Effects of Shape and Size of Agar Gels on Heating Uniformity During Pulsed Microwave Treatment

Model gel systems with different shape (sphere, cylinder, and slab) and size (180 and 290 g) were prepared with agar (5%) and sucrose (5%). Dielectric constant (ε′), loss factor (ε″), thermophysical properties, and temperature distribution of the model system were measured. Each agar model system was immersed and suspended in water, and then, heated in a microwave oven with intermittent heating until the core temperature reached 50 °C. The ε′ and ε″ of agar gels decreased when frequency increased. The density and thermal conductivity values of the agar gels were 1033 kg/m³ and 0.55 W/m °C, respectively. The temperature distribution of sphere, cylinder, and slab was different when similar power doses were applied. The slab reached 50 °C in less time (10 min) and showed a more uniform heating than spheres and cylinders in both sizes. Agar model systems of 180 g heated faster than those of 290 g. The coldest point was the center of the model systems in all studied cases. Shape and size are critical food factors that affect the heating uniformity during microwave heating processes.     

Rheological and sensory attributes of cream caramel desserts containing fructooligosaccharides as substitute sweeteners

The objectives of this research were to substitute (10–50%) sucrose with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in cream caramel dessert and to study the rheological and sensory characteristics of the gels produced. Small deformation experiments showed that the substitution of sucrose with FOS led to a decrease in the solid character of the gels. Moreover, samples in which sucrose was substituted with 20% and 30% FOS exhibited lower gel strength, and sample containing 30% FOS showed more than three times lower gel strength than that with 100% sucrose. However, all samples, albeit fluids, already had a substantial gel‐like character at high temperature. According to large deformation experiments, the strength and rigidity of all samples increased with storage time. The values for both parameters were greater for the samples containing 100% and 90% sucrose. Triangle tests were performed for sensory evaluation. Panellists did not find significant differences in terms of sweetness when sucrose was substituted up to 30%. Storage was significant only for the sample with 100% sucrose, as the sensory characteristics of the sample with 10% FOS were not affected.     

Construction of plant-based adipose tissue using high internal phase emulsions and emulsion gels

There is growing consumer demand for plant-based meat and seafood analogs due to ethical, environmental, and health concerns associated with the production of real meat and seafood. Meat and seafood analogs should mimic the desirable appearance, texture, and flavor of the real versions. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using advanced emulsion technologies to create plant-based adipose tissue. High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) were formulated that consisted of concentrated dispersions of soybean protein-coated soybean oil droplets. The HIPEs contained 75% soybean oil and 0.25 to 3% soybean protein. At higher protein contents, the HIPEs mimicked the appearance of beef adipose tissue but were too soft at ambient temperature and did not melt upon heating. These problems could be partly overcome by using emulsion gels that consisted of soybean protein-coated soybean oil droplets dispersed in an agar hydrogel. The final composition of these emulsion gels was 60% soybean oil, 2% soybean protein, and 0.25 to 2% agar. The incorporation of the agar increased the hardness of the emulsion gels at ambient temperature and led to melting behavior. Nevertheless, the emulsion gels were still somewhat softer that real beef adipose tissue at ambient temperature and they melted at a higher temperature. These results show that concentrated emulsion gels containing cold-setting polysaccharides may be useful for mimicking the desirable physicochemical attributes of animal adipose tissue but further research is required to more accurately simulate their properties.     

