Higher Bitterness Research Articles

Insights into the identification of bitter peptides from Jinhua ham and its taste mechanism by molecular docking and transcriptomics analysis

In order to identify the peptides responsible for bitter defects and to understand the mechanism of bitterness in dry-cured ham, the peptides were identified by LC-MS/MS, and the interaction between bitter peptides and receptor proteins were evaluated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation; the signal transduction mechanism of bitter peptides was investigated using the model of HEK-293T cells by calcium imaging and transcriptomics analysis. The results of LC-MS/MS showed that 11 peptides were identified from the high bitterness fraction of defective ham; peptides PKAPPAK, VTDTTR and YIIEK derived from titin showed the highest bitterness values compared with other peptides. The results of molecular docking showed that lower CDOCKER energy was observed in the interaction between these peptides and hT2R16 in comparison with these receptors of hT2R1, hT2R4, hT2R5, hT2R8 and hT2R14, and the interaction of hT2R16 and peptides was stabilized by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond. The average RMSF values of VTDTTR were higher than that of YIIEK and PKAPPAK, while EC50 values of VTDTTR were lower compared with PKAPPAK and YIIEK. Transcriptomics analysis showed that 529 differentially expressed genes were identified in HEK-293T cells during the stimulating by VTDTTR and were mainly enriched into neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, MAPK pathway, cAMP pathway and calcium signaling pathway, which were mainly responsible for the bitter signal transduction of VTDTTR. These results could provide evidence for understanding the bitter defects of dry-cured ham and the taste mechanism of bitter peptide.

Influence of consumption experience on the behavior of craft beer consumers: beginner and experienced consumers

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the profiles of beginner and experienced consumers (BCs and ECs) of craft beer and evaluate their perception, knowledge and purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA total of 291 craft beer consumers including 148 BCs and 143 ECs participated in the study, which was divided into 2 stages: quantitative research through a questionnaire and conjoint analysis.FindingsBCs are mostly female, with a lower age, income and consumption frequency, presented a shallower understanding of International Bitterness Units (IBU) and considered 7.0% alcohol by volume (ABV) as a high-relative value in craft beers. Otherwise, ECs are mostly men with a higher age and consumption frequency, and they don't consider 50 IBU as high bitterness. The results of conjoint analysis indicate that both groups of consumers attribute greater relative importance to ABV and nonalcoholic beers had lower purchase intentions. Finally, the authors show that beer with 30 IBU and 4.5% ABV is preferred by both BCs and ECs.Originality/valueThe authors' identification about the distinct behaviors of different groups of consumers, based on their consumption time of craft beer, as managerial implications for industries producing craft beer and, as a theoretical contribution, the authors have defined “BCs” and “ECs” based on the experiences with and durations of craft beer consumption.

Functional properties and sensory profile of coffee prepared by different brewing methods.

Coffee is one of the main sources of antioxidants in the diet of many countries. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of different brewing methods, particle size, and coffee quality on the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (AC), and sensory profile of the beverage. The brewing methods yielded differences in taste with higher bitterness in immersion methods. However, the main factors that influenced coffee extraction and taste were particle size and coffee type. A finer particle size allowed for greater phenolic and caffeine (CA) extraction (2.82 mg GA/mL; 1.01 mg CA/mL), resulting in higher bitterness and astringency. Additionally, the type of coffee resulted in a higher CA content in commercial coffee (Specialty: 0.72 ± 0.10 mg CA/mL; Commercial: 1.13 ± 0.14 mg CA/mL). The results showed that using a ratio of 1:20 and 1:15 for commercial and specialty coffee, respectively, yielded differences in AC using the DPPH method (Specialty: 11.54 ± 1.12 µmol/mL; Commercial: 10.20 ± 1.88 µmol/mL) but not with the ABTS method (Specialty: 10.38 ± 1.23 µmol/mL; Commercial: 10.37 ± 1.13 µmol/mL). Similarly to the ABTS method, no differences in the total phenol content of the coffee cup were observed (Specialty: 2.52 ± 0.40 mg/mL; Commercial: 2.43 ± 0.28 mg/mL). Thus, the findings suggest that specialty coffee offers consumers a more balanced cup with less CA content. This allows for more coffee consumption without an excessive intake of CA. However, consumers can adjust the functionality, sensory profile, and CA content of a coffee cup by modifying the particle size and the brewing method used.

