Effects of processing conditions on the quality of vacuum fried apple chips

The effects of pretreatment and processing conditions on the quality of vacuum fried apple chips were studied. As blanched apple slices were pretreated by immersing in fructose solution and freezing prior to vacuum frying, more uniform porosity was observed on the surface (or cross-section) of apple chips as examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). During vacuum frying, the moisture content and breaking force of apple chips decreased with increasing frying temperature and time while the oil content increased. The L values of fried apple chips decreased apparently with increasing frying temperature. However, when apple slices were fried at 100°C for up to 20 min, both a and b values increased rapidly. Statistical analysis with the central composite rotatable design showed that the moisture content, oil content, color, and breaking force of apple chips were significantly (P⩽0.05) correlated with concentration of immersing sugar solution, frying temperature and frying time. Based on surface responses and contour plots, optimum conditions were: vacuum frying temperature of 100–110°C, vacuum frying time of 20–25 min, and immersing fructose concentration of 30–40%.     

The Stability of Poly(lactic acid) Packaging Films as Influenced by Humidity and Temperature

The effect of moisture sorption on stability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films at food‐packaging conditions, obtained by different humidities (11% to 98% RH) and temperatures (5 °C and 25 °C), was investigated by decrease in number average molecular weight (M_n) and loss of tensile strength. Hydrolysis of the PLA ester linkages resulted in a 75% decrease over 130 d at 25 °C and 98% RH. At cooling conditions the decrease amounted to 35%. An equilibrium moisture sorption isotherm could not be determined as the irreversible hydrolysis of PLA induced an ongoing moisture uptake. The rate increased when the humidity and temperature increased from 5 °C to 25 °C. After 189 d at 98% RH, moisture sorption was 7 g/100 g and 86 g/100 g at 5 °C and 25 °C, respectively. Loss of tensile strength was minor and primarily due to reversible plastization by moisture. Only at 98% RH and 25 °C, loss of tensile strength became pronounced (45%). Consequently, the present PLA material is in general expected to be mechanically stable when packaging foods covering the region from dry to moist food and storage conditions from chill to ambient temperatures.     

Effect of relative humidity and temperature on absorption kinetics of two types of oxygen scavengers for packaged food

To investigate the effect of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the absorption kinetics of self‐activated and moisture‐activated O₂ scavengers for packaged food, kinetic parameters of each O₂ scavenger were evaluated at 43%, 75% or 100% RH and at 10, 25 and 40 °C respectively. Absorption kinetics was well described by a first‐order reaction with an Arrhenius type behaviour. For moisture‐activated O₂ scavengers, a proper high RH was needed to ensure a high O₂ absorption capacity, as average O₂ absorption capacity was 3.82 mL at 43% RH and 43.40 mL at 75% RH. When the temperature increased, O₂ absorption rate constant ascended from 10 °C to 40 °C on an average of 0.153 and 0.306 h^?1 in moisture‐activated and self‐activated O₂ scavengers respectively. We could take the effect of temperature and RH into account when we chose different types of iron‐based O₂ scavengers for packaged food.     

Effect of harvest time and storage conditions on almond kernel oil and sugar composition

The effect of storage for 6 months at 5 °C (80% RH) versus 20 °C (60% RH) of shelled versus in‐shell almonds was studied on early versus late harvested nuts from ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Texas’ trees. Kernel quality characteristics, oil composition and sugar composition were determined initially and after 6 months of storage. Early harvested almonds had similar kernel weight to but higher moisture content than late harvested almonds after 6 months of storage. Early harvested almonds also had similar oil quality (based on ultraviolet absorption coefficient measurements) and oil composition but lower sugar content and modified sugar composition compared with late harvested almonds. Storage of shelled almonds resulted in kernels with higher oil content, better oil quality, similar oil composition, similar sugar content and some modifications in sugar composition compared with in‐shell stored almonds. Finally, storage for 6 months at either 5 or 20 °C resulted in lower moisture content, higher oil content, similar oil quality and composition, similar sugar content and some modifications in sugar composition compared with freshly harvested almonds. Almonds stored at 5 °C retained higher kernel weight and moisture content than almonds stored at 20 °C. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Exposure to hypoxia conditions alters volatile concentrations of apple cultivars

