Trained Panel Research Articles

Impact of the incorporation of the edible seaweeds Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta on the physicochemical, functional and sensory properties of yoghurt

SummaryThe impact of the addition of seaweed to yoghurt was evaluated on its physicochemical, functional and sensory properties. Two different species of brown macroalgae, Saccharina latissima (blanched or not) and Alaria esculenta, were added in four different concentrations (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1%) and in two different forms (flakes and powder). The titratable acidity of all yoghurt samples formulated with blanched Saccharina was similar to the control. However, formulations with blanched Saccharina exhibited higher syneresis than the control. Most yoghurt samples containing Alaria at higher concentrations exhibited a lower firmness than the control. Seaweed addition had a significant impact on the colour of yoghurt samples. Quantitative descriptive analysis and hedonic evaluation performed by a trained panel showed that changes in physicochemical properties influenced the organoleptic characteristics of yoghurt samples. Yoghurt samples formulated with 0.25% S. latissima and 0.50% A. esculenta in flakes were selected as the most promising formulations.

Double Freezing Beef Strip Loin Steaks at Blast or Consumer Freezing Temperatures in Vacuum and Overwrapped Packaging

Our objective was to evaluate the combined effect of blast freezing vacuum packaged USDA Low Choice Longissimus lumborum beef steaks followed by consumer freezing of retail overwrapped steaks upon objective and subjective measures of beef palatability. The experimental design utilized a randomized complete block with a 3 × 3 treatment structure of targeted freezing treatments initially in vacuum and secondly in overwrap packaging (unfrozen = NOT; blast frozen at −34.4°C = BF; consumer-frozen at −17.8°C = CF) to accomplish 9 treatment combinations. Descriptive sensory attributes were evaluated by trained panelists on a 100-point line scale. Slice shear force and expressible moisture were assessed. Data were analyzed via PROC GLIMMIX using a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 3 treatment structure. Of descriptive panel attributes, overall juiciness was the only interaction observed (P = 0.006). Though similar to steaks initially CF in the vacuum package and followed by a second freeze (CF/BF or CF/CF) in the overwrap package, steaks singly frozen to simulate a CF (CF/NOT and NOT/CF) resulted in the overall driest ratings by panelists (P = 0.006). Only bloody/serumy differed (P = 0.002) within the initial freeze, where steaks not frozen (NOT) in the vacuum package were rated higher than those that were frozen (BF or CF). During the second freeze in the overwrap package after retail display, steaks BF rated higher for oxidized (P = 0.051) off-flavor than steaks CF and higher than both CF and NOT steaks for refrigerator-stale (P = 0.006) off-flavor; all other attributes did not differ (P ≥ 0.155). Although some freezing combinations that included CF were generally lower for overall juiciness, BF vacuum packaged steaks had no effect on palatability when compared to NOT steaks. The beef industry and consumers should feel confident using freezing as a means to extend shelf-life of beef steaks.

Leveraging Observations of Untrained Panelists to Screen for Quality of Fresh-Cut Romaine Lettuce

Fresh-cut romaine lettuce’s high perishability challenges ready-to-eat (RTE) salad production. Selecting cultivars less prone to browning and decay is crucial for extending shelf life. Traditional quality evaluation methods using instrumentation and trained panelists are time-consuming and logistically complex. This study investigated the effectiveness of untrained volunteers in assessing fresh-cut romaine lettuce quality. Given that the average consumer in the USA is familiar with the flavor characteristics of romaine lettuce, this study proposed to investigate the value of having untrained volunteers discern the quality of fresh-cut romaine lettuce. Therefore, six romaine lettuce accessions (Green Forest, King Henry, Parris Island Cos, PI 491224, SM13-R2, and Sun Valley) were assessed for sensory quality attributes (browning, green color, decay, and overall quality) and compared with instrumentation analyses (gas composition including O2 and CO2, electrolyte leakage, and color). The results showed significant quality differences (p < 0.05) among the accessions, with some seasonal variability. Very importantly, the consumers’ (n = 159) assessments revealed similar results to those produced by either instrumentation or a trained panel. The consumers provided sensory scores that allowed for the grouping of accessions based on their postharvest quality, which efficiently matched their pedigree relationship. In conclusion, ad hoc consumer panels can be an effective way to characterize the quality of romaine lettuce for RTE salads.