Preliminary Research on the Analytical and Volatile Profiles of Beers Produced with Raw Malt and Roasted Specialty Malts

Preliminary research was conducted on the analytical and flavor profiles of beers brewed (small-scale) with roasted specialty malts and raw malts as adjuncts. Beers were characterized by physico-chemical, sensory, and GC-MS analysis. From the beers produced, 79 volatile compounds were identified, and these were grouped into different categories. Alcohols and esters were found to be the most prevalent volatile compounds in the beers. Principal component analysis, as well as cluster analysis, was applied in order to investigate the similarities and distinctions between the various types of adjuncts and no adjunct beers. The volatile chemicals present in the beers showed that the nature and quantity of these compounds would have an effect on the flavor and quality of the beers. Beers prepared with the roasted wheat malt addition were characterized by the highest number of volatile compounds. Moreover, the beers with roasted wheat malt addition were characterized by higher bitterness (higher than the control beer), high antioxidant activity (equal to the control beer), and a high tannin content (but less than the control beer). Beers were evaluated by a sensory panel that concluded that the adjunct beers had a preferred flavor to the beers without adjunct addition. The highest-rated beer in the appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability criteria was the adjunct beer with roasted wheat malt incorporated. This preliminary experimentation will help guide where future research is needed and where scale-up experiments with trained taste panels should focus.

Chemosensoric approach for microwave- or oven-roasted Coffea arabica L. (cv. Yellow Bourbon) using electronic sensors

In this study, the chemosensory components of microwave- or oven-roasted Coffea arabica L. were compared using high-performance liquid chromatography and electronic sensors. The contents of caffeine and chlorogenic acid were the highest in green bean extract and were decreased with micro- and oven-roasting time. The decreases in the content of the two components were observed more in oven roasting. In electronic tongue analysis, green bean extract had a relatively higher bitterness, sweetness, and sourness than others. After the roasting process, the bitterness decreased at 10 min, however, increased after 15 min. In addition, sourness tended to decrease over time. Microwave-roasted extracts were lower shifted than those of oven-roasted extracts during each roasting process. Accordingly, higher changes of taste patterns were represented during oven-roasting processes. In electronic nose analysis, volatile alcohols and esters were abundant in the green bean extract, and thus, these components were considered as the main volatiles in the green bean. Through the roasting process, the number of volatiles has increased. In particular, pyrazines were generated in those of roasted samples, and the amounts of furans increased. These results provide basic data regarding the chemosensory components of Yellow Bourbon and may be utilized to optimize the roasting conditions.

Nontargeted and targeted metabolomics analysis provides novel insight into nonvolatile metabolites in Jianghua Kucha tea germplasm (Camellia sinensis var. Assamica cv. Jianghua).

Jianghua Kucha (JHKC) is a special tea germplasm with high bitterness growing in China; however, the chemical characteristics of JHKC are not completely understood. In this study, 61 differential metabolites were identified between 11 wild JHKC individuals and 3 control cultivars of Fudingdabai, Yunkang 10, and Zhuyeqi using comprehensive nontargeted and targeted metabolomics approach. The JHKC accessions mainly possessed significantly higher levels of purine alkaloids of theacrine (12.06±5.23mg/g) and 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid, non-epi-form flavanols (catechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate), and methylated flavanols of epigallocatechin-3-O-(3″-O-methyl)-gallate (4.79±1.45mg/g) and epicatechin-3-O-(3″-O-methyl)-gallate (1.02±0.34mg/g), as well as significantly lower levels of flavonol glycosides, which indicated that caffeine metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonol and flavone biosynthesis are mostly differential metabolic pathways. Our study demonstrated that JHKC germplasm is a promising resource for breeding novel tea cultivars with high contents of theacrine, non-epi-form flavanols, and methylated flavanols.

