RHEOLOGICAL INDICES OF FRUIT CONTENT IN JAMS: INFLUENCE OF FORMULATION ON TIME-DEPENDENT FLOW OF SHEARED STRAWBERRY AND PEACH JAMS

The influence of formulation factors [fruit content (25–55%), soluble solids content (60–70° Brix) and added pectin (0.3–0.7% in strawberry jams and 0.1–0.5% in peach jams)] on time dependent parameters has been analyzed in previously sheared jams. Twenty three samples of each fruit jam were prepared according to a second order composite rotatable design. Weltmann A values depended mainly on fruit content and on its interaction with the other two composition factors for both fruit jams. Weltmann B values, depended on the three variables and on fruit-pectin interaction for strawberry jams, while for peach jams B values depended also on fruit-soluble solids interaction.
Predictive power of time dependent parameters for estimation of fruit content was low, but considering them in conjunction with soluble solids content and total pectin values explained 91.7% of the variability of fruit content in strawberry jams and 83.7% of same in peach jams.     

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SHEARED JAMS. RELATION WITH FRUIT CONTENT

Eight samples of jam were sheared to destroy gel structure and their flow behaviour was analysed in a concentric cylinder viscometer. Jams were prepared from 4 different fruits—strawberry, peach, plum, and apricot—at 50% and 30% fruit content approximately. Flow of sheared jam showed time dependence, which could be quantified by the Weltmann model and which was eliminated by shearing samples for 8 min at 300 rpm. Casson's yield stress values were obtained at two ranges of shear rates: 0.08–1.01 s⁻¹ (O₀₁) and 2.58–387.30 s⁻¹ (o₀₂). o₀₂ values were about double the o₀₁ values. Flow was adequately described by the Herschel and Bulkley model, introducing either of the yield stress values (o₀₁ or o₀₂). Significant differences were found for some of the rheological parameters studied (Weltmann A and B constants, o₀₁, o₀₂, K₁, and n₁) between samples containing 50% and 30% fruit. These results demonstrate the role played by fruit particles in the rheological behaviour of this type of product and suggest the possibility of using rheological parameters as indices of fruit content in jams.     

Fruit Content Influence on Gel Strength of Strawberry and Peach Jams

Influence of fruit content, interaction with final soluble solids and added pectin on gel strength of strawberry and peach jams was studied. Composition ranged 25–55%, 60–70 °Brix, 0.3–0.7% added pectin in strawberry jams and 0.1–0.5% in peach jams. Gel strength was measured in a Stevens LFRA texture analyzer. Regression equations showed that in strawberry jams effect of fruit content was quadratic and interaction with soluble solids was weak and negative while in peach jams the same effect was linear and the interaction was strong and positive. No interaction of fruit content with added pectin was observed, showing those effects were independent and additive.     

EFFECT OF PECTIN CONTENT ON FLOW PROPERTIES OF MANGO PULP CONCENTRATES

The effect of pectin on the flow properties of mango pulp concentrates was studied using a coaxial cylindrical viscometer in the temperature (T) range 303-343°K. The variables were soluble solid content(C) 16-30°Brix, pectin content (C_pec, range 0.0323-0.0349 dry wt fraction) for the shear rate (γ) range 9.0-250 s^-1. Mango pulp concentrates behaved as pseudoplastic fluids in the entire pectin content range with a flow behaviour index of 0.286. A model relating shear stress () with the above variables is presented:     

Vane Yield Stress of Starch Dispersions

ABSTRACT: Yield stresses of 5% (wt/wt) cross-linked waxy maize, tapioca, and Amioca starch dispersions (SDs) were measured with the vane method at different rotational speeds ( N ). The static (σ_0S) and dynamic (σ_0d) yield stress values of each SD were measured before and after breaking down its structure under continuous shear, respectively. The difference (σ_0S - σ_0d) was associated with the stress required to break the internal bonds (σ_b). Values of total yield stress (σ₀=σ_0S) and σ_b, and shear rate were related by power law relationships. The contribution of viscous and network stresses were estimated from an energy balance model. Textural characteristics of the SDs were analyzed in a texture map.     

VISCOELASTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF RICE GEL

Rice flour dispersions with 15–25% solids were subjected to microwave heating for 0–75 s and samples were subjected to oscillatory frequency sweep between 0.01–10 Hz. The initial rapid increase in storage modulus (G¹) with frequency decreased to a plateau at higher frequencies. An increase in G¹ and complex viscosity (η*) with an increase in the time of treatment or concentration of solid indicate the extent of sol-gel transformation. The sensory data on hardness, elasticity and stickiness also followed similar trend. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the sensory results indicate that a minimum treatment time of 45 s is needed to achieve a rice gel with acceptable sensory characteristics. The G' values were modeled (0.936 ≤ r ≤ 0.988, P ≤ .01) by the 4-element spring-dashpot model.     

