Sensory Evaluation Research Articles

Association Between Multisensory Impairment and Depression Among Older Adults: A Population-Based Analysis.

In this study, we examine how impairments in vision, hearing, touch, and olfaction relate to depression in older adults, considering both individual and multisensory impairments (MSIs). Analysis of cross-sectional data from a longitudinal investigation involving black and white older adults aged 70 to 79 at enrollment. We studied 1640 black and white participants in the Health ABC study using complete sensory evaluation data from years 3 to 5. Our MSI assessment utilized data obtained for visual acuity, hearing perception, olfactory performance, and tactile function. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between the presence of individual and MSIs and depression which was defined as the presence of antidepressants prescribed for depression, or a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score of greater than 10. We observed a possible dose-response relationship between the number of sensory impairments and depression. In adjusted models, when compared to no impairments, vision (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.93) and hearing impairments (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11-1.99) were significantly associated with depression, whereas olfaction (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.83-1.47) and tactile impairments (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.96-1.70) were not. Participants with 3 sensory impairments had a higher rate of depression (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22-3.54) compared to those without impairments, and this risk increased further for those with 4 sensory impairments (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.48-5.88). The findings suggest that individuals with MSI represent a high-risk population for depression, warranting close monitoring to screen for depression. The study emphasizes the importance of considering multiple sensory impairments in the context of mental health and supports the early identification and monitoring of depression in this population.

Integração de dados físico-químicos e instrumental para estimar a textura de arroz polido

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated different rice genotypes regarding physicochemical and instrumental parameters of grain quality and associated the data with sensory analysis to support the creation of rules for classification of the culinary quality of rice (texture), based on isolated or combined parameters. The combination of amylose content and gelatinization temperature was able to predict the rice quality. According to the sensorial panel, the instrumental stickiness was able to segregate rice with very low amylose content or waxy to the other ones. Regarding pasting properties, rice that presented high final viscosity (310-480 RVU), setback (165-245 RVU), and pasting temperature (78 - 88 °C), and low values for breakdown (15-120 RVU), associated with a high stickiness (>-5N) was desirable by the Brazilian consumers. The classification rules created through the relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the texture profile evaluated by the sensory panel will help to verify the culinary profile of the rice samples (through free software), which makes it easier to predict the probability of rice meeting the desired quality standards.

The Effect of Heat Stress on Sensory Properties of Fresh Oysters: A Comprehensive Study Using E-Nose, E-Tongue, Sensory Evaluation, HS–SPME–GC–MS, LC–MS, and Transcriptomics

Heat stress has received growing concerns regarding the impact on seafood quality. However, the effects of heat stress on the sensory properties of seafood remain unknown. In this study, the sensory properties of fresh oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) treated with chronic heat stress (30 °C) for 8 weeks were characterized using electronic nose, electronic tongue, sensory evaluation, HS–SPME–GC–MS, LC–MS and transcriptomics. Overall, chronic heat stress reduced the overall sensory properties of oysters. The metabolic network constructed. based on enrichment results of 423 differential metabolites and 166 differentially expressed genes, showed that the negative effects of chronic heat stress on the sensory properties of oysters were related to oxidative stress, protein degradation, lipid oxidation, and nucleotide metabolism. The results of the study provide valuable insights into the effects of heat stress on the sensory properties of oysters, which are important for ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality seafood and maintaining food safety.

The Impact of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts on Grape Must Fermentation: Comprehensive Study

This study investigates the impact of non-Saccharomyces Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast on the fermentation process of grape must in the production of white dry wine, specifically focusing on two grape varieties, 'Aligote' and 'Chardonnay'. The fermentation was carried out using two different methods, co-inoculation and successive fermentation, both under laboratory and microvinification conditions. The physicochemical parameters of the resulting wines, such as total sugars, ethanol, volatile acidity, and total acidity, were analyzed. Sensory evaluation of the wines demonstrated that successive fermentation with the inoculation of Saccharomyces yeasts after reaching 3% vol. alcohol concentration contributed to an improved quality, complex aroma, and balanced taste of the wine, as indicated by high organoleptic scores. These findings suggest that the combination of Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast with indigenous yeast strains can enhance the overall quality of white dry wine.

