Properties of Low-Fat Frankfurters Containing Monounsaturated and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Oils

Properties of low-fat (<18%) frankfurters containing high-oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) and fish oil were studied. Replacement of animal fats by the oils had little effect on emulsion stability. Frankfurters with 5% fish oil had very low sensory scores due to undesirable fish flavor. Incorporation of maximum amounts of HOSO into low-fat beef/pork and all-beef frankfurters increased oleic acid by 34% and 62%, respectively, and the monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio by 178% and 468%, respectively, compared to a regular (30% fat) product containing only animal fats. Sensory evaluation and instrumental texture profile analysis showed that the reduction in total fat caused texture problems, especially increased firmness and springiness and decreased juiciness.     

Effects of replacing pork back fat with vegetable oils and rice bran fiber on the quality of reduced-fat frankfurters

The effects of substituting olive, grape seed, corn, canola, or soybean oil and rice bran fiber on the chemical composition, cooking characteristics, fatty acid composition, and sensory properties of low-fat frankfurters were investigated. Ten percent of the total fat content of frankfurters with a total fat content of 30% (control) was partially replaced by one of the vegetable oils to reduce the pork fat content by 10%. The moisture and ash content of low-fat frankfurters with vegetable oil and rice bran fiber were all higher than the control (P < 0.05). Low-fat frankfurters had reduced-fat content, energy values, cholesterol and trans-fat levels, and increased pH, cooking yield and TBA values compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Low-fat frankfurters with reduced-fat content plus rice bran fiber had sensory properties similar to control frankfurters containing pork fat.     

The relationship between the composition and texture of conventional and low-fat frankfurters

The chemical composition, instrumental texture and sensory properties of eighteen conventional and three low-fat commercially produced frankfurters were analysed. The most important factors in defining the texture of the product were hardness and juiciness, these being related respectively to the percentage of protein and the fat/protein ratio in the frankfurter. Subsequently, using a basic formulation of soya protein and starch, different levels of fat (10 and 15%) and hydrocolloids [carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and apple pectin] were tested. According to results from these trials, three low-fat formulations were chosen. The three low-fat sausages were a sausage with 15% fat and carrageenan (0.5%), a sausage with 10% fat and a combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and pectin (0.4%) and a sausage with 10% fat and a combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and CMC (0.1%). The sensory and instrumental texture attributes of the three low-fat and the standard sausages were investigated. Results indicated that low-fat (10%) frankfurters with a texture profile similar to standard frankfurters could be manufactured through the addition of mixtures of proteins and hydrocolloids. The combination of carrageenan with CMC or apple pectin is more efficient than the use of carrageenan alone as both combinations allow a higher reduction of fat, at the same time achieving a final texture well liked by consumers.     

The effects of carrageenan and pectin on some quality characteristics of low-fat beef frankfurters

Effects of carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7%) and carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7%) with a pectin gel (20%) on some quality characteristics of low-fat beef frankfurters were evaluated in comparison to a high-fat control (HFC) and a low-fat control (LFC). While low-fat frankfurters had <3.0% fat, 73-76% moisture, 13-14% protein, HFC had 17% fat, 59% moisture, and 14% protein. A reduction of 50-59% in cholesterol was determined in low fat beef frankfurters as compared to HFC (P<0.05). Better process yield and emulsion stability, and less purge were observed with increasing carrageenan concentration. Treatment groups showed higher water holding capacity (WHC) than LFC, and lower WHC than HFC (P<0.05). With increasing carrageenan concentration, WHC increased and penetrometer value decreased in low-fat frankfurters.     

Characterisation of low-fat high-dietary fibre frankfurters

Two different peach dietary fibre (DF) suspensions (17 and 29%) were used to obtain low-fat high-DF frankfurters (20-5% fat) which were compared to an all-meat control (25% fat). The viscosity of the meat batters increased with DF content. The protein (11.5±0.6%) and collagen (1.4±0.1%) contents of frankfurters were not affected by DF addition, and the higher the DF content, the lower the pH (6.4 to 5.8) due to the fibre solution acidity. The DF was effective in retaining added water in low-fat frankfurters since their cooking losses were similar to those of the controls (5.5±0.1%). Low-fat frankfurters were darker and browner than the controls and only high fibre addition significantly decreased the textural parameters. Sensory evaluation indicated that low fat-high DF frankfurters (20, 15 and 10% fat) were as acceptable as the all-meat frankfurters.     