Exploring the impact of bubble type on sensory stimulation in drinks

This study explores the impact of various types of carbonation on sensory stimulation in the mouth, salivary secretion and the neurotransmitter substance P (SP), as well as body responses such as heart rate (HR) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Three types of carbonation (one made using a soda machine, another carbonated with a gasifier, and the last commercial sparkling water) were used to produce different bubbles resulting in distinct sensory characteristics assessed by a trained panel. The impact of carbonation was measured by recording changes in salivary flow rate, SP levels, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), HR, and GSR in fifteen healthy participants. The results showed that the bubble type only affected the sensory perception of carbonation. Regardless of bubble type, carbonation increased salivary flow rate and SP values, SigA and HR. These characteristics are being sought to improve treatments for dysphagia or dry mouth. Therefore, these findings highlight the potential therapeutic application of carbonation in these situations.

Identification of promising lactic acid bacteria for the fermentation of lupine‐ and faba bean‐based substrates to produce refreshing protein‐rich beverages—A strain screening

AbstractLupines and faba beans are rising stars among legumes as sources of valuable, vegan plant‐based proteins. To enter new application areas like the production of protein‐rich refreshing beverages, the typical beany aroma impression has to be overcome, and the sensory appearance has to be improved, as it can be accomplished with lactic acid fermentation. An extensive strain screening of 70 lactic acid bacteria from 16 genera was performed to identify suitable strains to transform substrates made from lupines and faba beans into refreshing beverages and to improve their sensory characteristics. By analyzing carbohydrate utilization, production of organic acids and aroma compounds, and sensory appearance, 22 strains for lupine and eight strains for faba bean were preselected. Subsequently, the most suitable strains (five for lupine and three for faba beans) were identified by a trained sensory panel, and finally their growth kinetics were discussed. Generally, the aroma profile varied highly with the utilized strain. However, by selecting suitable strains, the beany impression can be highly reduced and pleasant aroma impressions (e.g., fruity and buttermilk) can be added. Most strikingly, it was proven that using germinated lupines and faba beans instead of raw ones can bypass the usual growth restriction, and the strain selection can be focused exclusively on sensory aspects. This opens the option to use strains usually excluded for the fermentation of legumes due to their lack of utilization of the legume‐typical α‐galactosides.

Rheological, textural, and swallowing characteristics of xanthan gum-modified Riceberry porridge for patients with dysphagia.

The incidence and prevalence of dysphagia worldwide are increasing yearly requiring a change in food texture to avoid malnutrition, dehydration, or sever complications. Riceberry porridges fortified with protein hydrolysate (1.5%), bio-calcium (589 mg), and thickened with xanthan gum (XG) of varying concentrations (0%, 0.255, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) showed suitability for use in enriching diets of these patients. Porridges were examined using specified tests from the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) and National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), and coupled with rheological, textural analyses, in vitro swallowing simulator and sensory analysis performed by a trained panel. Porridges with 0%-0.25% and 0.50%-2.0% XG were classified as IDDSI level 3 and 4, respectively, and apparent viscosities of porridges showed samples with XG displayed shear thinning behavior beneficial for patients with dysphagia. Increasing XG concentrations increased the consistency coefficient and decreased the flow behavior index (p < .05) with positive correlation of XG concentration with textural properties including firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and stickiness values. The relationship between instrumental measurements, in vitro and in vivo swallowing behavior showed high correlations with regards to XG concentration (r = .995). The findings indicate Riceberry porridges containing XG have significantly improved textural properties over those without XG for patients with dysphagia.

