Quality Characteristics of Chinese-style Meatball Containing Bacterial Cellulose (Nata)

ABSTRACT: The physicochemical, textural, and quality characteristics of Chinese-style meatball (20% fat) containing varying levels of bacterial cellulose (nata) were evaluated. Cooking losses of nata-containing Chinese-style meatballs were higher than those of control (containing no nata and 20% fat [C20]). Raw nata-added batter had higher water-holding capacity than control, but the pattern was reversed after cooking. N10 (10% nata) and C20 had the highest springiness scores. Textural hardness and shear-force value were significantly higher for C20, but both attributes for nata-added treatments decreased with increasing nata levels. Addition of 10% nata to Chinese-style meatballs produced products with acceptable textural and sensory qualities. Nata showed potential as a functional ingredient in Chinese-style emulsified meat products such as Chinese-style meatballs.     

Quality characteristics of reduced-fat frankfurters with pork fat replaced by sunflower seed oils and dietary fiber extracted from makgeolli lees

The effects of reducing pork fat levels from 30% to 20% by partially substituting pork fat with a mix of sunflower seed oil (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and makgeolli lees fiber (2%) were investigated based on physicochemical properties, textural properties, and sensory characteristics of reduced-fat frankfurters. The moisture and ash content, and lightness were higher in reduced-fat frankfurter samples containing sunflower seed oil and makgeolli lees fiber than in the control. The results showed that reduced-fat frankfurter samples with higher sunflower seed oil levels had lower redness and yellowness values, as well as less cooking loss, emulsion stability, hardness, springiness, and apparent viscosity. The results of this study show that incorporating sunflower seed oil and makgeolli lees fiber into the formulation successfully reduced animal fat in frankfurters, while improving quality characteristics.     

Konjac/gellan gum mixed gels improve the quality of reduced-fat frankfurters

Mixed gels of konjac (1%, 2%) and gellan gum (0.25%, 0.5%) were incorporated into reduced-fat (18%) frankfurters and compared with reduced-fat and high-fat (28%) controls for physicochemical, textural, sensory properties and storage stability. C28 (control at 28% fat) had the highest (P<0.05) lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values but the lowest redness (a*). C28 had the lowest textural hardness, shear force value and sensory firmness but highest juiciness scores. Treatments containing konjac/gellan gum mixed gels were not different from C28 in sensory overall acceptability, among them K1G5 (1% konjac/0.5% gellan gum) was numerically higher. C18 had the highest TPC (～7.8 log CFU/g) after 12 weeks of storage, followed by gum-containing treatments. In conclusion, it appears feasible to incorporate konjac/gellan gum mixed gel at current levels to reduced-fat frankfurter for acceptable sensory merits with reasonable shelf life.     

Acceptability of low-fat frankfurters as influenced by the feeding of elevated levels of monounsaturated fats to growing-finishing swine

The effects of high levels of oleic acid in the diet on the physical, chemical and sensory traits of frankfurters were examined. Frankfurters were formulated at three fat levels (10, 20 and 25%) from pork trimmings from each dietary treatment. The control frankfurters were the most springy, firm, flavorful and palatable and had the most intense flavor (P < 0·05). However, low-fat frankfurters produced from the high-oleate treatments were comparable to the control in all sensory characteristics (P > 0·05). The 10 and 25% fat frankfurters were rated highest and lowest, respectively, for juiciness, springiness, firmness, flavor, flavor intensity and overall palatability (P < 0·05). Sensory panelists detected off-flavors in the 25% fat frankfurters more frequently than in the 10% fat frankfurters (P < 0·05). 2-Thiobarbituric acid values were not affected by treatment and were acceptable after storage at 2°C for 24 weeks (P < 0·05).     

Quality of Reduced-Fat Frankfurter Modified by Konjac–Starch Mixed Gels

ABSTRACT:  Konjac–potato starch mixed gels were incorporated into reduced-fat (18%) frankfurters and compared with reduced-fat (18% fat, C18) and high-fat (28% fat, C28) controls for textural, sensory properties, and storage stability. At the same konjac concentration, increasing starch level resulted in lower G' (storage modulus) and G" (loss modulus) of the konjac–potato starch mixtures leading to more elastic-mixed gels. No differences in textural hardness among gel-added treatments were noticed. C28 had the lowest sensory firmness and highest juiciness scores. C18 and gel-added treatments had similar juiciness and firmness scores, and all treatments did not differ in overall acceptability.     

