CELLULARITY, MECHANICAL FAILURE, AND TEXTURAL PERCEPTION OF CORN MEAL EXTRUDATES

Relationships among cellular structure, fracturability, and sensory properties in porous, brittle extrudates were investigated. Corn-based extrudates intentionally processed to exhibit a range of physical structures were characterized in terms of cell size distribution, bulk density, mechanical strength, fracturability, and sensory attributes. These measurements show both mechanical strength, defined by average compressive stress during extended deformation, and fracturability, quantified by fractal and Fourier analyses of stress-strain functions, increasing with either decreasing mean cell size or increasing bulk density. Fracturability parameters or structural characteristics are furthermore correlated with sensory scores for crunchiness, crispness, hardness and perceived density. These results indicate that cellularity strongly influences the pattern of mechanical failure and that failure characteristics, such as fractal dimension or power spectrum of stress-strain functions, are reflective of sensory texture.     

Large Deformation Properties of Gels and Model Comminuted Meat Products Containing Lupin Protein

ABSTRACT: The fracture properties of Lupin seed protein isolate (LSPI) gels prepared by heat-treatment of protein dispersions have been studied at large deformations, by a uniaxial compression test. Fracture parameter values depended both on the method used for isolate preparation and the presence of sodium chloride. The results are explained in terms of LSPI composition and protein solubility. Incorporation of lupin isolate to a model comminuted meat-product system, resulted in a significant increase in fracture stress value while textural parameter values of the heated system such as hardness, fracturability, gumminess, and chewiness were also affected.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY PARAMETERS OF COOKED SWEETPOTATO TEXTURE1

This study compared two instrumental methods, namely uniaxial compression and texture profile analysis (TPA), with sensory evaluation in describing the textural properties of cooked sweetpotatoes. The steamed cooked samples (1.35 × 2.2 cm cylinder) of four cultivars and six selections were subjected to a trained texture profile panel for sensory ratings and the two instrumental methods for determination of the mechanical properties. Factor analysis indicated that the 15 sensory variables were grouped into 3 main factors, namely moistness-firmness (factor 1), particles (factor 2), and fiber (factor 3). Among the instrumental parameters, shear stress of compression and fracturability, hardness, and gumminess of TPA correlated highly (R = 0.73–0.95) with both the mouthfeel and mechanical-type sensory notes. These parameters of the two instrumental methods were linearly related (R²≥ 0.95) and could be converted from one to another with a high degree of reliability. Regression equations based on shear stress significantly explained (R²= 0.71–0.91) eight of the sensory notes. These instrumental parameters can be good predictors of cooked sweetpotato texture.     

Mechanical stress distributions in cross‐sections of cucumber cultivars during the fracture process

The fracture process of six cucumber cultivars was examined to explore the mechanical properties that determine cultivar‐specific crispy and crunchy textures. The postfailure portion of the load–strain curves was targeted in cucumber compression tests. The series of fractures after the initial fracture were examined at the tissue level by expressing the two‐dimensional stress intensity as a map. The stress map for the difference between the fracture point and 0.01 s after the fracture point indicated that the stress distribution changed in a broad area for two cultivars (D and F), while it changed locally and in a small area for two other cultivars (A and E). Several load drops were observed on the load–strain curve for the cucumbers. The peak number between the fracture and the local minimal points was quite small for cultivars D and F, whereas it was substantial for cultivars A and E. A global fracture event occurred over the entire cross‐sectional area at the initial fracture for cultivars D and F. The initial fracture occurred locally for cultivars A and E, and there were repeated sequential small local fractures as sample compression progressed. Two other cultivars (B and C), typical of those normally eaten raw, showed intermediate values for most parameters. This measurement provided the first demonstration of structural fracture during a series of load drops. How these postfailure properties will be associated with the texture characteristics of cucumber cultivars is discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

PREDICTION OF SENSORY TEXTURE OF FETA CHEESE MADE FROM ULTRAFILTERED MILK BY UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND SHEAR TESTING

The ability to predict sensory texture properties of Feta cheese made from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta) from uniaxial compression, small shear deformation measurements (frequency sweep, strain sweep, relaxation) and indices of proteolysis was studied. In principal component analysis (PCA) some of the instrumental variables were highly correlated, e.g. the moduli from uniaxial compression and shear measurements; and strain at fracture from uniaxial compression and indices of proteolysis. PCA of the six sensory attributes determined by a trained panel showed that mainly one type of information was present in the sensory results. Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) of all results revealed that stress at fracture from uniaxial compression was the individual instrumental parameter having the highest correlation with the sensory texture attributes. Of these, the three firmness attributes were best predicted by the instrumental parameters. As the shear measurements were not very useful for prediction of sensory texture properties by themselves, and as the increase in prediction precision by inclusion of these measurements was marginal, it is suggested that either stress at fracture alone, or together with three other parameters from uniaxial compression should be used to describe texture properties of UF-Feta cheese.     