Changes in raspberry sensory quality after harvest as affected by CO2 atmospheres

CO2 atmospheres have the potential to influence raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) sensory quality after harvest. Our study determined the optimal postharvest atmosphere to extend shelf life without negatively impacting sensory quality. Raspberry fruit were stored at 5 ℃ in 15, 8, 5 or 0.03 kPa CO2 in combination with 6, 13, 16 or 21 kPa O2, respectively. A trained sensory panel conducted a descriptive sensory evaluation of the raspberry fruit after 5, 10, and 13 d of storage. Raspberries stored in 15 kPa CO2 with 6 kPa O2 (15 kPa) atmosphere followed by that in 8 kPa CO2 with 13 kPa O2 (8 kPa) atmosphere had higher firmness than that in 5 kPa CO2 with 16 kPa O2 (5 kPa) and 0.03 kPa CO2 with 21 kPa O2 (0.03 kPa) atmosphere. Panelists found that raspberries stored in 8 kPa and 15 kPa CO2 atmosphere had the least off-flavor and highest tartness. Raspberries stored in 8 kPa scored highest in raspberry flavor with substantial juiciness and sweetness scores. The fermentative volatiles acetaldehyde and ethanol were higher in raspberries stored in 15 kPa despite the low off-flavor scores, while most other raspberry volatiles decreased with increasing CO2 concentration, including flavor-related volatiles α-ionone, α-terpineol, limonene and linalool. After 10 d, the quality of raspberries stored in 0.03 kPa or 5 kPa atmosphere had degraded considerably. While 15 kPa atmosphere prolonged shelf life the longest, 8 kPa atmosphere prolonged shelf life to 10 d while maintaining sensory quality and was the best overall atmosphere.

Sifat Organoleptik Madumongso Tape Ubi Ungu dengan Perbedaan Proporsi Tape Ketan Hitam dan Tape Ketan Putih

Madumongso in this research is a processed product made from purple sweet potato tape, black sticky rice tape, and white sticky rice tape which is processed by mixing supporting ingredients such as sugar, coconut milk and pandan using low heat. Round shape wrapped in plastic and crepe paper. Optimal organoleptic characteristics can increase consumer acceptance and the combination of these ingredients can increase the nutritional content of the product. The aim of this product is 1) to determine the organoleptic properties which include shape, color, taste, texture, 2) to determine the nutritional content of madumongso purple sweet potato tape with the difference in proportions of black sticky rice tape and white sticky rice tape. This type of research is experimental. The data collection technique used was observation through 5 training panelists and 25 semi-practice panelists who were assisted with assessment observation sheets 1-5. The independent variables in this research are purple sweet potato tape, black sticky rice tape and white sticky rice tape, the dependent variables in this research are shape, color, taste and texture, and the control variables in this research are the type of equipment, raw materials and manufacturing techniques. Data analysis in this study used one-way ANOVA. The results of this research show 1) there is no influence on color and texture, 2) there is an influence on shape, taste and level of liking for the purple sweet potato madumongso tape product.

Development of standard operating protocol for measurement of cassava root mealiness

One of the major attributes of boiled cassava roots is its ability to soften within a short period, otherwise known as mealiness. This study aimed to establish and validate standard operating procedures for assessing the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. Twenty cassava genotypes, including landrace and improved varieties, were selected for the protocol development, with an additional ten genotypes used for validation. Following cooking, the cassava roots were evaluated for hardness and work done in extrusion using a texturometer equipped with a five-blade Ottawa cell probe. The same samples were assessed for sensory texture analysis using trained panelists for parameters such as softness and chewiness. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between sensory softness and instrumental texture measurements, as well as between softness and cooking time (p < 0.01, r = 0.94), and between chewiness and cooking time (p < 0.05, r = 0.81). Validation results confirmed significant correlations (p < 0.01) between cooking time, sensory softness, and chewiness. These findings suggest that cooking time can serve as a reliable indicator, closely associated with sensory attributes, in determining the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. This approach offers a practical, mid-throughput method for assessing cassava root mealiness, with implications for breeding improved varieties, farmers adoption, and consumer acceptance.