Studies on “sugar-reactivity” of agars extracted from some Indian agarophytes

Sugar reactivity was observed within the sugar–agar complexes in presence of sucrose and glucose with agars of Indian agarophytes viz. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, Gracilaria crassa and Gelidium pusillum. The sugar reactivity was more pronounced in presence of sucrose than glucose. Oxoid agar was used as the reference material. Control agar gel contained 1.12% agar (w/w) in water. Sucrose–agar and glucose–agar gels in water consisted of 50% (w/w) sucrose and 50% (w/w) glucose, respectively along with 1.12% (w/w) agars of the four seaweeds mentioned above. Addition of sucrose resulted in increase (ca. 25–45%) in gel strength; increase (2–3 °C) in gelling and melting temperatures was observed in the gels prepared with agars from all the agarophytes and Oxoid agar. On the other hand, addition of glucose resulted in increase (19–34%) in the gel strength and gelling and melting temperatures of the agar gels of Oxoid as well as of all other agars decrease (2–3 °C). Maximum sugar reactivity was observed with the 50% level of sucrose and glucose in agar gels. Rheological and thermogravimetric characteristics of these gel samples were studied. The latter showed two patterns e.g. control agar gel of Oxoid agar was thermally less stable than the four control agar samples studied; in sugar–agar gel samples it followed a reverse pattern. To our knowledge, this is the first report of “sugar reactivity” of agar of Indian agarophytes. Sugar reactivity of agar in presence of glucose is also reported for the first time. The results of this study will be useful in bioprospecting as well as in exploring new applications.     

蔗糖共溶质对琼脂-魔芋胶共混体系溶胶-凝胶转变过程流变学性质及结构形成动力学的影响

以琼脂-魔芋胶溶液共混体系为研究对象,考察添加蔗糖共溶质（质量分数0%、5%、10%、15%）对溶胶-凝胶转变过程弹性模量（G’）和黏性模量（G”）变化的影响,并通过对凝胶结构平均形成速度（average structure development rate,SDRa）、即时凝胶化速度（vg）、凝胶化加速度（αg）分析,探讨凝胶结构形成动力学。结果表明：低质量分数（0%～5%）蔗糖共溶质存在时可显著提高共混体系的G’、SDRa、vg及αg（P＜0.05）,共溶质质量分数高于5%后,此4 个特征值被降低。低质量分数蔗糖共溶质通过增加共混体系中琼脂分子间的氢键作用,促进琼脂分子形成双螺旋结构,显著降低高温区的活化能,进而交联形成细密、平整的网络结构,改善了共混体系凝胶的流变及质构凝胶特性。     

Effect of sucrose on the anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity of mulberry extract during high temperature heating

This study aimed to elucidate how sucrose affects the anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity at low pH under high temperature. The interactive role of different sucrose concentrations (20%, 40%, 60%) and pH values (2, 3, 4) on a mulberry anthocyanin model system at different heating times was investigated. A520 (red color) decreased from 0 to 4 h and increased thereafter, degradation index of anthocyanin (DI) increased in the pure anthocyanin system during 68 h of heating. The samples with sucrose showed a DI peak at 17 h, which indicated that severe browning occurred after this period should be along with lower ratio of A420 and A520, and the latter high A520 came from a brown pigment instead of anthocyanin. Furfural content reached a maximum at 26 h during heating, and other caramelization intermediates showed a similar trend during this period. All samples, with or without sucrose, showed increase in polymeric and copigmented anthocyanin and a decrease in the monomeric ones during heating. The browning depends on the pH and sucrose concentration. Samples at pH 2 with higher sucrose showed the most significant browning and the increase of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) indicated that hydrolysis of sucrose might increase the antioxidant capacity. Further correlation analysis indicated that changes of antioxidant capacity during heating were closely related to the caramelization intermediate developed from sucrose in the sugar added system.     

THERMAL PROPERTIES and MOISTURE SORPTION ISOTHERMS of SPRAY-DRIED ENCAPSULATED MILKFAT

Stable emulsions containing 40 or 60% anhydrous butter oil and carbohydrate encapsulants (sucrose, modified starch or all-purpose flour) were spray dried to produce free-flowing shelf-stable powders, according to a 2 x 3 factorial design, replicated three times. Differential scanning calorimetry profiles showed well-defined melting ranges that were related to encapsulant used. Butter oil was almost completely encapsulated when fat content was 40% and sucrose was used as the wall material. Moisture sorption isotherms of powders with sucrose showed characteristic breaks caused by sugar crystallization followed by moisture desorption, whereas powders with modified starch or all-purpose flour continuously absorbed moisture with increasing relative humidity. the solvent-extractable fat fraction increased with increasing relative humidity in all cases. Scanning electron microscopy showed that sucrose-containing powder particles partially dissolved and fused together as a result of moisture uptake, whereas powders with modified starch or all-purpose flour maintained particle identity, even at 80% relative humidity.     

