Effects of freezing and frozen storage conditions on the rheological properties of different formulations of non-yeasted wheat and gluten-free bread dough

Empirical and fundamental rheological measurements were made on fresh and frozen dough to study the effects of freezing and frozen storage conditions. Frozen dough was stored at two different temperatures, −18 °C and −30 °C, and for 1, 7 and 28 days. Four dough formulations were tested: a standard wheat dough, a fibre-enriched wheat dough, a standard gluten-free dough and a gluten-free dough containing amaranth flour. No yeast was used in any formulation. The wheat dough is more affected by freezing and by the first days of storage whereas the gluten-free dough is more affected by a longer storage time. A storage temperature of −30 °C alters dough rheological properties more than a storage temperature of −18 °C. The addition of dietary fibres to the wheat dough increases its resistance to freezing and frozen storage. The addition of amaranth flour to gluten-free dough also increases its resistance to freezing but decreases its resistance to storage conditions.     

Combined effects of freezing rate, storage temperature and time on bread dough and baking properties

This study compares the effects of freezing temperature and rate as well as storage temperature and time on the quality of frozen dough. Yeasted bread dough was frozen using four freezing rates (19-69 °C/h), then stored at −10, −20, −30, or −35 °C for up to 180 days. Dough strength diminished with longer storage time and higher storage temperatures. Cryo-SEM showed that dough stored at −30 and −35 °C had the least damaged gluten network. NMR studies showed that more rapidly frozen dough, and that stored at lower temperatures had lower transverse relaxation (T₂) times (9-10 ms). However, dough stored at −20 °C displayed the highest yeast activity among samples. Bread loaf volume decreased with storage time, and bread made from dough stored at −20 °C showed the highest loaf volume. Breads produced from −30 and −35 °C stored dough displayed less change in the texture profile during storage as well as less change in T₂ values. Response surface analysis showed that optimal properties occurred at freezing rates of around 19-41 °C/h and storage temperatures of −15 to −20 °C.     

Determination of the degradation kinetics of anthocyanins in a model juice system using isothermal and non-isothermal methods

The effect of temperature on the degradation of blackcurrant anthocyanins in a model juice system was determined over a temperature range of 4–140 °C. The thermal degradation of anthocyanins followed pseudo first-order kinetics. From 4–100 °C an isothermal method was used to determine the kinetic parameters. In order to mimic the temperature profile in retort systems, a non-isothermal method was applied to determine the kinetic parameters in the model juice over the temperature range 110–140 °C. The results from both isothermal and non-isothermal methods fit well together, indicating that the non-isothermal procedure is a reliable mathematical method to determine the kinetics of anthocyanin degradation. The reaction rate constant (k) increased from 0.16 (±0.01) × 10⁻³ to 9.954 (±0.004) h⁻¹ at 4 and 140 °C, respectively. The temperature dependence of the rate of anthocyanin degradation was modelled by an extension of the Arrhenius equation, which showed a linear increase in the activation energy with temperature.     

Kinetics of quality changes of pumpkin (Curcurbita maxima L.) stored under isothermal and non-isothermal frozen conditions

The effects of freezing process and frozen storage at isothermal (−7, −15 and −25 °C) and non-isothermal (accelerated life testing with step-stress methodology; temperature range from −30 to −5 °C) conditions on pumpkin quality were investigated. Storage temperature conditions were selected to embrace the limits practiced in the cold chain. Quality changes, such as texture, colour CIE Lab and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content, were evaluated for both frozen storage regimes. The freezing process (that included a pre-blanching step) and subsequent frozen storage had significant impacts on all quality parameters analysed.A fractional conversion kinetic model was adequate in colour, texture and vitamin C data fits. The storage temperature effect was successfully described by the Arrhenius law.This study shows that non-isothermal frozen storage has a marked effect on pumpkin quality.     