PRODUCTION OF LOW-FAT FRANKFURTERS WITH VEGETABLE OILS FOLLOWING THE DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR FATTY ACIDS

Low-fat frankfurters (10% fat) were produced with vegetable oils following the dietary guidelines for fatty acids as suggested in the currently recommended diet (CRD) by the American Heart Association, the Grundy diet (GD) and the Mediterranean diet (MD). MD-frankfurters, produced with olive oil (31.82%) and soybean oil (17.51%), had the highest (P<0.05) ratio of monousaturated fatty acids (MUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) minus stearic. CRD-frankfurters, produced mainly with cottonseed oil (40.70%) and soybean oil (6.90%), had the highest (P<0.05) content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). GD-frankfurters, produced with cottonseed oil (34.04%) and olive oil (15.19%), had the highest (P<0.05) ratio of (C18:2 n-6)/(C18:3 n-3). Compared to high-fat frankfurters (27% all animal fat), low-fat frankfurters had lower (P<0.05) stearic acid and trans ω-9 oleic acid, higher (P<0.05) content of total PUFA, higher (P<0.05) ratio of (C18:2+C 18:3)/SFA minus stearic acid, and lower cholesterol content (52.60%-59.11%), were darker, redder and more yellow, firmer and less juicy, but had similar overall acceptabily.     

Sensory and Physical Attributes of Frankfurters with Reduced Fat and Elevated Monounsaturated Fats

Instrumental and sensory evaluations were conducted on frankfurters manufactured with an increased monounsaturated/saturated (M/S) lipid ratio and 25% less fat than control. The M/S ratio was altered by using lean and fat from pigs fed 0%, 10%, or 20% canola oil (CO) which is high in oleic acid. Incorporation of 10% and 20% CO pork tissue into the product decreased saturated fat by 11.0% and 18.6%, respectively. Instron texture analysis indicated slight increases in cohesiveness with elevated CO, whereas decreasing fat increased gumminess and chewiness. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the overall palatability ratings of the test frankfurters were similar to the control product. Frankfurters with significantly less total fat and saturated fatty acids without adverse sensory and storage characteristics were produced.     

Optimization of salt, olive oil and pectin level for low-fat frankfurters produced by replacing pork backfat with olive oil

Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum salt level (1.3-2.1%) and pectin level (0.25-1.0%) when olive oil replaced pork backfat (0-100%) for the production of highly acceptable low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13% protein). The test ingredients significantly affected (P<0.05) jelly separation of the batter, skin strength, hardness, saltiness, odour and taste and the overall acceptability of the low-fat frankfurters. Batters with high pectin levels recorded the highest (P<0.05) jelly separation. Low-fat frankfurters with high salt levels tended to have very hard skins and increased (P<0.05) saltiness while those with a high pectin level were very soft, tasted like cream and had the lowest (P<0.05) score for odour and taste. The low-fat frankfurters with 1.8-2.1% salt, 0-35% olive oil and 0.25-0.45% pectin had the highest overall acceptability. However, low-fat frankfurters produced with 1.3% salt, 0.25-0.30% pectin and 80-100% olive oil were also acceptable. Such low-fat frankfurters, compared to commercial products, have a 48% lower salt content (from 2.5 to 1.3%) and 66.6% lower fat content (from 30 to 10%), in which 80-100% of the added fat is olive oil. Further research is needed to improve the acceptability of these frankfurters.     

Storage stability of low-fat beef frankfurters formulated with carrageenan or carrageenan with pectin

Storage stability of low-fat frankfurters (<3.0 fat content) formulated with carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7%) or carrageenan with a pectin gel (PG) (20%) was examined during 49-day refrigerated storage. Low fat frankfurters had higher bacterial growth than high-fat control (HFC) over the refrigerated storage due to higher water activity resulting from extra water addition. While there was no change in the pH of low-fat frankfurters initially due to carrageenan or PG incorporation, the most noticeable pH decline was observed in PG-added frankfurters followed by only carrageenan added ones over the storage period. HFC had the highest (P<0.05) TBA value and the lowest redness index (a(?)/b(?)) all the time as compared with carrageenan or carrageenan and PG added low-fat frankfurters. Low-fat frankfurters formulated with either carrageenan or carrageenan with PG had acceptable sensory scores.     