Drying Kinetics of Hydrated and Gelatinized Corn Starches in the Presence of Sucrose and Sodium Chloride

Drying behavior of the hydrated corn starch, hydrated starch/sucrose, and hydrated starch/sodium chloride mixture and their gels were investigated. Drying data were obtained on slabs of samples in a laboratory tunnel dryer at 40 to 70 °C. The rate-of-drying curves for hydrated starches with or without sucrose showed that the moisture movement may be the result of capillary action rather than diffusion. In the hydrated starches containing sodium chloride, case-hardening was the controlling mechanism. In gelatinized samples, however, diffusion was the main mechanism. The effective diffusivity was estimated by the methods of slopes. Gelatinization of starch reduced the moisture diffusivity significantly. The presence of sucrose or sodium chloride decreased the coefficient significantly in hydrated starch, but their effect was small in gelatinized samples.     

TEMPERATURE DISTRUBITIONS AND LIQUID-SIDE HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS IN MODEL LIQUID FOODS IN CANS UNDERGOING FLAME STERILIZATION HEATING

Heat transfer studies were performed with clay suspensions and sugar solutions in 303 × 406 cans heated singly in a flame process simulator. Experimental results show that the can wall temperature does not reach excessive temperatures and that the temperature distribution throughout the can is uniform. The slowest heating point was on the axis near the end of the can but this temperature lagged the center temperature by less than 3°C even with adverse heating conditions (i.e., no head space). The liquid-side heat transfer coefficient in 60% sucrose solution at 30 rpm was measured to be 466 ± 34 W/m²K based on the cylindrical area of the can. Rotational speed had only a small effect on heating rate in the range of 10 to 120 rpm.     

On the Effect of Tastant Excluded Fillers on Sweetness and Saltiness of a Model Food

ABSTRACT: In this study, the effect on taste due to the addition of air bubbles to a water-based gel was investigated. The gel phase contained either sucrose to give a sweet taste or sodium chloride to give a salty taste. For the sweet gels, taste intensities were evaluated for samples with different volume fractions of the air bubbles (up to 40%, v/v) and different concentrations of the sucrose. For the salty gels, samples were evaluated at 40% volume fraction of air bubbles. It was found that a reduction of the sodium chloride or sucrose by the same weight percentage as the volume fraction of the air bubbles in the samples gave equal taste perception as the nontastant-reduced samples. Moreover, saltiness and sweetness perception were clearly enhanced at 40% volume fractions of air bubbles if the sodium chloride or sucrose was not reduced. Thus, the overall tastes of the samples appeared to depend mainly on the concentration levels of the salt or the sucrose in the aqueous phase irrespective of the volume fraction of the air bubbles. However, the air bubbles were found to change the texture and appearance of the samples. It has been demonstrated that the inclusion of air bubbles offers scope for the reduction of sodium chloride or sucrose in food products.     

肌球蛋白-琼脂混合凝胶的特性

比较肌球蛋白、琼脂、肌球蛋白-琼脂3 种凝胶样品的质构特性、流变特性和超微结构,并研究不同pH值（pH 5、6、7）和不同离子强度（0.2、0.4、0.6）条件下肌球蛋白-琼脂混合凝胶的特性变化。结果表明：肌球蛋白-琼脂混合凝胶的硬度和弹性明显大于纯肌球蛋白凝胶或纯琼脂凝胶（P＜0.05）,且均在pH 6时获得最大值;肌球蛋白-琼脂混合凝胶的硬度和弹性随离子强度的增加而增加,在离子强度为0.6时出现最大值;在肌球蛋白溶液中加入琼脂,无论在加热过程还是降温过程中,混合凝胶的储能模量（G’）和损耗模量（G’’）均显著高于相同温度条件下的纯肌球蛋白凝胶或纯琼脂凝胶（P＜0.05）;在冷却过程中,琼脂对G’和G’’的贡献超过肌球蛋白;用扫描电子显微镜观察肌球蛋白-琼脂混合凝胶（肌球蛋白、琼脂质量浓度分别为10、4 mg/mL）的超微结构时发现,混合凝胶为相分离型凝胶,琼脂为连续相,肌球蛋白为分散相。     

