TEXTURE ANALYSIS OF CHEDDAR CHEESE MADE FROM ULTRAFILTERED MILK

The textural properties of Cheddar cheese made from ultrafiltered milk were assessed. Cheddar cheeses were prepared from 1.5- and 2.0-fold concentrated milk and ripened for three months. Textural characteristics of the UF cheeses were compared to control and commercial Cheddar cheeses by sensory and instrumental measures. The texture of cheese made from UF milk differed from the control commercial Cheddar cheeses. According to the trained sensory panel, the UF cheeses were harder and more rubbery, crumbly, chewy and grainy than the control and commercial Cheddar cheeses (P <0.01). The texture profile analysis (TPA), conducted using the Instron, did not correspond to the sensory measurements nor was it successful in discriminating among the cheese samples. Lack of agreement between the sensory and instrumental tests was attributed to differences in the testing conditions and procedures of the two methods. Instrumental tests should be validated against sensory measures in order to be useful as measures of palatability. Consumer preferences for the commercial, control and UF Cheddar cheeses were significantly different (P < 0.01), the UF cheeses being less preferred in terms of flavor, texture and overall acceptability.     

Replacement of fat with functional fibre in imitation cheese

The physical properties of imitation cheeses containing 21.3% dry matter (DM) resistant starch with moisture levels of 52–60%, as well as cheeses (60% moisture) containing 21.3–43.2% DM resistant starch were examined. Flowability of the heated cheese was assessed by an empirical method; the textural properties by texture profile analysis and dynamic rheology. Sensory analysis of cheeses was conducted by panellists using ranking tests. Increasing the moisture decreased cheese hardness did not affect flow but led to an undesirable ‘sticky’ and ‘clingy’ mouthfeel. Hardness increased linearly with increasing starch. Flow decreased at starch contents ⩾34.8% DM. Replacement of fat in the higher moisture cheeses resulted in the production of a good, firm cheese as assessed by a sensory panel. It was possible to incorporate up to 43.2% DM resistant starch into cheeses, a level higher than many ‘high fibre’ products, while maintaining acceptable functional properties.     

Textural Measurements and Product Quality of Restructured Sweetpotato French Fries

The objectives of this research were to investigate the applicability of using an alginate-calcium gelling system to produce a French fry-type product using high beta-carotene sweetpotato puree as the main ingredient and to compare four instrumental methods of texture measurement for this product type in relation to sensory textural properties. Sweetpotato puree made with Jewel cultivar sweetpotatoes was restructured using optimized alginate-calcium concentrations. A consumer panel scored sweetpotato fries containing 0.35 g alginate/100 g and 0.5 g CaSO₄/100 g highest for appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability. A trained texture profile panel described the product with 15 texture notes. Of these attributes, nine sensory notes describing hardness, mastication shear, cohesiveness, springiness, moistness, and oiliness were highly correlated with some instrumental parameters (r=0.79-0.92) for measuring textural properties. The instrumental methods evaluated were instrumental texture profile analysis, three-point bending force, Kramer shear force, and puncture force. Among these instrumental methods, Kramer shear appeared to be the method of choice because of method's simplicity and high precision (coefficient of variation ≤10%).     

Fat Mimetics in Low-Fat Cheddar Cheese

Cheeses with 60% reduced fat content were prepared with three commercial fat mimetics. Low-fat cheeses without added fat mimetics and full-fat cheeses were prepared as controls. Cheeses were aged 3 months prior to sensory and instrumental evaluation. A low-fat cheese containing one of the fat mimetics received the highest texture scores from dairy judges and consumer panelists (P≤0.05). The low-fat control and another cheese with a fat mimetic received higher flavor scores from the trained dairy judges and consumer panelists than the other cheeses containing fat mimetics (P≤0.05). Low-fat cheeses containing fat mimetics were less rubbery than the low-fat control cheese (P≤0.05).     

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.     

Texture Assessment of French Cheeses

The texture of a variety of French cheeses was studied by examining their compositional and mechanical parameters. The data obtained were correlated to those derived from a panel assessment of the sensory textural attributes of the samples. Statistical treatment of the results employing cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and redundancy analysis revealed that the most influential objective variables to characterize the cheese texture are the dry matter content and the resistance to force compression at 10% deformation of the initial sample height. These variables were highly correlated with sensory attributes such as hardness, brittleness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness.     