Evaluation of Commercial Strains of Torulaspora delbrueckii in Beer Production

Nowadays, the micro-brewing industry aims at yeast strains beyond Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the so-called non-Saccharomyces, for their flavor contribution to the final product. In the present study, two commercial strains of Torulaspora delbrueckii (Prelude and 291) were evaluated for the production of a pale ale beer, in mono- and co-culture fermentations with S. cerevisiae, at 13 and 20 °C. From the results, it was concluded that both non-Saccharomyces yeasts were able to metabolize wort sugars at both temperatures, albeit at a slower rate at 13 °C. The fermented products were sealed in glass bottles (without filtration) and measurements of the ethanol content, color, bitterness, and volatile compounds were conducted after 30 days of storage. The ethanol content obtained from the non-Saccharomyces monocultures varied between 3.90 and 5.50% alcohol by volume (ABV), while that of the co-cultures was not significantly different from the ethanol content obtained by the conventional yeast (4.80–5.80% ABV). Higher bitterness and color values were detected in the non-Saccharomyces fermentations. The analysis of volatile compounds revealed that the two non-conventional yeasts were capable of producing aromatic components, such as higher alcohols and esters, yielding a fruity and floral aromatic profile, especially in the mixed culture fermentation of T. delbrueckii 291 at 13 °C.

Commercial Mannoproteins Improve the Mouthfeel and Colour of Wines Obtained by Excessive Tannin Extraction.

In the production of red wines, the pressing of marcs and extended maceration techniques can increase the extraction of phenolic compounds, often imparting high bitterness and astringency to finished wines. Among various oenological products, mannoproteins have been shown to improve the mouthfeel of red wines. In this work, extended maceration (E), marc-pressed (P), and free-run (F) Sangiovese wines were aged for six months in contact with three different commercial mannoprotein-rich yeast extracts (MP, MS, and MF) at a concentration of 20 g/hL. Phenolic compounds were measured in treated and control wines, and sensory characteristics related to the astringency, aroma, and colour of the wines were studied. A multivariate analysis revealed that mannoproteins had a different effect depending on the anthocyanin/tannin (A/T) ratio of the wine. When tannins are strongly present (extended maceration wines with A/T = 0.2), the MP conferred mouthcoating and soft and velvety sensations, as well as colour stability to the wine. At A/T = 0.3, as in marc-pressed wines, both MF and MP improved the mouthfeel and colour of Sangiovese. However, in free-run wine, where the A/T ratio is 0.5, the formation of polymeric pigments was allowed by all treatments and correlated with silk, velvet, and mouthcoat subqualities. A decrease in bitterness was also obtained. Commercial mannoproteins may represent a way to improve the mouthfeel and colour of very tannic wines.

Influence of under-fermented cocoa mass in chocolate production: Sensory acceptance and volatile profile characterization during the processing

Under-fermented cocoa mass (UCM) presents, as well as the fresh cocoa seed, a high content of phenolics compounds. For this reason, a chocolate with UCM added to the fermented cocoa mass (FCM) was developed. The sensory quality of chocolate is broadly determined by the composition of volatile compounds resulted from microbial metabolism during fermentation and Maillard reactions, that occur during drying, roasting, and conching. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of adding UCM (20%–80%) to the FCM on the sensory characteristics of the chocolates produced and their volatile profiles during the process chain. The UCM and FCM were obtained through fermentation (48 h and 144 h, respectively), drying, roasting, and grinding processes. In general, the chocolate samples with a higher content of UCM presented lower scores for flavor acceptance, due to their higher bitterness and astringency. The great acceptance was observed on samples with 80% and 65% of FCM. A total of 55 different volatile compounds were identified by HS-SPME-GC-MS. The PCA analyses showed that the profile of the volatile compounds in the chocolate samples was influenced by the fermentation process, as well as the chocolate quality (flowery, honey, fruit, roasted, and chocolate flavors).

