Effect of rice ageing and freeze‐thaw cycle on textural properties of cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Khao Dawk Mali 105

This study investigated the effect of rice grain ageing (0.7–12 months) and freeze‐thaw 1–5 cycles on the textural properties of cooked rice. The cooked rice from aged rice grains was freezing and thawing up to five cycles. Ageing of the rice grain increased the hardness and decreased the stickiness of the cooked rice. Repeated freeze‐thaw cycles caused an increase in hardness and a decrease in stickiness of aged cooked rice. Scanning electron micrographs showed a rough surface on the cooked rice after repeated freeze‐thaw cycles, especially for cooked rice from rice aged for 12 months. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction showed increased starch retrogradation with increased freeze‐thaw cycles. The gelatinisation temperature and gelatinisation enthalpy increased when rice was aged for longer periods. Thus, ageing of rice and the number of freeze‐thaw cycles influence the textural properties of cooked rice.     

Effect of sodium carbonate on appearance and textural properties of glutinous rice cake

The effect of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) on the appearance and textural properties of glutinous rice cake was investigated. Glutinous rice kernels were soaked in Na₂CO₃ solution (0–1.2 N) at 25 °C for 24 h. Soaked rice was used for glutinous rice cake (GRC) production. The results showed that the rice soaked in Na₂CO₃ had lower protein and fat content, but higher ash content than those of untreated rice, while the amylose content in treated and untreated rice was not significantly different. Moreover, images from scanning electron microscopy showed that the starch granules from rice treated with Na₂CO₃ had smoother surfaces than untreated ones. From the alkali digestion test, the rice kernels treated with Na₂CO₃ suggest a lower gelatinization temperature than untreated rice. The GRC was uniform, and yellow colour was enhanced. Moreover, GRC exhibited an increase in softness and stickiness with increasing Na₂CO₃ concentration.     

Undercooling associated with slow freezing and its influence on the microstructure and properties of rice starch gels

It is well accepted that high undercooling or supercooling usually produces numerous small ice crystals. This paper shows that if heat transfer is not rapid enough, high undercooling causes non-homogenous sized ice crystals. Three freezing regimes (i.e. fast, slow and slow with undercooling) were used in this study. Fast freezing produced numerous homogeneously small ice crystals embedded in a thin rice starch gel matrix. This microstructure caused low % syneresis and hardness versus slow freezing’s rather homogenous distribution of fewer large ice crystals embedded in a thicker gel matrix resulting in high % syneresis and hardness. However, slow freezing with undercooling produced non-homogenous clusters involving small and large ice crystals embedded in a very thick gel matrix. Starch retrogradation before ice formation played an important role in this frozen structure. The information gained from this study enhances understanding of the behavior of starch-based food during freezing and storage.     

Development of starch-based peelable coating for edible packaging

This research characterised properties and stability of starch-based peelable coating film layers via mould dipping. Different ratios between rice starch (RS) and hydroxypropyl cassava starch (HS) containing agar blends were characterised for fluid rheology and properties of solid films. Layer-by-layer mould dipping in starch blend suspensions produced peelable shells. Rheology indicated that formability of thin-film layer on solid surface subsequently affected integrity of the shells. HS highly adsorbed water which plasticised matrices giving lower relaxation temperature (~10 °C) than RS and caused shrivelling and non-stable shell structures. RS increased crystallinity and non-homogeneity of films and reduced network flexibility and light transmission. IR spectra indicated modified hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonding of starch blends which governed water and oxygen permeability. Higher RS ratios significantly increased crystallinity which affected physical, mechanical and barrier properties during storage for three months. Findings indicated that HS provided flexibility and stability while RS improved formability of peeled shells.     

Influence of collapsed structure on stability of ��-carotene in freeze-dried mangoes

This study aimed to investigate the effect of structural collapse of freeze-dried mangoes on stability of ??-carotene. Three different freeze-drying protocols were performed to produce collapse and non-collapse structures of freeze-dried mangoes. Thermal transitions of samples were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter. ??-carotene content was monitored during storage using high-performance liquid chromatography. The ??-carotene degradation followed first-order kinetics. Mangoes freeze-dried at above ice melting temperature revealed structural collapse which decreased ??-carotene degradation rate. These dense and collapsed structures formed prevented oxygen penetration through the solids. Liquid nitrogen freezing also gave structural collapse coincided with surface cracking on freeze-dried mangoes. Such structure showed no protective effect on ??-carotene as similar degradation rate to non-collapsed systems was observed. The cracking on mango surface potentially allows high oxygen penetration through the solids thus promoting ??-carotene loss. These findings give benefit to the production of freeze-dried fruits to increase storage stability of ??-carotene.     

