Desirable Sensory Quality Research Articles

Quality of Pork Loin Subjected to Different Temperature–Time Combinations of Sous Vide Cooking

Cooking with the sous vide method preserves nutritional value and maintains desirable sensory qualities of food, thanks to vacuum-sealed heat treatment at controlled low temperatures. In meat, the right combination of temperature and time i

Effect of electric cooker soaking temperature on palatability of cooked aged indica rice

Based on sensory evaluation and texture characteristics, the improving effect of soaking temperature adjustment in an electric cooker on the palatability of cooked aged indica rice was investigated. The water content and distribution, starch gelatinization, and crystal structure of aged rice grains were analyzed at different soaking temperatures. The results demonstrated that soaking aged indica rice at low temperatures (25 °C and 40 °C) and high temperature (70 °C) increased hardness and reduced viscoelasticity, which were not conducive to achieving desirable sensory qualities. Conversely, soaking treatment at 50 °C positively impacts the palatability of aged indica rice. This treatment increased the proportion of structural water in aged rice grains to 6.38% and reduced starch crystallinity to 22.61%, thereby facilitating starch gelatinization and promoting the formation of desirable taste during subsequent cooking stages. Microstructural analysis revealed that soaked aged indica rice exhibited increased water absorption rates and more uniform distribution of moisture. These findings provided valuable insights for optimizing the cooking process of aged indica rice using the electric cooker.

Effect of pretreatment temperature and time on fat bonding and fat reduction in deep-fried surimi

Deep frying (DF) is a popular cooking technique resulting in desirable sensory quality. However, DF also results in negative perception related to increased fat uptake and thus poor nutritional quality. In this study, a development of a novel strategy for fat reduction in DF surimi without additives and coatings was attempted. Novel pre-baking and pre-roasting were applied to surimi prior to DF. This novel pre-treatment strategy for DF surimi has not been reported in literature. Total, free, and bonded fat contents and corresponding fat reductions in DF surimi were determined. Cook and moisture losses as well as water holding capacity, expressible moisture, in addition to color and texture were also investigated. Fat uptake during DF of surimi was reduced (P < 0.05) by ≥ 25 % with pre-baking. Pre-baking improved (P < 0.05) or did not (P > 0.05) affect cook and moisture losses, water holding capacity, expressible moisture, color, and texture. However, pre-roasting increased (P < 0.05) fat content and adversely affected most quality parameters. Pre-baking of surimi at lower-temperature (116 °C) for longer-time (12–15 min) followed by DF at lower-temperature (170 °C) for longer-time (4 min) was most optimal for fat reduction, cook and moisture losses, water holding capacity, expressible moisture, color, and texture of surimi.

Composite formation of whey protein isolate and OSA starch for fabricating high internal phase emulsion: A comparative study at different pH and their application in biscuits

The composites formed by whey protein isolate (WPI) and octenyl succinate anhydride (OSA)-modified starch were characterized with a focus on the effect of pH, and their potential in fabricating high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) as fat substitutes was evaluated. The particles obtained at pH 3.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 presented a nanosized distribution (122.04 ± 0.84 nm–163.24 ± 4.12 nm) while those prepared at pH 4.0 and 5.0 were remarkably larger. Results from the shielding agent reaction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that the interaction between WPI and OSA starch was mainly hydrophobic at pH 3.0–5.0, while there was a strong electrostatic repulsion at pH 6.0–8.0. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) study showed that remarkably higher ΔD and lower Δf/n were observed at pH 3.0–5.0 after successive deposition of WPI and OSA starch, whereas slight changes were noted for those made at higher pH values. The WPI-OSA starch (W–O) composite-based HIPEs made at pH 3.0 and 6.0–8.0 were physically stable after long-term storage, thermal treatment, or centrifugation. Incorporation of HIPE into the biscuit formula yielded products with a desirable sensory quality.