Predicting tactile sensory attributes of personal care emulsions based on instrumental characterizations: A review.

Emulsions in the form of creams, lotions, gels or foams are the most widely used personal care formulations to improve the condition and feel of the skin. Achieving an optimal balance between their performance, effectiveness and sensory profile is essential, with the sensory profile being a key factor in consumer satisfaction and the success of these products in the market. Well-established methods using highly trained and semi-trained panels (e.g. Spectrum descriptive analysis, Flash Profile method, Quantitative Descriptive Analysis method and 'Check-all-that-apply') are available and commonly used for the sensory assessment of personal care products. Nevertheless, a common drawback among all these methods is their inherent cost, both in terms of financial resources and time requirements. In recent years, research studies have emerged to address this limitation by investigating potential correlations between tactile sensory attributes and instrumental data associated with the physical characteristics of topical formulations. In other words, significant efforts have been invested in the development of robust instrumental methods specifically designed to accurately predict the sensory description that a panel of assessors could establish. These methods are not only faster, cheaper and more objective compared to traditional sensory testing, but they can also be applied to formulations that have not undergone extensive safety and toxicological testing. This review summarizes the most relevant findings, trends and current challenges in predicting tactile sensory attributes of personal care emulsions based on instrumental parameters.

Comparative evaluation of sensory and instrumental flavor profiles of four edible microalgae: Spirulina platensis, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Haematococcus pluvialis

Microalgae sensory features are an important parameter to consider in food applications. The current study comparatively evaluated the flavor profiles of four commercial edible microalgae species, i.e., Spirulina platensis, Chlorella proteinosa, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Haematococcus pluvialis through sensory evaluation by a trained expert panel (n = 15) and chemical profiling of flavor compounds, with multivariate statistical methods used to correlate descriptive taste and odor analysis with non-volatile and volatile compounds. S. platensis displayed characteristic salty and umami tastes arising from inorganic ions and 5′-nucleotides, respectively, as well as “muddy” and “floral” odor attributes mainly associated with sulfur compounds and ketones. C. proteinosa and C. reinhardtii shared the taste attributes of sweetness and bitterness mainly contributed by free amino acids, as well as the odor attributes of “seaweed” and “mushroom” in association with aldehydes and alcohols. H. pluvialis had a typical sour taste owning to the presence of abundant organic acids, and smelled “fatty”, “phenolic”, “licorice”, and “fruity” due to aromatic ester and phenolic compounds. Overall, our results provide fundamental insights into the sensory features of common edible microalgae to guide future food applications.

Assessing the Effect of Temperature on Nutrient Retention in Canistel Fruit (Pouteria campechiana) and Coconut Milk Formulation

Objective: This study aimed to develop innovative fruit-based beverages from underutilized but widely available Canistel fruit around tropical regions and determine its nutrient stability at different temperature treatments. Background: Canistel Fruit (Pouteria campechiana) is an underutilized nutritious tropical fruit containing Vitamin A and complex carbohydrates with high potentiality. Hence, the present study focused on a novel Canistel fruit (Pouteria campechiana)-based beverage. Methods: The higher starchiness of fruit pulp was remedied through α-amylase enzyme treatment. The base formula was prepared with fruit pulp and coconut milk (at ratios of 1:2, 2:3, 1:1), followed by incorporating sugar and stabilizers. The two-way preservation techniques of pasteurization (85oC, 15 min) and sterilizing techniques (121oC, 15 min) were used. Sensory acceptance by a trained panel from each formula of beverages, i.e., fruit pulp: coconut milk at ratios of 2:3 from each technique, was analyzed for physical and nutritional properties, fatty acid composition, and antioxidants. Results: A significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was found among two-way processing techniques for the pH, oBrix, viscosity, and titratable acidity, as well as total sugars, crude protein, and crude fibre. The predominant fatty acid in both beverages was lauric acid. Vitamin A contents (mg/kg) were 0.3±0. and 0.2±0.01, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed Canistel fruit as a viable source for upgrading nutritional status when paired with coconut milk and other ingredients, and both processing techniques retained vitamin A, which fulfilled 8 – 10 % of the daily requirement by 200 ml of beverage.

