UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION OF UF-FETA CHEESE RELATED TO SENSORY TEXTURE ANALYSIS

Rheological characteristics of seven Feta cheeses with different textures and produced from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta cheeses) were evaluated by uniaxial compression and sensory texture analysis. The effect of uniaxial deformation rate (50–2500 mm/min) on four rheological parameters: Stress at fracture s?_f), Hencky strain at fracture (?_f), deformability modulus (E) and work to fracture (W_f) was examined. Three Principal Components (PC) described 76, 16 and 4% respectively, of the variation in the uniaxial compression data set (4 parameters at 12 deformation rates). Statistically α_f, E and W_f described the same type of information in the data set. Six sensory texture attributes of the UF-Feta cheeses were evaluated by a sensory texture panel: nonoral firmness, nonoral brittleness, nonoral spreadability, oral crumbliness, oral firmness and oral stickiness. One PC described 93% of the variation in the sensory texture data and grouped the sensory variables into two negatively correlated groups: nonoral firmness nonoral brittleness, oral firmness and oral crumbliness versus nonoral spreadability and oral stickiness. Correlations and Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) between instrumental and sensory texture variables showed that nonoral and oral firmness were the nonoral and oral sensory variables best predicted from instrumental measurements. α_f, E and W_f were all able to predict nonoral and oral firmness. Of the instrumental parameters, α_f generally gave the best correlation to nonoral firmness at all deformation rates. Above a deformation rate of 50 mm/min correlations between α_f and nonoral firmness were almost independent of deformation rate, and at any deformation rate correlations between α_f and oral firmness     

INFLUENCE OF UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION RATE ON RHEOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND SENSORY TEXTURE PREDICTION OF COOKED POTATOES

The effect of uniaxial compression rate (20–1000 mm/min) on the parameters: Stress (σ_ftrue), strain (ε_fHencky) and work to fracture (W_f), modulus of deformability (E_d), maximum slope before fracture (E_max) and work during 75% compression (W_total) was investigated for ten potato varieties. Multivariate data analysis was used to study the correlation between and within the sensory and nonsensory measurements by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which showed σ_ftrue, E_max, W_f, and W_total to explain the same type of information in the data, and ε_fHencky versus E_d another type of information in the data. The deformation rate had a large effect on ε_fHencky. Nine sensory texture attributes covering the mechanical, geometrical and moistness attributes were evaluated. Relationships between uniaxial compression data at various deformation rates and the sensory texture attributes were studied by Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). A minor effect of deformation rate on the correlation with the sensory texture properties was obtained. Mechanical properties were predicted to a higher extent than the geometrical attributes and moistness. The prediction of the mechanical, geometrical and moistness attributes increased largely by using uniaxial compression supplemented by chemical measures such as dry matter and pectin methylesterase, but here no relevant effect of deformation rate was obtained.     

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF UF-FETA CHEESE DETERMINED BY UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND DYNAMIC TESTING

Rheological characteristics of three Feta cheeses produced from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta cheeses) with different textures were evaluated using uniaxial compression and dynamic testing (strain and frequency sweeps). Stress at fracture was 20–46 kPa, Hencky strain at fracture was 0.20–0.35, modulus of deformability was 176–465 kPa, and work up to fracture was 4.4–6.7 kj/m³, depending on the type of cheese and the strain rate. Stress at a given strain, and stress at fracture increased with strain rate: the slope of the log (stress at fracture) versus log(in-itial Hencky strain rate) plot was 0.06–0.21, indicating a partially viscous behavior. Stress at fracture discriminated between all three Feta textures, and Hencky strain at fracture discriminated a Tin Feta texture from two Brick Feta textures at every compression rate. In dynamic testing the complex modulus was 40–173 kPa, and tan (δ) was 0.17–0.25 depending on the type of cheese and the frequency of oscillation. The slope of log(complex modulus) or log(storage modulus) versus log (frequency) was 0.12–0.14, and the slope of log(loss modulus) versus log (frequency) was 0.07–0.11 for all three types of cheese. The complex modulus from strain and frequency sweeps in the dynamic testing distinguished the Tin Feta texture from the Brick Feta textures, and the phase angle (δ) measured in strain sweep could differentiate the Blue Brick Feta texture from the Red Brick Feta texture in the strain interval 0.0003–0.024.     