Brief periods of hypoxia at ambient temperatures (20 °C) have potential for disinfestation treatments or as pre‐treatments to maintain fruit quality during extended storage. Nine cultivars of apple (Cox's Orange Pippin, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pacific Rose, Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Splendour and Southern Snap) were exposed to hypoxia using an atmosphere of 100% carbon dioxide for 24 h at 20 °C. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of volatile compounds were undertaken after removal of fruits from a high‐carbon‐dioxide atmosphere and during 1 week at 20 °C. Concentrations of acetaldehdye, ethanol, ethyl acetate and ethyl esters were consistently enhanced by hypoxia, while concentrations of acetate esters and aldehydes were depressed. Cultivars varied considerably in response to high carbon dioxide, with Cox's Orange Pippin and Golden Delicious having the least and Fuji and Red Delicious the greatest enhancement in ethyl esters. Fruits exposed to hypoxia had larger odour unit scores than control fruits, suggesting that such changes in volatile concentration may affect aroma and/or flavour. Enhanced ethyl ester concentrations in fruits exposed to hypoxia may be due to increases in ethanol concentration that competitively inhibit formation of non‐ethyl esters. There may also have been a change in ester‐forming enzyme activity and/or substrate specificity of the volatile biosynthetic pathway. This study has shown that short‐term exposure to hypoxia has the potential to change the aroma/flavour of apples. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of cold‐shock treatment on chilling injury in mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Wacheng’) fruit

To investigate how cold shock may affect chilling injury in mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Wacheng’), the fruit were treated for 3, 4 or 5 h at 0 °C, or treated for 8, 10 or 12 h at 4 °C, respectively, then transferred to 20 °C for 20 h prior to being stored at 2 °C, 85–95% RH. The chilling injury index of mango treated at 0 °C for 4 h was 59.7% lower than that of the control fruit directly stored at 2 °C, 85–95% RH. Some attributes were assayed in the fruit treated at 0 °C for 4 h. Ion leakage of the cold‐shock fruit at 0 °C for 4 h was 16% or 10% lower than that of the control on day 9 or day 12 of storage, respectively. Malondialdehyde content of the cold‐shocked fruit was 70% or 50% lower than that of the control on day 6 or day 12 of storage at 2 °C, respectively. Activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and contents of glutathione and phenolic compounds in the fruit during storage were all markedly enhanced by the cold‐shock treatment, whereas activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and content of ascorbic acid in the mango were slightly influenced by the cold‐shock treatment. These results suggest that cold‐shock treatment may hold promise as an alternative approach to reduce chilling injury in mango fruit during cold storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of different moisture equilibration process on the quality of apple chips dried by instant controlled pressure drop (dic)‐assisted hot air drying

Moisture equilibration process (MEP) is an important process before controlled pressure drop (DIC) drying to obtain greater products quality and avoid producing bubbles. The aim of this work was to study the effect of MEP on the quality of apple chips dried by instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (DIC‐AD). After predrying by AD, four types of moisture equilibration solutions were applied to equilibrate the moisture of apple chips before DIC. The quality of apple chips equilibrated in water for 10 min was superior to those for 30 and 60 min with better color, brittleness, hardness, puffing degree (PD), and microstructure. Sugar solutions showed positive effect on brittleness and hardness, PD, and soluble solids of apple chips. In addition, calcium chloride was beneficial to the color of apple chips, and the product showed good rehydration and PD possibly due to the reaction between pectin and calcium ions.

Practical applications

Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) was a new sort of united drying method that can combine with other drying technology, such as hot air drying and freezing drying. In practical production, apple slices are usually dried to low moisture content for long time storage and regained appropriate moisture content before drying. After predrying, moisture equilibration process (MEP) is an important process before DIC drying which made water homogenous distributed in the sample to obtain greater products quality and avoid producing bubbles during DIC drying. In this study, MEP with different solutions including water, fructose syrup, maltitol, and calcium chloride were performed before DIC drying, and the changes of physiochemical properties of dried products were studied. Based on the analysis of experimental results, predried apple slice equilibrated in water for 10 min, 10% fructose syrup and 30% maltitol solution might produce apple chips with better quality.     