Stress relaxation of reconstituted cassava dough

The viscoelastic characteristics of reconstituted cassava dough were evaluated using a stress-relaxation test. Cassava parenchyma (peeled root) processed under different cooking conditions and left at either −5 or −20 °C for 24 h was used to obtain flour, which was reconstituted into dough. Two stress-relaxation models (Maxwell two-termed and Peleg) were fitted to experimental data. Both models were valid for quantifying the relaxation behaviour; but the Maxwell model was better to predict experimental data. Most dough rheological attributes depend on the cooking method and the storage temperature. Dough samples made with flour from parenchyma boiled and left at −20 °C for 24 h had higher values of elasticity moduli, higher viscosity values and lower values of Peleg constants.     

Modeling of the effect of relative humidity and temperature on proving rate of rice-flour-based dough

Proving is one of the key processes in bread making, where dough normally rests and grows under an environment of constant temperature and humidity. To better understand the effect of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on the kinetics of dough expansion during proving and be able to optimize the growth rate, rice-flour-based dough of same formulation was proved under various process conditions. Both RH and temperature showed significant effect on the dough expansion rate during proving. To describe the dough expansion, a first-order, non-Arrhenius kinetic model was developed. The influence of RH and temperature on the kinetic rate was described by an empirical model. Through verification, the model performance was proved to be reasonably good. The model was subsequently used to optimize the proving condition to maximize the kinetic rate constant therefore minimizing the proving time. The fastest proving condition for the rice-flour-based dough in this research was at 90% RH and 46.3 °C. According to the model, the kinetic rate constant under the optimal condition was estimated to be at 0.217 min⁻¹. From an initial height of 5 mm, the dough height could be increased to 11 mm within 6.4 min.     

Quality of superchilled vacuum packed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets stored at −1.4 and −3.6 °C

The most important factor for increasing shelf life is the product temperature, and since fish is more highly perishable than meat, the temperature is even more important. In the present study, portions of fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were superchilled at two temperature levels, −1.4 and −3.6 °C. Texture, drip loss, liquid loss, cathepsin activities and protein extractability were investigated during storage and compared to ice chilled and frozen references. Drip loss was not a major problem in superchilled salmon. Textural hardness was significantly higher in superchilled salmon fillets stored at −3.6 °C compared to those stored at −1.4 °C, ice chilled and frozen references. Cathepsins B and B + L were not deactivated at the selected storage temperatures. The storage time of vacuum packed salmon fillets can be doubled by superchilled storage at −1.4 °C and −3.6 °C compared to ice chilled storage.     

Influence of yeast and frozen storage on rheological, structural and microbial quality of frozen sweet dough

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of yeast content and frozen storage (9 weeks at −40 °C) on the structural and rheological parameters, and fermentative activity of frozen sweet dough. Two types of dough were studied (to estimate dough shelf life): simple yeasted dough (SY) and double yeasted dough (DY). Fermentative activity (yeast viability, gassing power, and dough volume), rheological and textural parameters were assessed for frozen sweet doughs.These effects were explored by different and complementary methods: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic rheology, texture profile analysis (TPA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).The data showed that the longer the frozen storage time at −40 °C, the higher the decreased of frozen sweet dough quality. The rheological attributes such as hardness, ΔS, springiness, tan δ and yeast activity declined significantly during frozen storage. This modification led to lower specific volume of frozen sweet dough during proofing.The observed changes of the frozen sweet doughs rheological properties after thawing may be attributed to the damage on the gluten cross-linking, mainly produced by the ice crystallization during frozen storage. The storage effect was particularly concentrated in the first 27 days of storage.     

