Changes in texture,microstructure and nutritional quality of carrot slices during blanching and freezing

Thermal processing of vegetables has pronounced effects on the cell structure, often lowering the final textural properties of the product. In order to investigate the effect of thermal processing on carrot, slices were subjected to different blanching and freezing treatments before frozen storage. Microwave-, steam- or water-blanched material was frozen and then stored at −24 °C. Steam-blanched carrots were subjected to blast freezing or cryogenic freezing at different temperatures before frozen storage. The influence of these process conditions on the texture (maximum load and slope), microstructure, dry matter, sugars, carotene and drip loss was investigated. Microwave blanching differed from the other blanching methods by resulting in a heterogenic cell structure. The content of dry matter, carotene and sucrose was higher following microwave blanching. Blast freezing resulted in low maximum load which seemed to be caused by major tissue damage. Concerning cryogenic freezing, lowering the temperature from −30 °C to −70 °C resulted in better preservation of the native microstructure together with an increase in maximum load, which was most pronounced after one month of storage. No significant effect was observed when lowering the temperature from −30 °C to −70 °C for any of the other measured parameters. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimisation of freezing process with pressure steaming of potato tissues (cv Monalisa)

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for determining optimum conditions of the freezing process on pectinesterase (PE) activity, rheological parameters and textural properties in potato tissues. In the process of production of frozen potatoes, the second step of the stepwise blanching prior to freezing was considered as a fixed factor and performed at 97 °C for 2 min as well as the freezing rate in the freezing step itself, which was carried out at −2 °C min⁻¹. The effects of variation in levels of temperature (57.93–72.07 °C) and time (15.86–44.14 min) in the first blanching step on the PE activity were studied using a central composite rotatable design. A Box–Behnken factorial design was used to investigate the effects of simultaneous variation of temperature (60–70 °C) and time (20–40 min) in the first blanching step and steaming temperature (112–122 °C) and time (1–3 min) on rheological parameters and textural properties. Blanching temperature was the independent variable that most influenced either enzymatic activity or rheological parameters. Stationary points showing maximum PE activity had critical temperature and time values of 64.22 °C and 29.37 min before freezing and 64.39 °C and 28.02 min after freezing and steaming of the tissues, and these values were very close to those obtained for some creep compliance parameters. Results show a high correlation between increases in PE activity and tissue firmness below optimum experimental freezing conditions, proving the role of the enzyme as one of the main contributors to the firmness which determines the textural quality of frozen potato tissues. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of freezing/thawing conditions and long‐term frozen storage on the quality of mashed potatoes

The effects of freezing temperature (−80, −40 or −24 °C) and thawing mode (microwave or overnight at 4 °C) on quality parameters of mashed potatoes made from tubers (cv Kennebec) and from potato flakes were examined, as was the effect of long‐term frozen storage on the quality of mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes were tested for texture profile analysis (TPA) and cone penetration, oscillatory and steady rheometry, colour, dry matter, Brix and sensory analyses. In natural mashed potatoes, TPA hardness and oscillatory parameters showed that processing resulted in a softer product than the fresh control. The parameters were lower in the samples thawed at 4 °C than in those thawed by microwave at all the freezing temperatures used, which may be ascribed to gelatinisation of the starch released from damaged cells. Differences from the freshly prepared product decreased when the samples were frozen at −80 °C and thawed by microwave. No difference was found in sensory acceptability between samples frozen at −80 and −40 °C, which probably reflects the panellists' mixed preferences for air‐thawed versus microwave‐thawed samples. Increasing the time in frozen storage led to a natural mash with a firmer texture, higher L*/b* value and Brix; nonetheless, panellists found the samples at 0, 3 and 12 months of frozen storage equally acceptable. In commercial mash, penetration and oscillatory parameters showed that processing made for a firmer product than the fresh control, probably owing to retrogradation of gelatinised starch. Thawing mode had a significant effect on parameters, which were lower in the samples thawed at 4 °C. The structure and quality of commercial mash was more detrimentally affected by freezing and, therefore, we would not recommend either freezing or frozen storage of this mashed potato in the used conditions. Natural mash made from Kennebec potatoes should be frozen quickly and thawed by microwave in the conditions described to obtain a product more similar to that freshly made. If the samples are frozen by air blasting at −40 °C, the product can withstand frozen storage for one year. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of freezing conditions and storage on ice crystal and drip volume in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus): Evaluation of pressure shift freezing vs. air-blast freezing

