The effect of fructooligosaccharides on the sensory characteristics of cooked sausages

The effect of a short chain fructooligosaccharide on the sensory properties of conventional and reduced-fat cooked meat sausages has been studied in products in which a fat reduction of close to 40% was obtained. The fibre assayed was used in sufficient amounts to constitute between 2% and 12% of the final product. The energy value reduction of the final products was close to 35%. Instrumental measurements of colour and texture were performed. Sensory properties were estimated by a hedonic test. A correlation principal component analysis was performed. The results showed that the sensory and textural properties and the overall acceptability were very good, which indicated that this fibre can be considered a good fat replacer in meat products. Thus, with its addition, a reduced calorie product enriched with soluble dietetic fibre is obtained.     

Optimization of replacing pork back fat with grape seed oil and rice bran fiber for reduced-fat meat emulsion systems

The effects of reducing pork fat levels from 30% to 20% and partially substituting the pork fat with a mix of grape seed oil (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and 2% rice bran fiber were investigated based on chemical composition, cooking characteristics, physicochemical and textural properties, and viscosity of reduced-fat meat batters. For reduced-fat meat batters containing grape seed oil and rice bran fiber the moisture and ash contents, uncooked and cooked pH values, yellowness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and sarcoplasmic protein solubility were higher than in the control samples. The reduced-fat samples with increasing grape seed oil concentrations had lower cooking loss, emulsion stability, and apparent viscosity. The incorporation of grape seed oil and rice bran fiber successfully reduced the animal fat content in the final products while improving other characteristics.     

Effects of irradiation on hamburgers enriched with folic acid

Hamburgers enriched with different amounts of folic acid (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mg/100 g) were manufactured. They were then treated with doses of 2–4 kGy of ionizing radiation in order to increase their safety. The effects of these treatments on the colour, texture parameters, and sensory quality of the meat, as well as on the stability of folic acid, were studied in both raw and cooked hamburgers. The presence of folic acid negligibly influenced the quality of these meat products, with irradiation treatments causing most of the loss of sensory quality and so, the treatment with 4 kGy was not adequate. Folic acid levels decreased 20–30% following irradiation with 2 kGy, and no additional decrease was observed at higher doses of radiation. This new functional meat product may help consumers achieve the RDA for this vitamin in a normal diet.     

Irradiation is useful for manufacturing ready-to-eat cooked meat products enriched with folic acid

Cooked sausages enriched with folic acid (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mg/100 g) were manufactured as ready-to-eat (RTE) products using E-beam radiation (2-4 kGy) as a non-thermal technology. The effects of this treatment on the folic acid content, colour, texture and sensory properties of the final products were studied. The characteristics of sausages were not affected by the presence of folic acid, independently of the amount added, and their overall acceptability was good. Doses of 4 kGy caused losses of folic acid close to 20-30% and significantly decreased the sensory quality (P<0.05). Despite this, the final content of folic acid in all products was sufficient so that 50 g of product gave 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). This new RTE meat product can be considered as a source of folic acid that can help assure adequate levels of this vitamin in the general population.     

Usefulness of calcium lactate, citrate and gluconate for calcium enrichment of dry fermented sausages

Food manufacturers are interested in new ways to improve the nutritional value of their meat products. In this study, calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate have been added to dry fermented sausages in an attempt to determine whether they are useful for enriching these meat products with calcium. The sausages were manufactured with different amounts of pork backfat (6, 15, and 30%) and the salts were added in sufficient amounts to 100 g of sausage to give 20% and 30% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium established by the Institute of Medicine of the USA (1000 mg/day). The lower concentration of whichever calcium salt (20% of RDA), was the most sensorially adequate. With this amount these sausages can be considered a “source of calcium”. In addition, we found that the lower backfat percentage (6%) compromises the acceptability of the product.     