Thermal inactivation of lactoperoxidase in goat,sheep and bovine milk – A comparative kinetic and thermodynamic study

Using isothermal heating, inactivation of lactoperoxidase (LPO) in goat, sheep and cow milk was studied in the temperature range of 70–77 °C. Kinetic and thermodynamics studies were carried out at different time–temperature combination in order to evaluate the suitability of LPO as marker for the heat-treatment of milk and dairy products from different species. The thermal inactivation of LPO followed the first-order kinetics. D- and k-values decreased and increased, respectively with increasing temperature, indicating a more rapid LPO inactivation at higher temperatures. The influence of temperature on the inactivation rate constant was quantified using the Arrhenius and thermal death time models. The corresponding z-values were 3.38 ± 0.013, 4.11 ± 0.24 and 3.58 ± 0.004 °C in goat, sheep and cow milk, respectively. Activation energy values varied between milk species with 678.96 ± 21.43 kJ mol⁻¹ in goat milk, 560.87 ± 28.18 kJ mol⁻¹ in sheep milk and 641.56 ± 13.12 kJ mol⁻¹ in cow milk, respectively.     

Impact of process conditions on the structure of pre-fermented frozen dough

The volume change of partially fermented dough exposed to refrigeration has been investigated. Lean dough pieces (70 g) were exposed to pre-fermentation at 30 °C during selected time to reach expansion ratios of 2, 3 and 4. The pre-fermented dough were exposed to cooling at 4 °C for 2 h. Dough pieces were then frozen, thawed and baked. The evolution of the volume of the dough during the different stages of the time-temperature history has been measured. Image analysis (cell distribution), of both pre-fermented dough in frozen state and baked bread obtained with these dough, were carried out and used to assess the impact of the degree of pre-fermentation on the stability of the dough and of the baked bread. Results showed that increasing the degree of pre-fermentation results in a reduction in the final dough and bread volume. Freezing applied to pre-fermented dough resulted in a baked bread with larger and less numerous gas cells. However, it was observed that applying a chilling step (4 °C for 120 min) before freezing the pre-fermented dough minimized the loss in bread volume (−40.5% vs. −27.5% in comparison to reference bread - direct baking).     

Improving the rheological and thermal properties of wheat dough by the addition of γ-polyglutamic acid

The rheological and thermal properties of wheat dough with the addition of γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA) (0.5, 1.0, 5.0 g kg⁻¹, w/w) was evaluated by the measurements of farinography, rapid visco analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Adding 5.0 g kg⁻¹ PGA in wheat dough increased the mixing stability and raised the pasting temperature from 75.8 to 84.4 °C, but decreased the peak viscosity and breakdown. The water holding capacity of wheat dough increased with the addition of 5.0 g kg⁻¹ of PGA. At 5.0 g kg⁻¹ level, PGA caused significant declines in the enthalpy, onset and peak temperatures of ice-melting transition of wheat dough. Scanning electron microscopy showed that wheat bread with the addition of 1.0 and 5.0 g kg⁻¹ PGA exhibited microstructures with smoother surfaces. During storage, PGA retarded the staling process of wheat bread.     

A histological study of the microstructure sizes of the red and white muscles of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets during superchilling process and storage

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets were partial frozen in an impingement freezer at −30 °C and 227 W/m2.K for 2.1 min prior to storage at a superchilling storage temperature of −1.7 ± 0.3 °C for 28 days. The aim of this article is to study the microstructure of the red and white muscles during superchilling process and during superchilled storage. The histology and microscopic analysis of the red and white muscles were carried out. It was found that the size of the ice crystals formed in the red muscles was smaller than those formed in the white muscles. The equivalent diameters of the intracellular ice crystals obtained upon superchilling (day 0) were 17 ± 2 and 29 ± 1 μm for the red and white muscles, respectively. Significant differences were initially observed between the size of the ice crystals formed during the superchilling process and after 1 day of storage. However, after temperature equalisation (day 1), there was no significant change in the size of the ice crystals.     