EFFECT OF CARRAGEENAN ON PROCESSING AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW-FAT FRANKFURTERS

Three types of carrageenan (K, I, K+I) × 4 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0%) were evaluated with a complete factorial design to characterize the effect of carrageenans on processing and quality characteristics of low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13% protein). l-Carrageenan at 0.5–1.0% level appeared to be more beneficial for the production of low-fat frankfurters. It reduced (P<0.05) the hardness of the skin and contributed to a softer (P<0.05) product and higher overall acceptability. Low-fat frankfurters (9% fat) manufactured with I-carrageenan (IC) or in combination with finely ground toasted bread (TB), isolated soy protein (ISP) and pork skin (PSK), were compared to high-fat (27% fat, 11% protein) and to low-fat (9% fat, 13% protein) control frankfurters prepared with 3.5% potato starch (PS), as well as with commercial frankfurters (25% fat, 11.6% protein, 4.5% starch). Frankfurters with IC had higher (P<0.05) moisture, softer (P<0.05) skin and the highest (P<0.05) separation of gelatin. However, textural properties and overall acceptability were similar (P>0.05) to commercial and high-fat control frankfurters. Addition of TB had no significant effect. Use of ISP and PSK improved (P<0.05) the water-binding capacity but negatively affected the overall acceptability of frankfurters.     

Sodium lactate and protective culture effects on quality characteristics and shelf-life of low-fat frankfurters produced with olive oil

Low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13% protein) were produced with olive oil and four levels of sodium lactate (0, 1, 2, 3%). The level of sodium lactate affected (p < 0.05) moisture and ash content, processing yield, skin strength and saltiness of low-fat frankfurters. Sodium lactate at 2% level appeared to be more beneficial for the production of low-fat frankfurters with olive oil. It had the highest score for flavour intensity and did not negatively affect skin strength, lextural and sensory properties or the colour of frankfurters. Low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13% protein) with olive oil, produced with 0% and 2% sodium lactate (SL) and protective culture (PC) and stored under vacuum at 4 °C, were compared with high-fat frankfurters (27% all animal fat, 11% protein). Low-fat frankfurters with olive oil had higher (p < 0.05) moisture and lower (p < 0.05) brine concentration than high-fat frankfurters. PC extended shelf-life of low-fat frankfurters with olive oil from 3 to 4 weeks. 2% SL kept the pH of frankfurters almost constant and extended shelf-life up to 6 weeks compared with 3 and 4 weeks shelf-life for low-fat and high-fat control frankfurters, respectively.     

Effect of Gums on Low-Fat Meat Batters

The effects of adding Iota-carrageenan, kappa-carrageenan, guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, and a locust bean gum/kappa carrageenan mixture to low-fat, high moisture meat batters were investigated. The methylcellulose treatment showed an increase in weight losses between 60° and 70°C, while other treatments remained similar throughout heating. Xanthan gum and guar gum at 0.2% altered textural parameters as determined by texture profile analysis. Increasing the concentration of xanthan gum decreased batter hardness without affecting batter stability. Sensory evaluation indicated that low-fat frankfurters (11–12% fat) were as acceptable as control frankfurters (27% fat).     

Effects of oat fibre and carrageenan on the texture of frankfurters formulated with low and high fat

 The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%), carrageenan and oat fibre on the texture of frankfurters were evaluated using mechanical properties and sensory (taste panel) methods. Textural profile analysis (TPA) indicated that fat reduction decreased hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. In contrast, springiness increased when the fat content was reduced from 30% to 5%. No relationships between fat content and either Warner-Bratzler or Kramer shear parameters were found. Carrageenan and oat fibre differed in their effects on TPA values but the latter was more effective at improving texture. Taste panellists did not detect any differences in hardness, springiness or gumminess when fat was reduced from 30% to 5%, although increases in cohesiveness, chewiness, moisture release and lumpiness were observed. Overall acceptability of the texture decreased as the fat level was reduced. Carrageenan and oat fibre improved the acceptability of the 12% fat frankfurters, but neither ingredient offset the detrimental effects on acceptability of the texture when fat was reduced to 5%. The results demonstrate that carrageenan and oat fibre can partially offset some of the textural changes (juiciness, cohesiveness, lumpiness) which occur in low-fat frankfurters when added water replaces fat and the protein level remains constant. Received: 10 May 1999 / Revised version: 9 August 1999     