Utilisation of fruit fibres in conventional and reduced‐fat cooked‐meat sausages

The effect of several fruit dietary fibres on the sensory properties of conventional and reduced‐fat cooked‐meat sausages is studied. Fruit fibres were assayed at 15 and 30 g kg^?1 concentrations. The energy value reduction of the final products was close to 30%. Instrumental measurements of colour and texture were performed. Sensory properties were estimated by hedonic tests. A correlation principal component analysis was performed. The results of textural analysis showed that the differences between batches were mainly related to the fat content. However, sensory analysis indicated that the most appreciated batches were those manufactured with orange fibre, although their colour was more yellow than the remainder. As a consequence, it is possible to manufacture conventional and hypocaloric cooked sausages containing fruit fibres mainly at a concentration of 15 g kg^?1 of fibre and obtain a sensorial acceptable product. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Properties of Algin/Calcium and Salt/Phosphate Structured Beef Rolls with Added Gums

Ten polysaccharide gums at two levels (0.5 and 1.0%) were individually incorporated into algin/calcium (AC) and salt/phosphate (SP) structured beef rolls (<6% fat) prepared with 15 and 30% added water. Cook yield, pH, bind and textural properties were evaluated. Each gum had specific effects on properties of beef rolls. For example, kappa-carrageenan improved (P<0.001) cook yields and maintained or improved bind and texture of raw and cooked samples of both meat binding systems. Cook yields of AC products were improved with gellan gum, while yields of SP products were improved with iotacarrageenan. Other gums (xanthan, guar, pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose) improved water holding (cook yields) but had detrimental effects on product texture.     

肉制品复合保水剂的研制

肉制品的持水力是衡量肉制品品质的一个重要指标,因此提高肉制品的持水力具有重要的意义.本实验利用海藻酸钠与钙离子可形成凝胶这一特性,向肉制品中添加海藻酸钠和钙盐来提高肉制品的持水力,改善产品的质构.实验中,分别选择几种不同凝胶强度的海藻酸钠及钙盐对肉制品持水力及质构的影响进行研究,并采用当前世界最先进的TPA质构分析仪对产品的物性进行测定,实验结果表明:相同工艺条件下,不同凝胶强度的海藻酸钠、不同钙盐对肉制品持水力的影响有差别,通过复配实验分析得出复合保水剂的最佳配比为:300mPa     

腌制预处理对红烧肉品质的影响

为探明原料肉腌制处理对红烧肉品质的影响,采用注射腌制（injection marination,IM）和静态变压腌制 （variable pressure static marination,VPSM）处理原料肉,以非腌制组作为对照,分析不同腌制处理的中间品和 成品的腌制吸收率、出品率、pH值、食盐含量、水分含量、蛋白质与脂肪含量、色泽、剪切力与质构、滴水损失 率、离心损失率、水分存在状态和微观结构,探讨原料肉经腌制、红烧后产品品质的形成规律。结果表明：VPSM 组腌制吸收率为2.46%,显著高于IM组（P＜0.05）。与对照组相比,原料肉经腌制后,中间品与红烧成品的水分含 量、出品率均显著提高（P＜0.05）;从原料肉到腌制后中间品直到红烧后成品,滴水损失率和离心损失率均显著降 低（P＜0.05）,且VPSM组最低。与IM组相比,VPSM组保水性更优,红烧肉出品率显著提高（P＜0.05）。经腌制 红烧后,与对照组相比,实验组脂肪含量显著下降,蛋白质含量呈先显著升高后显著下降的趋势（P＜0.05）。就 亮度值（L*）而言,与原料肉相比,IM组与VPSM组中间品L*值均显著上升,IM组成品L*值显著升高,而VPSM组 则显著下降（P＜0.05）。而与原料肉和对照组相比,VPSM成品的红度值（a*）、黄度值（b*）均最高,且差异显 著（P＜0.05）。与对照组相比,腌制预处理会显著降低成品红烧肉的剪切力与硬度（P＜0.05）。在预处理组中, VPSM效果最优。低场核磁共振T2弛豫时间检测结果显示原料肉经腌制后,不易流动水含量上升,且VPSM组高于IM 组。扫描电子显微镜观察结果显示,经腌制红烧后的成品纤维结构受到破坏,且VPSM组结构更为松散,纤维间隙最 大,有利于提高其保水性。VPSM可有效改善红烧肉加工品质,为改善红烧肉加工工艺提供了理论支持。     

Microbial transglutaminase and caseinate as cold set binders: Influence of meat species and chilling storage

The effect of microbial transglutaminase/sodium caseinate (MTG/C) systems on meat batter characteristics (water binding and textural properties of raw and cooked products) was studied in the presence of NaCl (1.5 g/100 g) and sodium tripolyphosphate (0.5 g/100 g), and storage time (96 h at 3 °C) for three meat species (pork, chicken, lamb). Samples prepared from pork and lamb with only MTG/C (no salts) had the highest cooking loss (CL) values, about 23 and 29 g/100 g, respectively; for chicken, the CL was less than 13 g/100 g. Hardness (Hd) and chewiness (Cw) generally tended to be higher in cooked samples containing MTG/C than in samples containing only salts. Products combining salts and MTG/C had higher (P<0.05) Hd and Cw. The efficiency of the MTG/C system as a texture conditioner of cooked products varied with the meat source.     