Cervejas: relação entre estilos; compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante

Na composição química da cerveja são encontrados compostos fenólicos que contribuem para suas características sensoriais e possuem capacidade antioxidante, auxiliando a manutenção da estabilidade oxidativa. A compilação de 35 estudos, publicados entre 2006 e 2020, teve o objetivo de levantar informações a respeito dos compostos fenólicos e da atividade antioxidante de cervejas e relacionar os resultados obtidos com os tipos de cervejas analisadas. Os resultados mostraram que, tanto o teor quanto o perfil de compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante da cerveja, sofrem influência dos ingredientes utilizados e do processo de fabricação. As cervejas do tipo Ale, de coloração escura, com maior amargor e teor alcóolico, apresentaram valores mais elevados de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante que outros tipos e estilos. As análises para as cervejas especiais mostraram que a adição de alimentos diversificados contribuiu para melhorar a composição em bioativos da bebida. Mais de 50 compostos fenólicos já foram identificados em cervejas, derivados dos ingredientes utilizados para a fabricação. Entre os compostos fenólicos mais frequentes estão os ácidos fenólicos, como os ácidos ferúlico e caféico e catequinas. Estudos observaram estreita correlação entre o teor de compostos fenólicos totais e a capacidade antioxidante. E a presença de alguns compostos específicos pode aumentar esta atividade. No entanto, durante o armazenamento da cerveja, pode ocorrer redução da atividade antioxidante devido a mudanças nas estruturas das moléculas com essa capacidade. Estes estudos contribuem para o aprimoramento e desenvolvimento de bebidas com maior teor de compostos fenólicos, auxiliando sua estabilidade oxidativa e vida útil.

Analyses of free amino acid and taste sensor traits in egg albumen and yolk revealed potential of value-added eggs in chickens.

To create high-quality eggs by using different breed and feed materials, we investigated free amino acid contents and taste sensor traits using two chicken breeds (Rhode Island Red; RIR and Australorp; AUS) fed two feeds (mixed and fermented feeds). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant breed and feed main and interaction effects on albumen bitterness and a significant interaction effect on yolk bitterness. Albumen from RIR fed mixed feed and AUS fed fermented feed was higher bitterness, whereas yolk from those groups was lower bitterness. Significant breed effects were detected in four albumen amino acid traits (His, Met, Ile, and Lys) and a yolk His, whereas significant feed effects were found in 15 albumen amino acid traits (Asp, Glu, Ser, His, Gly, Thr, Ala, Tyr, Val, Met, Trp, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Pro) and a yolk cystine trait. Compared to albumen amino acids, yolk amino acids had limited effects by breed and feed. The present results suggest that genetic and nutritional factors can alter not only amino acid contents but also sensor values of bitterness, indicating that selecting the combination of breed and feed enable us to make amino acids enriched and taste added designer eggs in future.

Effect of malaxation temperature on the physicochemical and sensory quality of cv. Cobrançosa olive oil and its evaluation using an electronic tongue

Olive oil is consumed worldwide due to its appreciated sensory attributes and health benefits, which are related with its fatty acid profile and richness in phenolic compounds that support a health claim concerning olive oil protective effects on blood lipids. However, to ensure that oils possess a rich phenolic content, the extraction conditions can be optimised. Therefore, the effects of malaxation temperature (22, 28 and 34 °C) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of cv. Cobrançosa olive oils were evaluated. The oils extracted at 22 °C had an overall better physicochemical quality (higher total phenols content, greater oxidative stability, lower free acidity and oxidation markers) and more intense positive sensory sensations (higher bitterness and pungency). Additionally, this study showed that a potentiometric electronic tongue could be used to discriminate oils taking into account the effect of malaxation temperature on the overall physicochemical and sensory scores (all samples correctly classified for leave-one-out cross-validation) with a predictive classification similar to that achieved by trained panellists. This finding strengthens the hypothesis that this device could be used as a complementary/alternative taste tool for assessing the impact of the extraction conditions on the oils’ physicochemical and sensory characteristics.