Structure, Microbiology and Sensorial Evaluation of Bologna-Style Sausages in a Kilohertz Ohmic Heating Process

Ohmic heating (OH) is a sustainable heating technology with a high potential in terms of energy and time efficiency. However, its industrial application for solid or semi-solid foods is not widespread yet. This study evaluates the pilot-scale production of Bologna-style sausages (2.3 kg weight) via conventional heating (COV) and OH at an electrical frequency of 10 kHz. Sausages with a diameter of 110 mm heated via OH were produced in approximately 5% of the time (i.e., 10 min) needed to produce sausages heated via COV. OH-treated samples showed a higher moisture content and an increased water holding capacity. A texture profile analysis revealed OH sausages as possessing a lower hardness, springiness, and chewiness. The microbiological load of the samples was identical, regardless of the heating technology. Color measurements (L*a*b* values) showed OH-treated samples to be less red. However, this difference could not be confirmed during sensorial evaluation. Temporal sensation of dominance and descriptive sensory analyses were conducted and revealed a decreased solid consistency but an increased meat taste when sausages were heated via OH. The gel network structures obtained via scanning microscopic analysis showed an increased size of fat globules within OH-treated samples. The results indicated that OH can be used as an alternative heating method to produce Bologna-style sausages.

The Volatile Compounds Change during Fermentation of Saccharina japonica Seedling

It is important to eliminate the fishy odor and improve the aroma quality of seafood. In this study, the Saccharina japonica (S. japonica) seedling, which is a new food material, was investigated for the effects of fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) through sensory evaluation, GC–MS, and odor activity value (OAV) analysis. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 43 volatile compounds in the unfermented S. japonica seedling, with 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, and trans-2,4-decadienal identified as the main contributors to its fishy odor. After fermentation with S. cerevisiae, 26 volatile compounds were identified in the S. japonica seedling. Notably, the major malodorous fish compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal and trans-2,4-decadienal, were no longer present. The results indicate that fermentation with S. cerevisiae is an effective method for removing fishy malodor compounds and enhancing the volatile components with fruity, sweet, green, and floral notes in the Saccharina japonica seedling. This process facilitates the elimination of fishy malodor and enhance the fruity, sweet, green, and floral notes of S. japonica seeding and other seaweeds.

Decoding the Qu-aroma of medium-temperature Daqu starter by volatilomics, aroma recombination, omission studies and sensory analysis

Qu-aroma is of great significance for evaluation the quality of Daqu starter. This study aimed to decode the Qu-aroma of medium-temperature Daqu (MT-Daqu) via “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches. Firstly, 52 aroma descriptors were defined to describe the MT-Daqu aroma by quantitative descriptive analysis. Secondly, 193 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified from 42 MT-Daqu samples by HS-SPME-GC–MS, and 43 dominant VOCs were screened out by frequence of occurrence or abundance. By Thin Film (TF)-SPME-GC-O-MS, 27 odors and 90 VOCs were detected in MT-Daqu mixture, and 14 odor-active VOCs were screened out by odor intensity. Thirdly, a five-level MT-Daqu aroma wheel was constructed by matching 52 aroma descriptors and 37 aroma-active VOCs. Finally, Qu-aroma of MT-Daqu was reconstructed with 37 aroma-active VOCs and evaluated by omission experiments. Hereinto, 26 key aroma-active VOCs were determined by OAV value ≥1, including isovaleric acid, 1-hexanol, isovaleraldehyde, 2-octanone, trimethylpyrazine, γ-nonalactone, 4-vinylguaiacol, etc.

