Walnut, microbial transglutaminase and chilling storage time effects on salt-free beef batter characteristics

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to assess the effect of walnut content (W), microbial transglutaminase/sodium caseinate (MTG/C) content and storage time (ST) at 3 °C on water- and fat-binding properties, texture profile analysis and dynamic rheological characteristics of salt-free beef batters. Walnut addition favoured the binding properties and elastic modulus (G′) of raw meat batters (20 °C); however, increasing amounts of walnut caused G′ to decrease at 70 °C. MTG/C had no effect on binding properties, but it did cause increases in the hardness of cooked meat batters and in the rheological properties of both raw and cooked samples. The products formulated with MTG/C and stored for up to 11 days at 3 °C presented good gel-forming ability; however, binding properties were poor, so that other ingredients like walnut were needed to improve the binding properties of the products.     

Evaluation of structural changes in raw and heated meat batters prepared with different lipids using Raman spectroscopy

Structural changes, textural properties, water- and fat-binding properties and their relationships in meat batters prepared with different lipids and with heating were studied by Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed that the meat batters prepared with soybean oil (SO) showed the lowest fluid losses, greatest (P < 0.05) hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience values compared with batters prepared with pork fat (PF) or butter (DB). There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in α-helix content accompanied by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in β-sheet structure after heating in PF and SO samples, but no significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in DB batters. A positive significant (P < 0.05) correlation between β-sheet structure and textural properties was found in heated samples. Further, there was a significant positive (P < 0.05) correlation between α-helical structure and total expressible fluid and a significant negative (P < 0.05) correlation between β-sheet structure and total expressible fluid. Results suggest that different lipid additions and thermal treatments induced different changes in meat proteins structural, expressible fluid, and textural properties of meat batters.     

Effects of succinylation and deamidation on functional properties of oat protein isolate

The effects of two different modification methods (deamidation and succinylation) on the functional properties (solubility, water- and oil-binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, emulsion activity and stability) of oat protein isolates were evaluated. Protein isolates extracted from defatted oat flour at alkaline pH were acylated by 0.20 g/g of succinic anhydride. The protein isolate was also modified using a mild acidic treatment (HCl, 0.5 N). Succinylation and deamidation improved solubility and emulsifying activity of the native protein isolate. Foaming capacity of oat protein isolate increased after deamidation, whereas succinylation decreased it. The deamidated and succinylated proteins had lower foam and emulsion stabilities than had their native counterpart. Water- and oil-binding capacity, in both modified oat proteins, was higher than those of the native oat protein isolate.     

Oil bulking agents based on polysaccharide gels in meat batters: A Raman spectroscopic study

A Raman spectroscopic study was performed to determine protein and lipid structural properties in meat batter containing oil bulking agents as pork backfat replacers. Meat batters were prepared with pork backfat (MB-PF) or with a combination of olive oil, sodium alginate, CaSO₄, sodium pyrophosphate and dextrin (MB-A/D) or inulin (MB-A/I) as a fat replacer. Proximate composition, pH, cooking loss (CL), colour and texture were evaluated. MB-A/D and MB-A/I both showed lower (P < 0.05) CL and a^∗ values, higher (P < 0.05) L^∗ and b^∗ values, and higher (P < 0.05) hardness and chewiness. MB-A/I showed the highest hardness and chewiness. Enhancement of the β-sheet structure was observed in MB-A/D and MB-A/I, more so in MB-A/I. There was increased disorder in the oil acyl chains, which involve lipid–protein interactions, in both MB-A/D and MB-A/I. Structural characteristics in proteins and lipids may be associated with specific water and fat binding properties and textural characteristics of meat batters.     