Beer and Consumer Response Using Biometrics: Associations Assessment of Beer Compounds and Elicited Emotions.

Some chemical compounds, especially alcohol, sugars, and alkaloids such as hordenine, have been reported as elicitors of different emotional responses. This preliminary study was based on six commercial beers selected according to their fermentation type, with two beers of each type (spontaneous, bottom, and top). Chemometry and sensory analysis were performed for all samples to determine relationships and patterns between chemical composition and emotional responses from consumers. The results showed that sweeter samples were associated with higher perceived liking by consumers and positive emotions, which corresponded to spontaneous fermentation beers. There was high correlation (R = 0.91; R2 = 0.83) between hordenine and alcohol content. Beers presenting higher concentrations of both, and higher bitterness, were related to negative emotions. Further studies should be conducted, giving more time for emotional response analysis between beer samples, and comparing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers with similar styles, to separate the effects of alcohol and hordenine. This preliminary study was a first attempt to associate beer compounds with the emotional responses of consumers using non-invasive biometrics.

Personality traits and bitterness perception influence the liking and intake of pale ale style beers

Bitterness is classically considered undesirable in foods and beverages. Yet, widespread commercial success of beers (like Bitters in the UK or IPAs in the US) indicate bitterness is desirable for some consumers. Here, we tested whether personality traits influence beer liking and intake. Under laboratory conditions, beer consumers (n = 109) rated liking and intensity of 2 pale ales and a lager, and intensity of two bitter solutions (quinine, Tetralone®). Participants also completed intake and personality questionnaires (Sensation Seeking, Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward, and Food Involvement). A liking ratio for each beer was calculated from each participant’s liking for that specific beer and their total liking for all beers. Participants were classified as weekly, monthly, or yearly pale ale consumers using intake data. Using intensity ratings, personality measures, and other parameters, hierarchical linear regression was used to predict liking ratios, and logistic regression was used to predict beer intake frequency. A significant interaction between Sensation Seeking and quinine bitterness (p = 0.03) was found for the liking ratio of a pale ale. The interaction revealed liking of the pale ale increased with Sensation Seeking but only if quinine bitterness was also high. Intake models showed increased odds of frequent pale ale intake with greater quinine bitterness and lower liking for lager beer. These data suggest liking and intake of pale ales is positively related to Sensation Seeking and bitter taste perception. Contrary to findings in other bitter foods and beverages, the high bitterness found in pale ales may be desirable for some consumers.

Influence of whey protein hydrolysis in combination with dextran glycation on immunoglobulin E binding capacity with blood sera obtained from patients with a cow milk protein allergy

Food protein allergies are a major global concern. Hydrolysis of food proteins reduces their allergenicity, but another novel approach is the covalent attachment of polysaccharides to proteins via the Maillard reaction (i.e., glycation), which blocks some IgE binding epitopes on the protein allergen. We wanted to examine whether enzymatic hydrolysis, combined with glycation, could further reduce IgE binding for people with a cow milk protein allergy. Whey protein isolate (WPI) was hydrolyzed by immobilized trypsin and chymotrypsin to degree of hydrolysis (DH) values of 17 to 27%. Immobilized enzymes were used to avoid heat-treating the hydrolysate (to inactivate the enzymes, because heating could also affect the IgE binding ability of the protein). The resultant whey protein isolate hydrolysates (WPIH) were then glycated with 10-kDa dextran (DX) in aqueous solutions held at 62°C for 24 h. We analyzed the molar mass (MW) of WPIH samples and their corresponding glycates (WPIH-DX) using size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering. We obtained blood sera from 8 patients who had been diagnosed with a cow milk protein allergy, and we used a composite serum for IgE binding analysis. The average MW values of samples WPIH-1 to WPIH-3 decreased from 11.15, 9.46, and 7.57 kDa with increasing DH values of 18.7, 22.5, and 27.1%. Glycation significantly reduced the high bitterness of the WPIH samples, as assessed by a trained sensory panel. The WPIH-DX glycates had significantly reduced WPI-specific IgE binding capacity compared to WPI or unglycated WPIH; we found an almost 99% reduction in IgE binding for the WPIH-DX glycate made from WPIH with a DH value of 27.1%. Hydrolysis of WPI followed by glycation with DX via the Maillard reaction significantly decreased the allergenicity of whey proteins.