Identification of aroma-active compounds in Cheddar cheese imparted by wood smoke

Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the United States, and the demand for specialty categories of cheese, such as smoked cheese, are rising. The objective of this study was to characterize the flavor differences among Cheddar cheeses smoked with hickory, cherry, or apple woods, and to identify important aroma-active compounds contributing to these differences. First, the aroma-active compound profiles of hickory, cherry, and apple wood smokes were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, commercial Cheddar cheeses smoked with hickory, cherry, or apple woods, as well as an unsmoked control, were evaluated by a trained sensory panel and by SPME GCO and GC-MS to identify aroma-active compounds. Selected compounds were quantified with external standard curves. Seventy-eight aroma-active compounds were identified in wood smokes. Compounds included phenolics, carbonyls, and furans. The trained panel identified distinct sensory attributes and intensities among the 3 cheeses exposed to different wood smokes (P < 0.05). Hickory smoked cheeses had the highest intensities of flavors associated with characteristic “smokiness” including smoke aroma, overall smoke flavor intensity, and meaty, smoky flavor. Cherry wood smoked cheeses were distinguished by the presence of a fruity flavor. Apple wood smoked cheeses were characterized by the presence of a waxy, green flavor. Ninety-nine aroma-active compounds were identified in smoked cheeses. Phenol, guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, and syringol were identified as the most important compounds contributing to characteristic “smokiness.” Benzyl alcohol contributed to the fruity flavor in cherry wood smoked cheeses, and 2-methyl-2-butenal and 2-ethylfuran were responsible for the waxy, green flavor identified in apple wood smoked cheeses. These smoke flavor compounds, in addition to diacetyl and acetoin, were deemed important to the flavor of cheeses in this study. Results from this study identified volatile aroma-active compounds contributing to differences in sensory perception among Cheddar cheeses smoked with different wood sources.     

TEXTURAL CHANGES IN CHOCOLATE CHARACTERIZED BY INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY TECHNIQUES

Cocoa butter has a distinct texture due to unique interactions of polymorphic lipid structures. Part of chocolate's appeal is smooth mouthfeel; as fat or sugar bloom forms, textural change is perceived. Correlation of instrumental and sensory texture analysis has not been conducted in stored chocolate. The objective of this study was to analyze texture and color of dark and milk chocolate stored under conditions leading to fat and/or sugar bloom by instrumental and sensory measurements. Milk and dark chocolate was stored 5 weeks at various temperatures and relative humidity (RH), followed by instrumental and sensory texture analysis. All attributes, except springiness, were significantly affected by treatments. According to partial least squares linear regression, instrumental hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness and gumminess modeled sensory hardness. The 30.0C incubator experienced temperature fluctuations, resulting in severe fat bloom. Temperature fluctuations during storage had more influence on texture perception than storage at high temperatures or high RH.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research serves as an initial study on textural aspects of chocolate quality upon storage that is the first report to correlate instrumental textural analysis of chocolate to sensory evaluation. Storage temperature and humidity of chocolate greatly impacts consumer texture perception, which is valuable information to small chocolate handlers and manufacturers who have noted to us that many of the larger companies may have this information – but it is not widely available. It also sets the stage for more detailed studies on texture and flavor of chocolate during storage. Although many storage studies on chocolate exist, those that intertwine studies of quality from both an instrumental and a sensory standpoint are lacking.     

Instrumental and Sensory Texture Attributes of High‐Protein Nutrition Bars Formulated with Extruded Milk Protein Concentrate

Previous instrumental study of high‐protein nutrition (HPN) bars formulated with extruded milk protein concentrate (MPC) indicated slower hardening compared to bars formulated with unmodified MPC. However, hardness, and its change during storage, insufficiently characterizes HPN bar texture. In this study, MPC80 was extruded at 2 different conditions and model HPN bars were prepared. A trained sensory panel and instrumental techniques were used to measure HPN bar firmness, crumbliness, fracturability, hardness, cohesiveness, and other attributes to characterize texture change during storage. Extrusion modification, storage temperature, and storage time significantly affected the instrumental and sensory panel measured texture attributes. The HPN bars became firmer and less cohesive during storage. When evaluated at the same storage conditions, the texture attributes of the HPN bars formulated with the different extrudates did not differ significantly from each other. However, textural differences were noted most of the time between the control and the HPN bars formulated with extruded MPC80. An adapted HPN bar crumbliness measurement technique produced results that were correlated with sensory panel measured crumbliness (r = 0.85) and cohesiveness (r = –0.84). Overall, the HPN bars formulated with extruded MPC80 were significantly softer, less crumbly, and more cohesive than the control during storage.     