Uniaxial compression of Swiss-type cheese at different strain rates

Rheological behaviour of 48 Swiss-type cheese samples in lubricated uniaxial compression was evaluated at three initial strain rates ranging from 4·76 × 10⁻³ to 7·62 × 10⁻² s⁻¹. Modulus, apparent fracture stress and apparent fracture strain increased significantly with increasing strain rate, which is attributed to the viscoelastic nature of cheese. The influence of strain rate on apparent fracture strain strongly depended on the shape of the stress-strain curves. The relationship between the rheological parameters evaluated at different strain rates proved to be significant. The strain rate dependency of the apparent fracture strain is further explained by the contribution of elastic and viscous components, which was evaluated in relaxation experiments in the linear viscoelastic region.     

Relationships between rheological properties, texture and structure of apple (Granny Smith var.) affected by blanching and/or osmotic dehydration

The objective of this work was to evaluate and correlate rheological properties (small-scale dynamic oscillatory and creep/recovery measurements and large-scale compression force-deformation testing), texture (sensory evaluation by trained panel) and structure (optical and transmission electronic microscopy observations) of apples osmotically dehydrated to water activity (a _w) 0.97 with glucose, with or without previous blanching. All apple samples showed a solid behavior (G′?>?G″) dominating the viscoelastic response, but both dynamic moduli were reduced due to processing. The instantaneous elastic compliance (J ₀) and the retarded compliances (J ₁ and J ₂) increased for treated tissues and the steady-state viscosity (η _N) was approximately 15% to 29% of the value of fresh apple. In general, compression parameters decreased for all treated tissues. Changes in structural features were mainly evidenced in heated samples. Partial least squares regression analysis regression models revealed that texture could be well predicted by rheological properties (compression and creep parameters). Juiciness, crispness and sensory hardness were negatively correlated to J ₀, J ₁ and J ₂, and η _N was negatively correlated to sensory fracturability. Some mechanical parameters (fracturability, hardness 2, area 2, modulus of deformability and cohesiveness) were positively related to sensory fracturability, crispness and sensory hardness; and juiciness was negatively correlated to hardness. Compression and creep parameters showed ability to evidence structure differences (rupture of membranes, swelling of cells and degradation of cell walls) and to explain texture of treated apples.     

Pecan Texture as Affected by Freezing Rates, Storage Temperature, and Thawing Rates

Pecan texture was measured by texture profile analysis (TPA) at 80% compression before and after being frozen at 6 controlled rates, to 3 minimum temperatures and thawed at 2 rates. Freezing and thawing rates had more influence than storage temperature on pecan texture. Certain TPA parameters (i.e., hardness, area 1, fracturability and slope of linear segment of force vs. deformation curve) were more affected than others by freezing and thawing rates. Freezing and thawing at high rates had the least effect on pecan texture.     

ROLE OF LIPIDS IN TAIWANESE FLAKY SNACK

Flaky snack, a popular Taiwanese snack, was prepared and subjected to force deformation tests, to investigate the functional roles of lipids and the ideal ratio of solid to liquid fat in layer development. It was observed that increasing the lard content of the dough resulted in a relative increase in the softness of the final structure texture. A ratio of 35:10 (w/w), solid to liquid fat gave intermediate intensities compared with the various levels of lipid content in doughs. Light microscopy tests revealed the Remazobrilliant blue R (RBB)-colored lipids of the inner skin (Yousu) absorbed on the surface of the intact starch granules while the remaining lipids were on the Youpi layers. Force deformation curves depicted increasing fracture intensities with increasing sugar content, indicating the effects of sucrose on dough rheology of the snack. Samples stored at low temperatures depicted sharp hardness increases of varying deflections and modifications as the temperature parameters increased. It was concluded that the activity of lipids in the flaky snack was to achieve layers separation in order to improve the flaky snack fracturability and crispy traits.     

EVALUATION OF TEXTURE OF PECTIN JELLIES WITH THE VOLAND-STEVENS TEXTURE ANALYZER

Texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters were determined with a Voland-Stevens Texture Analyzer-1000 (VSTA) and an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Because of the nature of the design of VSTA, reliable magnitudes of TPA parameters based on the force-time curves recorded during the down stroke can be calculated. With a 2.54 cm diameter plexiglas plunger, the TPA parameters with the VSTA were higher than those with the Instron by 1.45% for hardness to 16.1% for fracturability.     

酸菜自然发酵过程中的质地变化

以自然发酵酸菜为研究对象,应用质构仪质地多面分析(Texture Profile Analysis,TPA)法对自然发酵过程中酸菜质地变化进行分析,探讨了质构仪各项参数之间的相关性及自然发酵过程中各参数的变化规律。结果表明,大多数的质构参数之间呈现显著相关性,酸菜的硬度1、脆度、回复性、凝聚性及咀嚼性随着发酵时间的延长整体呈现下降的趋势,且发酵40～60 d时是食用酸菜品质最佳的时期。     

Textural and Rheological Properties of Cooked Potatoes

Cooked potato samples of different cultivars and specific gravities were analyzed for textural and rheological properties by sensory evaluation, texture profile analysis (TPA) and stress relaxation tests. Mealiness was correlated with the product of cohesiveness and adhesiveness, but not with other TPA parameters. Stress relaxation tests of cooked potatoes yielded a Maxwell model consisting of two viscous and three elastic elements. One of the elastic moduli was correlated with mealiness. Hardness by sensory evaluation correlated well with hardness and fracturability by TPA, and with the three elastic moduli in the relaxation model.     