Turbot fillets were frozen either by pressure shift freezing (PSF, 140 MPa, −14°C) or by air-blast freezing (ABF), and then stored at −20°C for 75 days. Smaller and more regular intracellular ice crystals were observed in fillets frozen by PSF compared with air-blast frozen ones. Ice crystals area in PSF samples was approximately 10 times smaller than that of ABF samples, on average. The PSF process reduced thawing drip compared with air-blast freezing. Conversely to this classical freezing process, the storage time did not adversely influence the thawing drip of PSF samples. In addition, PSF appeared to reduce cooking drip after 45 days of storage at −20°C. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed a significant reduction of the total enthalpy of denaturation for the pressure shift frozen samples compared to fresh and conventional frozen samples. Besides, a new melting transition appeared on the thermogram of PSF samples at approximately +40°C.     

EFFECT OF BLANCHING AND SULFITE TREATMENT ON THE QUALITY OF FROZEN CAULIFLOWER

The influence of blanching time and post-blanching sulfite treatment on the sensory quality and texture of frozen cauliflower were assessed after storage at -18°C for up to one year. The treated cauliflower florets, sealed in polyethylene bags, were placed in waxed paperboard cartons and frozen in a contact plate freezer at -35°C. Samples blanched for 3 min and dipped in a solution containing 1000ppm of SO₂ for 5 min gave a significantly (p<0.05) superior product even when stored for one year. The residual SO₂ content of 50 ppm found in these stored samples disappeared after a 3 min cooking in boiling water. Cauliflower texture was influenced by blanching time but the textural differences of blanched samples diminished following freezing and storage. After a 3 min cooking, the texture of all thawed samples were comparable to that of fresh cauliflower cooked for 10–12 min.     

Effect of temperature, pressure and calcium soaking pre-treatments and pressure shift freezing on the texture and texture evolution of frozen green bell peppers (Capsicum annuum)

The firmness of green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) was studied under different processing conditions. Thermal texture degradation kinetics of pepper tissue between 75 and 95 °C could be accurately described by a fractional conversion model. The firmness of pre-processed pepper increased when the samples were submitted to several heat, pressure, and combinations of heat/pressure and calcium soaking pre-treatments. Pre-heating at 55 °C during 60 min and mild heat/high-pressure treatments (200 MPa at 25 °C, 15 min) yielded the best results, which were further improved when combined with calcium soaking. These pre-treatments significantly slowed down thermal texture degradation of pepper at 90 °C, a typical temperature used for pepper blanching prior to freezing. The above-mentioned pre-treated samples showed a significant reduction in firmness when frozen by regular freezing at 0.1 MPa. The same samples showed no changes in firmness when frozen by high-pressure shift freezing at 200 MPa. When freezing was carried out by high-pressure shift and after frozen storage (−18 °C) for 2.5 months, pressure pre-treated pepper showed a better retention of texture than thermal pre-treated pepper.     

Determination of Ice Cream Mix Freezing Points: A Comparison of Methods

Ten batches of ice cream mix, varying in composition, were prepared. Mix freezing points were calculated by a formula method, determined by an osmometer, and the results of two methods were compared. Mix freezing points calculated by the formula method ranged from −2.36 to −3.59°C (−2.741°C mean); freezing points determined by the osmometer ranged from −2.40 to −3.53°C (−2.745°C mean). Comparative results of these methods differed by an average of .04 ± .02°C. The correlation coefficient between the two methods was .996, and there was no significant difference between them.     

Impact of pretreatment and freezing conditions on the microstructure of frozen carrots: Quantification and relation to texture loss

The textural quality of carrots subjected to pretreatments affecting the pectin structure in combination with different freezing conditions was studied. Carrot samples frozen under different conditions were extensively studied by light microscopy quantifying the freezing damage based on the analysis of different parameters (number, area, perimeter, and shape factor of tissue particles) associated with carrot tissue damage. The reduced texture loss of rapidly or cryogenically frozen carrots, compared to slowly frozen samples, was associated with the reduction in cell wall damage in the carrot tissue. In case no pretreatment was used, carrot texture was only slightly improved by using high-pressure shift freezing instead of slow freezing. Detailed analysis of the different steps involved showed that severe tissue damage occurred during the completion of the high-pressure freezing process at atmospheric pressure. However, tissue damage, and thus texture loss, of high-pressure frozen carrots could be minimized by applying pretreatments consisting of a thermal treatment at 60 °C and a high-pressure treatment at 300 MPa and 60 °C.     