Effect of inulin on the textural and sensory properties of mortadella, a Spanish cooked meat product

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide with demonstrable beneficial effects on health. Its effect on the textural and sensory properties of mortadella, a Spanish cooked meat product, was studied. Conventional (23% fat) and reduced‐fat sausages (10% fat) were prepared. Fat reduction yields an energy value reduction close to 33%. In both cases, inulin was incorporated, in powder and as gel form, in sufficient amounts to constitute the 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of the final product. To evaluate the effect of inulin, instrumental measures of texture and sensory analysis (hedonic test) were performed. Textural analysis indicated that powdered inulin increases hardness and this fact was more evident in reduced‐fat sausages which showed that this changes even at concentrations of 2.5%. However, when inulin was incorporated as a gel, textural parameter changed only when the high levels were assayed (7.5%) showing softer sausages independent of the fat content. Sensory analysis was highly favourable and the overall acceptability was good in all batches in spite of the changes observed in texture. It can be established that this product can be enriched with inulin to a maximum level of 7.5% and preferably as gel with a good sensory quality.     

Visual color and doneness indicators and the incidence of premature brown color in beef patties cooked to four end point temperatures

An interlaboratory study was undertaken to assess the frequency that cooked color of ground beef patties appeared brown at internal temperatures of 52.7 degrees C (135 degrees F), 65.6 degrees C (150 degrees F), 71.1 degrees C (160 degrees F), and 79.4 degrees C (175 degrees F). In general, as internal cooked temperature of the patties increased, the following results were observed in the patties: (i) more brown meat color, (ii) less pink or red juice color, and (iii) more cooked texture. However, brown meat color occurred prematurely at the two lower internal temperatures (57.2 degrees C/135 degrees F and 65.6 degrees C/150 degrees F) that are insufficient to eliminate foodborne pathogens without holding times. The common consumer practice of freezing bulk ground beef, followed by overnight thawing in a refrigerator, led to substantial premature brown color in patties cooked from this product. In addition, at 71.1 degrees C (160 degrees F), recognized to be the lowest temperature for cooking ground beef safely in the home, meat color, juice color, and texture appearance were not fully apparent as doneness indicators. In fact, at no temperature studied did 100% of the patties appear done when evaluated by the criteria of no red or pink in the meat, no red or pink in the juices, or by texture appearance. Patties in this study were evaluated under a set protocol for forming the products, cooking, and viewing under the same lighting conditions. Other preparation conditions are possible and may produce different results. Thus, temperature to which patties have been cooked cannot be judged by color and appearance. This study provided the evidence to support the message to consumers regarding cooking of beef patties of "use an accurate food thermometer and cook beef patties to 160 degrees F (71.1 degrees C)" in place of messages based on consumer judgment of cooked color.     

Effect of different binders on the quality of enrobed buffalo meat cutlets and their shelf life at refrigeration storage (4±1°C)

To enhance the binding and quality of enrobed buffalo meat cutlets (EBMC), a meat emulsion at 0%, 15%, 20% and 25% replaced the cooked meat in the formulation. Emulsion containing products had significantly higher moisture contents and texture scores compared to the control. Emulsion at 20% level could be incorporated in enrobed buffalo meat cutlets to enhance their quality. Addition of 1% egg white powder improved the quality of EBMC compared to control, while a 3% level had adverse effect on the sensory attributes despite giving higher product yield and lower shrinkage. Cutlets with refined wheat flour had significantly higher protein and fat contents. It had also higher acceptability followed by corn flour, potato starch and tapioca flour. TBARS of enrobed samples remained lower than controls throughout the storage period. Mesophilic count remained below log3cfu/g for both samples during storage. Uncoated products and enrobed products were acceptable up to 10th and 15th day, respectively. Enrobing of buffalo meat cutlets improved their acceptability and shelf life under refrigeration storage.     