Functional properties of protein concentrates and isolates produced from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut

Protein isolates and concentrates were obtained from defatted cashew nut powder by two methods: alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (IP) and alkaline extraction-methanol precipitation (MP). The functional properties of cashew nut protein isolates, concentrates and powder were significantly different (p < 0.05). Cashew nut protein isolate (CNPI) had higher water and oil absorption capacities (2.20 ml/g and 4.42 ml/g, respectively), emulsifying stability index (447%), foam capacity and stability (45% and 55%, respectively), and least gelation capacity (13.5%) than cashew nut protein concentrate (CNPC), which was also higher than that of defatted cashew nut powder (DCNP). However, emulsifying activity index (12.45%) and bulk density (0.31) of CNPI were lower than that of CNPC, which were also lower than that of DCNP. The water solubility of CNPI (95%) and CNPC (95%) was not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the samples, but was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of DCNP (75%). The CNPI, CNPC and DCNP showed decreasing solubility with decreasing pH, with the minimum solubility being observed at a pH range of 4.0–4.5, confirming the isoelectric point of cashew proteins. However, higher water solubility, emulsifying activity, and foaming property were observed at an alkaline pH than at an acidic pH in all samples.     

Effect of ultimate pH and freezing on the biochemical properties of proteins in turkey breast meat

Biochemical and functional properties of proteins from turkey breast meat with different ultimate pH at 24 h post-mortem (pH₂₄) in fresh and frozen conditions have been studied. Meat with different pH₂₄ was referred to as low, normal and high pH meat. Low and normal pH meat showed similar properties indicating their similarity in the extent of protein denaturation. Total (193 mg/g) and sarcoplasmic (99 mg/g) protein solubilities were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in high pH meat compared to those of low and normal pH meat, and hence expected to have better functional properties. Freezing caused denaturation and oxidation of proteins as revealed by a significant decrease in Ca²⁺-ATPase activity (p < 0.0001), total protein solubility (p < 0.0001), reactive (p < 0.05) and total sulphydryl groups (p < 0.0001) and an increase in the formation of carbonyl groups (p < 0.0001), which may have implications for functionality.     

Physicochemical and sensory properties of healthier frankfurters as affected by walnut and fat content

This study evaluates the physicochemical and sensory properties of healthier frankfurters with 25% added walnut (WF) versus low-fat frankfurters (6% pork fat) (LF) and traditional frankfurters (18% pork fat) (NF). Results reveal that cooking losses were unaffected (p ? 0.05) by the formulation of frankfurters. The addition of walnut led to higher (p < 0.05) redness and yellowness values, while colour parameters did not differ significantly between LF and NF sausages. Frankfurters with added walnut (WF) presented higher (p < 0.05) hardness and chewiness values than LF and NF frankfurters. Differences in composition were also accompanied by changes in the microstructure of the gel/emulsions. Frankfurters with added walnut presented a flavour significantly different from meat and scored lower (p < 0.05) on texture preferences. However, all frankfurters scored the same for overall acceptability.     

Extraction and functional properties of gelatin from the skin of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) using smooth hound crude acid protease-aided process

The characteristics and functional properties of gelatin from skin cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) were investigated and compared to those of halal bovine gelatin (HBG). The gelatin extraction efficiency was improved by an acid-swelling process in the presence of smooth hound crude acid protease extract (SHCAP). The yields of gelatins from cuttlefish skin after 48 h with acid and with crude acid protease (15 units/g alkaline-treated skin) were 2.21% and 7.84%, respectively. The gelatin from skin cuttlefish had high protein (91.35%) but low fat (0.28%) contents. Compared to HBG, the cuttlefish-skin gelatin (CSG) has different amino acids composition than halal bovine gelatin. CSG contained slightly low hydroxyproline and proline (180‰) than HBG (219‰), whereas the content of serine was higher (49‰ versus 29‰). The gel strength of the gelatin gel from CSG (181 g) was lower than that of HBG (259 g) (p < 0.05) possibly due to lower hydroxyproline content. Cuttlefish-skin gelatin exhibited a similar emulsifying activity but greater emulsifying and foam stability than the halal bovine gelatin (p < 0.05). Foam formation ability, foam stability and water-holding capacity of CSG were slightly lower than those of the HBG, but fat-binding capacity was higher in the cuttlefish gelatin.     

