Consumer Acceptability of Muffins with Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Flaxseed has recently gained attention as a functional food. The effect of adding flaxseed (7.3%, 11.6%, and 15.5%) to muffins on consumer acceptability was evaluated by a focus group, hedonic scoring, and food action rating scale (FACT). The majority of consumers (82.6%, P < 0.001) rated the control muffin (0 % flaxseed) higher than the flax muffin for appearance, color, flavor, texture, overall acceptability, and food acceptance. Flaxseed muffin (11.6%) was “neither liked nor disliked” to “liked slightly” in overall acceptability. This may have been accounted for by the observation that many persons aged 18 to 25 y did not think they needed to consume “health foods”. This “indifferent” and in some cases “negative” attitude toward the flax muffins, which they considered a “health food”, may have influenced the ratings the flax muffins received. Texture and flavor were strongly and positively correlated (P < 0.01) to overall acceptability. A flaxseed muffin provided at least 16% fiber of the daily recommended value.     

CHANGES IN SOYMILK QUALITY AS A FUNCTION OF COMPOSITION AND STORAGE

ABSTRACT

Three soymilk products formulated with different concentrations of fat, sugar and starch were evaluated for changes in their physical properties and volatiles profile over time (3 months) under different temperatures (4, 22 and 38C) of storage. Samples were tested for pH, color, viscosity and volatile flavor changes. The pH and color of the soymilks decreased significantly during the first month of storage and then remained stable over time. Color and viscosity of the soymilk products were affected by both the soymilk composition and storage treatment. The high‐fat soymilk sample (product C) had the whitest color (lower ΔE) and the lowest viscosity. Storage at 38C negatively affected the color. The viscosities of the soymilk products stored at 4C were the lowest among the treatments. The major volatiles identified in all soymilk products were hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, benzaldehyde, 2‐pentyl furan and 2‐ethyl furan. The intensities of the volatile compounds in the soymilk products increased during the first weeks of storage, particularly when stored at 38C. The intensities, however, decreased gradually over time. Among the three formulated soymilk products, the sweetened sample (product B) gave the lowest flavor intensities under all three temperatures of storage. Overall, storage at 4C and addition of sugar preserve best the soymilk quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Soy products are well appreciated for their nutritional and potential health benefits. Soy beverage consumption is increasing among North American consumers because of improvements in soy beverage quality and processing technologies. There is, however, a demand for new value‐added soy‐based drinks with improved “functional” (health‐benefiting) properties. Soy beverage could be an excellent carrier for “functional” or “nutritive” ingredients such as minerals, vitamins and omega 3 oils; however, addition of such ingredients may affect the stability of the product and requires the development appropriate of technologies for their incorporation. Results from this project provide new knowledge on the storage stability and quality of three different soy product formulations. The information could be useful in the establishment of optimal conditions for processing of functional soy beverages, for use by the food industry.

     

CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF PROCESSED OSTRICH MEAT PRODUCTS

Two value-added ostrich meat product prototypes were prepared and evaluated by a consumer panel (n = 132) against similar products manufactured entirely from pork. Ostrich "ham" and a control pork ham product were prepared by a traditional ham cure, and Polish sausage products were formulated with either all-pork or a 67% ostrich/33 % pork blend and processed with a commercial spice blend. Ostrich "ham" tended to be rated lower (P = 0.0537) in salt intensity, but had higher flavor intensity ratings. Consumers gave pork ham more favorable ratings for overall acceptability (P< 0.01) and flavor acceptability (P< 0.05). For Polish sausage products, overall acceptability, flavor acceptability, flavor intensity, salt intensity, texture and tenderness were not different (P > 0.05) between all-pork and ostrich/pork varieties. Results indicate that value-added ostrich meat products were more acceptable when they were more finely ground, spiced, and combined with pork in a sausage product than when they were prepared as a "ham" product.     

Effects of Seasonal Variation on Sensory Properties and Total Phenolic Content of 5 Lettuce Cultivars

ABSTRACT: Butterhead, crisphead, green leaf, red leaf, and romaine types of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) are all commonly available in U.S. markets. Sensory properties of lettuce may vary in response to environmental factors that often fluctuate widely throughout the growing season. Bitterness is generally thought to increase in lettuce grown at higher temperatures and may be related to phenolic content. This study evaluated sensory properties and total phenolic content of 5 lettuce cultivars harvested early, midway, and late in the growing season and investigated possible correlations with environmental temperature and light intensity indexes. Thirty panelists rated bitterness, appearance, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability of “Crisp and Green” (green leaf), “Crispino” (crisphead), “Green Forest” (romaine), “Lochness” (butterhead), and “Vulcan” (red leaf) lettuce. There was considerable variation in sensory ratings among the 5 cultivars (P < 0.005) but few differences within cultivars across the growing season. The crisphead cultivar, Crispino, received higher scores (P < 0.01) for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability and was rated less bitter (P < 0.05) than other cultivars. Total phenolic content varied significantly (P < 0.001) among cultivars with the red leaf cultivar, Vulcan, exhibiting the highest levels. There was no correlation between bitterness and total phenolic content or environmental factors. Differences among lettuce cultivars appear to have a larger impact on sensory and phenolic profiles than environmental variation during the growing season.     