Effects of fat level and maltodextrin on the functional properties of frankfurters formulated with 5, 12 and 30% fat

The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%) and maltodextrin on emulsion stability, cook loss, colour, texture and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated. Three fat levels (5, 12 and 30%) were formulated containing added maltodextrin. For each fat level a control was prepared without added maltodextrin giving a total of 6 treatments (3×2 factorial design). Reducing the fat from 30 to 5% increased cook loss and decreased emulsion stability. Panellists detected an increase in juiciness and a decrease in overall texture, overall acceptability when the fat level was reduced from 30 to 5%. Instron texture profile analysis showed a decrease in hardness, chewiness and gumminess and an increase in springiness with decreasing fat level. Maltodextrin addition caused a significant decrease in cook loss of the frankfurters but also decreased the emulsion stability. An interactive effect (P<0.05) occurred between fat level and maltodextrin resulting in no significant difference in hardness, gumminess and chewiness values when maltodextrin was present in the reduced-fat (5 and 12%) frankfurters. Saltiness, overall flavour intensity, overall texture and overall acceptability were unaltered (P>0.05) by maltodextrin. The results indicate that maltodextrin can be used as a suitable fat replacer since it offset some of the changes brought about by fat reduction, decreasing cook loss and maintaining a number of textural and sensory characteristics of the frankfurters.     

Substituting Olive Oil for Pork Backfat Affects Quality of Low-Fat Frankfurters

Low-fat frankfurters (10% fat), formulated for 10%, 12% and 14% protein, were made with olive oil. Compared to control (27.6% all animal fat, 10.9% protein) they had similar flavor, lower (P<0.05) TBA values and reduced (44.7–47.6%) caloric content, but had lower (P<0.05) processing yield (5.5–6.5%) and overall palatability. Among low-fat treatments, samples with 12% protein had better quality characteristics. The 12% protein frankfurters compared to the control (exccpl for palatability), had similar (P>0.05) sensory attributes and higher (P<0.05) skin strength and improved texture. The treatment with 10% protein had undesirable color and was very soft. That with 14% protein had the same (P>0.05) red color as the control but higher (P<0.05) firmness, skin strength and textural traits and lower (P<0.05) juiciness.     

Response surface methodology study on the optimisation of effects of fat,wheat bran and salt on chemical,textural and sensory properties of patties

A three-factor Box-Behnken design was adopted for studying the simultaneous effects of processing variables such as fat (10–30%), wheat bran (5–15%) and NaCl (0–2%) on physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of cooked beef patties. In addition, the ridge analysis was conducted to find the values of processing variables that maximise and minimise the texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters (hardness, chewiness, gumminess, adhesiveness, springiness, resilience and cohesiveness) and sensory ratings. Experimental design allowed for evaluation of potential interactive and quadratic effects between these variables; fat wheat bran and NaCl. It was found that protein and fat contents of patties was decreased and increased, respectively as the amount of wheat bran increased. NaCl increased the ash content of patties. Fat and wheat bran had a notable influence on textural properties, which improved the textural properties at certain levels. Lower addition of wheat bran and NaCl into patty resulted in higher acceptable product with respect to firmness, juiciness and overall quality properties.     

Optimizing palm oil and palm stearin utilization for sensory and textural properties of chicken frankfurters

This study was designed to explore the potential of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm oil (PO) and palm stearin (POs) utilization in chicken frankfurters. A 10 points augmented simplex-centroid design was used to study the effect of chicken fat (CF), PO and POs as well as the interaction of these fats on the emulsion, textural and sensory properties of chicken frankfurters. All frankfurters were formulated to contain approx 25% fat, 52% moisture and 10% protein. No significant difference was found in end chopping temperatures of all meat batters even though the temperature of PO and POs upon incorporation into meat batters was 50°C higher than CF. Strong emulsions were formed as no fluid losses were observed in all the meat batters tested after heating. Texture profiles of the frankfurters containing PO and/or CF were quite similar, but increment of POs raised hardness, chewiness, and shear hardness of the frankfurters. Acceptability of the frankfurters was evaluated using hedonic test. Panelists found no difference in hardness preference between frankfurters made from totally CF and PO, while frankfurters made from POs were rated as hard and brittle. CF was important in determining acceptability of the frankfurters, as reduction of CF in formulation resulted in lower scores in chicken flavor, juiciness, oiliness and overall acceptance of the frankfurters. Frankfurters with sensory acceptability comparable to a commercial one were found to comprise of more than 17% CF, and less than 67% PO and 17% POs of the fat blend.     

Response surface methodology study on the optimisation of effects of fat, wheat bran and salt on chemical, textural and sensory properties of patties

A three-factor Box-Behnken design was adopted for studying the simultaneous effects of processing variables such as fat (10–30%), wheat bran (5–15%) and NaCl (0–2%) on physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of cooked beef patties. In addition, the ridge analysis was conducted to find the values of processing variables that maximise and minimise the texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters (hardness, chewiness, gumminess, adhesiveness, springiness, resilience and cohesiveness) and sensory ratings. Experimental design allowed for evaluation of potential interactive and quadratic effects between these variables; fat wheat bran and NaCl. It was found that protein and fat contents of patties was decreased and increased, respectively as the amount of wheat bran increased. NaCl increased the ash content of patties. Fat and wheat bran had a notable influence on textural properties, which improved the textural properties at certain levels. Lower addition of wheat bran and NaCl into patty resulted in higher acceptable product with respect to firmness, juiciness and overall quality properties.     