Comprehensive co-expression analysis provides novel insights into temporal variation of flavonoids in fresh leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

Flavonoids are the major class of characteristic secondary compounds in Camellia sinensis that affect quality of tea. However, the temporal variation and the underlying regulatory mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis during different growth months require a further investigation. Here, we combined analyses of the metabolomics and transcriptomics to tea leaves freshly collected during five different months for a comprehensive understanding of flavonoid metabolism regulation in tea plants. Through loading plot analysis, significant changes in the contents of metabolites during growing months were discovered, and further co-expression and association analysis indicated that one flavone glycoside (naringenin-7-O-glucoside) and two flavonol glycosides (quercetin-3-O-galactoside and kaemferol-3-O-(6″-O-p-courmaroyl)-glucoside) were evaluated as growth markers, which may explain the high bitterness and astringency of August teas; additionally, the high levels of two flavan-3-ols (gallocatechin and catechin gallate) may contribute to the flavor formation of April tea. Meanwhile, multiple flavonoid-related structural genes, MYB and bHLH transcription factors exhibit specific expression patterns to modulate the biosynthesis of these key flavonoids. A co-expression regulatory sub-network was constructed based on profiles of differentially expressed genes; one CsbHLH and six transcription factors (three CsbHLHs and three CsMYBs) exhibited negative and positive roles in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, respectively. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the regulation of principle flavonoids for unique flavor of tea regulated by many flavonoid-related structural genes and transcription factors during different growth months.

British beer styles. Where are they heading?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse data from routine quality control samples of beer over a ten year period to provide comparisons with a previous study in 2006 and apply interpretations to the contemporary beer market.Design/methodology/approachData from laboratory analysis of 1,469 beers submitted for due diligence quality assurance from commercial microbreweries were analysed. Additional commercial samples were taken for analysis of sour beers and cask conditioned beers as examples of niche product areas.FindingsStyle characteristics were summarized as a reference for industry evaluation and as a basis for comparisons. Differences were noted between the characteristics found and those of a similar study in 2006. Average alcohol by volume increased by 1.2 per cent, bitterness levels increased by 6.1 per cent while colour decreased by 22 per cent. These differences suggest that standard UK beers are undergoing change. A study of sour beers indicated specific features in this recently popular style and confirmed the use of a different microbiology. Analysis of cask ales indicated some variability in quality suggesting the need for greater quality control.Research limitations/implicationsThe comparison with the previous study has limitations as the samples were not individually comparable but were from major established microbreweries and so representative of the industry. The work analysed UK beers only but will act as a base line for comparison to other markets. Moreover, the data may be relevant to other forms of market analysis seeking to identify factors associated to consumer preferences.Practical implicationsThe data presented have relevance to breweries looking to develop their portfolios and product descriptions, to the drinking public and to regulatory bodies in providing a benchmark for comparisons and for assisting in defining the recently promoted term “craft beer”.Social implicationsThe findings are relevant to beverage development and consumer education of alcoholic beverages by allowing discrimination between styles with different characteristics affecting consumer choice and when assessing styles for industrial, legislative and health research. Beers today appear to be more varied than in past decades but show lower colour and higher bitterness characteristics. As these features particularly relate to ingredients they may have implications in their contributions to diet and health.Originality/valueThe work has value in replicating the previous study to illustrate changes and trends. It presents novel data on recently popular sour beers and assesses traditional cask beer with implications for product quality.