EATING QUALITY OF “FUJI” APPLES AFFECTED BY A PERIOD OF COLD AIR AFTER ULO STORAGE

ABSTRACT

Over two subsequent seasons, emission of volatile compounds, consumer acceptability and quality parameters were analyzed in “Fuji” apples. In both seasons, apples were harvested at the same maturity stage and stored for 19 or 30 weeks at 1C and 92% relative humidity under an ultralow oxygen (ULO) atmosphere (1% O₂ + 1% CO₂) or under an ULO atmosphere followed by different periods (2 or 4 weeks) in cold air. The results revealed, for both seasons, that 4 weeks of cold air storage after ULO storage helped to increase the emission of some volatile compounds for both storage period, including characteristic volatile compounds for the variety, and did not have a negative effect on quality parameters. Additionally, the consumer acceptability was superior for those fruits.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

It is well known for various apple varieties that long‐term storage under ULO conditions reduces volatile production resulting in poor flavor and aroma compared with fruits stored in air. Consequently, there is often dissatisfaction among consumers with the flavor of fruits which have been subjected to cold storage. The strategy that is proposed in the present work could be recommended to enhance the aromatic quality of fruit provided by the apple industry and, in consequence, increase its acceptability by consumers.     

Development of Sausages Containing Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat Hydrolysates

Pork meat sausages were prepared using protein hydrolysates from mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM). In terms of the color, compared to the controls before and after storage, the redness (a*) was significantly higher in sausages containing MDCM hydrolysates, ascorbate, and sodium erythorbate. After storage, compared to the other sausage samples, the yellowness (b*) was lower in the sausages containing ascorbate and sodium erythorbate. TBARS was not significantly different among the sausage samples before storage, whereas TBARS and DPPH radical scavenging activities were significantly higher in the sausagescontainingascorbate and sodium erythorbate, compared to the other sausage samples after 4 wk of storage. In terms of sensory evaluation, the color was significantly higher in the sausages containing MDCM hydrolysates, ascorbate, and sodium erythorbate, compared to the other sausage samples after 4 wk of storage. The “off‐flavor” and overall acceptability were significantly lower in the sausages containing MDCM hydrolysates than in the other sausage samples.     

Retail lighting and packaging influence consumer acceptance of fluid milk

Little is known about the effect of retail light-emitting diode (LED) exposure on consumer acceptance of milk. The study objective was to determine effects of fluorescent and LED lighting under retail storage conditions on consumer acceptance of milk. Consumer acceptance of milk stored under retail conditions was determined through sensory evaluation (2 studies; n = 150+ each) and analytical measures (dissolved oxygen, secondary oxidation products, riboflavin retention). Study 1 evaluated milk stored in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) packages for 4 h under LED light (960 lx). Commercially available HDPE package treatments included translucent HDPE (most commonly used), white HDPE [low concentration (1.3%) TiO₂], and yellow HDPE; in addition, HDPE with a higher TiO₂ concentration (high white; 4.9% TiO₂) and a foil-wrapped translucent HDPE (control) were tested. Translucent and control packages also were tested under fluorescent light. Study 2 evaluated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages for 4 h under fluorescent and LED light (1,460 lx). The PET packaging included 2 treatments (medium, 4.0% TiO₂; high, 6.6% TiO₂) as well as translucent HDPE (exposed to fluorescent), clear PET (fluorescent and LED), and light-protected control. Overall mean acceptability of milk ranged from “like slightly” to “like moderately” with significantly lower acceptability for milk exposed to fluorescent light. Milk in HDPE and PET packages had comparable overall acceptability scores when exposed to LED light. Only the fluorescent light condition (both PET and HDPE) diminished overall acceptability. Fluorescent light exposure negatively influenced flavor with significant penalty (2.0–2.5 integers) to overall acceptability of milk in translucent HDPE and clear PET. The LED also diminished aftertaste of milk packaged in translucent HDPE. Changes in dissolved oxygen content, as an indication of oxidation, supported the observed differences in consumer acceptance of milk stored under fluorescent and LED light. Consumers like the flavor of fresh milk, which can be protected by selecting appropriate packaging that blocks detrimental light wavelengths.     