Physicochemical properties of konjac glucomannan extracted from konjac flour by a simple centrifugation process

Konjac flour (KF) contains main polysaccharide, konjac glucomannan (KGM) that is applied in various applications; however, extraction of KGM is complicated. A simple centrifugation process was used to extract KGM from KF and the influence of extraction temperatures on its physicochemical properties was determined. The centrifugation process was effective for the extraction of KGM and the results revealed two effective temperatures (35 °C and 75 °C). The extracted KGM was easy to grind. Ash and protein contents of the extracted KGM were clearly reduced, however the ash and protein contents of the KGM extracted at the high temperature (75 °C) were significantly lower than that extracted at the low temperature (35 °C), and thus proofs the extraction at the high temperature to be more effective. Furthermore, improved purities in both extracted glucomannan samples were attained in comparison to commercial KGM. While the yield percentages of the samples differed, no significant disparity in morphology and particle size was determined. Particles of both extracted KGM were comparable in shape and size. Moreover, the transparency of both extracted KGM solutions was higher than commercial KGM solution. These results suggested that the extraction temperature at 75 °C is effective in extraction KGM from KF.     

Texture improvement of fresh and frozen mangoes with pectin methylesterase and calcium infusion

BACKGROUND: A major problem of mango products is texture loss. The effect of commercial pectin methylesterase (PME) and calcium infusion on improvement of the texture of both fresh and frozen‐thawed mango cubes was investigated in the present study. RESULTS: The weight gain and moisture content of mango samples were greater at relatively high vacuum level (10 kPa). The PME activity of samples infused with PME and calcium at 10 kPa increased fourfold in comparison with that of control and water‐infused samples. The combined effect of PME and calcium was found to improve the texture and microstructure of both fresh and frozen‐thawed mangoes. Fresh mangoes infused with PME and calcium at 10 kPa showed significantly higher firmness than control fresh samples. Frozen‐thawed mangoes infused with PME and calcium at 50 kPa and atmospheric pressure had superior texture and microstructure in comparison with control frozen‐thawed samples. CONCLUSION: The results of the present analysis allow for a better appreciation of the role of PME, calcium and appropriate infusion conditions in improving the texture of both fresh and frozen‐thawed mangoes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acceleration of ageing in rice stick noodle sheets using low temperature

The objectives of this research were to study the effects of temperature and time on ageing of rice stick noodle sheet retrogradation, and to estimate the effect of accelerated ageing on the eating qualities of the noodles. Hardness was used as a textural index due to a good correlation between instrumental and sensory evaluation. The hardness of aged sheets significantly increased as a function of time, except at 30 °C ageing. Examination of cut surfaces of fresh sheets revealed a network formation, but the cut surfaces became smoother with ageing. Room-temperature ageing produced a rougher surface than did 0 °C ageing. These results indicate that low-temperature ageing can accelerate retrogradation. Noodle sheets aged for 3 h at 0 °C produced optimal hardening; moreover, noodles from accelerated ageing had a textural quality similar to that of traditionally aged noodles. This research indicates that ageing at 0 °C allows the ageing period to be reduced from 12 to 3 h without a loss in noodle quality.     

Characterisations of cassava starch and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blown film with silicon dioxide nanocomposites

Films with high permeability are necessary for the packaging of agricultural products that respire to avoid anoxic conditions. This research developed and characterised bioplastic nanocomposite films with enhanced permeation and increased strength. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was compounded with silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and blended with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) to produce bioplastic PBAT/TPS blend films via blown-film extrusion. Different SiO₂ contents (0.5%–1%) were dispersed in the matrices, causing interaction via hydrogen bonding with the TPS phase. SiO₂ at 1% significantly improved melting of the polymer blends, giving increasing amorphous ratios of the polymeric films. Microstructures and surface topography indicated voids between incompatible components and porous structures that improved permeation. Increasing SiO₂ content linearly enhanced oxygen and water vapour permeability by up to 39% and 16%, respectively. Tensile strength and elongation at break increased and decreased up to 40% and 32%, respectively, indicating increased rigidity due to adding solid nanoparticles to 1%. Migration phenomena of the film components, that is molecules with diol structures and silicon compounds depended on types of simulant and microstructures that induced swelling and release of the compounds. Film permeabilities increased, thereby facilitating air and humidity flow through the packaging.     

Properties and release kinetics of pine bark incorporated agar and carrageenan film

Effects of plasticisers (glycerol, sorbitol and polypropylene glycol) and blend ratios on release behaviour, molecular vibration, mechanical and water barrier properties in agar and carrageenan films incorporating pine bark extract were investigated. Infrared spectra indicated hydrogen bonding of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol with film polymers which improved water diffusion and agar solubility but showed no effect in carrageenan films due to high water affinity. Hydrophilicity of the plasticisers modified dissolution of films and strongly affected the release behaviours of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (DPPH• and FRAP). Film solubility showed high correlation to release behaviours. Fick’s diffusion kinetics fitted well to release behaviour of pine bark to aqueous media (water, 3% acetic acid and 10% ethanol). Agar gave a higher diffusion coefficient that was improved by the addition of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol. Increased diffusion coefficients enhanced degree of release, with some diversions suggesting that solvent modified matrices and, hence, release properties.