Comparative study of flavor, texture, and sensory in cream cheese and cholesterol-removed cream cheese

This study was performed to compare flavor, texture, and sensory profiles of cream cheese and cholesterolremoved cream cheese made from whole milk and cream. The cholesterol was removed by crosslinked β-cyclodextrin and the cheeses were stored at 7°C for 4 week. To quantify the flavor compounds, the cheeses (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 week) were extracted by solid-phase microextraction, analyzed by GC-MS and quantified by GC-flame ionization detector (FID). Tentatively identified flavor compounds were 11 acids, 2 ketones, 1 amine, 1 alcohol, 2 lactone, and 1 alkene. In texture profile analysis such as hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and sensory analysis such as appearance, flavor, taste, and texture properties were not significantly different (p>0.05) between two cheeses. On the basis of our results, it is concluded that no adverse changes was shown in the cholesterol-removed cream cheese in flavor, texture, and sensory characteristics during 4-week storage.     

Definition of the sensory properties of hard cheese: A collaborative study between Scottish and Norwegian panels

Twelve samples of hard cheese were subjected to sensory analysis by a Scottish and a Norwegian panel of judges. The Scottish panel comprised 12 judges who had received no training, but who were experienced in evaluation of hard cheese. In contrast, the Norwegian panel of 10 professional judges was carefully selected and highly trained but inexperienced in evaluation of cheese. Samples were presented in a manner which allowed estimation of effects due to order of presentation. The cheeses were rated according to predetermined vocabularies that comprised terms encompassing odour, flavour and texture. The trained Norwegian panel performed significantly better than the Scottish panel in terms of consistency and repeatability. Despite this difference in sensory acuity, sensory space maps constructed after Principal Component Analysis of the data from each panel of judges were very similar.     

Texture Evaluation of Ultrafiltered Teleme Cheese

The texture of traditional and ultrafiltered (UF) teleme cheeses was evaluated using instrumental and sensory texture profile analysis. The UF teleme was made from unheated or heat treated (75°C for 5 minutes) UF milk concentrate. Samples were tested after 2 and 4 mo ripening. Instron variables did not discriminate between the three teleme types but sensory attributes, assessed by a panel discriminated the samples. Weak correlations were obtained between sensory and mechanical variables. Redundancy ordination analysis indicated that textural behavior of each type teleme cheese was characterized by different attributes. Sensory springiness or brittleness, lumpiness and fat content characterized the majority of traditional teleme samples whereas adhesiveness, pH, water soluble and noncasein nitrogen characterized the heat-treated UF samples.     

Improvement of sensory quality of lowfat kefalograviera-type cheese by using commercial special starter cultures

Two commercially available special starter culture systems, Alp DIP and a mixture of Alp DIP D and Joghurt V1, were compared with one commercial regular starter culture, CH-1, for their effects on the compositional, sensory and textural characteristics of lowfat (9.5%) high moisture (49.6%) Kefalograviera-type cheese during aging. A full-fat control Kefalograviera cheese (30.8% fat, 37.8% moisture) was also made with the regular starter culture. The results indicated that the type of starter did not affect the composition (moisture, fat, protein, salt and pH) of the lowfat cheese. Sensory analysis showed that the lowfat cheeses made with the special cultures received greater body and texture scores and significantly higher flavor scores than the lowfat control cheese after aging for 90 and 180 d. Moreover, the former cheeses received body and texture and flavor scores not significantly different from those of the full-fat cheese. Texture profile analysis by Instron showed that there were no significant differences in the textural characteristics (force and compression to fracture, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness) between lowfat cheeses made with the special cultures and that made with the regular starter, except for hardness which was significantly lower in the former cheeses.     

Sensory properties of cheddar type cheese produced from recombined milk fat and casein fractions of bovine and ovine origin

The sensory properties of cheddar cheese produced from ovine and bovine milk and recombined mixtures of the fat and casein from the two species have been monitored at intervals over a nine month maturation period. Seven aroma, eleven flavour and five texture attributes were evaluated by an experienced sensory panel. To facilitate interpretation of sensory data, Factor Rotation was applied to the scores obtained by Principal Component Analysis. The sensory space maps resulting from this analysis clearly indicated that cheddar aroma and flavour originate predominantly in the protein fraction of bovine milk. The protein fraction is also dominant in the development of texture. Cheese produced from ovine protein is crumbly throughout maturation, whereas that produced from bovine protein becomes more crumbly with age.     

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.