Influence of vitamin E supplementation on spontaneous oxidized flavour of milk in dairy buffaloes

Twenty-four Murrah buffaloes (60 days pre-partum) were divided into four equal groups (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ and T ₄ ) and were supplemented with 0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 IU α-tocopheryl acetate per day up to 30 days of lactation, and half of these doses from 30 to 60 days of lactation. Milk samples collected fortnightly were analysed for vitamin E, fat, and development of oxidized flavour, with and without copper addition by a panel of judges, and chemically by the thiobarbituric acid test. Scores for oxidized flavour ranged from 0 to 10 with 0–4 as definite, 5–7 as light and 8–10 having no defect. The α-tocopherol content in milk fat (µg/g) averaged 20.55, 25.56, 29.98 and 31.38 in T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ and T ₄ groups, respectively. The addition of Cu in the milk significantly increased milk fat oxidation. Better stability of milk in T ₃ and T ₄ groups was observed, which might be due to a higher level of milk α-tocopherol. Addition of 1500 IU α-tocopheryl acetate in the diet of buffaloes helped in improving the oxidative stability of milk.     

Effect of different extraction and precipitation methods on yield and quality of pectin

An experimental study has been conducted to determine the combined effects of different extraction conditions and precipitation method on the yield and quality of high methoxyl pectin from lemon peels. Pectin was extracted using different mineral acids (HCl, HNO₃ and H₂SO₄) at four concentration levels (0.025; 0.05; 0.1 and 0.2  m ), at 70 °C for 4 h. The soluble pectin was precipitated by iso-propanol or by an aluminium sulphate, Al₂(SO₄)₃, solution at pH 4. The extraction with HCl and HNO₃, at the highest concentrations investigated, followed by aluminium precipitation led to the best results in terms of yield (22–25%), quality and gelling power of pectin with a remarkable decrease of alcohol consumption as compared to the alcoholic precipitation under the same extracting conditions.     

Determination of the fruit content of apricot and strawberry jams and spreads and apricot and peach fruit preparations by gravimetric quantification of hemicellulose

An innovative method developed for fruit content determination based on the quantification of hemicellulose was applied to apricot and peach fruit preparations, apricot and strawberry jams and spreads. For this purpose, the hemicellulose fraction was isolated from the alcohol-insoluble residue from peaches, apricots, and strawberries, yielding the amount of the respective fresh fruit per gram hemicellulose. Fruit preparations from peaches with 34.4%, 47.2% and 66.4% fruit content were produced using pectin and carrageenan, xanthan or starch, respectively, as hydrocolloids. Jams from apricots and strawberries were prepared with pectin. Fruit contents of apricot jams were 34.1% and 48.2%, and 36.6% and 46.4% in strawberry jams, respectively. Furthermore, a range of commercial apricot spreads and jams and one strawberry spread as well as apricot and peach fruit preparations were examined. The fruit content was calculated based on the amount of hemicellulose. Calculated fruit contents were in good agreement with the respective product specifications (e.g. 62.6% vs. 66.4%, 35.2% vs. 34.1%, 67.5% vs. 70.0% and 54.0% vs. 53.7%, respectively) with deviations ranging between 0.3% and 4.2%. Maximal deviation was found only in the case of a self-made peach fruit preparation (40.9% vs. 34.4%), where interference of added hydrocolloids and fruit ingredients probably resulted in significant overestimation of the fruit content. Although sample preparation needed to be adapted to different fruit matrices, this novel method proved to be suitable for the determination of fruit contents of fruit preparations, spreads and jams. For the first time, this method was successfully applied to industrially manufactured fruit products without knowledge of fruit specification and the complex recipes of jams, spreads, and fruit preparations, respectively.     

BOUND WATER IN FRUIT PRODUCTS BY THE FREEZING METHOD

SUMMARY— An insulated heat-sink containing Freon-12® (N.B.P. −21.6°F) provides a reproducible system for measurement of thermal properties of fruit products. The difference in time required to remove the latent heat of fusion of the "eutectic" mixture in comparison with distilled water measures the "bound" water. The 34-37%"bound" water in papaya (var. solo) pulp is unaffected by varying pH in the range 3.0–6.0. Less than 10% water is bound in guava, passion fruit and pineapple juice products with up to 35% sucrose added. Thermal conductivity of the solid phase "eutectic" mixture in the 5–50% soluble solids range fits the regression Y = AB^x, Y = (3.69) (0.96)^x where x = percent total soluble solids (TSS) and Y = thermal conductivity (Cal x 10³/(cm²) (sec) (°C/cm)). The relationship of freezing point to TSS values as 1.10 + 0.64 (TSS) in the test system is significant (P < 0.01) in the range 5–50% TSS. The time for fusion (θ_w) of sucrose/water in the range 5–50% TSS fits the regression: log θ_w= (−0.8325) (−0.0165) (TSS) or θ_w= (0.984) (0.164)^TSS sec. Addition of solutes such as sucrose will inhibit gelation without affecting "bound" water values. Pectin gel structures apparently are dependent on secondary bonding and independent of "bound" water per se.     