Effects of three cellulose gums on the texture profile and sensory properties of low fat frankfurters

Composition, textural, viscoelastic, hydration, colour, and sensory attributes of regular and low fat pork/beef frankfurters with and without cellulose gums (carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and two types of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC-I and II)) were investigated. Fat was replaced with water in the low fat products. Moisture loss during cooking was reduced in low fat products from 10 to 6% because of the addition of CMC; however, both MCC increased moisture loss by 12–15%. CMC addition also increased the amount of free water. The high fat product was lighter (higher 'L') than the reduced fat frankfurters; gums did not appreciably change the colour. The viscoelastic properties (relaxation time, elastic moduli) were unaffected by the changes in fat level. Product hardness, brittleness, gumminess and chewiness increased with the decrease in fat level. MCC-II improved the textural properties of the low fat product to those of the high fat product. Sensory panel results indicated a decrease in tenderness with low fat and this was not improved by MCC-II. Overall, acceptability scores indicated that all the products (high and low fat) were acceptable.     

Physicochemical,textural and sensory properties of white soft cheese made from buffalo and cow milk mixtures

The physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of white soft cheeses made from three different buffalo and cow milk mixtures (100:0, 70:30 and 30:70) during 3‐month storage were studied. The increase in buffalo milk concentration resulted in increasing total cheese yield, dry matter (DM) and fat retention and fat in DM content. However, it caused reductions in moisture content, salt intake, hardness, chewiness, elasticity, sensory hardness and sensory cohesiveness of the samples. The percentage of water‐soluble nitrogen to total nitrogen increased during storage resulting in decreased fracturability, hardness (textural and sensory), cohesiveness (textural and sensory), springiness, chewiness and elasticity. The panellists evaluated the white soft cheese made with buffalo milk as the most acceptable.     

Effect of locust bean/xanthan gum addition and replacement of pork fat with olive oil on the quality characteristics of low-fat frankfurters

The effects of reducing fat level from 20% to 12% and 9%, substituting pork fat with olive oil and adding locust bean/xanthan gum (0.5% and 0.6%) on emulsion stability, jelly and fat separation, processing yield, cook loss, texture and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated and compared with control samples. Addition of locust bean/xanthan gum produced a significant increase in hydration/binding properties, characterised by lower cook losses, increasing yield, better emulsion stability and lower jelly and fat separation. The substitution of pork fat by olive oil did not affect these parameters. Indeed, results showed that reducing fat levels together with increasing moisture and locust bean/xanthan gum addition do not affect the sensory or textural properties, but olive oil addition produces a decrease in hardness and an increase in adhesiveness, however the overall acceptability was not affected.     

Effects of Organogel Hardness and Formulation on Acceptance of Frankfurters

Different organogel formulations used as beef fat (BF) replacement (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) were utilized to optimize the mechanical properties of frankfurters. Organogels, made of canola oil (CO), included different concentrations of ethyl cellulose (EC) and sorbitan monostearate (SMS). They consisted of: 8% EC + 1.5% SMS referred to as organogel‐I (OG‐I), 8% EC + 3.0% SMS (OG‐II), and 10% EC + 1.5% SMS (OG‐III), which were found promising in a previous study when used at 100% replacement. Replacement of BF with organogels at all levels could bring down the very high hardness values (texture profile analysis and sensory) of frankfurters prepared using CO by itself, relative to the BF control. OG‐I and OG‐II quantity had no significant effect on hardness and springiness, being similar in many cases to the BF and lower than the CO control. Shear force values of all organogel treatments were not significantly different from one another, and were between the BF and CO controls. Smokehouse yield showed a pattern of decreasing losses with increasing organogel replacement level. Sensory analysis revealed that using CO by itself significantly increased hardness, but structuring the oil (via organogelation), brought it down to the BF control value in all OG‐I and OG‐II formulations. Juiciness was significantly reduced by using liquid oil but increased with raising the amount of organogels. Oiliness sensation increased with higher organogel substitution and was actually higher than the beef control. The study demonstrates the potential use of vegetable oil structuring in replacing the more saturated BF in emulsion‐type meat products.     