Vane Rheometry for Textural Characterization of Cheddar Cheeses: Correlation with Other Instrumental and Sensory Measurements

The relationship between instrumental (vane method, texture profile analysis (TPA), uniaxial compression) and sensory texture measurements of Cheddar cheeses was investigated. A Haake VT 550 viscotester equipped with a four-bladed vane rotor was used for the vane test. Instrumental TPA was performed with a TA.XT2 Texture Analyser, and compression variables were calculated from TPA data. Vane parameters were significantly correlated with respective variables of compression and TPA (r=0.56-0.91), and sensory tests (r=0.54-0.88). Multivariate analysis indicated that seven sensory attributes of ten commercial Cheddar cheeses were satisfactorily predicted (calibration regression coefficient,R_cal >0.62) by variables of the vane, uniaxial compression and TPA tests. In particular, cheese firmness and cohesiveness evaluated by sensory panel were well described by vane stress and apparent strain. The results validate the vane method as an alternative to the existing cheese testing methods for rapid evaluation of cheese texture.     

Instrumental and Expert Assessment of Mahon Cheese Texture

ABSTRACT: To improve Mahon cheese texture assessment, the relationship between instrumental and sensory measurements was sought. For that purpose 30 pieces of Mahon cheese from different batches and 2 different manufacturers were examined. Textural characteristics at different curing times were evaluated by uniaxial compression, puncture, and sensory analysis. Significant linear correlations were found between instrumental and sensory measurements. A logarithmic model (Weber-Fechner) fitted data better than a linear one. Only 1 factor was extracted when considering all the instrumental and sensory variables, thus indicating that both sets of measurements are related to the same phenomenon. The best predictors for Mahon cheese sensory attributes were found to be cheese moisture, deformability modulus, and slope in puncture.     

Rheology, microstructure, and functionality of low-fat Iranian white cheese made with different concentrations of rennet

A batch of full-fat (23% target fat) and 3 batches of low-fat (6% target fat) Iranian white cheese with different rennet concentrations (1-, 2-, and 3-fold the normal usage) were produced to study the effect of fat content reduction and promoted proteolysis on the textural and functional properties of the product. Cheese samples were analyzed with respect to their rheological parameters (uniaxial compression and small amplitude oscillatory shear), meltability, microstructure, and sensory characteristics. Reduction of fat content from 23 to 6% had adverse effects on the texture, functionality, cheese-making yield, and sensory characteristics of Iranian white cheese. Fat reduction increased the instrumental hardness parameters (storage modulus, stress at fracture, and Young's modulus of elasticity), decreased the cheese meltability and yield, and made the microstructure more compact. Doubling the rennet concentration reduced values of instrumental hardness parameters, increased the meltability, and improved the sensory impression of texture. Although increasing the rennet concentration to 2-fold the normal usage resembled somewhat the low-fat cheese to its full-fat counterpart, it appeared to cause more reduction in yield. Increasing the rennet concentration 3-fold the normal usage produced a product slightly more elastic than the low-fat cheese with normal concentration of rennet. Increasing the rennet concentration to 2-fold the normal usage was useful for improving the textural, functional, and sensory properties of low-fat Iranian white cheese.     

A COMPARISON OF THREE INSTRUMENTAL TESTS FOR PREDICTING SENSORY TEXTURE PROFILES OF CHEESE

Multivariate analysis techniques were used to seek correlations between texture sensory attributes assessed by a trained professional panel and instrumental measurements (compression, puncture and penetration) carried out on various types of cheeses. Twenty-nine cheeses were assessed by the panel and instruments. Correlation was sought using Partial Least Squares regression. Hardness (R=0.87), springiness (R=0.98) and cohesiveness of mass (R=0.89) were best predicted by instrumental data from a cone penetration test. The prediction of cohesiveness was acceptable using any of the three instrumental tests performed (0.76相似文献   

INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY TEXTURE ASSESSMENT AND FRACTURE MECHANISMS OF CHEDDAR AND CHESHIRE CHEESES

Textural attributes of Cheddar and Cheshire cheeses, falling within narrow compositional ranges, were assessed by sensory panels, and from force-compression curves generated by compression between two plates, and, for Cheddar cheese only, by penetrometry. Individual sensory measurements did not relate well to any instrumental one, and were better at discriminating between cheeses. Samples of each cheese variety were fractured in different ways and the fracture surfaces were examined in a scanning electron microscope. Fracture surfaces were formed by cutting directly through the matrix, tearing of the matrix along planes high in fat or cracking at grain boundaries. It is suggested that consideration of fracture mechanism may aid the selection and development of useful instrumental methods for texture assessment of cheese.     

COMPARISON OF TWO INSTRUMENTAL METHODS WITH SENSORY TEXTURE OF PROTEIN GELS2

The textural attributes of 8 different heat-induced protein gel preparations evaluated by torsion failure testing and Instron texture profile analysis (TPA) were compared to sensory ratings by a trained texture profile panel. The gels presented a wide range of textural properties as determined by the instrumental and sensory parameters. Among the instrumental parameters, true shear strain at failure was the most frequent and significant predictor of sensory notes. Initial shear modulus and 50% compression force had the poorest correlations with sensory notes. Comparison of the two instrumental tests produced high correlations between shear stress at failure and TPA hardness; true shear strain at failure and TPA cohesiveness; and, initial shear modulus and 50% compression force. High correlations were also observed among various panel notes. Canonical correlation analyses showed that sets of linear combinations of parameters from each one of the 3 tests (torsion, TPA or sensory) were highly correlated to sets from either of the other two. Regression equations relating each of the instrumental tests to sensory notes were developed. Of the torsion failure parameters, the logarithm of true shear strain most commonly appeared in the equations. Of the TPA parameters, cohesiveness and its logarithm were the terms that were most frequent. High R² values were obtained for regression equations developed for predicting torsion failure parameters based on TPA parameters.     