TEXTURAL PARAMETERS IN COMPRESSION TESTING OF A GEL MADE FROM FRESH AND FROZEN FISH MINCE

The relation between deformability modulus and yield stress is evaluated in compression testing of a model product made from fresh and frozen stored mince of cod. The experiments were performed with a compression rate of 120 mm/min. Preliminary experiments showed decreasing values of yield stress when compression rates were below 50 mm/min. Two moduli were calculated from the slope of the compression curve; α₁, initially (small deformations) and α₂ in a linear part of the curve shortly before rupture of the gel. α₂ was linearly related to yield stress in gels of different water content, and in gels made from fresh and frozen raw material. α₁ showed different relations to yield stress depending on quality of the raw material.     

Changes in viscosity and pectolytic enzymes of tomato and strawberry juices processed by high-intensity pulsed electric fields

The effects pulse frequency (50–250 Hz), pulse width (1.0–7.0 μs) and polarity (monopolar or bipolar) of high-intensity pulsed electric field treatments (35 kV cm⁻¹ and 1000 μs) on viscosity and the pectin methylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities were evaluated using a response surface methodology. Second-order expressions were accurate enough to fit experimental results. Tomato juice apparent viscosity increased within the range of the assayed conditions, achieving the highest values at 250 Hz and 7.0 μs in bipolar mode. At the same conditions the lowest residual PME (RA_PME = 10%) and PG (RA_PG = 45%) activities were observed in the juice. Apparent viscosity of strawberry juices slightly rose when frequencies higher than 100 Hz and 1-μs monopolar pulses were applied to the juice. Treatments causing the greatest increase in strawberry juice apparent viscosity also led to the lowest RA_PME (10%) and RA_PG (75%) values. In contrast, viscosity loss was promoted under the rest of assayed HIPEF conditions despite the low RA_PME values (<20%) achieved. Moreover, RA_PG did not decrease below 75% throughout the range of studied conditions.     

CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE AND EDIBLE COATING EFFECTS ON STORAGE LIFE AND QUALITY OF TOMATOES

Tomatoes at pink stage maturities were coated with Semperfresh^TM edible fruit coating which is composed of sucrose esters of fatty acids, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and mono-diglycerides of fatty acids. One group of coated and uncoated tomatoes were stored at 23 × 2C under air atmosphere, another group was stored at 12C under air atmosphere and third group was stored at 12C, 93–95% RH in a controlled atmosphere (CA) containing 3% CO₂, 3% O₂ and 94% N₂. Samples of tomatoes were analyzed for firmness, weight loss, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars, ascorbic acid and lycopene to examine changes in quality during storage. Semperfresh^TM edible fruit coating was found to be significantly effective at both storage temperatures (23 × 2C and 12C) in air to delay changes in firmness, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars, ascorbic acid and lycopene. Semperfresh^TM fruit coating reduced fruit weight loss as compared to fruit without coating but the difference between coated and uncoated tomatoes was not significant. Shelf-life of pink tomatoes was increased 3 days at 23 × 2C and 6 days at 12C in air by coating. CA storage delayed compositional changes in tomatoes significantly as compared to air storage of coated and uncoated tomatoes. CA storage also had a significant potential for reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. Tomatoes were stored 40 days in CA. Coated and uncoated tomatoes exhibited the same results in CA.     

Effect of Cloud Particle Characteristics on the Viscosity of Cloudy Apple Juice

ABSTRACT: Particle size, shape, and volume fraction as well as soluble pectin content and electro-viscous effects on cloudy apple juice viscosity were investigated. Particle characteristics were micrographically determined by electron microscopy. More than 2300 particles were digitalized and statistically analyzed. Cloudy apple juice resulted in a suspension of irregular shape particles ranging from 0.25 to 5 μm in size. A 10 °Brix juice had a particle volume fraction of φ₀= 3.93 ∞ 10^-3. Relative viscosity values were fitted to the generalized Sudduth equation. Intrinsic viscosity resulted 5.8 times greater than the theoretical value predicted by Einstein (α= 2.5). This was attributed to the first electro-viscous effect. Results also indicate that the effect of particle non-sphericity on cloudy apple juice viscosity can be neglected. Soluble pectin was found to increase juice viscosity significantly. Combined effects result in a strong linear increase of relative viscosity.     