Pressure-shift freezing and its influence on texture,colour, microstructure and rehydration behaviour of potato cubes

Temperature changes during pressure-shift freezing (400 MPa) of potato cubes and its effects on the drip loss (weight and conductivity), texture (shear and compression tests), colour (L, a, b values), drying behaviour, rehydration properties (water uptake, texture after rehydration) and visible cell damage after thawing (micrographs) were investigated and compared with conventional freezing (0.1 MPa, -30 °C), subsequent frozen storage (-18 °C) or pressure treatment (400 MPa) at +15 :C. Pressure-shift freezing resulted in increased crystallization rates compared to conventional freezing at -30 °C. Crystallization and cooling to ?8 =C took 2.5 min during and after pressure release versus 17 min at atmospheric pressure. Drip loss was reduced from 12.0 to 10.8g/100g. Water uptake during 10 min of rehydration (93.9g/100g compared to 77.4g/100g and incomplete rehydration) and texture values were improved. Browning after thawing or after fluidized bed drying was reduced (increased a value, lower L value), suggesting partial enzyme inactivation during pressure treatment. Differences in colour and texture to the untreated controls were smaller after pressure-shift freezing than after conventional freezing. Cooling to ?30 °C after pressure-shift freezing did not significantly affect the results, whereas subsequent frozen storage at ?18 °C resulted in quality deterioration, as observed after frozen storage of conventionally frozen samples. The improved preservation of cell structure was demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy.     

Texture and structure of pressure-shift-frozen agar gel with high visco-elasticity

To determine the effects of sucrose and high-pressure-freezing, two kinds of agar gel were compared; A gel with high visco-elasticity and B gel, an ordinary dessert gel. Both agar gels with 0, 5, 10 or 20% sucrose were frozen at 0.1–686 MPa and −20 °C. They were frozen during pressurization, and exothermic peaks were detected at 0.1, 100, 600 and 686 MPa and −20 °C (freezing). However, at 200 MPa, they did not freeze but froze with released pressure (pressure-shift-freezing). Thus, the amount of syneresis from gel pressure-shift-frozen at 200 MPa was smaller than that from gel frozen at other pressures. Also, amount of syneresis from A was smaller than B. In addition, compared to control gels, the appearance of 0% sucrose–agar gels frozen at 0.1, 100, 600 and 686 MPa differed greatly due to syneresis and a volumetric shrinkage of the gel. It was apparent that the rupture stress of the gels decreased, strain and size of ice crystals increased and quality declined. Conversely, due to quick freezing, the texture and structure of both A and B pressure-shift-frozen at 200 MPa were better than the other pressure-treated gels and gels frozen in freezers (−20, −30 or −80 °C) at atmospheric pressure. Consequently, pressure-shift-freezing was more effective. However, texture, structure and syneresis of A were somewhat better than that of B. It was found that the addition of sucrose to the gel was effective in improving the quality of frozen agar gels.     

Freezing, thawing and cooking effects on quality profile assessment of green beans (cv. Win)

Results are presented of the effect of freezing followed by thawing (air and water immersion, both at environmental temperature) and cooking (traditional boiling in a covered pot) on quality profile (in terms of objective texture, colour, chlorophylls and pheophytins and sensory attributes) and structure of green beans (cv. Win). Freezing was carried out at three different rates by forced convection with liquid nitrogen vapour. Kramer shear cell (KSC) and Warner–Bratzler (WB) tests were used for objective assessment of the texture. The highest parameter values occurred in beans frozen at the highest rate and air-thawed at the slowest rate. Also, minimum alteration of the rheological behaviour of cooked beans was achieved by freezing at the highest rate. The best parameter for assessing the texture of frozen green beans after thawing and cooking was the Warner–Bratzler slope (S _WB). Coefficients of softening estimated for S _WB in the thawed beans showed that the texture of the beans frozen at −24 °C was almost four and almost five times softer than that of the beans frozen at −70 °C, for air and water thawing respectively. Frozen and thawed green beans were darker than fresh control, whereas freezing prior to cooking produced lighter-coloured beans than direct cooking. The freezing rate affected colour parameters differently depending on the process that followed. When beans were thawed, increasing the freezing rate produced lighter-coloured beans, whereas when beans were cooked, increasing the rate produced darker-coloured beans. No difference was found in sensory assessments between cooked samples frozen at −24 °C, −35 °C and −70 °C, which probably reflects the panellists' mixed preferences for quickly and slowly frozen samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed different degrees of mechanical damage to tissue structure, which accounted for the rheological behaviour of the beans.     