The metabolism of alcohols by apple fruit tissue

The interconversion of short-chain aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes and esters by apple fruit has been studied by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of the products when substrates (mainly alcohols) were supplied as vapours to fruit slices at 20°C, and to whole fruit during storage at 3°C. In preliminary experiments with fruit from various sources after different periods of storage, cortical tissue slices formed corresponding aldehydes and acetate esters from alcohols; esterification was more rapid with higher alcohols. Esterification by peel tissue slices was more rapid initially but quickly declined. Metabolism was further investigated with a batch of apples during storage under different conditions. Both cortex and peel tissue were capable of acetylating butanol and 2-methyl propanol at all stages of maturity, from the pre-climacteric state at normal harvest time, when endogenous ester levels were low, through 58 days ripening at 12°C. The tissues showed constant hydrolytic activity towards butyl acetate throughout this period. Whole apples in air and 2% O₂ at 3°C took up ethanol but formed little ethyl acetate and retained very little free ethanol. In both atmospheres whole apples metabolised approximately 40% of added hexanol to hexyl acetate and up to 8% to hexanal. The low levels of esters in apples from low oxygen atmospheres (and the absence of esters in unripe apples) are, therefore, a consequence of low rates of alcohol synthesis.     

Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment on Formation and Structural Characteristics of Slowly Digestible Non‐pasted Granular Sweet Potato Starch

The formation and structural characteristics of slowly digestible non‐pasted granular starch in sweet potato starch were investigated under various hydrothermal treatment conditions. The moisture content of the sweet potato starch was adjusted to 20, 50 or 90%, and the starch was heated at 40, 55 or 100°C for 12 h in a dry oven. The relative crystallinity of the hydrothermally treated samples was decreased with increasing temperature, and the X‐ray diffraction patterns of the samples were altered from C_b‐type to A‐type. Microscopic observations did not reveal any changes in the starch granules of any samples except those with moisture contents of 50 and 90% that were heated at 100°C. When gelatinization parameters were examined, samples with moisture contents of 50 and 90% that were heated at 55°C and samples of all moisture contents that were heated at 100°C had peak temperatures higher than that of raw starch but gelatinization enthalpies lower than that of raw starch. The swelling factor of the samples heated at 40°C did not change significantly, whereas that of samples heated at 55 and 100°C was decreased at increased moisture levels. The sweet potato starch with 50% moisture content that was heated at 55°C had the highest content of granular slowly digestible starch, about 200% that of raw starch, although our study did not involve further hydrothermal treatment conditions. Further study is required to complete a process for more efficient production of heat stable and slowly digestible starch.     

Crystallisation and moisture sorption properties of selected Australian unifloral honeys

The sorption properties of yapunyah (Eucalyptus ochropholia) and yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora) honeys (Australian unifloral honeys) were investigated in a controlled relative humidity (RH) environment at 30 °C for 71 days. The original water activity of the honeys affected the sorption properties. These two honeys absorbed moisture at and above 67.9% RH and desorbed moisture at and below 51.4% RH. The crystallisation behaviour of tea tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and yapunyah honeys was studied during storage at 13 and 23 °C. The degree of crystallisation was monitored by measuring the absorbance at 660 and 665 nm using a spectrophotometer. The heat‐treated honeys did not show any sign of crystallisation after 5 months, whereas a seeding with precrystallised honey induced crystallisation of the same honeys. This crystallisation was more rapid at 13 than at 23 °C. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Original article: Effects of continuous dense‐phase CO2 system on antioxidant capacity and volatile compounds of apple juice

The effects of different operating conditions applied to a continuous dense‐phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) system on antioxidant capacity and volatile compounds of apple juice were compared with current heat pasteurisation method. Only the microbial tests required by Italian Regulation to assure microbiological safety to ‘fruit juices and vegetables’ were performed, and DPCD‐treated (15 MPa, 35 °C, 15 min; 25 MPa, 35 °C, 15 min), heat‐pasteurised (75 °C, 15 s) and untreated apple juice samples were considered. The DPCD processing carried out at 15 MPa resulted as effective as 25 MPa in reducing microbial cells. Trolox equivalent of DPCD treated at 25 MPa (0.41 mm ) resulted significantly (P < 0.05) lower than DPCD treated at 15 MPa (0.48 mm ). Head space analysis of volatile compounds indicated the lowest decrease in apple aroma compounds (59% esters and 59% aldehydes) in DPCD treated at 15 MPa.     