Effects of oat fibre and carrageenan on the texture of frankfurters formulated with low and high fat

 The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%), carrageenan and oat fibre on the texture of frankfurters were evaluated using mechanical properties and sensory (taste panel) methods. Textural profile analysis (TPA) indicated that fat reduction decreased hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. In contrast, springiness increased when the fat content was reduced from 30% to 5%. No relationships between fat content and either Warner-Bratzler or Kramer shear parameters were found. Carrageenan and oat fibre differed in their effects on TPA values but the latter was more effective at improving texture. Taste panellists did not detect any differences in hardness, springiness or gumminess when fat was reduced from 30% to 5%, although increases in cohesiveness, chewiness, moisture release and lumpiness were observed. Overall acceptability of the texture decreased as the fat level was reduced. Carrageenan and oat fibre improved the acceptability of the 12% fat frankfurters, but neither ingredient offset the detrimental effects on acceptability of the texture when fat was reduced to 5%. The results demonstrate that carrageenan and oat fibre can partially offset some of the textural changes (juiciness, cohesiveness, lumpiness) which occur in low-fat frankfurters when added water replaces fat and the protein level remains constant. Received: 10 May 1999 / Revised version: 9 August 1999     

Textural and Physicochemical Properties of Low-Fat, Precooked Ground Beef Patties Containing Carrageenan and Sodium Alginate

Textural and physicochemical characteristics of selected hydrocolloids incorporated into low-fat, precooked, beef patties were investigated. Patties with an alginate/carrageenan combination had higher yields and percent moisture but lower shear force values than those of alginate or carrageenan treatments within the same fat level. Alginate appeared to improve texture slightly more than carrageenan, but carrageenan tended to release more free water after cooking and reheating. Patties with 10% fat were generally lower in shear value, cooking yield and percentage free water released as compared to their 5% fat counterparts with the same added ingredient. Low-fat, precooked, ground beef patties containing alginate/carrageenan combinations were comparable to regular beef patties (20% fat control) regarding yields and textural properties.     

Effects of fat reduction and fat replacer addition on some quality characteristics of frankfurter-type sausages

Some quality characteristics of frankfurters manufactured in three different fat levels (20%, 10% and 5%) and added citrus fibre (CF) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) were investigated. While moisture content of frankfurters increased with decreasing fat levels, protein contents increased. Lower fat levels resulted in lower water‐holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses and penetrometer values. Lower L* values and higher a* values were obtained in low fat frankfurters. SPC significantly increased the cooking losses in the sausages with 5% and 20% fat, but decreased in the sausages with 10% fat. The lower cooking loss values were obtained in sausages added CF for all fat levels. Addition of fat replacers decreased the L values but did not affect the a and b values. Addition of fat replacers increased hardness in case of low fat levels. The softer product was obtained with high‐fat formulation than low‐fat formulation. Lower taste scores were observed with addition of fat replacers.     

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FRANKFURTERS

This study's objective was to identify the range of physical and sensory properties of commercially available frankfurters. Twenty-five types of frankfurters were evaluated by a six-member sensory panel and subjected to Instron texture profiling. A wide range of sensory and textural characteristics was observed for acceptable frankfurters. Salty flavor and juiciness were correlated with fat content, but salt and fat content were inversely correlated. Negative correlations occurred between fat content and Instron fracturability and compression; fat content decreased resistance to force from mechanical stress. Firmness was positively correlated with Warner-Bratzler shear force. The development of an accurate regression equation to predict sensory hardness was not possible with this data set.     

Textural Properties of Chicken Frankfurters with Added Collagen Fibers

Chicken frankfurters made with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8% added collagen fibers and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30% added water were evaluated for textural differences using a torsion test and sensory texture profile analysis. Frankfurters with high amounts of added water and low amounts of collagen fibers had lower shear stress values. Sensory analysis indicated that both collagen fibers and added water had significant influences (P<0.05) on hardness, springiness and juiciness. The addition of collagen fibers resulted in harder, springier, and less juicy frankfurters. Added water resulted in softer, less springy and juicier frankfurters. Response surface methodology demonstrated that for 2% added collagen, the optimum added water was ～20%.     

Effects of replacing pork back fat with vegetable oils and rice bran fiber on the quality of reduced-fat frankfurters

The effects of substituting olive, grape seed, corn, canola, or soybean oil and rice bran fiber on the chemical composition, cooking characteristics, fatty acid composition, and sensory properties of low-fat frankfurters were investigated. Ten percent of the total fat content of frankfurters with a total fat content of 30% (control) was partially replaced by one of the vegetable oils to reduce the pork fat content by 10%. The moisture and ash content of low-fat frankfurters with vegetable oil and rice bran fiber were all higher than the control (P < 0.05). Low-fat frankfurters had reduced-fat content, energy values, cholesterol and trans-fat levels, and increased pH, cooking yield and TBA values compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Low-fat frankfurters with reduced-fat content plus rice bran fiber had sensory properties similar to control frankfurters containing pork fat.