Effect of some additional ingredients on quality and sensorial characteristics of spreadable carob molasses

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a nutritious fruit that has been grown in Mediterranean region. Carob holds an important place in various cultures, which has been used in baked goods, confectionery, chocolate milk products, snacks, tea, and coffee. The objective of this study was to produce spreadable carob molasses by using carob molasses (CM) with different proportions of locust bean gum (LBG), crystallized honey (CH), cocoa oil (CO), egg white (EW), additive mixture (AM) and evaluate pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color, viscosity, density, volume increase, and sensorial properties. The darkest color was obtained in sample consisting of LBG and CO while the lightest color was determined in sample with LBG, EW, AM, indicating EW and AM enhanced lightness with bleaching effect. The highest volume increase, about 145%, was observed in sample with LBG and EW. The LBG addition significantly increased the viscosity in all spreadable carob molasses samples (p<0.05). Adding CO reduced the volume and increased the density of samples, which is probably due to lubricating effect of CO on the carob molasses. According to the sensory evaluation, the highest value of color, taste, consistency, spreadability and overall acceptability was determined in sample including CM, LBG, EW, CH, and AM. Consumer preference test was confirmed that same sample was the first choice with 20.77% preference score. Sensorial values of color and consistency had significant effect on overall acceptability with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 (p<0.05). With its appealing physical and sensorial property, spreadable carob molasses can be a healthy option.

Preliminary Investigation of Fruit Mash Inoculation with Pure Yeast Cultures: A Case of Volatile Profile of Industrial-Scale Plum Distillates.

This study investigates the effect of pure yeast culture fermentation versus spontaneous fermentation on the volatile compound profile of industrially produced plum brandy. Using traditional distillation methods, the evolution of key volatile compounds is monitored at seven different moments during the distillation process. By integrating advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS and sensory evaluation, significant differences in the composition of the distillates are highlighted, particularly in terms of ethyl esters and higher alcohols which are key to the sensory properties of the final product. Distillates produced with the addition of pure cultures gave higher concentrations of esters than those obtained by wild fermentation. The results of our industrial research show that the most critical step is to limit the storage of the input raw material, thereby reducing the subsequent risk of producing higher concentrations of 1-propanol. Furthermore, our results indicate that the heart of the distillate can only be removed up to an ethanol content of approximately 450 g/L and that the removal of additional ethanol results in only a 10% increase in the total volume of the distillate, which in turn results in an increase in boiler heating costs of approximately 30%.

Effect of Air Classification and Enzymatic and Microbial Bioprocessing on Defatted Durum Wheat Germ: Characterization and Use as Bread Ingredient.

Its high dietary fiber and protein contents and nutritional quality make defatted wheat germ (DWG) a valuable cereal by-product, yet its negative impact on food structure limits its use as a food ingredient. In this research, DWG underwent air classification, which identified two fractions with high fiber (HF) and low fiber/high protein (LF) contents, and a bioprocessing protocol, involving treatment with xylanase and fermentation with selected lactic acid bacterial strains. The degree of proteolysis was evaluated through electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques, revealing differences among fractions and bioprocessing options. Fermentation led to a significant increase in free amino acids (up to 6 g/kg), further enhanced by the combination with xylanase. When HF was used as an ingredient in bread making, the fiber content of the resulting bread exceeded 3.6 g/100 g, thus reaching the threshold required to make a "source of fiber" claim according to Regulation EC No.1924/2006. Meanwhile, all breads could be labeled a "source of protein" since up to 13% of the energy was provided by proteins. Overall, bioprocessed ingredients lowered the glycemic index (84 vs. 89) and increased protein digestibility (80 vs. 63%) compared to control breads. Technological and sensory analysis showed that the enzymatic treatment combined with fermentation also conferred a darker and more pleasant color to the bread crust, as well as better crumb porosity and elasticity.