Sensory Evaluation of Low Calorie Eggless Functional Cake

The purpose of this work is to prepare and evaluate a formulated functional eggless cake using key ingredients to incorporate nutritional value. The functional ingredients that were added to develop the batter were selected as prebiotic, probiotic, and stevia leaf powder. The aim of the study was to substitute the sugar content with a natural sweetener and to reduce the browning effect upon baking, followed by achieving a properly baked finished product with desirable sensory qualities. The shelf life study of the finished products was evaluated with respect to quality parameters, such as taste, color, flavor, texture, and visual microbial growth in different packaging materials. Various trials were made with less oil content, varying prebiotic and probiotic concentrations, and using percentage variations of stevia. The reduced oil percentage was done with the objective of developing a low-calorie cake that would provide health benefits for baked products. The food safety aspects in relation to chemical safety were also considered when using low oil percentage. All proximate analysis and antioxidant analysis were performed for functional baked products. The low-calorie developed product was evaluated with respect to some instrumental as well as sensory characteristics along with microbial analysis. Statistical analysis with respect to sensory qualities among different age groups was also evaluated using the Tuckey test (honestly significant difference test), which works in conjunction with ANOVA. A normality test was also performed to understand the p-value correlating the hypothesis to confirm.

Sunflower seed cake as a source of nutrients in gluten-free bread

An increase in the demand for cold-pressed vegetable oils can be observed, e.g. from sunflower. The press cake formed during sunflower oil production can also be an important source of protein, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. The aim of the study was to examine the quality of gluten-free breads fortified with sunflower seed cake. The fortified products were characterized by lower moisture content (49.35–48.87%). The bake loss parameter decreased after the use of the highest 15% dose of the sunflower cake. The addition of the sunflower cake caused an increase in the content of nutrients, compared to the control sample: protein (7.44–9.69%d.b.), fat (3.41–10.72%d.b.), crude fiber (1.23–2.34%d.b.), polyphenols (89.3–222.3 mg·100 gd.b.−1), and soluble sugars (2.42–2.73%d.b.). The gluten-free breads with the sunflower seed cake exhibited lower hardness, springiness, and chewiness but higher cohesiveness. The use of the additive contributed to the darkening of the gluten-free bread crumb. The appearance, consistency, aroma, and palatability of the sunflower cake-fortified gluten-free bread were found to be much more attractive than the parameters of the unmodified bread. The conducted research has shown that, thanks to sunflower cake addition, it is possible to obtain a highly nutritious product with desirable sensory quality.

Phytochemical-Rich Colored Noodles Fortified with an Aqueous Extract of Clitoria ternatea Flowers.

Clitoria ternatea (CT) flowers are rich in phytochemicals. An innovative approach was taken to utilize CT flower extract (CTFE) as a functional ingredient with natural pigment by incorporating it into noodles. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the CTFE amount (0-30%) on the color, texture, phytochemicals, and sensory quality of both dried and cooked noodles. Dried noodles with 30% CTFE had the highest total anthocyanins (9.48 μg/g), polyphenols (612 μg/g), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (165 μg TE/g), and reducing power (2203 μg TE/g). Cooking resulted in a significant decrease in the anthocyanin levels and blue color, while also increasing the greenness of the noodle. Both dried and cooked noodles with 20-30% CTFE showed a significantly higher color preference compared to the control sample. Despite a significant reduction in the cutting force, tensile strength, and extensibility of cooked noodles with 20-30% CTFE, the sensory attributes such as flavor, texture, and overall preferences were similar to those of noodles with 0-30% CTFE. Blue noodles with high phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and desirable sensory qualities can be produced by the incorporation of 20-30% CTFE.

Bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, functional and sensory properties of optimized complementary weaning flour processed from sorghum, soybean, and karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds

The study aimed to formulate and optimize complementary weaning flours for better antioxidants and sensory acceptability. D-optimal constrained mixture design was used to generate Eighteen formulations with a range of malted sorghum 40–60%, blanched soybean 20–30%, boiled karkade seeds 10–20%, and 10% premix (5% figl leaves, 4.5% sugar, and 0.5% salt) added in equal proportion to all formulations were evaluated. The sensory properties of the gruel made from the selected complementary flour were evaluated using untrained panellists. The result indicated that high malted sorghum supplement levels in the formula were associated with increased bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The optimum values of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and functional properties of the formulated product were 51.0%, 22.0%, and 17.0% for sorghum, soybean, and karkade seeds flour with 10.0% premix, respectively. The sensory acceptability of the gruel samples evaluated from the optimized complementary flour rich in antioxidants was significantly (p < 0.05) liked in terms of aroma and mouthfeel compared to the control sample. The result found that supplemented weaning flour made from malted sorghum, blanched soybean, and boiling karkade seeds flour may be processed to produce high levels of health-promoting bioactive compounds with desirable sensory qualities.

Temporal Sensory Perceptions of Sugar-Reduced 3D Printed Chocolates.

Sugar-reduced chocolates with desirable sensory qualities and sweetness can be created using a 3D printer by layering chocolates with different sugar concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal sensory profile, perceived sweetness intensity, and acceptance of prototype sugar-reduced and non-sugar-reduced 3D printed chocolates. A consumer panel (n = 72) evaluated the sensory profiles of six-layered chocolates. Sensory profiles were determined by temporal dominance of sensations (TDS), overall sweetness by a five-point intensity scale, overall liking by the nine-point hedonic scale, and differences among chocolates over time were visualized by principal component analysis (PCA). Layering by 3D printing achieved a 19% reduction in sugar without changes in the perceived overall sweetness and overall liking. Layering order of high and low sugar chocolate influenced the perceived overall sweetness and temporal sensory profiles of 3D printed chocolates with different total sugar concentrations. The dominance of attributes associated with milk chocolate was observed to increase sweetness perception while the dominance of attributes associated with dark chocolate was observed to decrease overall sweetness perception. Three-dimensional food printing technology is progressing rapidly, and further sugar reduction could be achieved with refined research methods.

Clean Label Trade-Offs: A Case Study of Plain Yogurt.

Consumer demand for clean label has risen in recent years. However, clean label foods with simple and minimalistic ingredient lists are often expensive to produce and/or may possess less desirable sensory qualities. Accordingly, understanding consumer preferences regarding the clean label trend would be of great interest to the food industry. Here we investigate how ingredient lists and associated sensory quality descriptions may influence consumer preferences using a hypothetical choice experiment. In particular, we test the impacts of four common stabilizers (carrageenan, corn starch, milk protein concentrate, and pectin) and textural characteristics on preferences and willingness to pay for plain yogurt. A total of 250 yogurt consumers participated in the study. The results of a mixed logit analysis suggest that clean labeling significantly increases the likelihood of consumer choice, while poor texture reduces consumer choice. More importantly, the negative impact of poor texture seems to be less significant for clean label yogurts compared to that for yogurts with longer ingredient lists. Among all stabilizers, corn starch in particular has a significant negative impact on consumer choice. The estimated average consumer willingness to pay for clean labels is between $2.54 and $3.53 for 32 oz yogurt formulations. Furthermore, clean labels minimize the negative impact of textural defects with consumers willing to pay an estimated premium of $1.61 for the family size yogurt with a simple ingredient list. Results of latent class modeling reveal two classes of consumers with similar patterns of demand who prefer clean labels and, on average, would rather purchase a yogurt with a textural defect than opt out of purchasing a yogurt entirely. Implications for the food industry are discussed.