BOOK REVIEW

Ratings by a trained texture profile panel were compared with the mechanical properties (shear stress at structural failure, normal strain to failure and apparent elastic modulus) determined in torsion and uniaxial compression for apple, melon and Irish potato flesh. Results indicated that, for melon and potato flesh, the structural failure stress levels were more frequent and significant indicators of sensory note magnitudes than the modulus values. The reverse was true for apple flesh. Of the sensory notes, moisture release correlated most consistently with the mechanical properties. Melon flesh failed in uniaxial compression by widespread crushing rather than along a failure plane. Correlation of the mechanical failure stress with the first bite sensory notes dominated in this case. The structural failure of potato flesh in uniaxial compression generally occurred along a single plane of maximum shear stress which left two essentially intact pieces of specimen. First bite and mastication sensory notes for potato flesh correlated with shear stress at failure about equally well. The structural failure of apple tissue in uniaxial compression was caused by general compression failure with many fragmented pieces of tissue remaining. Apple flesh produced the most frequent correlations of both first bite and mastication texture notes with the instrumental modulus and failure values.     

PREDICTION OF INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MAHON CHEESE FROM ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS

Ultrasonic velocity was related to sensory and instrumental texture measurements. A semi-logarithmic model (Weber-Fechner) was used to relate the sensory and instrumental texture measurements. The ultrasonic velocity ranged from 1650 to 1723 m/s for the softest and hardest cheese, respectively. As expected from theoretical equations, the ultrasonic velocity was related to the square root of the instrumental measurements. The deformability modulus (r²=0.93) and the slope in puncture (r²=0.85) were the most closely related parameters. A model developed from the relationship between sensory and instrumental texture and the relationship between ultrasonic velocity and instrumental texture, was used to relate velocity to sensory measurements. Elasticity (r²= 0.84) and firmness (r²= 0.81) were the sensory attributes which best correlated with ultrasonic velocity. From the obtained results, it was concluded that ultrasonic velocity measurements could be used to assess instrumental and sensory properties of Mahon cheese texture nondestructively, and therefore could be used for grading purposes.     

Texture of low-fat Iranian White cheese as influenced by gum tragacanth as a fat replacer

The effect of different concentrations of gum tragacanth on the textural characteristics of low-fat Iranian White cheese was studied during ripening. A batch of full-fat and 5 batches of low-fat Iranian White cheeses with different gum tragacanth concentrations (without gum or with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1 g of gum/kg of milk) were produced to study the effects of fat content reduction and gum concentration on the textural and functional properties of the product during ripening. Cheese samples were analyzed with respect to chemical, color, and sensory characteristics, rheological parameters (uniaxial compression and small-amplitude oscillatory shear), and microstructure. Reducing the fat content had an adverse effect on cheese yield, sensory characteristics, and the texture of Iranian White cheese, and it increased the instrumental hardness parameters (i.e., fracture stress, elastic modulus, storage modulus, and complex modulus). However, increasing the gum tragacanth concentration reduced the values of instrumental hardness parameters and increased the whiteness of cheese. Although when the gum concentration was increased, the low-fat cheese somewhat resembled its full-fat counterpart, the interaction of the gum concentration with ripening time caused visible undesirable effects on cheese characteristics by the sixth week of ripening. Cheeses with a high gum tragacanth concentration became very soft and their solid texture declined somewhat.     

SENSORY AND INSTRUMENTAL EVALUATION OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF FISH GELS

Over 100 heat coagulated fish pastes with widely varying sensory texture properties were prepared and evaluated. Variations in species, geographical source of fish, cooking procedure and other variables provided a wide range in material properties. Small strain material properties were evaluated instrumentally using uniaxial sinusoidally varying force at a frequency of 2 Hz and recording stress, strain and the phase angle between the two. A multiblade shear/compression cell mounted in an Instron Universal Testing machine was used to measure the shear/compression failure force. The products were also evaluated by a trained texture profile panel using 13 character notes. The maximum shear/compression cell force was a good predictor of sensory springiness, firmness, cohesiveness, and gel strength for the heat coagulated fish pastes tested. These four sensory notes were good predictors of each other so that a panel rating of any one could be used to rate the other three with numerical ratings for all four being very similar. Gumminess and adhesiveness ratings were also very similar and varied inversely with the shear/compression cell force and with the above four panel notes. These two notes were directly proportional to the loss tangent of the product, which correlated with them about as well as did the shearlcompression cell force. The relationships developed between panel notes support the modification of the General Foods Texture profile suggested by Sherman (1969). Statistically developed equations giving sensory texture notes as functions of instrumental material properties are given and their implications discussed.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY PARAMETERS OF COOKED SWEETPOTATO TEXTURE1