Composition,structure, rheological properties,and sensory texture of processed cheese analogues

Processed cheese analogues were made with different fat and moisture in nonfat solids (MNFS) contents and used to study relationships between composition, microscopic structure, rheological properties and sensory texture. Fat contents ranged from 58 to 230 g kg^?1 and MNFS from 487.6 to 603.3 g kg^?1. Regressions showed that those rheological parameters measured by uniaxial compression at large deformations and moderately high rates were best explained by linear combinations of MNFS, protein and fat. The moisture in the protein network acted as a plasticiser lowering the rheological parameters. Fat alone had little direct effect on the rheological characteristics under these conditions but at small deformations and low deformation rates it formed elastic inclusions that contributed to the properties. Examination of fracture surfaces in the SEM suggested that, during fracture, fat was squeezed out and acted as a lubricant. Maximum stress and work to maximum stress measured at moderately high deformation rates related best to the sensory results and described fracture of the cheeses. From the regressions, for 95% confidence limits, sensory analysis could theoretically measure changes within the range of composition tested of <0.1% in MNFS or fat. Of the rheological parameters only work to maximum stress was as sensitive. However, interaction between these compositional factors reduced the sensitivity in practice.     

ASSESSMENT OF COHESION IN GRUYERE-TYPE CHEESE BY RHEOLOGICAL METHODS

The quantitative assessment of cohesion in unripened hard cheese was studied using static methods (uniaxial compression and tension, 3-point bending, and cutting) and transient methods (stress relaxation and creep). The two levels of cheese cohesion (denoted as weak and strong, according to the judgement of the cheesemaker) were obtained by two different manufacturing procedures. Statistical analysis showed that all static methods can be used to discriminate various levels of cohesion. Uniaxial tension proved to be the most powerful test to assess quantitatively the cohesive properties of hard cheese since the values of all parameters (fracture stress, fracture strain, work to fracture, modulus of deformability, and apparent flow modulus) depend significantly (α < 0.01) on the level of cohesion. Stress relaxation and creep tests were not as powerful as the rapid static methods in distinguishing the two levels of cheese cohesion.     

STRESS RELAXATION DURING FORCE-COMPRESSION STUDIES ON FOODS WITH THE INSTRON UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Abstract. The time required to apply the force in force-compression studies with the Instron Universal Testing Machine is long enough for short time relaxation processes to operate, possibly via intermolecular attraction forces. A theoretical analysis is presented whereby stress relaxation can be determined for the stress-strain region in which the Boltzmann Superposition Principle is valid. Application of the analysis is demonstrated using force-compression data obtained on cheeses of different textural properties. After correction for stress relaxation, the calculated and experimental relaxation modulus-time curves agree satisfactorily over a much longer time interval for Edam cheese than for Cheddar cheese. The latter cheese becomes non-linear at much smaller compressions than does Edam cheese, possibly by the propagation of cracks through the sample during compression. Firmness is one of the textural properties evaluated during the first bite of mastication. Since the time associated with the first bite is longer than that required for application of force during the first compression of a sample with the Instron in this study, it is possible that the sensory evaluation of firmness is made under conditions involving stress relaxation.     

Stress and crack prediction during drying of Japanese noodle (udon)

The distribution of stress during drying of fresh Japanese noodle (udon) was investigated by mathematically modelling the changes in shrinkage and other mechanical properties, this allowed crack formation to be predicted. It was observed that the shrinkage coefficients were nearly the same in all three directions with changing moisture content, and the degree of shrinkage was independent of the temperature. The Young's modulus, yield stress and fracture stress could be expressed as exponential functions of moisture content. Changes in stress distribution during drying were calculated by coupling the moisture transfer equation with the constitutive equation using a finite element method. The calculated stress distribution indicated that a rapid drying rate causes extensive internal tensile stress in udon. The scheme used in the present study was found to effectively represent the potential for crack formation along the central axis, this was shown to be consistent with the actual cracking pattern.     

Relationship of Water Content to Textural Characteristics, Water Activity, and Thermal Conductivity of Some Commercial Sausages

Mechanical properties from cyclic low strain testing, texture profile parameters and thermal conductivity were evaluated for 7 types of commercial sausage products ranging in moisture content from 27.7% to 62.4% and a_w from 0.857 to 0.993. Hardness, fracturability, the apparent moduli, stress al 20% compression, mechanical hysteresis loss, and strain energy all increased with decreasing moisture level, while springiness and the degree of elasticity decreased. Moisture had no significant effect on cohesiveness. A linear relationship was observed between the a_w and the effective mole fraction of water in the brine, the exact nature of which depended on the thermal process which the product had received. Thermal conductivity decreased with decreasing moisture in a linear manner.