High pressure processing of meat batters with added walnuts

Various model systems were designed in order to analyse the way in which addition of different levels of walnut (0, 10, 20%) and processing by high pressure (HPP) (400 MPa for 10 min at 10 °C) influenced the physico‐chemical properties of cooked (70 °C for 30 min) meat batters. The addition of walnut increased the fat level and decreased the moisture content in the meat batters. All of the meat batters exhibited good water and fat binding properties. The hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness of cooked products were reduced by addition of walnut but were unaffected by HPP. Incorporation of nuts in meat products can potentially be used to confer cardiac health benefits.     

Effect of sodium chloride replacement and apple pulp inclusion on the physico-chemical, textural and sensory properties of low fat chicken nuggets

The effect of 40 percent sodium chloride replacement with salt substitute blend (potassium chloride, citric acid, tartaric acid and sucrose) and incorporation of apple pulp, at the levels of 8 (Treatment I), 10 (Treatment II) and 12 (Treatment III) g/100 g of formulation, on the various quality characteristics of low fat chicken nuggets was investigated. Emulsion and product pH values were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the control when compared to treatments. Salt replacement and apple pulp addition resulted in significantly lower (P < 0.05) emulsion stability and cooking yield. Among low salt and low fat nuggets, the product with 12 g/100 g apple pulp had the highest moisture percent. Protein and ash contents were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in treatment products, whereas moisture protein ratio was higher. Incorporation of apple pulp significantly increased (P < 0.01) dietary fibre content, redness, yellowness and chroma index of the product. Textural properties of the products significantly decreased (P < 0.01) with substitution of common salt and addition of apple pulp. Sensory evaluation showed significant reduction (P < 0.01) in texture and overall acceptability scores of treatment products; however, scores were in the range of very good.     

Effect of bamboo salt on the physicochemical properties of meat emulsion systems

This study was conducted to determine the effects of various bamboo salts on meat batter. To accomplish this, three different batters were prepared and compared: CON, which was prepared with NaCl, BS-2, which was prepared with bamboo salt that was baked twice, BS-9, which was prepared with bamboo salt that was baked nine times. The pH of both the uncooked and cooked BS-2 and BS-9 was higher than that of the CON (P < 0.05). The emulsion stability, cooking yield, water holding capacity (WHC) and apparent viscosity of BS-2 and BS-9 were higher than those of CON. The correlation coefficient between the viscosity value and WHC was high and positive (R² = 0.672). The hardness of all treatments was significantly increased with increased cooking temperature (P < 0.05). The hardness, gumminess and chewiness of CON were higher than that of BS-9 and BS-2. The overall acceptability score between CON and BS-9 was significantly different (P < 0.05). The bamboo salts effectively improved the physicochemical properties of the meat batter.     

Effects of protein level and fat/oil on emulsion stability,texture, microstructure and color of meat batters

Beef meat batters formulated with increasing protein level (10–15%) and containing 25% beef fat were compared to batters prepared with 25% canola oil. Emulsion stability of the canola oil treatments was higher (less separation during cooking) at the 10–13% protein level compared to the beef fat treatments. However, above 13% protein this was reversed and the canola oil treatments showed high fat and liquid separation, which did not occur at all in the beef fat treatments. This indicates differences in stabilization of fat versus oil in such meat emulsions. Hardness of the cooked meat batters showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher values when the protein level was raised, and was higher in canola oil than in beef fat meat emulsions at similar protein levels. Products’ chewiness were higher in the canola oil treatments compared to the beef fat emulsions. Lightness decreased and redness increased in canola oil batters as the protein level was raised. The micrographs revealed the formation of larger fat globules in the beef fat emulsions compared to the canola oil meat emulsions. The canola oil treatment with 14% protein started to show fat globule coalescence, which could be related to the reduced emulsion stability.     