Enhancement of sweetness intensity in gels by inhomogeneous distribution of sucrose

Model systems consisting of layers of mixed agar/gelatin gel were used to investigate the effect of the spatial distribution of sucrose on perceived sweetness intensity. 2-Alternative forced choice tests were performed with consumers to compare the sweetness of layered samples with an inhomogeneous distribution of sucrose to the sweetness of a reference sample with a homogeneous distribution. All samples had the same overall sucrose concentration (10%) and similar mechanical and rheological properties. Inhomogeneous samples that had large concentration gradients of sucrose between layers were perceived sweeter than the homogeneous reference. No differences in sweetness were observed between the reference and samples with small concentration gradients of sucrose. Additionally, the position of the layers containing sucrose did not affect sweetness. Results showed that an inhomogeneous distribution of sucrose can be used to reduce sucrose content by 20% without a decrease in sweetness intensity.     

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TWO-PHASE DISPERSE AGAR/GELATIN MIXED GELS

Agar/gelatin mixed gels with the same composition but with a different two-phase disperse structure were prepared and their mechanical properties compared. The agar/gelatin mixture was first kept at temperature above the gelling temperature of gelatin but below that of agar and stirred for the selected period, before cooling it below the gelling temperature of gelatin. For the low rupture stress system the agar concentration was 0.7% (w/w), while the gelatin concentration was 4.5% (w/w) to achieve the same rupture stress as the agar gel. The mixing temperatures selected were 20 and 37C. For the high rupture stress system, the agar and gelatin concentration was 2.8 and 10.4% (w/w), respectively, to achieve the same rupture stress. The mixing temperatures selected were 37 and 40C. The both mixed gels prepared by this method consisted of a dispersed phase of agar and a continuous phase of gelatin. The rupture stress of the mixed gels decreased as the content of the dispersed phase increased. The rupture stress had a tendency to be lower as the size of the dispersed particles increased. These results suggest that the interface between the dispersed phase and the continuous phase plays an important role as Griffith's crack, with the rupture of mixed gels occurring from that place.     

CHANGES IN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF SELECTED VEGETABLES DURING MULTIPLE THERMAL TREATMENTS1

Electrical conductivity (σ) is the most important parameter in ohmic heating. Although data exist on its changes during ohmic heating, limited information is available about preheated foods. In this study, the conductivity changes of raw vegetable samples (potato, carrot, and yam) in cyclic ohmic heating and samples preheated by conventional heating prior to ohmic heating were investigated. In cyclic ohmic heating, cylindrical vegetable samples were subjected to three repeated cycles of ohmic heating (40 V/cm, 60Hz) to 80C, and cooling to 25C. Fresh samples were also preheated by conventional heating to 80C, then subjected to ohmic heating for comparison. Specific heats changed by cycles, although moisture content remained constant in all cases. The results show that in cyclic ohmic heating, the heating rate increased by cycles. Samples preheated by either conventional or ohmic heating showed a higher heating rate than raw materials. Electrical conductivity data during ohmic heating showed that preheated vegetables have higher conductivities than fresh ones, and a tendency of increase by cycles was found.     

TEXTURE-STRUCTURE RELATIONSHIPS IN HEAT-INDUCED SOY PROTEIN GELS

Structural factors responsible for textural properties of heat-induced soy protein gels were investigated using microscopic and mechanical testing techniques. The gels were prepared by heating 20% soy protein pastes for 30 min at temperatures ranging from 25 to 130°C . Gel hardness increased linearly with the heating temperature up to 80°C , and decreased when the gels were heated at over 90°C , especially over 120°C . The equilibrium modulus estimated by tensile stress relaxation experiments was of the order of 10⁴ - 10⁵ dyne/cm², suggesting the presence of crosslinks, and there was a good correlation between the equilibrium modulus and the hardness of the gels. Solubility in phosphate buffer containing 2 -mercaptoethanol and/or urea suggested that the gel network was formed through crosslinking of the disulfide-, hydrogen- and hydrophobic-bonding types, and that the textural properties were governed by the degree of the network formation controlled by the heating temperature. SEM images of the 80°C -induced hard gels revealed a porous structure having membranous walls of thin compact film. With the 40°C -induced soft gels, the formation of the porous structure was not yet adequate, while a partial collapse of this structure was observed in the 120°C -induced fragile gels.     