Characteristics of pork products from swine fed a high monounsaturated fat diet: Part 2-Uncured processed products

The effects of incorporation of 12% high-oleic sunflower (HOSO; >85% in oleic acid) into a swine diet on properties of uncured, processed pork products were determined. Restructured pork chops (with an initial total-fat level of <5%) and ground pork patties (with targeted initial total-fat levels of 15% and 30%) processed from animals fed the HOSO diet, when compared to the corresponding products from animals fed the control diet without HOSO, were 28% and 38%, respectively, lower (0·72 and 0·62 fold, respectively) in the proportion of total saturated fatty acids; 25% higher (1·25 fold) in the proportion of total monounsaturated fatty acids for both products; and 73% and 105%, respectively, higher in the ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids (M/S). The M/S ratio differences were not significantly changed by cooking. Cooking loss for either restructured chops or ground pork patties was similar between the product from animals on the control diet and that from animals on the HOSO diet. When restructured chops were evaluated for sensory properties, HOSO and control samples were similar in all sensory attributes evaluated for broiled chops while HOSO samples were juicier for precooked-reheated chops. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were not significantly different between HOSO and control samples for stored, restructured chops; for pork patties, differences between the diet treatment groups were dependent on whether patties were stored raw or cooked.     

Characteristics of pork products from swine fed a high monounsaturated fat diet: Part 3-A high-fat cured product

Fresh pork bellies from animals fed a control sorghum-soybean diet and a similar diet containing 12% high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) were cured and processed in a smokehouse to an internal temperature of 55·6°C. Cooking losses were not significantly different (p < 0·05) between bacon strips from animals on the control diet and those from animals on the HOSO diet. The ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids for the cooked rasher from the HOSO group was 1·84 times that for the cooked rasher from the control group (2·48 versus 1·35). The cooked rasher had a slightly lower (p < 0·05) percentage of total monosaturates that uncooked bacon strips within each diet group. When considering stearic acid as a fatty acid that does not raise the plasma cholesterol level in the human, along with all unsaturated fatty acids, only 16·83% and 12·26% of total fatty acids in the cooked rasher and the drip, respectively, from the HOSO group were fatty acids (C14:0 and C16:0) which may raise the plasma cholesterol level. The residual nitrite level in the raw and cooked bacon was higher (P < 0·05) for samples from the HOSO group than for those from the control group, probably due to binding of nitrite to the double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids that were higher for samples from the HOSO group. The extent of the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during frozen storage was not affected (P > 0·05) by the inclusion of 12% HOSO in the animal diet, regardless of the packaging method.     

EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED ADJUNCTS ON PROCESSING AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTRA LEAN FRANKFURTERS

The effects of maximum levels of selected additives in extra lean frankfurters (<3% fat) were studied. Seven treatments, with four replications each, were evaluated at three time periods (0, 30 and 60 days) in a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of: control; kappa-carrageenan; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); high methoxy pectin (pectin); an acid modified food starch; sodium lactate; and acid enzyme deheated mustard. All treatment frankfurters had higher (P<0.05) yields than the controls. The pectin product had an unacceptable extremely soft, smooth pasty texture. Pectin and HPMC products had the lowest (P<0.05) purge at 60 days. In general, the addition of some appropriate additive or additives to low-fat sausage products appears to be appropriate to increase processing yields, reduce cost and help bind free water so long as the additive or additives do not adversely affect other properties of the product.     