Physicochemical Characterization of In Situ Annealed Starch and Its Application in a Fermented Dairy Beverage

In this study, the aim was to modify the starches of three different sweet potato varieties—Rosada Uruguaiana (RU), Rosada Canadense (RC), and Ligeirinha (L)—through in situ annealing to increase the content of slowly digestible starch (SDS), which has health benefits. The modified carbohydrate was then added to a dairy beverage fermented by Lactobacillus casei 1e (L. casei). After annealing, the starches had different physicochemical properties, and the L variety, which had the highest SDS content, was chosen for the formulation of the fermented dairy beverage. Two concentrations of modified starch (7% and 10.5%) were used in the formulations, and a sensory analysis indicated no differences in acceptance and purchase intention. The beverage containing 10.5% modified starch exhibited good physicochemical and microbiological stability. This study demonstrates the possibility of creating a functional fermented dairy beverage with high SDS content, which could potentially benefit consumers’ health.

Effect of osmanthus hydrolat on the aroma quality and volatile components of osmanthus black tea

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen shrub with a pleasant fragrance and a wide range of applications in many fields. The condensed hydrolat obtained during the drying process of its fresh flowers was collected in a low-temperature vacuum environment and its sensory evaluation and volatile components were studied. The main aroma compounds in Osmanthus fragrans were dihydro-β-ionone, nonanal, β-cyclocitral, β-ionone, benzaldehyde, α-ionone, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, whose contents were used as the main evaluation criteria, and the hydrolats obtained under different scenting and drying times were compared. This process can effectively collect the aroma components in Osmanthus fragrans and the optimal drying conditions were 50 °C for 5 h. The hydrolat was used to provide the scent of osmanthus black tea, which had a fresher and mellower taste, while the fragrance of osmanthus was abundant. These results show that osmanthus hydrolat can be used to provide the scent of floral black tea. Chemical compounds studied in this article(−)-Catechin (PubChem CID: 1203); (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (PubChem CID: 65064); (−)-epicatechin gallate (PubChem CID: 367141); (−)-epigallocatechin (PubChem CID: 72277); (−)-epicatechin (PubChem CID: 72276); (−)-gallocatechin gallate (PubChem CID: 199472); (−)-catechin gallate (PubChem CID: 6419835); (−)-gallocatechin (PubChem CID: 9882981).

Detection Strategies for Volatile Fragrance Released from Agricultural Products: Progress and Prospects

AbstractThe volatile aroma released from agricultural products is closely related to the health status and quality of their growth, thus endowing the related detection with great significance. For example, the dynamic variation of the volatile chemical composition of a banana during the growth process can reflect its ripeness. Also important for quality monitoring and storage is to precisely and swiftly identify volatile compounds produced by mildew in rice and wheat. In this endeavor, the current detection technologies such as gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method (GC‐MS) cannot meet the pressing needs of smart agriculture in terms of real‐time monitoring, cost‐effectiveness, sensitivity, and detection speed, thereby necessitating alternative strategies to simultaneously satisfy these requirements. Aiming to provide an overall development trend in this field, this paper summarizes the existing detection technologies including GC‐MS, E‐nose, and sensory analysis with their respective shortcomings and challenges, and then proposes the application prospects. This work can effectively enrich the reliable monitoring methods for volatile agricultural fragrance while promoting the long‐run development of smart agriculture.

Milk Proteins as Alternative Ingredients Replacing Sugar and Their Effects on Chemical, Technological and Sensory Quality of Cookies

ABSTRACT This paper aims to evaluate nutritional, technological and sensory characteristics of cookies with reduced sugar content and added milk proteins. Five formulations of cookies had their weight, height, weight loss, yield, apparent volume, specific volume, spread ratio, color, pH, texture, proximate composition, acceptability, purchase intention and acceptability index were evaluated. Cookies made with low sugar presented promising quality for apparent volume, specific volume, spread ratio and yield. High protein and ashes content, lower moisture and low sugar concentration were also observed. Treatments added with whey protein highlighted in the sensory analysis and reached a satisfactory acceptability index. Cocoa powder can covered up the sugar reduction and can be used in cookies formulation to diminish sugar. Casein did not show potential as an alternative for cookies. Cookies produced with low sugar and added with whey protein had appropriate chemical, technological and sensory characteristics.