The Effects of Pasteurization Conditions and Storage Time on Microbial Safety, Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Cider from Rose Apple (Syzygium agueum Alston cv. Taaptimjan)

The aims of this study were to produce rose apple cider and to compare the quality of cider following different pasteurization conditions. Rose apple (Syzygium agueum Alston cv. Taaptimjan), which is rich in bioactive compounds, was used to produce cider. Cider pasteurization was carried out at 63 ºC for 15 s, or at 71 ºC for 6 s after fermentation. Cider from each pasteurization condition was stored at room temperature (27±1 ºC). Physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties were monitored for three months in the study. The obtained cider (when not pasteurized) had initially 6% alcohol, with soluble solids in the range 4.2-4.3 ºBrix, pH 4.6, and 4.2 g/L titratable acidity. Pasteurization was effective in prolonging shelf life of the cider from 6 to 12 weeks; however, the treatment significantly decreased contents of vitamin C and antioxidants. In the sensory profile of cider pasteurized at 71 ºC, trained panelists perceived it as more sweet, less sour, with less flavor and same intensity of aftertaste, when compared to the control sample. The pasteurization conditions 71 ºC for 6 s gave desirable sensory quality and met microbiology standards for up to three months of storage in ambient conditions.

The Effect of Pasteurization and Shelf Life on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, Antioxidant, and Sensory Properties of Rose Apple Cider during Cold Storage

Rose apple fruits (Syzygium agueum Alston cv. Taaptimjan) were used to produce cider to overcome their limitation of short shelf life. Following fermentation, alternative pasteurization conditions at 63 °C for 15 s and at 71 °C for 6 s were compared. The effects of pasteurization conditions on physicochemical properties, microbial safety, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties of the cider were investigated during storage for 6 months at refrigerated temperature. The unpasteurized cider had 5.9% ethanol content with TSS of 4.1 °Brix. Alcohol content of this treatment group increased while TSS decreased during storage, as effects of continuing fermentation. Pasteurization at 63 or 71 °C effectively prolonged cider shelf life to 3 and 6 months, respectively. Nonetheless, the processing significantly decreased contents of ascorbic acid and antioxidants and affected sensory profile of the cider. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated storage time as the dominant factor determining cider quality. Trained panelists in the sensory study perceived more intense sweetness, less sourness, and less flavor in the pasteurized samples compared to the control group. The pasteurization conditions 71 °C for 6 s achieved microbiological safety and resulted in desirable sensory quality for up to 6 months of shelf life.

The effect of low-temperature thermal processing on the quality of chicken breast fillets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the temperature and time of sous vide cooking on the quality of chicken breast fillets. Meat was thermally processed at six different combinations of temperature and time: 55℃ (260 min and 320 min), 58℃ (140 and 200 min) and 61℃ (90 and 150 min). Thermally processed chicken breasts were analysed for cooking loss, proximate composition, colour parameters, pH, texture parameters and sensory quality. Heat processing at a temperature of 58℃/200 min produced meat with the most desirable sensory quality. These fillets were characterized by the lowest moisture content, high protein content, lowest concentration of malondialdehyde, low shear force value, lowest hardness and chewiness, and the highest scores for tenderness and overall acceptance in sensory evaluation.

Broccoli leaf powder as an attractive by‐product ingredient: effect on batter behaviour, technological properties and sensory quality of gluten‐free mini sponge cake

SummaryBroccoli by‐products, in particular leaves, are rich sources of nutritional and bioactive components thus could constitute a valuable food additive. Although an upsurge in quantity of gluten‐free products is observed further studies are required on improvement of their nutritional quality and palatability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli leaf powder (BLP) on dough behaviour, and technological characteristics and sensory quality of gluten‐free mini sponge cake (GFS). Broccoli leaf powder replaced an equivalent amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%; w/w) of corn and potato starches in GFS formulation. Applied BLP increased the instrumental firmness of GFS but sensorial attributes (elasticity, crustiness, mastication and adhesiveness) were similar to the control. All broccoli GFS were vividly green, had small size pores properly distributed. Among them, sample with 2.5% BLP was distinguished for its desirable sensory quality, despite a slightly perceived cabbage aroma and taste. Moderate amount of BLP allows to preserve a good quality GFS improving its attractiveness and palatability.

