fibers.
- Tenderometer: This instrument measures the tenderness of foods, particularly peas, by measuring the force required to crush a sample.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The Brabender Farinograph is the instrument specifically designed to measure the rheological properties, including plasticity, of bread dough during mixing. Therefore, option (D) is correct.