EFFECT OF SETTING CONDITIONS USING MICROBIAL TRANSGLUTAMINASE DURING OBTENTION OF BEEF GELS

Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) is a food additive widely used to improve the mechanical properties of beef, poultry and fish gels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of incubation temperature on the mechanical properties of restructured beef gels treated with MTG. The restructured beef gels were obtained by adding 0.0% (untreated) or 0.3% MTG. Three incubation temperatures (40, 50 or 60C) for 30 min were used, followed by cooking at 90C for 15 min. Control samples without incubation were also prepared. Changes in the mechanical properties (texture profile analysis and puncture test), color attributes, expressible water and cooking loss were determined. Results indicated that the maximum mechanical properties can be obtained by incubating beef pastes at 50C for 30 min with minimal effect on color, expressible water and cooking loss when 0.3% of MTG is added.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Meat and poultry are considered nonsetting proteins, and consequently, an incubating treatment to allow optimal cross-linking has not been considered, and the products are usually obtained by direct cooking. Our results showed that beef gels containing 0.3% of microbial transglutaminase incubated at 50C showed higher mechanical properties than control gels without incubation. These results could be useful to improve the mechanical properties of beef gels.     

Characterisation of heat-set milk protein gels

Milk protein solutions [10% protein, 40/60 whey protein/casein ratio containing whey protein concentrate (WPC) and low-heat or high-heat milk protein concentrate (MPC)] containing fat (4% or 14%) and 70–80% water, form gels with interesting textural and functional properties if heated at high temperatures (90 °C, 15 min; 110 °C, 20 min) without stirring. Adjustment of pH before heating (HCl or glucono-δ-lactone) produces soft, spoonable gels at pH 6.25–6.6, but very firm, cuttable gels at pH 5.25–6.0. Gels made with low-heat MPC, WPC and low fat gave some syneresis; high-fat gels were slightly firmer than low-fat gels. Citrate markedly reduced gel firmness; adding calcium had little effect on firmness, but increased syneresis of low-heat MPC/WPC gels. The gels showed resistance to melting, and could be boiled or fried without flowing. Microstructural analysis indicated a network structure of casein micelles and fat globules interlinked by denatured whey proteins.     

Aeration of model gels: Rheological characteristics of gellan and agar gels

Model food sols containing gellan and agar at different solid concentrations were aerated. The rheological characteristics of the setted gels were determined. These were the compression characteristics (fracture strain/stress/energy, firmness and the total energy for compression) and the stress relaxation characteristics (extent of relaxation and relaxation time). Fracture strain of gels increased due to aeration indicating that the aerated samples exhibited a delayed fracture due to the presence of incorporated air. The extent of increase in fracture strain for aerated agar gels over the corresponding non-aerated samples is 1.7-23.1% while it is 4.3-15.1% for gellan gels. The extent of relaxation increased due to aeration while relaxation time (λ) decreased. Relaxation time for aerated agar and gellan gels is 9.6-40.7% and 19.6-37.6% lower than the non-aerated samples. At a low concentration of hydrocolloid, the effect of aeration was usually non-significant (at p ? 0.05) while prominent changes in rheological behaviour occurred at a high concentration. Aeration of food gels offered the possibility of rheological modifications to suit the consumer requirements in developing specialty fabricated gels.     

Heat Resistance of Eurotium herbariorum, a Xerophilic Mold

Eurotium haerbariorum, isolated from a spoilage outbreak involving grape preserves, was a true osmophile in that optimal growth was obtained in media containing 40-60% sucrose. Survival curves showed logarithmic death of heated spores followed by a tailing. In 5° Brix grape juice D-values at 70°C and z-values were 2.5 min and 9.1°C compared to 5.2 min and 7.1°C in 65°C Brix juice. Low concentrations of sorbic acid and fumaric acid in the heating menstruum had little effect on heat resistance.