Effect of pretreatment and conditions and period of storage on some quality indices of frozen chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.)

Chive leaves for freezing contained 13.9 g dry matter, 133 mg vitamin C, 4.7 mg β carotene, 121 mg chlorophylls (a+b), 40.4 mg nitrates, and 0.19 mg nitrites in 100 g of edible parts. Blanching of the raw material before freezing reduced the level of dry matter by 22%, vitamin C 29%, β carotene 20%, chlorophylls 21%, and nitrates 26%, while that of nitrites increased three times. Freezing and 12-month storage of frozen material caused further losses in the analysed constituents except dry matter. Losses were distinctly higher on freezing non-blanched chive, a further enhancement of losses being observed with a storage temperature at −20°C. After a 12-month storage of frozen chive, the preserved content of vitamin C ranged from 11 to 66%, β carotene 37 to 65%, chlorophylls 65 to 75%, and nitrates 58 to 81%. If the blanching is omitted and the storage temperature is −20°C, a good preservation of vitamin C is not possible even for a period of 3 months. In contrast, the pretreatment of blanching ensures its good preservation at −20°C and at −30°C, and also yields a very good conservation of all the constituents analysed.     

Evolution of quality parameters of high pressure processing (HPP) pretreated albacore (Thunnus alalunga) during long-term frozen storage

The aim of this work was to study the application of high pressure processing (HPP) before freezing for maintaining as much as possible the fresh characteristics of albacore steaks after long-term storage. HPP treatments were applied at 200 MPa for 0–6 min. Then, samples were immediately frozen (−20 °C) and stored (−20 °C) for up to 12 months. Once thawed (4 °C; 24 h), weight losses, color, texture, lipid oxidation (TBARS) and salt-soluble protein content were analyzed.After 12 months of frozen storage, 200 MPa for 6 min minimized thawing loss inherent to freezing and frozen storage and decreased TBARS (53.9%) with respect to the control. However, it resulted in changes in color (higher L*, b* and ΔE values) and texture (higher adhesiveness and springiness) and decreased the salt-soluble protein content with respect to non-pretreated samples. Nevertheless, after cooking, there were no differences in color and texture between HPP pretreated fish and the controls.     

Textural Properties and Sensory Quality of Processed Sweetpotatoes as Affected by Low Temperature Blanching

Sweetpotatoes (SP) stored for 9–12 mo after harvest were cut into cylindrical pieces and, following factorial experiments and response surface design, were blanched at 50–80°C for 15–274 min. Instrumental textural properties were measured by uniaxial compression and texture profile analysis. Samples of selected blanching treatments were canned in syrup for textural and sensory evaluations. Both blanching temperature and time had significant effects on firmness. Optimal temperature for maximal firmness retention was about 62°C. For canned SP, the 62°C blanched samples were more intact (2–3-fold) and firmer (2–7-fold) than controls. Sensory texture and overall acceptability were greatest for samples blanched at 62°C for 30 or 45 min before canning.     

Canned Shrimp Texture as a Function of Its Heat History

Texture changes of canned shrimp were determined by sensory and instrumental methods. A direct relationship was found between sensory perception of toughness and instrumental shear forces measurements in canned shrimp packed in 2.6% brine in 307×113 cans, and processed at 124°C. Shrimp muscle toughened during the initial stages of heating and softened during the latter stages of processing. The softening of shrimp texture (shear values) was determined to follow apparent first order behavior. Regression analyses were used to establish apparent reaction rate constants, an apparent activation energy (24 Kcal/mole), textural D values and textural Z values (30°C).     