Acceptability of low-fat frankfurters as influenced by the feeding of elevated levels of monounsaturated fats to growing-finishing swine

The effects of high levels of oleic acid in the diet on the physical, chemical and sensory traits of frankfurters were examined. Frankfurters were formulated at three fat levels (10, 20 and 25%) from pork trimmings from each dietary treatment. The control frankfurters were the most springy, firm, flavorful and palatable and had the most intense flavor (P < 0·05). However, low-fat frankfurters produced from the high-oleate treatments were comparable to the control in all sensory characteristics (P > 0·05). The 10 and 25% fat frankfurters were rated highest and lowest, respectively, for juiciness, springiness, firmness, flavor, flavor intensity and overall palatability (P < 0·05). Sensory panelists detected off-flavors in the 25% fat frankfurters more frequently than in the 10% fat frankfurters (P < 0·05). 2-Thiobarbituric acid values were not affected by treatment and were acceptable after storage at 2°C for 24 weeks (P < 0·05).     

Effect of dietary high-oleic sunflower oil on pork carcass traits and fatty acid profiles of raw tissues

Ten gilts were randomly assigned to either a control sorghum-soybean diet or a similar diet containing 12% high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). No significant differences between the two groups were found in feedlot performance, carcass muscling and marbling score, but animals fed the HOSO diet had softer carcass fat and oilier carcasses than those fed the control diet. The ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (M/S) for subcutaneous fat increased from 1·58 in the control group to 3·76 in the HOSO group (138% increase); the M/S ratio for muscles (longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus and semitendinosus) increased from 0·96–1·19 to 1·84–1·88 (73% increase on an average). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in both adipose or muscle tissue was generally similar between the two diet treatments.     

Influence of fat replacers on chemical composition, proteolysis, texture profiles, meltability and sensory properties of low-fat Kashar cheese

Changes in chemical composition, proteolysis, lipolysis, texture, melting and sensory properties of low-fat Kashar cheese made with three different fat replacers (Simplesse D-100, Avicel Plus CM 2159 or beta-glucan) were investigated throughout ripening. The low-fat cheeses made with fat replacers were compared with full- and low-fat counterparts as controls. Reduction of fat caused increases in moisture and protein contents and decreases in moisture-in-non fat substance and yield values in low-fat cheeses. The use of fat replacers in the manufacture of low-fat Kashar cheese increased water binding capacity and improved overall quality of the cheeses. Use of fat replacer in low-fat cheese making has enhanced cheese proteolysis. All samples underwent lipolysis during ripening and low-fat cheeses with fat replacers had higher level of total free fatty acid than full- or low-fat control cheeses. Texture attributes and meltability significantly increased with addition of fat replacers. Sensory scores showed that the full-fat cheese was awarded best in all stages of ripening and low-fat variant of Kashar cheeses have inferior quality. However, fat replacers except beta-glucan improved the appearance, texture and flavour attributes of low-fat cheeses. When the fat replacers are compared, the low-fat cheese with Avicel Plus CM 2159 was highly acceptable and had sensory attributes closest to full-fat Kashar cheese.     

Effects of fat level and maltodextrin on the functional properties of frankfurters formulated with 5, 12 and 30% fat

The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%) and maltodextrin on emulsion stability, cook loss, colour, texture and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated. Three fat levels (5, 12 and 30%) were formulated containing added maltodextrin. For each fat level a control was prepared without added maltodextrin giving a total of 6 treatments (3×2 factorial design). Reducing the fat from 30 to 5% increased cook loss and decreased emulsion stability. Panellists detected an increase in juiciness and a decrease in overall texture, overall acceptability when the fat level was reduced from 30 to 5%. Instron texture profile analysis showed a decrease in hardness, chewiness and gumminess and an increase in springiness with decreasing fat level. Maltodextrin addition caused a significant decrease in cook loss of the frankfurters but also decreased the emulsion stability. An interactive effect (P<0.05) occurred between fat level and maltodextrin resulting in no significant difference in hardness, gumminess and chewiness values when maltodextrin was present in the reduced-fat (5 and 12%) frankfurters. Saltiness, overall flavour intensity, overall texture and overall acceptability were unaltered (P>0.05) by maltodextrin. The results indicate that maltodextrin can be used as a suitable fat replacer since it offset some of the changes brought about by fat reduction, decreasing cook loss and maintaining a number of textural and sensory characteristics of the frankfurters.