Changes in post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets during ambient and refrigerated storage

The effect of ambient and refrigerated storage temperature on post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets was investigated during storage. Fresh broccoli florets were packed in polypropylene (PP) micro-perforated film bags and stored, under open ambient storage conditions (15 ± 1 °C, 55 ± 2% RH), and laboratory refrigerated storage (4 ± 0.5 °C, 50 ± 2% RH) for a total period of 144 h. Quality of broccoli florets was evaluated in terms of physiological weight loss (PLW), ascorbic acid content, chlorophyll content, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity. Samples packed in PP micro-perforated film showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower losses of PLW, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity (5.51%, 4.53%, 18.9%, 4.04% and 16.4%, respectively), during storage for up to 144 h under refrigerated conditions. For better phytochemical retention, the broccoli florets should be packed in PP micro-perforated film bags and stored under refrigerated conditions.     

Optimisation of the aqueous extraction conditions of phenols from meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria L.) for incorporation into beverages

Meadowsweet was extracted in water at a range of temperatures (60–100 °C), and the total phenols, tannins, quercetin, salicylic acid content and colour were analysed. The extraction of total phenols followed pseudo first-order kinetics, the rate constant (k) increased from 0.09 ± 0.02 min⁻¹ to 0.44 ± 0.09 min⁻¹, as the temperature increased from 60 to 100 °C. An increase in temperature from 60 to 100 °C increased the concentration of total phenols extracted from 39 ± 2 to 63 ± 3 mg g⁻¹ gallic acid equivalents, although it did not significantly affect the proportion of tannin and non-tannin fractions. The extraction of quercetin and salicyclic acid from meadowsweet also followed pseudo first-order kinetics, the rate constant of both compounds increasing with an increase in temperature up until 90 °C. Therefore, the aqueous extraction of meadowsweet at temperatures at or above 90 °C for 15 min yields extracts high in phenols, which may be added to beverages.     

Development of shelf-life kinetic model for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh sliced mushrooms

Mushrooms are highly perishable and their shelf-life depends on processing, package properties and environmental conditions during storage and distribution. The aims of this work were to evaluate the effect of temperature and number of film perforations on quality and develop shelf-life kinetic model for a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for sliced button mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms were packed in a tray, covered with cellophane film, and stored for 7 days at four levels of temperature (0, 5, 10, and 15 °C) and three levels of perforations at each temperature ranging the number of perforations from 1 (58 perforations per m²) to 6 (349 perforations per m²). Headspace gas composition and quality parameters (weight loss, pH, firmness and colour) were measured throughout the storage period. Increasing the storage temperature required an increase of the number of perforations in order to obtain the optimum MAP conditions. Temperature had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on quality of sliced mushrooms. Firmness was identified as a critical quality parameter; therefore, a kinetic model was developed to describe the influence of temperature on firmness and predict shelf-life of sliced mushrooms. Fresh sliced mushrooms had a shelf-life of 1, 2, 4, and 7.5 days at 15, 10, 5, and 0 °C, respectively, under optimum MAP conditions.     

A study of the ice crystals in vacuum-packed salmon fillets (Salmon salar) during superchilling process and following storage

The aim of this work was to study the microstructure of vacuum-packed salmon fillets superchilled in an impingement freezer at −30 °C (air temperature) and 227 W/m² K (surface heat transfer coefficient, SHTC) for 2.1 min prior to storage at a superchilling storage temperature of −1.7 ± 0.3 °C for 28 days. The microstructure of vacuum-packed salmon fillets were analysed at the surface, mid-centre and centre layers. Significant differences were observed between the ice crystals formed at the surface, mid-centre and centre layers. The size of ice crystals at the centre of the superchilled fillets was 3 times larger than those at the surface layer. Significant differences were observed between the size of ice crystals formed during the superchilling process and following storage. The results further indicated that, after temperature equalisation (1 day of storage) the growth of the intracellular ice crystal was not significant at (P < 0.05) at any storage time.     