CREEP AND DYNAMIC RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF TOMATO CONCENTRATES: EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION AND FINISHER SCREEN SIZE

Based on laser diffraction, pulp particles > 900 μm were detected in tomato concentrates; particles greater than 100–200 μm were found in serum from a concentrate. Creep-compliance and dynamic rheological data showed that viscoelastic properties of 21 °Brix tomato concentrates using a 0.84 mm finisher screen were higher than those from a 0.69 mm screen. Both types of viscoelastic properties were sensitive to increase in concentration in that they increased with increase in Brix of the concentrates. Magnitudes of instantaneous modulus (G₀= 1/J₀) of the tomato concentrates were of the same order of magnitude as the storage modulus (G') at 1 rad s^-1.     

Artificial neural network modeling for temperature and moisture content prediction in tomato slices undergoing microwave-vacuum drying

ABSTRACT:  Inputs for ANN (multihidden-layer feed-forward artificial neural network) models were drying time ( t _{i + 1}), initial temperature ( T ₀), moisture content ( MC ₀), microwave power, and vacuum pressure. The outputs were temperature ( T _{i + 1}) and moisture content ( MC _{i + 1}) at a given t _{i + 1}. After training the ANN models with experimental data using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, a two-hidden-layer model (25-25) was determined to be the most appropriate model. The mean relative error (MRE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of this model for T _{i + 1} were 1.53% and 0.77 °C, respectively. In the case of MC _{i + 1}, the MRE and MAE were 11.48% and 0.04 kg_water/kg_dry, respectively. Using temperature ( T _i ) and moisture content ( MC _i ) values at t _i in the input layer significantly reduced the computation errors such that MRE and MAE for T _{i + 1} were 0.35% and 0.18 °C, respectively. In contrast, these error values for MC _{i + 1} were 1.78% (MRE) and 0.01 kg_water/kg_dry (MAE). These results indicate that ANN models were able to recognize relationships between process parameters and product conditions. The model may provide information regarding microwave power and vacuum pressure to prevent thermal damage and improve drying efficiencies.     

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.     

ASSESSING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF PRODUCTS DURING CONVECTIVE HEATING

Restructured beef roasts are useful alternatives for foodservice or home meal replacement and it is important that uniformity of preparation and quality can be achieved for key markets. Two sizes of restructured beef roasts were heated to various internal temperatures (35–65C) to determine effects on selected physical properties of a _w pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), water absorption (WAC) and moisture content. The a _w was least affected (0.985–0.987), but all other properties were affected by endpoint temperature, slice position (section) and sample depth (location). Moisture content was greatly affected with outer layers having lower values. The pH increased 0.06 to 0.21 units depending on temperature and location. WHC decreased while WAC increased as endpoint temperature increased to 65C, but section and location also had an impact. Before denaturation of meat protein is complete, it appears the physical properties are highly influenced by the product temperature and therefore final quality can be modified by altering endpoint temperature.     

Comparison of the Dispersed Phase Coalescence Mechanisms in Different Tablespreads

ABSTRACT:  Temperature-induced destabilization of the dispersed phase in butter and margarine was compared by following changes in droplet size ( d _3,3), solid fat content (SFC), and fat crystal spatial organization in the 28–34 °C range. At 28 °C, both butter and margarine were stable, with similar d _3,3 values (approximately 6 μm) and droplet size distributions. As the storage temperature was raised above 30 °C, notable droplet coalescence was observed (for example, at 32 °C d _3,3 values of approximately 10 μm for butter and approximately 12 μm for margarine were obtained). Dispersed phase coalescence in butter was dominated by coagulation, with the fat crystal network-limiting droplet–droplet contact until a minimum SFC was reached (approximately 2.5%). In margarine, the rate-limiting step for coalescence was the melting of Pickering crystals present around the dispersed aqueous droplets. Unlike butter, there was no sharp change in stability at a particular temperature or critical SFC. With these differences, coalescence in butter could be modeled as a 2nd-order process and as a 1st-order process in margarine. Overall, these results demonstrated that the kinetic stability of the dispersed aqueous phase in butter and margarine depends on SFC and the spatial distribution of fat crystals within the spreads.     

Low resolution pulse nuclear magnetic resonance study of water equilibration in dried carrots

Samples taken during air drying of carrots were analysed after different equilibration times. Low resolution NMR measurements were made and the longitudinal ( T ₁) and the transverse ( T ₂) relaxation times calculated. Both T ₁ and T ₂ decreased with the equilibration time for water contents above 0.30 and 0.47 kg water kg^-1 dry matter, respectively. The decrease in relaxation time increased with the water content. For the same water contents, grated carrots gave lower T ₁ values and smaller T ₁ decreases with equilibration time than 3-mm cubes. Low resolution NMR is a technique which is well suited to the monitoring of the tempering phases of industrial drying cycles.