This study compared two instrumental methods, namely uniaxial compression and texture profile analysis (TPA), with sensory evaluation in describing the textural properties of cooked sweetpotatoes. The steamed cooked samples (1.35 × 2.2 cm cylinder) of four cultivars and six selections were subjected to a trained texture profile panel for sensory ratings and the two instrumental methods for determination of the mechanical properties. Factor analysis indicated that the 15 sensory variables were grouped into 3 main factors, namely moistness-firmness (factor 1), particles (factor 2), and fiber (factor 3). Among the instrumental parameters, shear stress of compression and fracturability, hardness, and gumminess of TPA correlated highly (R = 0.73–0.95) with both the mouthfeel and mechanical-type sensory notes. These parameters of the two instrumental methods were linearly related (R²≥ 0.95) and could be converted from one to another with a high degree of reliability. Regression equations based on shear stress significantly explained (R²= 0.71–0.91) eight of the sensory notes. These instrumental parameters can be good predictors of cooked sweetpotato texture.     

CONSTANT STRAIN RATE COMPRESSION OF BIOPOLYMER GELS

Usually, uniaxial compression of food materials is performed at constant speed, which causes an increase of the true strain rate during experiments. By using a method described previously (Jaros and Rohm 1994) highly elastic biopolymer gels were compressed at standard conditions and with decreasing crosshead speed in order to maintain constant strain rate conditions during test. In the case of gels showing failure at a Hencky deformation of > 0.5-0.6, significantly lower values for apparent fracture strain were found in constant strain rate compression. Differences in stress at apparent fracture showed good agreement with respect to this critical value. Implications and consequences on interrelation between sensory and instrumental measurements as well as on relationships between rheological and fracture properties are discussed.     

FULL UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION CURVES FOR PREDICTING SENSORY TEXTURE QUALITY OF COOKED POTATOES

The prediction of six different sensory texture attributes of twenty-seven potato samples based on uniaxial compression curve features and full uniaxial compressions curves is reported. The data set comprised five varieties, sorted in dry matter bins, and sampled at two storage times. The predictions of most of the sensory texture attributes from full compression curves performed better than just using curve features. Furthermore, force-deformation curves are shown to give slightly better predictions than stress-strain curves. For most of the texture attributes better predictions were obtained using uniaxial compression data from raw potato samples as compared to cooked samples. This study is meant to open up a debate on interpreting the information in uniaxial compression curves in relation to sensory texture quality. Multivariate analysis can handle this and can further give insight about where in the curve the information relevant for the predictions of the sensory attributes is found.     

Modelling of sensory and instrumental texture parameters in processed cheese by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

This study investigated the application of near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to the measurement of texture (sensory and instrumental) in experimental processed cheese samples. Spectra (750 to 2498 nm) of cheeses were recorded after 2 and 4 weeks storage at 4 degrees C. Trained assessors evaluated 9 sensory properties, a texture profile analyser (TPA) was used to record 5 instrumental parameters and cheese 'meltability' was measured by computer vision. Predictive models for sensory and instrumental texture parameters were developed using partial least squares regression on raw or pre-treated spectral data. Sensory attributes and instrumental texture measurements were modelled with sufficient accuracy to recommend the use of NIR reflectance spectroscopy for routine quality assessment of processed cheese.     

INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERIZATION OF COOKED POTATO TEXTURE

Uniaxial compression, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) and chemical measurements were related to sensory texture evaluation of potato quality during storage. Principal component analysis grouped the varieties into three types of variation: mealiness versus firmness and springiness (PC1), moistness versus adhesiveness (PC2) and hardness versus adhesiveness and moistness (PC3). In uniaxial compression the variable 'stress', 'work up to fracture' and 'total work during compression' described the same type of information in the data. These uniaxial data and most of the TPA data were highly correlated. Uniaxial compression data (stress, strain, modulus of deformability), starch structural data (area, roundness, aspect ratio), specific gravity and pectin methyl esterase activity discriminated between the varieties and harvest times. Partial Least Squares Regression showed stress, strain, modulus of deformability and specific gravity to be the most important variables in distinguishing between two groups of sensory texture attributes explaining 65% of the total variance in the sensory data. Coefficients of correlation between predicted and measured sensory attributes were in the range 0.36–0.79. The TPA data were not found to be relevant substitutions for the sensory attributes.