The Effect of Using Kale Vegetable Extracts, Kailan Vegetables, and Mustard Greens Vegetables in Bakpao Making on The Physical and Sensory Quality

The research aimed to analyze the effect of using kale, kailan and mustard green vegetable extracts in making bakpao on physical and sensory quality. This research was conducted at the Bread and Patisserie Processing Laboratory, Culinary Education Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Jakarta State University. The method used in this research is an experimental method which begins with a physical test by measuring the volume of the bakpao and the height of the bakpao, which is followed by a sensory test on 45 trained panelists, namely students of the Culinary Education Study Program who have passed the advanced bread processing course. The results of the research show that the results of hypothesis testing using the Kruskal Wallis test with a significance level of ? (0.05) show that there is no effect of using extracts of kale, kailan vegetables and green mustard greens in making bakpao on sensory quality in all aspects. The results of physical measurements of volume and height with the greatest values ??were obtained by kailan vegetable extract with a volume of 103.33 cm3 and an average height of 3.97 cm. The conclusion of the results of this research is based on the results of physical tests that the bakpao using kailan vegetables have advantages in terms of volume and height, so they are the recommended formula.

Sugar Replacement in Chocolate-Flavored Milk: Differences in Consumer Segments’ Liking of Sweetener Systems Relate to Temporal Perception

Chocolate-flavored milk contributes to excessive intake of added sugars among children and adolescents, which why it is a good candidate product for sucrose replacement. This study investigates how replacing sucrose partially or completely with different sweetener systems affects the sensory profile and consumer liking. Five chocolate-flavored milk treatments were formulated, varying in sucrose replacement level (partial: 58%; complete: 100%) and sweetener system (synthetic: acesulfame-K; natural: rebaudioside M-erythritol blend). Relative-to-Reference Scaling by a trained panel confirmed that no significant differences in the sensory profile when partial sucrose replacement was compared to sucrose, whereas the complete replacement increased bitter taste, pungent flavor, licorice flavor and mouth-drying. A total of 104 consumers evaluated the treatments for liking and indicated their temporal perceptions with temporal check-all-that-apply. Latent variable clustering performed on liking ratings revealed two clusters, which perceived temporal sensory characteristics differently depending on the sweetener system. Cluster 1 preferred the sucrose control over treatments with complete and partial replacement using a natural sweetener system, with complete replacement being perceived as having off-flavor. Cluster 2 preferred the sucrose control over partial and complete replacement using either of the sweetener replacements investigated, which were characterized as off-flavored and bitter. Understanding these consumer segments enables the food industry to develop effective low-energy formulations using synthetic and natural non-nutritive sweeteners, leading to reduced sugar consumption.

Assessment of Sensory Attributes in White Tea Utilizing the High Identity Traits (HITS) Methodology Employing an Immersive Approach

White tea is a plant-derived product from Camellia sinensis L, which is processed without enzymatic oxidation and fermentation. The high identity traits (HITS) is a sensory evaluation method that identifies dominant attributes using five attributes to describe each sample. The sensory evaluation research on white tea uses the HITS method with an environmental approach aimed at identifying dominant attributes of white tea using both trained and untrained panelists, as well as at determining the intensity of these dominant attributes using an environmental approach with both trained and untrained panelists. The materials used were five samples of Gamboeng white tea, Heizl, Dandang, Pucuk, and Ennie1. The HITS method with trained panelists successfully identified dominant attributes as follows: yellow-brown brew color, rose aroma, rose flavor, astringent aftertaste, and light mouthfeel. Meanwhile, the experiment using untrained panelists showed dominant attributes as follows: yellow-brown brew color, jasmine aroma, jasmine flavor, astringent aftertaste, and light mouthfeel. The HITS method with an immersive approach for both trained and untrained panelists had an impact on increasing the intensity of aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel while decreasing the intensity of aftertaste.