Consumers' Perceptions and Preferences for Bitterness in Vegetable Foods: The Case of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Brassicaceae-A Narrative Review.

The presence of some healthy phytochemicals in food can be paired with high bitterness, and consumers have a widespread avoidance toward bitter-tasting food. This causes a gap between preferences and healthy needs of consumers. Therefore, this review collected insights from literature belonging to different discipline domains in order to have a broad view of the current state-of-the-art about biochemical aspects and consumers’ perceptions and preferences toward foods with an enhanced bitter taste. In detail, we focused on two core products of the Mediterranean diet: Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Brassicaceae, both characterized by specific phytochemicals having strong healthy properties and bitter-pungent taste. Results suggested that, although bitter taste is a general driver of dislike, some exceptions can be represented by: niches of consumers (e.g., innovators and organic buyers), foods consumed with specific purposes (e.g., coffee, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages). The level of bitterness perceived by the consumers can be modulated through exposure, information on benefits, and elements within the environment (e.g., music). Thus, these insights can be used to develop specific campaigns aimed at promoting bitter (healthy) food, considering also the key role that could be played by food pairings.

Low‐sodium roasted peanuts: effects of salt mixtures (NaCl, KCl and glycine) on consumer perception and purchase intent

SummaryThe effects of ten treatment combinations of two salts (NaCl, KCl) and glycine were evaluated on low‐sodium roasted peanuts. Consumers’ (N = 330, recruited from college campus) liking, emotions, perceived saltiness and bitterness intensity, satisfaction and purchase intent (PI) of peanuts were measured following a balanced incomplete block design (t = 10, k = 3, r = 9, b = 30, λ = 2, e2 = 0.74). Emotions and PI were evaluated both before and after presenting a low‐sodium health benefit message. Sodium content of peanuts was reduced from 140 mg Na/50 g peanuts to 41.67 mg Na/50 g without significantly affecting liking scores and with positive PI over 60%. In general, high bitterness and low saltiness intensity ratings negatively affected liking and satisfaction. Consumers expressed less satisfaction when perceived saltiness intensity was ‘Not Enough’ than when ‘Too Much.’ Based on optimisation analysis, any formulation within the range of 59‐100/0‐40/0‐12.5% NaCl/KCl/Gly‐ representing a potential 37% sodium reduction past minimum ‘low sodium’ requirements‐ will yield an acceptable product.

Application of metabolomics profiling in the analysis of metabolites and taste quality in different subtypes of white tea

Three subtypes of white tea, Silver Needle (SN), White Peony (WP), and Shou Mei (SM), differ in their taste, aroma, bioactivity, and commercial value. Here, a metabolomics investigation on the chemical compositions combining taste equivalent-quantification and dose-over-threshold (DoT) determination on the taste qualities were applied to comprehensively characterize the white tea subtypes for the first time. Significant differences in the contents of catechins, dimeric catechins, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonol/flavone glycosides, and aroma precursors were observed among these 3 white teas. Metabolite content comparison and partial least-squares (PLS) analysis suggest that theanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, and AMP were positively correlated with the umami taste in white tea, and flavan-3-ols, theasinensins, procyanidin B3, and theobromine had positive correlations with higher bitterness and astringency tastes. In addition, puckering astringent (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and theogallin, bitter-tasting caffeine, and the mouth-drying/velvety-like astringent γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were identified as key taste compounds of white tea infusion by absolute quantification and DoT factor calculations. This work provided systematic and comprehensive knowledge on the chemical components, taste qualities, and sensory active metabolites for the subtypes of white tea.