Comparative study of denaturation of whey protein isolate (WPI) in convective air drying and isothermal heat treatment processes

The extent and nature of denaturation of whey protein isolate (WPI) in convective air drying environments was measured and analysed using single droplet drying. A custom-built, single droplet drying instrument was used for this purpose. Single droplets having 5 ± 0.1 μl volume (initial droplet diameter 1.5 ± 0.1 mm) containing 10% (w/v) WPI were dried at air temperatures of 45, 65 and 80 °C for 600 s at constant air velocity of 0.5 m/s. The extent and nature of denaturation of WPI in isothermal heat treatment processes was measured at 65 and 80 °C for 600 s and compared with those obtained from convective air drying. The extent of denaturation of WPI in a high hydrostatic pressure environment (600 MPa for 600 s) was also determined. The results showed that at the end of 600 s of convective drying at 65 °C the denaturation of WPI was 68.3%, while it was only 10.8% during isothermal heat treatment at the same medium temperature. When the medium temperature was maintained at 80 °C, the denaturation loss of WPI was 90.0% and 68.7% during isothermal heat treatment and convective drying, respectively. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) fraction of WPI was found to be more stable in the convective drying conditions than β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, especially at longer drying times. The extent of denaturation of WPI in convective air drying (65 and 80 °C) and isotheral heat treatment (80 °C) for 600 s was found to be higher than its denaturation in a high hydrostatic pressure environment at ambient temperature (600 MPa for 600 s).     

TBARS predictive models of pork sausages stored at different temperatures

2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) is an important quality index for pork sausages. To study this in pork sausages during storage, kinetic models were developed to predict TBARS content changes of pork sausages at different temperatures. The predictive models of TBARS content with respect to storage time and temperature were developed based on primary and Arrhenius equations. The regression coefficients (R² > 0.95) indicated the acceptability of the primary reaction and Arrhenius model for predicting TBARS content changes of pork sausages. The activation energy (E_A) of TBARS is 14.12 kJ mol^− 1, and the corresponding rate constant (k₀) is 9.262 × 10¹⁰. Relative errors between predicted and measured values of TBARS content are all within ± 8%. Thus, the established model could effectively predict the TBARS content of pork sausages between 5 and 35 °C during storage.     

Ultrasonic monitoring of lard crystallization during storage

This work addresses the use of ultrasonics as a non-destructive technique with which to monitor lard crystallization during cooling and storage. The ultrasonic velocity was measured during both the isothermal crystallization of lard (at 0, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20 °C) and during the non-isothermal crystallization. In addition, lard crystallization was also studied through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and instrumental texture analysis (penetration tests). The measurement of the ultrasonic velocity allowed the bulk crystallization to be detected. The evolution of the ultrasonic velocity and the textural measurements during isothermal crystallization showed two steep increases, which may be explained by the two fractions of triglycerides found in DSC thermograms. At 7, 10 and 20 °C the second fraction did not crystallize within the first 11 days of storage. A two-step crystallization model based on the Avrami model was used to properly describe (% var > 99.9 and RMSE < 1.99 m s^− 1) the relationship between the ultrasonic velocity and the isothermal crystallization time. In addition, a model was developed to estimate the percentage of solid fat content during isothermal crystallization. Therefore, it may be pointed out that ultrasonic techniques could be useful to monitor the crystallization pattern of complex fats during long periods of storage.     

Physical, chemical and microbiological changes in stored green asparagus spears as affected by coating of silver nanoparticles-PVP

Silver nanoparticles have recently gained increasing interests due to their antimicrobial activities in food processing applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles-PVP coating on weight loss, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, crude fiber, color, firmness and microbial qualities of asparagus spears stored at 2 and 10 °C. Asparagus samples were first sanitized with 100 mg l⁻¹ sodium hypochloride solution for 15 min. They were then immersed in coating solution containing silver nanoparticles for 3 min at room temperature. During 25-day storage at 2 or 10 °C, the coated asparagus demonstrated lower weight loss, greener color and tender texture compared with the control samples. The growth of microorganism was significantly hindered by the coating. Based on comprehensive comparison and evaluation, asparagus spears coated by silver nanoparticles could be kept in good quality for 25 days at 2 °C and for 20 days at 10 °C.