Effects of previous frozen storage on chemical, microbiological and sensory changes during chilled storage of Mediterranean hake (Merluccius merluccius) after thawing

The present work aimed to investigate the influence of freezing (−20 °C for 6 months) on the susceptibility of hake to chemical, microbiological and sensory spoilage once thawed and stored in ice. Thus, volatile and biogenic amines, counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria, pseudomonads and Shewanella together with sensory evaluation (of raw and cooked samples) were monitored during 14 days of iced storage in both fresh and frozen-thawed hake (Merluccius merluccius). At the beginning of ice storage, freshness parameters were equivalent in both batches (fresh and frozen-thawed hake), but different behaviour was observed during the iced storage. Overall, levels of volatile and biogenic amines increased much later and then decreased to lower values in frozen-thawed hake in accordance with the delay of microbial development in comparison with fresh hake. On the contrary, sensory spoilage occurred earlier in frozen-thawed hake. Therefore, the usual accepted or regulated limits of acceptability of chemical and microbiological parameters would not be suitable for freshness assessment of frozen-thawed hake.     

CULTIVAR AND HARVEST DATE EFFECTS ON FLAVOR AND OTHER QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRIES

“Aromas,”“Diamante” and “Selva” strawberries were harvested in early and mid‐season and evaluated for quality attributes, flavor components, fermentative metabolites and physiological characteristics. Preference and flavor tests by consumer panels were also conducted. Cultivar variation was greater than harvest date variation as were differences in color, concentrations of anthocyanins, firmness, total soluble solids, sugars, pH, titratable acidity (TA), organic acids and aroma compounds. “Diamante” and “Selva” had higher aroma quality than “Aromas” fruits. The levels of fermentative metabolites were too low to have an impact on the aroma quality. “Diamante” and “Selva” strawberries had better overall flavor quality and were more preferred by consumers than “Aromas.” These differences were consistent over two harvest dates.     

Influence of Soaking and Cooking upon the Softening and Eating Quality of Black Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Soaking and cooking treatments: were evaluated to establish the relationship of various regimes to the development of cooked bean texture and flavor of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A salt combination soaking solution was most effective in promoting bean softening during cooking, compared to no soaking or a distilled water soak. A high correlation was observed between objective and sensory texture scores. An Instron puncture force of.150g (0.14 cm probe, 5 cm/min) accurately defined the “eating-soft” limit of texture acceptability.     

DEVELOPMENT OF A BLENDED NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMPOSED OF COCONUT WATER AND CASHEW APPLE JUICE CONTAINING CAFFEINE

ABSTRACT

In this work, the stability of a blended beverage composed by coconut water and clarified cashew apple juice (“cajuina”) is presented. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory stability of a blended nonalcoholic beverage composed of coconut water and cajuina (80:20 v/v) were evaluated during 6 months. The results showed that the beverage presented good stability in all analyzed parameters except for vitamin C, which presented a loss of about 80% of the initial content. The beverage color also presented changes during the storage time. Despite these alterations, the product acceptance during the storage period did not show any rejection.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The development of blended beverages is a good way of improving the nutritional quality of traditional products. By mixing two or more kinds of fruits, a product with more vitamins and minerals and with different sensory and flavor characteristics when compared to the raw materials is obtained. In the present work, coconut water and cashew apple juice were mixed to obtain a different product combining the nutritional components from both fruits. The blended beverage combines the high vitamin C content of the cashew apple juice with the high mineral level of the coconut water. Caffeine was also added conferring stimulating properties to the product. The product acceptance was evaluated by sensory analysis and presented good acceptance until 6 months of storage at room temperature, presenting the required characteristics for a commercial product.

     

SENSORY AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND STORAGE STABILITY OF HONEY-FLAVORED LOW-FAT EXTRUDED CHIPS

Consumer demand for low‐fat “healthy” snacks challenges manufacturers to improve the health profile of their products while maintaining their appetizing taste. The objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the effect of addition levels of honey on texture and consumer acceptability of extruded, baked low‐fat/honey‐flavored chips; (2) determine the degree of liking for the product; (3) and evaluate the influence of honey on storage stability. The product, consisting of grade A light amber honey (0, 6, 12, and 18%) in a corn masa/flour blend, was extrusion formed into a ribbon through a slit die. The product was baked, dried, packaged, and stored in an ambient environment. Increased honey level significantly increased flavor liking, sweetness and honey flavor intensity for the fresh and 10 week storage samples, and positively influenced consumer overall acceptability.     