A chemometric and sensory study of Spanish Red Wines labelled “Tempranillo Crianza 2010” with Protected Designation of Origin

A chemometric and sensory study was conducted of ten Spanish red wines, all described as “Tempranillo Crianza 2010”, with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The analysis considered the following physicochemical parameters: alcohol content, SO2 level, acidity, tannin, antioxidant capacity and colour. In the chemometric study, Principal Component Analysis of the colour, Cluster Analysis, Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the samples corresponding to PDOs #8, #9 and #10 presented the highest number of differences from the rest. In the sensory analysis, Samples #9 and #10 were identified as the most different. From both types of study, we conclude that Samples #8, #9 and #10 present the greatest differences, while the remaining samples were very similar in their chemometric and sensory characteristics.

Development of fermented goat's milk drink

The goat dairy industry has been growing over the last few decades, with cheese being the product in greatest demand, and as a consequence there is a large generation of whey. This co-product, if disposed of without prior treatment, can cause environmental problems as it has a high biochemical oxygen demand. Making a milk drink is a simple and attractive alternative for using whey. Two formulations of fermented milk drink (40% and 50% whey) were made, with the addition of coffee and amarula flavors, and their physicochemical and sensory quality was evaluated. The pH analysis showed a decrease of 0.3 units for the formulation with 40% whey (FB) over 15 days of storage, corresponding to a 7.5% reduction in pH, which was within the expected value of 3 to 9%. The formulation with 50% whey (FA) had a reduction of 0.4 units. In the evaluation of syneresis, the results showed that after 22 days of storage, the separation of the whey was only 3 cm (16%), remaining stable at this point in both formulations. There was no significant difference between the samples in the sensory analysis for all the attributes evaluated. In addition, there were a variety of perceptions among the tasters, both negative and positive. In this way, the development of a fermented goat's milk drink flavored with coffee and amarula makes it possible to obtain a product with good sensory acceptance, simple to make, high nutritional value and low cost, proving to be a promising alternative for adding greater economic value to goat's whey and milk.

Exploring Microbial Influence on Flavor Development during Coffee Processing in Humid Subtropical Climate through Metagenetic-Metabolomics Analysis.

Research into microbial interactions during coffee processing is essential for developing new methods that adapt to climate change and improve flavor, thus enhancing the resilience and quality of global coffee production. This study aimed to investigate how microbial communities interact and contribute to flavor development in coffee processing within humid subtropical climates. Employing Illumina sequencing for microbial dynamics analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) integrated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite assessment, the study revealed intricate microbial diversity and associated metabolic activities. Throughout the fermentation process, dominant microbial species included Enterobacter, Erwinia, Kluyvera, and Pantoea from the prokaryotic group, and Fusarium, Cladosporium, Kurtzmaniella, Leptosphaerulina, Neonectria, and Penicillium from the eukaryotic group. The key metabolites identified were ethanol, and lactic, acetic, and citric acids. Notably, the bacterial community plays a crucial role in flavor development by utilizing metabolic versatility to produce esters and alcohols, while plant-derived metabolites such as caffeine and linalool remain stable throughout the fermentation process. The undirected network analysis revealed 321 interactions among microbial species and key substances during the fermentation process, with Enterobacter, Kluyvera, and Serratia showing strong connections with sugar and various volatile compounds, such as hexanal, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbenzaldehyde, 2-butenal, and 4-heptenal. These interactions, including inhibitory effects by Fusarium and Cladosporium, suggest microbial adaptability to subtropical conditions, potentially influencing fermentation and coffee quality. The sensory analysis showed that the final beverage obtained a score of 80.83 ± 0.39, being classified as a specialty coffee by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) metrics. Nonetheless, further enhancements in acidity, body, and aftertaste could lead to a more balanced flavor profile. The findings of this research hold substantial implications for the coffee industry in humid subtropical regions, offering potential strategies to enhance flavor quality and consistency through controlled fermentation practices. Furthermore, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how microbial ecology interplays with environmental factors to influence food and beverage fermentation, a topic of growing interest in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture.

