Table 1.7 Relations Between Textural Parameters and Popular Nomenclature Mechanical characteristics Primary parameters Secondary parameters Popular terms Hardness Soft->firm->hard Cohesiveness Brittleness Crumbly->crunchy->brittle Chewiness Tender->chewy->tough Gumminess Short->mealy->pasty->gummy Viscosity Thin->viscous Elasticity Plastic->elastic Adhesiveness Sticky-tacky→gooey Geometrical characteristics Class Examples Particle size and shape Gritty,grainy,coarse,etc. Particle shape and Fibrous,cellular,crystalline,etc orientation Other characteristics Primary parameters Secondary parameters Popular terms Moisture content Dry->moist->wet->watery Fat content Oiliness Oily Greasiness Greasy