Effect of pre-emulsified fish oil - as source of PUFA n-3 - on microstructure and sensory properties of mortadella, a Spanish bologna-type sausage

Conventional and low-fat cooked sausages (cursive) were prepared with fish oil as a source of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fish oil was incorporated pre-emulsified with caseinates and water. Pre-emulsion was added in sufficient amounts to give fish oil levels of 1–6% in the final product. Lipid oxidation was determined (TBARs index) and instrumental measures of colour and texture were carried out. A sensory analysis was performed in which sensory parameters were evaluated by a hedonic test. There were no significant changes in TBAR values of final products being similar in both control and fish oil added sausages. In general terms, a slight increase in hardness and work of shearing were observed at the higher fish oil levels independently of the fat content. Sausages were analysed after 90 days of storage under refrigeration and similar results were observed. Microstructure of sausages was also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a more compact structure was observed when the high levels were assayed. However, all sausages were well accepted when sensory quality was evaluated. Fat composition showed an increase in n−3 PUFA yielding a n−6/n−3 ratio close to 2, which is considered as healthier. For this, the incorporation of fish oil pre-emulsified seems to be a good option to include n−3 PUFA in cooked meat products, obtaining sensorially adequate and healthier stable sausages.     

Heat Gelation Properties of Actomyosin and Surimi Prepared from Atlantic Croaker

Comminuted mixtures of fish muscle (surimi) and salt undergo a sol-gel transformation when subjected to heat processing which is responsible for the textural characteristics of fabricated imitation shellfish meats. Upon “setting” a fish muscle sol at temperatures below those conventionally used for heat processing meat products, a fine translucent gel network is formed which imparts strength and resiliency to the subsequently cooked gel product. Increased firmness and opacity, as well as some loss in cohesiveness, were noted upon processing surimi sols at higher temperatures. The low temperature “setting” property of fish proteins necessitates rapid forming or extrusion of the product prior to the initiation of network formation to insure a firm texture in the final product.     

Quality Characteristics of Restructured Turkey Meat with Variable Alginate/Calcium-Lactate Ratios

Restructured ground turkey and turkey breast meat patties, formulated with combinations of 0–1.0% sodium alginate, 0–0.1875% calcium carbonate and 0–0.6% lactate, were compared to a no additive control. The ratio of sodium alginate to calcium carbonate was held constant at 5.3 to 1. Optimal sensory and instrumental raw and cooked product bind was achieved with combinations of 0.4–1.0% sodium alginate, 0.0750–0.1875% calcium carbonate and 0.6% lactate. All restructured products with the algin/calcium binder had higher (p<0.05) cook yields than the no additive control. Sensory aroma, flavor and juiciness of cooked products were not different (p>0.05) between treatments.     

Interactions between meat proteins and barley (Hordeum spp.) β-glucan within a reduced-fat breakfast sausage system

Barley β-glucan, a soluble fibre component with health benefits, has the potential to be used as a fat replacer in meat systems. Interactions between meat proteins and β-glucan gum were examined in reduced-fat (12%, w/w) sausages formulated with β-glucan at 0.3% (w/w) (0.3β-gl) and 0.8% (w/w) (0.8β-gl) levels, as well as high- and reduced-fat controls. Cooking loss results indicated that β-glucan gum held more water in cooked sausages than control gum (carboxymethyl cellulose), due to its ability to form a tighter network within the protein matrix, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. In a raw system, β-glucan gum was not as effective at retaining moisture as a stable protein network, formed by heating. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that sausages with a higher gum to protein ratio required additional energy for protein denaturation to occur. Findings indicate that β-glucan gum increases the amount of moisture held in a cooked meat protein system, due to the physical entrapment of water, when compared to the high-fat control, but is similar to the reduced-fat formulation with added water.     

Fructooligosaccharides as a fat replacer in fermented cooked sausages

Fermented cooked sausages with a 50% reduction in pork back fat and addition of 0%, 3%, 6% or 9% of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were produced and studied during manufacturing and storage. Their production was monitored by physicochemical (pH, water activity, weight loss, proximate composition, colour and texture profiles) and microbiological analysis (aerobic mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria, and total and faecal coliforms). During storage, it was evaluated the sensory properties, stability to lipid oxidation and microbiological safety. The final fat content of the control was 27.54%. F0, F3, F6 and F9 treatments had final fat contents of 17.63%, 17.55%, 17.91% and 17.59%, respectively, representing an approximately 40% reduction in the fat content. The simple reduction in pork back fat without fat substitute adversely affected the technological and sensory properties of the fermented cooked sausages, but the addition of FOS suppressed the defects caused by the fat reduction. The content of FOS did not changed during storage, indicating that this functional prebiotic compound can be used for developing of reduced fat fermented meat products.