Comparative study of volatile organic compound profiles in aromatic and non-aromatic rice cultivars using HS-GC–IMS and their correlation with sensory evaluation

Analyzing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is important in rice quality control and breeding aromatic cultivars. This study utilized HS-GC–IMS, known for its simplicity, high sensitivity, and low cost, to analyze VOCs in 59 aromatic and 6 non-aromatic rice cultivars. The aromatic intensity of each rice cultivar was determined by artificial sensory evaluation, thus the correlation between sensory evaluation scores and VOC peak volumes was explored. A total of 77 VOCs were identified, with aromatic cultivars exhibiting prevalent short-chain aliphatic aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones, while non-aromatic samples contained higher concentrations of esters, furans, terpenes, and benzene derivatives. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on VOC data effectively distinguished the two rice types, and 35 VOCs were regarded as the marker VOCs contributing to the volatile variations. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between sensory evaluation and VOC markers revealed that most of these VOCs had a positive correlation with the sensory evaluation scores, with 1-pentanol, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (D), and 1-hexanol (M) exhibiting the highest correlation coefficients. Meanwhile, most VOC markers also exhibited positive correlations with other volatiles. The results confirm the suitability of HS-GC–IMS for VOC detection and rice category discrimination.

Production and evaluation of quality characteristics of ready-to-drink Aloe vera juice incorporation with ginger and lemon

The food and beverage industry are witnessing an increase in demand for health beverages. Globally, Aloe vera is well-known for its useful qualities and health advantages. The study was conducted to formulate a ready-to-drink Aloe vera juice from mature Aloe vera gel to examine biochemical properties, microbial analysis, and the sensory properties of the Aloe vera juice produced. Three formulations coded as F1, F2, and F3 were prepared. Fresh Aloe vera gel had the following properties: 98.49 % moisture, 0.15 % ash, pH 4.73 %, and 0.06 % acidity. Formulation F2 had the highest levels of total phenol, flavonoid, DPPH, and FRAP, while formulation F3 had greater levels of vitamin C and acidity. The finished products were preserved in clean, dry, and sterilized plastic bottles and stored in the refrigerator at 4 °C. The drink's TSS, acidity, pH, and vitamin C levels were all measured up to 60 days of storage. It was observed that during the storage periods, pH and vitamin C gradually decreased while TSS and acidity slightly increased. The minimal change in microbial activity was observed in formulation F3 while F2 obtained the highest scores in the sensory evaluation.

Effects of different drying methods on physicochemical, textural, flavor, and sensory characteristics of yak jerky

The work aimed to study the effect of four drying methods, namely constant temperature hot air drying (HD), microwave drying (MD), hot air microwave drying (HMD), and gradient hot air drying (GHD), on quality characteristics of dried yak meat. The analyses of physicochemical, textural, flavor, and sensory characteristics were carried out based on these four drying methods. The results revealed that microwave dried yak jerky exhibited better color and received the highest sensory score. Hardness of samples were affected by the drying methods, which showed significant differences. There were 21 free amino acids (FAAs) detected in dried yak samples. The samples treated by microwave drying showed the highest total free amino acid content (73.30 mg/100 g) and the EUC value was significantly higher than other methods, indicating the sample displayed greater flavor. A total of 153 volatile compounds were identified in dried yak meat samples, primarily including aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Moreover, the sensory evaluation indicated that the drying methods could significantly affect on color, flavor, and overall acceptability of different samples. Microwave drying samples scored higher than other drying methods. Overall, considering aspects of quality, time savings, and energy efficiency, microwave drying of yak jerky emerges as a more satisfactory option. This study could provide important theoretical support for the application of drying methods to improve the quality of yak jerky and enhance production efficiency.