Textural characterisation of wheat–oat breads using a combination of quantitative descriptive analysis and partial napping profiling techniques

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the textural sensory profile of wheat breads developed using oat flour at different substitution levels (10%, 30%, and 50%) and particle sizes (&lt;224, 250–280, 280–500, 500–600 μm). A trained descriptive panel evaluated the wheat–oat breads using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) (n = 8) and partial napping (PN) (n = 12) sensory techniques. The QDA results showed that the textural properties of the breads were significantly affected by oat flour at different substitution and particle size levels (P &lt; 0.001). The attributes crumb ‘denseness’ and ‘stickiness’ discriminated most frequently across samples, while crumb ‘chewiness’ and ‘dryness’ discriminated the least. Principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated that in PC1 (59%) crumb ‘denseness’ was positively correlated with crumb ‘hardness’ and ‘graininess’, while ‘stickiness’ was negatively correlated with crumb ‘graininess’. The application of clustering techniques on QDA data showed that breads with 10% oat flour were differentiated based on particle size; however, as the substitution level of oat flour increased, the substitution level of oat flour used in formulations exceeded the effect of particle size. In terms of PN, panellists identified four distinct groups of wheat–oat breads, indicating that wheat breads with 10% oat flour and &lt;224 μm, 280–500 μm and whole oat flour had similar textural properties to the control wheat bread sample. The texture of wheat breads substituted with 50% oat flour were very different to the control. The results of this study suggest that in addition to the effect of substitution level, fractionation of oat flour may have application in the production of wheat bread formulations with different textural profiles. The findings also emphasise the importance of considering clustering techniques when evaluating complex samples for new product development applications.

Effect of different electrical stimulation systems on beef quality and palatability: Constant current compared to constant voltage

This study examined the effects of constant current electrical stimulation (CCES) compared to constant voltage electrical stimulation (CVES), when applied within the same beef carcass (n = 79), on longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) quality and palatability. There was a stimulation method × time interaction for pH, with CCES reducing the 3 h post-mortem pH, but increasing the 72 h post-mortem pH compared to CVES (P < 0.001). The CCES decreased the meat subjective Japanese Meat Grading Agency (JMGA) colour scores (P < 0.05) and increased the objective L⁎ (P < 0.01), a⁎ (P < 0.05) and b⁎ (P < 0.05) colour values at 3 d post-mortem and L⁎ and b⁎ values (P < 0.05) during retail display compared to CVES, although the objective values from both stimulation methods were above established consumer acceptability thresholds. Additionally, CCES reduced the purge (P < 0.05) and drip (P < 0.01) losses, and tended to reduce shear force values (P = 0.089) compared to CVES, although these did not translate into differences in juiciness or tenderness evaluated by trained panelists (P > 0.1). Regarding flavour, the CCES meat had greater bloody/serumy flavour (P < 0.05) and corn aroma (P < 0.05), less unidentified aroma (P < 0.05), and tended to have greater corn flavour (P = 0.077) and less barnyard aroma (P = 0.079) than CVES meat. There were also increased concentrations of flavour-related volatile compounds including 2-methyl-butanal, 3-methyl-butanal and 2–5-dimethyl pyrazine levels (P < 0.05) with CCES. Overall, the CCES system slightly improved meat quality and flavour compared to CVES when applied to the same beef carcasses. Further consumer studies would be warranted to determine whether these differences translate into more acceptable meat.