Pore formation in apple during air‐drying as a function of temperature: porosity and pore‐size distribution

Characteristics of air‐dried apple produced by drying at 50, 80 and 105 °C were studied by measuring apparent porosity, open pore porosity and pore‐size distribution with a helium gas pycnometer and mercury porosimetry. Apparent porosity increased with the decrease of moisture content as well as with the increase of drying temperature. Fresh apple showed negligible closed pores, whereas drying caused collapse of surface pores, and consequently reduced open pores. Pore‐size distribution for fresh apple showed two sharp peaks, one at 5.8 µm and another at 3.6 µm. Apple rings, dried for 20 h, showed only one sharp peak at 3.6 µm while samples dried for 30 h showed three peaks, at 10, 5.8 and 3.6 µm, respectively. Application of high pressure (0.12–414 MPa) resulted on negligible intrusion of mercury into the sample. Fractal analysis indicated the formation of more micro‐pores on the surface caused by air‐drying. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Fermentation Temperature on Key Aroma Compounds and Sensory Properties of Apple Wine

Fermentation temperature strongly affects yeast metabolism during apple wine making and thus aromatic and quality profiles. In this study, the temperature effect during apple wine making on both the key aroma compounds and sensory properties of apple wine were investigated. The concentration of nine key aroma compounds (ethyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, isopentylacetate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl 4‐hydroxybutanoate, isobutylalcohol, isopentylalcohol, 3‐methylthio‐1‐propanol, and benzeneethanol) in apple wine significantly increased with the increase of fermentation temperature from 17 to 20 °C, and then eight out of the nine key aroma compounds with an exception of ethyl 4‐hydroxybutanoate, decreased when the temperature goes up 20 to 26 °C. Sensory analysis showed that the apple wine fermented at 20 °C had the highest acceptance for consumers. Fermentation at the temperature of 20 °C was therefore considered to be the most suitable condition using the selected yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae AP05) for apple wine making. Changes in the fermentation temperature can considerably affect the production of key aroma compounds and sensory profiles of apple wine. These results could help apple wine producers make better quality production for consumers at the optimal fermentation temperature.     

Effects of processing conditions on the quality of vacuum‐fried carrot chips

The effects of pretreatment and vacuum frying conditions on the quality of fried carrot chips were studied. The moisture and oil contents of fried carrot chips were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced when blanched carrot slices were pretreated by immersion in fructose solution and freezing prior to vacuum frying. Furthermore, more uniform porosity was observed on the vertical cross‐section of carrot chips when examined by scanning electron microscopy. During vacuum frying, the moisture content, colour and breaking force of carrot chips decreased while the oil content increased with increasing frying temperature and time. However, there was no apparent change in Hunter ΔE with time when the frying temperature was below 100 °C and the frying time was below 25 min. Results of this study suggest that vacuum frying at moderate temperature (90–100 °C) for 20 min can produce carrot chips with lower moisture and oil contents as well as good colour and crispy texture. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of Air Oven Moisture Content Determination Procedures for Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

This study evaluated moisture content determination procedures for pearl millet using seven different air oven methods. The moisture content of the pearl millet samples varied from 11–41% (wet basis). The procedures included 130°C for 1 h; 130°C for 2 h; 105°C for 5 h; 105°C for 48 h; 105°C for 72 h; 130°C for 16 h; and 130°C for 20 h. Analysis of variance revealed that at high moisture content levels above 27% (wet basis), and the mean values of the moisture content determined were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Error analysis carried out showed that the moisture content determination methods were adequate to completely remove the moisture in pearl millet with moisture less than 35% (wet basis). Regression models were developed to predict the base moisture determination method (105°C for 72 h) as a function of other procedures.     

Storage quality of powdered cyanobacterium —Spirulina platensis

The cyanobacteriumSpirulina platensis, produced at the Central Food Technological Research Institute, was dried using the cross-flow technique and subsequently subjected to packaging studies. The moisture sorption studies at 27 °C indicated a critical moisture content of 12.5%, corresponding to 56% relative humidity (RH). The product was packed in pouches made of polypropylene (37 μm thick) and a laminate of metallized polyester with low-density polyethylene and was stored at: (1) 38 °C, 90% RH (accelerated condition) or (2) 27 °C, 65% RH (standard condition). Periodically throughout its storage under these conditions, the product was analysed for its content of moisture, protein, ash and fat. In addition, determinations were made of the changes in the constituents carotene, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.     