High-Pressure and Freezing Pretreatment Effects on Drying, Rehydration, Texture and Color of Green Beans, Carrots and Potatoes

High-pressure pretreated and frozen green beans, carrot dice or potato cubes were fluidized bed dried and compared to untreated, pressure-treated or water-blanched dried samples. Drying rates varied with pre-treatments. Freezing resulted in highest drying rates. Pressure-treated and water-blanched samples retained highly acceptable colors. Freezing or hot-water blanching or high-pressure pretreatment, followed by freezing, gave good rehydration. High-pressure treatment resulted in incomplete rehydration but combined with freezing, water uptake was between 2.1 and 4.8 mL/g. Retention of cell wall structures of frozen samples during drying was presumed responsible for more efficient mass transfer. Texture measurements revealed significant effects of pretreatments. Pressure-treated samples had texture nearest that of the raw material. No major differences in color were observed.     

Low-temperature transitions in cod and tuna determined by differential scanning calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry measurements have revealed different thermal transitions in cod and tuna samples. Transition temperatures detected at −11°C, −15°C and −21°C were highly dependent on the annealing temperature. In tuna muscle an additional transition was observed at −72°C. This transition appeared differently than the thermal events observed at higher temperatures, as it spanned a broad temperature interval of 25°C. The transition was comparable to low-temperature glass transitions reported in protein-rich systems. No transition at this low temperature was detected in cod samples. The transitions observed at higher temperatures (−11°C to −21°C) may possibly stem from a glassy matrix containing muscle proteins. However, the presence of a glass transition at −11°C was in disagreement with the low storage stability at −18°C during practical time scales. It was proposed that freezing of cod could be associated with more than one glass transition, with a glass transition at a temperature lower than −11°C being too small to be detectable with instrument, yet governing important deterioration processes. In order to optimize frozen storage conditions, the relationship between deterioration processes important for preservation of quality and glass transition temperatures still needs to be established.     

Effect of freezing under electrostatic field on selected properties of an agar gel

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of electrostatic freezing on the quality attributes of freeze-thaw agar gel. Agar gels were frozen under static electric field 0–5.8 × 10⁴ V m^− 1 at − 20 °C. Freezing rate and energy consumption were monitored during the freezing process and microstructures of the formed ice crystals were also analyzed by light microscopy techniques. Agar gel quality changes (syneresis and texture) were evaluated after thawing the frozen samples at + 4 °C. Results showed that the energy used by a DC high voltage generator was negligibly small as compared to the energy consumption by a freezer, and the freezing rate was not significantly influenced by electrostatic freezing (ESF). ESF also reduced the size of ice crystals but did not cause obvious changes in syneresis and texture of the samples.Industrial relevanceThe effects of electrostatic field freezing on the quality attributes of agar gel have been investigated. The results showed that the electrostatic freezing can be used as a potential tool to improve the microstructure of foodstuffs during freezing.     

Influence of vegetable shortening and emulsifiers on the unfrozen water content and textural properties of frozen French bread dough

The influence of vegetable shortening (VS) and emulsifiers (calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (CSL) and polysorbate 80 (PS80)) on frozen French bread dough has been studied. Eight formulations without yeast were used with different quantities of VS, CSL and PS80. Dough was prepared by mixing all ingredients in a dough mixer at two speeds. The fresh dough was divided into 60 g pieces and molded. Fresh dough samples were also collected for water content and textural analyses. The dough pieces were packed, frozen in a freezer at −30°C and stored at −18°C up to 56 days. After 2, 7, 21, 28 and 56 days of frozen storage, samples were removed from the freezer, thawed at ambient temperature and textural analyses were conducted.The enthalpy of freezable water on fresh bread dough was determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) at the heating rate of 3°C/min, temperature range of −40°C to 20°C. The value of unfrozen water was 0.30–0.34 g H₂O/g solids and additives used during the storage up to 56 days significantly affected the textural properties of frozen dough.     

Texture of Cooked Mantle of Squid lllexargentinus as Influenced by Specimen Characteristics and Treatments

Boiling frozen stored squid in 2% NaCl solution caused 30% weight loss after 5 min but changes in protein solubility and softening of the meat continued for at least 45 min. The influence of variability within the species on the texture of the cooked product was more significant than that of frozen storage. In discolored squid significant proteolysis was shown by electrophoresis. Such meat was less tough than that from nondiscolored specimens. Acetic acid cure induced proteolysis without improving texture, while polyphosphates softened the product without detectable proteolysis. The decisive effect on texture was displayed by pH and polyphosphates. Heating at 80° and 90°C left an uncooked sensory note.