Chemosensory analysis of emotional wines: Merging of explicit and implicit methods to measure emotions aroused by red wines

Wine is a cultural product capable of arousing emotions. Measuring emotions and figuring out how much they could influence preferences or purchase decisions of consumers is a new trend in sensory and consumer research. However, the complexity of feelings makes the measure of emotions extremely challenging. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of emotions related to sensory stimuli in wine tasting is still missing. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the emotional power of tasting red wines using a multidisciplinary approach, combining sensory analysis performed by trained panelists, implicit and explicit measurements of emotions and chemical analysis of the wines tasted. Various red wines, renowned for their high polyphenol content and expected to exhibit rich texture, mouthfeel, and aging potential, have been utilized to this extent. The results obtained showed that the emotions measured were well-correlated with quantitative and hedonic attributes obtained using classic sensory analysis. Some aromatic molecules can be identified as markers capable of eliciting positive and negative emotional reactions. While increasing literature in the topic is recently available, our study appears to be the first highlighting the presence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) differences verified by means of electrocardiogram (ECG) features, related to explicit and complete sensory patterns, in response to sensory stimuli related to emotional wine, with higher sympathetic values at extrema and vagal increase in the presence of neutral sensory compounds.

Sensory characterisation of meatless and nitrite-free cooked ham alternatives in comparison to conventional counterparts: Temporal dominance of sensations and partial napping with ultra-flash profiling

The cooked ham market is expanding with nitrite-free and meatless alternatives gaining traction as leading trends. An understanding of the attributes that influence the sensory quality of cooked ham is crucial for developing healthier and environmentally sustainable products. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how the removal of nitrites and the use of meatless ingredients affect the sensory characteristics of cooked ham currently available in the Irish market. Sensory evaluation of selected cooked hams (n = 8), including alternatives without nitrites or based on mycoprotein (meatless), was conducted using Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) for in mouth processing and Partial Napping (PN) with Ultra-Flash Profiling (UFP) for the appearance, by a trained sensory panel (n = 9). The nitrite-free cooked ham displayed a similar temporal sensory profile and appearance to the products of the same category, highlighting the opportunity for more nitrite-free products to enter the market. The meatless product was dominated by a “smoky” flavour, which was perceived as “artificial”. Meatless ham had a more distinct appearance than the meat-based products and was associated with attributes such as “fake”, “artificial colour” and “unappealing”. In general, results revealed distinct differences between whole-muscle and sectioned and formed cooked ham products in terms of texture, flavour, and appearance. PN and UFP grouped whole-muscle cooked hams together, which were associated with terms “natural-looking”, “better quality” and “healthier”, while sectioned and formed cooked hams were perceived as “cheap” and “artificial”. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the sensory attributes of cooked ham products emphasising the challenges related to novel formulations, and offers valuable insights for the development of healthier and more sustainable meat products within the food industry.

The antimycotic potential of Debaryomyces hansenii LRC2 on Iberian Pork Loins with low concentration preservatives

The use of preservatives such as nitrite and salt is a widespread practice in meat industry. For many years it has resulted in benefits like extending the shelf life of cured meat products. The EU has published new regulations to reduce the content of preservatives in foods as recent investigations have concluded that its excessive usage is related to health issues, so new alternatives are needed. Debaryomyces hansenii is a non-conventional yeast with known biocontrol possibilities. It can be found in many of environments and is the most frequent yeast isolated from sausages and dry meat products. The LRC2 strain used in this work is an isolate from Iberian Pork Loin, characterized biochemically and molecularly. The potential of D. hansenii LRC2 strain was evaluated following a volatile compounds inhibition assay. Then a scale-up trial was performed by inoculating a battery of Iberian Pork loins followed by a quality study of the final product. This was carried out through physical and microbial analysis as the identification of volatile compound profiles with GC-IMS. Finally, sensory tests were performed by a group of trained panellists and regular consumers. Results in our research show that the production of volatile compounds from LRC2 inhibited the activity of unwanted molds in all the conditions studied. The inhibition rates surpassed 75% in all cases, strengthening the hypothesis of its potential preservative effect in cured meat products. When testing the yeast inoculation effect and the reduction of preservatives in Iberian Pork Loins, a loss of sensory quality is observed when preservatives are drastically reduced reducing the panellists’ grades by more than 3 points on a 1–9 scale in overall quality. In all conditions, the LRC2 inoculated loins showed significant fewer mold populations than the non-inoculated ones, improving the safety food level of the final product. This study confirms that the application of natural yeast-based alternatives is a feasible option for the new meat industry needs.