Effect of soapwort extract on physical and sensory properties of sponge cakes and rheological properties of sponge cake batters

Soapwort extract yields relatively stable, soap-like foam in aqueous solution because of its saponin content. The objective of this study was to utilise the advantage of the high foam forming capacity of soapwort extract in the production of sponge cakes. Egg white proteins were partially replaced with soapwort extract in the sponge cake formulation. The effects of soapwort extract addition on the rheological and physical properties of cake batters and on the physical and sensory properties of sponge cakes were determined. Replacing egg white proteins with soapwort extract, up to 75% by weight, did not have any significant influence on the specific gravity of batters (p > 0.05). Addition of soapwort extract into the cake mixture did not influence the flow behaviour indices (n) of cake batters nor the consistency indices (K) of cake batters. In general, replacing egg white proteins with soapwort extracts (up to 75% by weight) did not alter physical properties of sponge cakes. Replacing egg white proteins with soapwort extract had no unfavourable influence on the sensory properties of sponge cakes. Indeed, sponge cakes formulated with soapwort extract (by replacing egg white proteins by 50% and 75% on weight basis) received significantly higher chewiness scores than did control cakes (p < 0.05). This study showed that egg white proteins could be partially replaced with soapwort extract in the formulation of sponge cakes.     

Emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein: Effect of protein concentration and oil volume fraction

The effect of protein concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/v) and oil volume fractions (5, 15, 25, 35 and 45% v/v) on properties of stabilized emulsions of sweet potato proteins (SPPs) were investigated by use of the emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsifying stability index (ESI), droplet size, rheological properties, interfacial properties and optical microscopy measurements at neutral pH. The protein concentration or oil volume fraction significantly affected droplet size, interfacial protein concentration, emulsion apparent viscosity, EAI and ESI. Increasing of protein concentration greatly decreased droplet size, EAI and apparent viscosity of SPP emulsions; however, there was a pronounced increase in ESI and interfacial protein concentration (P < 0.05). In contrast, increasing of oil volume fraction greatly increased droplet size, EAI and emulsion apparent viscosity of SPP emulsions, but decreased ESI and interfacial protein concentration significantly (P < 0.05). The rheological curve suggested that SPP emulsions were shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids. Optical microscopy clearly demonstrated that droplet aggregates were formed at a lower protein concentration of <0.5% (w/v) due to low interfacial protein concentration, while at higher oil volume fractions of >25% (v/v) there was obvious coalescence. In addition, the main components of adsorbed SPP at the oil–water interface were Sporamin A, Sporamin B and some high-molecular-weight aggregates formed by disulfide linkage.     

Effect of heat,rutin and disulfide bond reduction on in vitro pepsin digestibility of Chinese tartary buckwheat protein fractions

Protein fractions (albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin) were extracted from defatted tartary buckwheat flour. The in vitro pepsin digestibilities of the four protein fractions were different, and albumin was more susceptible to pepsin hydrolysis. The native structure of the four protein fractions may be destroyed by heat treatment, and the digestibilities were all improved significantly (P < 0.05). Adding rutin to the digestion mixture of the four fractions did not cause a decrease in pepsin digestibility, although it did cause a significant increase in certain instances (P < 0.05). Treatment with β-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) only caused a higher initial proteolysis rate and did not increase the final digestibility distinctly except for prolamin. After pepsin digestion, the remaining proteins of unhydrolyzed albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin (untreated) shared some similarities. They also exhibited a minor band at 20,000 Da and a broad band at 10,000–14,000 Da.     

Effects of caseinate, whey and milk powders on the texture and microstructure of emulsified chicken meat batters

The effects of adding dry caseinate, whole milk, skim milk, regular, and modified whey protein powders, at a level of 2 g/100 g, to meat batters were studied. All dairy additives, except for the regular whey, significantly reduced cook loss (30-50% reduction). Caseinate and modified whey formed distinct dairy protein gel regions within the meat batters, as revealed by light microscopy. Both also contributed more to enhancing the textural properties of the meat batters compared to the other dairy proteins; i.e., increasing texture profile analysis fracturability, and hardness, respectively. Overall, the most cost-effective ingredient appeared to be the modified whey, which also provided the best moisture retention.     