Effect of relative humidity on some physical and mechanical properties of different types of fibreboard

Equilibrium moisture content and strength properties as a function of relative humidity (RH) were measured in three types of commercial fibreboards with different densities. The measurements were made after specimens had been conditioned to equilibrium at 35, 50, 65, 80 and 95% RH and 20 °C. It was shown that the modulus of elasticity decreased slightly between 35 and 65% RH and markedly – at above 65% RH for all types of boards. A very strong decrease of modulus of elasticity was observed at about 80% RH (capillary condensation). A similar decreasing trend was observed in bending strength. Overall, high RH had a noticeably detrimental effect both on the MOE and the bending strength for all tested boards. Adequate correlation exists between bending MOE and bending strength with moisture content. The lower the density of boards the higher their equilibrium moisture content.     

Effect of handling and storage on alkylamides and cichoric acid in Echinacea purpurea

Changes in alkylamide and cichoric acid concentrations during the handling and storage of freshly harvested and dried Echinacea purpurea plants were investigated. Plants subjected to varying degrees of physical damage to simulate rough handling were found to show no change in the concentrations of alkylamides and cichoric acid when subsequently dried within 24 h. Storage of undamaged fresh plant material at 20 °C and 60% RH for 30 days also showed no significant loss of either group of constituents. Storage of dried crushed plant material showed that alkylamides were degraded at 20 and 30 °C, especially when held in light, but no loss occurred when stored at 5 °C in the dark. Cichoric acid was found to be stable at 5, 20 and 30 °C provided that the moisture content remained low or enzymic activity was eliminated by blanching. The findings have implications for the handling and storage of echinacea to optimise retention of alkylamides and cichoric acid. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of temperature and relative humidity on growth and enzyme production by Actinomucor elegans and Rhizopus oligosporus during sufu pehtze preparation

Sufu is a Chinese soybean cheese obtained after maturation of solid-state mould-fermented tofu. Ambient temperatures of 30–35 °C during the summer season prohibit the use of the usual starter Actinomucor elegans. We compared the properties of the latter with a potential alternative starter Rhizopus oligosporus that could be used at higher temperatures. The effects of temperature and relative humidity on growth rate of Actinomucor elegans and Rhizopus oligosporus were optimum at 25 °C at RH 95–97%, and 35 °C at RH 95–97%, respectively. Yields of protease (108 U/g pehtze), lipase (172 U/g) and glutaminase (176 U/g) by A. elegans were maximum after 48 h at 25 °C and RH 95–97%, and for α-amylase (279 U/g pehtze) and α-galactosidase (227 U/g) at 30 °C and RH 95–97% after 48 and 60 h of incubation. Highest protease (104 U/g pehtze), and lipase (187 U/g) activities of R. oligosporus were observed after 48 h at 35 °C and RH 95–97%, while maximum α-amylase (288 U/g pehtze) and glutaminase (187 U/g) activities were obtained after 36 h at 35 °C and RH 95–97%. Maximum α-galactosidase activity (226 U/g) by R. oligosporus was found after 36 h at 30 °C and RH 95–97%. It is concluded that R. oligosporus is a potential alternative to A. elegans as sufu pehtze starter during hot seasons.     

Response Surface Methodology Study for Optimization of Effects of Fiber Level, Frying Temperature, and Frying Time on Some Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Wheat Chips Enriched with Apple Fiber

In this study, wheat chips enriched with apple fiber were produced, and response surface methodology was used for the determination of the simultaneous effects of processing variables selected as fiber level (0–15 %), frying temperature (160–180 °C), and frying time (40–60 s) on some physicochemical, textural, and sensorial properties of chips. Ridge analysis was conducted to determine the optimum levels of processing variables. Predictive regression equations with high coefficient of determination (R ²?≥?0.728) were constructed. Addition of apple fiber increased the dry matter; ash content; L, a, and b values of samples, while increase of frying temperature caused decrease of the hardness values. Overall acceptability of chips enriched with apple fiber decreased with the increase of frying temperature, but wheat chips enriched with apple fiber and fried at low temperatures received highest sensory score. Ridge analysis showed that maximum taste score would be attained at fiber level?=?15 %, frying temperature?=?170 °C and frying time?=?40 s.