Development of Novel Chocolate Energy Bar by using Nuts

The aim of this research was to develop a novel chocolate “energy” bar supplying sufficient energy to the body. The ingredients like Dates (Phoenix dactylifera), Oats (Avena Sativa), Raisin, Rice Crispies, Nuts (Almonds, Cashew Nut), Honey (multiflora), chocolate (dark), seeds (sunflower and watermelon) were used to make this energy bar. Based on sensory analysis the developed chocolate “energy” bar containing 30% oats, 15% honey, 14% chocolate, 10% nuts, 10% seeds, 8% dates, 8% rice crispies and 5% raisin is highly recommended. The novel chocolate “energy” bar was highly acceptable with desirable sensory quality by all consumers as compared to commercial energy bar.

Optimization of Process Parameters for Microwave Convective Drying of Grapes Using Response Surface Method

Drying is a key method to preserve agricultural food products. The longer drying time in many conventional drying methods at relatively elevated temperature during the falling rate periods leads to undesirable degradation of the finished products. Microwave drying shortens the drying time drastically and improves the desirable sensory quality of final product. In This study combination of convective hot air drying and microwave heating was applied to produce raisins from grapes in short time duration with desirable quality aspects. The influence of drying parameters such as specific microwave power, hot air temperature and their interaction were analyzed using response surface method. This research work was carried out by doing experiments in laboratory drying setup and optimal combination was determined as 45°C hot air temperature and specific microwave power as 0.25 W/g to obtain results in less than 8 hours to constraint the process for mass production in single industrial working shift. Optimal conditions obtained from lab scale setup were used on continuous conveyor drying setup to confirm the results for mass production.

Stability of Sorgum, Peanut Blende (Spb) Food Supplement under Ambient Conditions for Treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Children 6-59 Months

Shelf life is the recommended maximum time for which the defined quality of specified characteristics of the goods or products remains acceptable under expected (or specified) conditions of handling, storage and distribution and or display. Stability assessment of a local food supplement consisting of a premix of milled sorghum, ground nut paste, honey and cow ghee (SPB) was conducted from November 2014to January 2015. The study investigate the length of stay of SPB at ambient conditions with desirable sensory quality attributes of taste, color and texture. This was a cross sectional study design with a sensory evaluation questionnaire using a 5-point hedonic scale. Control sample was labeled as (A) and experimental (B). Sample A was freshly prepared once every week while sample B was kept constant. 24 participants with similar demographic characteristics were randomly selected to evaluated the sensory attributes of the porridges made from each sample. Only the investigator was aware of the treatment given to the participants. Sensory scores for all attributes were greater than four on a five-point hedonic scale. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in all the five attributes between the two samples in the first 5 weeks of evaluation. A significant difference was observed in color during the week 9 (P&lt;0.02), aroma in week 6 (P &lt; 0.01) and taste in week 7 (P&lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference in the texture of the samples throughout the time of the study. Taste and aroma recorded the lowest scores at 3.0 and 3.7 respectively after 9 weeks. Texture did not change during study time. Honey has anti-microbial properties and its inclusion improves water-binding capacity which prolong shelf life. The length of stay of SPB at room temperature with desirable sensory quality attributes of taste, color and texture was 8 weeks. This storage time could further be increased by use of antioxidants.