Eating quality of beef from biotypes included in the PGI “Ternera Asturiana” showing distinct physicochemical characteristics and tenderization pattern

Different biotypes of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) “Ternera Asturiana” were studied to determine if their differences in physicochemical characteristics and tenderization pattern during maturation (3 to 21 days) had an effect on the consumer evaluation of beef palatability. Biotype affected significantly pH, water holding capacity, chemical composition (P < 0.001) and meat lightness (P < 0.05). Ageing time affected significantly (P < 0.05) colour, meat toughness and sensory attributes in a different way within each biotype. Multivariate analysis showed two different meat groups: 1) meat from mh-genotypes, characterized by high juice losses, lightness (L*), protein content and high sensory acceptability at intermediate (7 and 14 days) ageing times; 2) meat from rustic (AM) breed and biotypes free of myostatin mutation (AV (+/+) and AV × AM), showing higher intramuscular fat, myoglobin content, and instrumental toughness and requiring longer storage times (21 days). This should be taken into account for the proper post-mortem management and commercialization of each product to achieve its best sensory quality.     

Improvement of functional properties of peanut protein isolate by conjugation with dextran through Maillard reaction

Reaction mixtures containing peanut protein isolate (PPI) and dextran (1:1 weight ratio) were dry-heated at 60 °C and 79% relative humidity for 7 days. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that PPI had become complexed with dextran to form conjugates of higher molecular weight. Arachin, accounting for 50% of peanut proteins, was hard to glycosylate with dextran, which might limit the extent of glycosylation of PPI. The thermal stability of PPI was remarkably improved by mixture/conjugation with dextran. Proteins in mixtures/conjugates might have a more compacted tertiary conformation than PPI. The protein solubility of conjugates at pH 4.5-6.0 was remarkably increased compared with the PPI/mixture. Mixture with dextran could significantly improve the emulsifying and foaming properties of PPI (p < 0.05). Conjugation with dextran could further enhance emulsifying and foaming properties of PPI.     

Effect of extraction methods on structural,physiochemical and functional properties of dietary fiber from defatted walnut flour

The effect of different extraction methods i.e. extraction with alkali (AEDF), enzyme (EEDF) and enzyme plus shear emulsifying hydrolysis (SEDF) on structure, physiochemical as well as the functional characteristics of dietary fiber (DF) from defatted walnut flour were studied. AEDF process showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) amount of water retention capacity (WRC; 5.39 g/g), water swelling capacity (WSC; 3.16 g/mL), and particle size; while, shown lower value of oil adsorption capacity (OAC; 29 g/g) amongst all. Compared to AEDF, no major differences were observed in network except the matrix in EEDF and SEDF was more porous and honey comb like. DF extracted through AEDF, EEDF and SEDF showed good viscosity and emulsifying activity however, less stability indices. The results from this study suggest that AEDF and EEDF and SEDF had specific effects on the structure-functional properties of DF from defatted walnut flour, which has great potential in food applications.     

Contribution of High‐Pressure‐Induced Protein Modifications to the Microenvironment and Functional Properties of Rabbit Meat Sausages

Rabbit meat batters were subjected to high pressure (HP, 100 to 300 MPa for 3, 9, or 15 min) to elucidate their effects on proteins structures, the microenvironment, and the resulting functionalities of the subsequently heated products. To determine these effects, we investigated structural and microenvironmental changes using Raman spectroscopy and also expressible moisture content, textural characteristics, and dynamic rheological properties of batters during heating (20 to 80 °C). Untreated samples served as controls. Analysis of specific Raman spectral regions demonstrated that applications of HP to rabbit meat batters tended to induce the transformation of the all‐gauche S‐S conformation to gauche‐gauche‐trans in the batter system. HP treatment higher than 100 MPa for 9 min promoted secondary structural rearrangements, and molecular polarity enhancement in the proteins prior to cooking. Also, increases of O–H stretching intensities of rabbit meat sausages were obtained by HP treatment, denoting the strengthening of water‐holding capacity. These HP‐induced alterations resulted in improved texture and, perhaps, improved juiciness of rabbit meat sausages (P < 0.05), however they had relatively poorer rheological properties than the controls. Nevertheless, HP treatment, especially 200 MPa for 9 or 15 min, was an effective technique for improving the functionalities of gel‐type products through modification of meat proteins.