Effect of Vitamin D3 Fortification and Saskatoon Berry Syrup Addition on the Flavor Profile,Acceptability, and Antioxidant Properties of Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis)

The unique characteristics and healthful reputation of caffeine‐free rooibos tea (RT) make it an ideal carrier for vitamin D₃ supplementation, and a potential base for the addition of Saskatoon berry syrup (SBS), a natural flavor additive. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D₃ fortification and SBS addition on the flavor profile, consumer acceptability, and antioxidant properties of RT. Six formulations (RT, RT with SBS, RT with SBS and vitamin D₃, RT with vitamin D₃, green tea [GT], and GT with SBS) were evaluated by 12 trained panelists and 114 consumers. The formulations were also assessed for antioxidant capacity, physical characteristics, and untargeted phytochemical content. Sensory results revealed that the mean intensity values for berry and sweet attributes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) while bitter and astringent attributes were significantly lower when SBS was added to RT samples compared to those without syrup. Acceptability of flavor, aftertaste, and overall acceptability were also significantly higher for the RT with SBS. The addition of SBS to RT significantly increased the antioxidant capacities which may increase the related health benefits of RT. SBS contributed several polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, to the tea. Vitamin D₃ added to RT formulations did not significantly affect the sensory attributes, acceptability, or antioxidant content. For the development of a functional vitamin D₃ fortified iced‐tea beverage that can be consumed as part of the daily diet, SBS could be a favorable flavoring additive that may provide additional health benefits.     

Sensory Profiles for Dried Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars Commercially Grown and Processed in California

A trained sensory panel evaluated the 6 fig cultivars currently sold in the California dried fig market. The main flavor and aroma attributes determined by the sensory panel were “caramel,” “honey,” “raisin,” and “fig,” with additional aroma attributes: “common date,” “dried plum,” and “molasses.” Sensory differences were observed between dried fig cultivars. All figs were processed by 2 commercial handlers. Processing included potassium sorbate as a preservative and SO₂ application as an antibrowning agent for white cultivars. As a consequence of SO₂ use during processing, high sulfite residues affected the sensory profiles of the white dried fig cultivars. Significant differences between dried fig cultivars and sources demonstrate perceived differences between processing and storage methods. The panel‐determined sensory lexicon can help with California fig marketing.     

QUALITY OF CABBAGE PART II: PHYSICAL,CHEMICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL MODIFICATION IN PROCESSING TREATMENTS TO IMPROVE FLAVOR OF BLANCHED CABBAGE (BRASSICA OLERACEA L.)1

The cabbage samples (Brassica oleracea L. var. Late Glory) were subjected to steam blanching and blanching in solution. The blanching procedures were modified and further evaluated for their potential in offsetting the loss of desirable flavor during processing. The compositions of solutions for blanching were defined in terms of the concentrations of CaCl₂, NaHCO₃, flavor enhancers (FLVR), and NaCl. FLVR consisted of monosodium glutamate, 5′-inosinate, and 5′-guanylate in the proportions of 95:2.5:2.5. The optimum FLVR concentrations for solution and steam blanching were 0.25 and 0.3%, respectively. Solution- and steam-blanched products lost 2.6 and 19.4% of their ascorbic acid, respectively, when stored at —19° C in a frozen condition for 1 year. The fresh cabbage contained 4.91 and 6.40 mg % of n-butyl and 3-Indolylmethyl derivatives of isothiocyanates, respectively. Blanching (solution and steam) of cabbage resulted in a reduction of n-butyl and 3-Jndolylmethyl derivatives of isothiocyanate content. This decrease may explain the parallel decrease in “cabbage flavor intensity” in the processed cabbage samples. Although the addition of myrosinase (from fresh cabbage) to freeze-dehydratedcabbage flavor intensity,” acceptability of the product remained lower than for the fresh vegetable.     

Evolution of Free Amino Acids during the Ripening of Cheddar Cheese Containing Added Lactobacilli Strains

Cheddar cheese was produced with different lactobacilli strains added to accelerate ripening. The concentration of proteolytic products was determined as free amino acids in the water-soluble fraction at two, four, seven and nine months of aging and at two different maturation temperatures (6°C, 15°C). All amino acids increased during ripening and were higher in the Lactobacillus- added cheeses than in the control cheese, and higher in cheeses ripened at 15°C than at 6°C. Glutamic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, valine and lysine were generally in higher proportion in all cheeses. The cheeses with added L. casei-casei L2A were classified as having a “strong Cheddar cheese” flavor after only seven months of ripening at 6°C.