Process Optimization for Formulating Trigonella foenum-graecum and Gymnema sylvestre Added Vegetable Cereal Mix Using Response Surface Methodology

Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds and Gymnema sylvestre leaves are health promoting food ingredients which are particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. In order to promote their incorporation in diet, vegetable cereal mix was formulated as a dried food product with extended shelf life, which could be easily reconstituted for consumption. Response surface methodology and central composite design were used in optimization of vegetable cereal mix. The objective was to devise the best combination of process variables and obtain optimal recipe having minimum fat, maximum fiber, in-range carbohydrate and maximum overall acceptability. Three quantitative controllable factors were selected for the experimental design: amount of Trigonella foenum-graecum, soaking time of Trigonella foenum-graecum and amount of Gymnema sylvestre as process parameters. Response variables were fat, fiber, carbohydrate and overall acceptability. Regression models and response surface plots were generated and adequacy was tested with regression coefficients and the lack of fit tests. Sensory, physico-chemical and microbiological analysis were undertaken for optimized recipe. The optimum recipe had 8.0 g Trigonella foenum-graecum with 8.0 hours soaking time and 5.0 g Gymnema sylvestre with 0.48 g fat, 3.01 g crude fiber, 29.84 g carbohydrate and 89.17 overall acceptability score. Results indicated that optimized product obtained good scores for all sensory attributes and had good shelf life. This vegetable cereal mix was nutritionally adequate and had desirable sensory quality.

Nutritional quality and acceptability of sweet potato–soybean–moringa composite porridge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to formulate porridge using orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), soybean and moringa ingredients that optimizes its nutritional quality and acceptability. Design/methodology/approach – A 16-run constrained D-optimal mixture design was used to evaluate proximate compositions and sensory acceptability of the products. Each composition and acceptability response variable was optimized separately, and then, the sweet spot that optimizes all was determined. Findings – The protein, fiber, total ash, carbohydrate, iron and carotenoid contents as well as major sensory quality indicators were significantly affected by soybean, moringa and OFSP blends. However, the influence of the mixture on fat content was weak. Sensory acceptability was high for porridges processed from high OFSP and soybean, but higher nutritional quality was obtained from higher moringa levels. Graphical optimization showed that blends containing 68-75 per cent OFSP, 17-26 per cent soybean and 5-8 per cent moringa have produced nutrient enriched porridges with desirable sensory quality. Originality/value – The study showed that OFSP, soybean and moringa have a potential for making protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, pro-vitamin A carotenoids and iron enriched product that will contribute to the fight against malnutrition in developing nations such as Ethiopia. In addition, having OFSP in the blend masks undesirable odor and taste imparted by moringa.

Temperature affects long-term productivity and quality attributes of day-neutral strawberry for a space life-support system

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa L.) is a promising candidate crop for space life-support systems with desirable sensory quality and health attributes. Day-neutral cultivars such as ‘Seascape’ are adaptable to a range of photoperiods, including short days that would save considerable energy for crop lighting without reductions in productivity or yield. Since photoperiod and temperature interact to affect strawberry growth and development, several diurnal temperature regimes were tested under a short photoperiod of 10 h per day for effects on yield and quality attributes of ‘Seascape’ strawberry during production cycles longer than 270 days. The coolest day/night temperature regime, 16°/8 °C, tended to produce smaller numbers of larger fruit than did the intermediate temperature range of 18°/10 °C or the warmest regime, 20°/12 °C, both of which produced similar larger numbers of smaller fruit. The intermediate temperature regime produced the highest total fresh mass of berries over an entire production cycle. Independent experiments examined either organoleptic or physicochemical quality attributes. Organoleptic evaluation indicated that fruit grown under the coolest temperature regime tended to score the highest for both hedonic preference and descriptive evaluation of sensory attributes related to sweetness, texture, aftertaste, and overall approval. The physicochemical quality attributes Brix, pH, and sugar/acid ratio were highest for fruits harvested from the coolest temperature regime and lower for those from the warmer temperature regimes. The cool-regime fruits also were lowest in titratable acidity. The yield parameters fruit number and size oscillated over the course of a production cycle, with a gradual decline in fruit size under all three temperature regimes. Brix and titratable acidity both decreased over time for all three temperature treatments, but sugar/acid ratio remained highest for the cool temperature regime over the entire production period. Periodic rejuvenation or replacement of strawberry propagules may be needed to maintain both quality and quantity of strawberry yield in space.