Rheological and Sensory Properties of Reduced-Fat Processed Cheeses Containing Lecithin

Reduced fat processed cheeses were prepared with granular or hydrogenated soy lecithin. Trained sensory panelists (n = 11) determined that reduced-fat cheeses containing lecithin were more similar in texture attributes to full-fat control cheeses than reduced fat cheeses without lecithin (P<0.05). Consumer flavor and acceptance scores (n =60) for cheeses with lecithin were not different from control cheeses, but texture acceptance scores for cheeses with lecithin were higher than scores for reduced fat control cheeses (P.0.05). Cheeses containing lecithin were less elastic than reduced fat control cheeses as determined by sensory panels and instrumental percent creep recovery. Lecithin improved processed cheese texture without negatively affecting acceptance.     

Lecithin Improves Texture of Reduced Fat Cheeses

Cheddar-type cheeses with 33% fat reduction were made with 0.2 or 0.5% (w/w) lecithin. Reduced fat cheeses with no lecithin and full fat cheeses were prepared as controls. Cheeses were aged 3 mo prior to instrumental and sensory evaluation. Reduced fat cheese with lecithin received higher overall texture scores from dairy judges than reduced fat control cheeses (P ≤ 0.05). Texture scores from dairy judges for cheeses with lecithin were not different from full fat cheeses. Reduced fat cheeses with lecithin were softer than reduced fat control cheeses as measured instrumentally and according to specific attribute panelists (P ≤ 0.05). Cheese wet weight yields were greater with addition of lecithin (P ≤ 0.05) which resulted in a softer more desirable texture in reduced fat cheeses.     

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).     

Viscoelastic Properties of Reduced-fat and Full-fat Cheddar Cheeses

Viscoelastic properties of cheeses with and without 0.2% or 0.5% (w/w) lecithin were studied using oscillatory dynamic experiments and creep tests. Elastic and loss moduli of reduced-fat cheese with lecithin were greater (p < 0.01) than reduced-fat cheese without lecithin, but less (p < 0.01) than these values for full-fat cheese. In creep/recovery tests, the residual strain of full-fat cheese, reduced-fat cheese with 0.5% or 0.2% lecithin, and reduced-fat cheese without lecithin were 7.8, 7.9, 8.1, and 15.4%, respectively. There was good agreement in terms of compliance behavior of the four types of cheese between experimental data and prediction by the generalized Kelvin model with six elements.     

Impact of fat reduction on flavor and flavor chemistry of Cheddar cheeses

A current industry goal is to produce a 75 to 80% fat-reduced Cheddar cheese that is tasty and appealing to consumers. Despite previous studies on reduced-fat cheese, information is critically lacking in understanding the flavor and flavor chemistry of reduced-fat and nonfat Cheddar cheeses and how it differs from its full-fat counterpart. The objective of this study was to document and compare flavor development in cheeses with different fat contents so as to quantitatively characterize how flavor and flavor development in Cheddar cheese are altered with fat reduction. Cheddar cheeses with 50% reduced-fat cheese (RFC) and low-fat cheese containing 6% fat (LFC) along with 2 full-fat cheeses (FFC) were manufactured in duplicate. Cheeses were ripened at 8°C and samples were taken following 2 wk and 3, 6, and 9 mo for sensory and instrumental volatile analyses. A trained sensory panel (n = 10 panelists) documented flavor attributes of cheeses. Volatile compounds were extracted by solid-phase microextraction or solvent-assisted flavor evaporation followed by separation and identification using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-olfactometry. Selected compounds were quantified using external standard curves. Sensory properties of cheeses were distinct initially but more differences were documented as cheeses aged. By 9 mo, LFC and RFC displayed distinct burnt/rosy flavors that were not present in FFC. Sulfur flavor was also lower in LFC compared with other cheeses. Forty aroma-active compounds were characterized in the cheeses by headspace or solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography-olfactometry. Compounds were largely not distinct between the cheeses at each time point, but concentration differences were evident. Higher concentrations of furanones (furaneol, homofuraneol, sotolon), phenylethanal, 1-octen-3-one, and free fatty acids, and lower concentrations of lactones were present in LFC compared with FFC after 9 mo of ripening. These results confirm that flavor differences documented between full-fat and reduced-fat cheeses are not due solely to differences in matrix and flavor release but also to distinct differences in ripening biochemistry, which leads to an imbalance of many flavor-contributing compounds.     

Reduced-fat cheddar cheese manufactured using a novel fat removal process

Normally, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese is made by removal of fat from milk prior to cheese making. Typical aged flavor may not develop when 50% reduced-fat Cheddar cheese is produced by this approach. Moreover, the texture of the reduced-fat cheeses produced by the current method may often be hard and rubbery. Previous researchers have demonstrated that aged Cheddar cheese flavor intensity resides in the water-soluble fraction. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of fat removal after the aging of Cheddar cheese. We hypothesized the typical aged cheese flavor would remain with the cheese following fat removal. A physical process for the removal of fat from full-fat aged Cheddar cheese was developed. The efficiency of fat removal at various temperatures, gravitational forces, and for various durations of applied forces was determined. Temperature had the greatest effect on the removal of fat. Gravitational force and the duration of applied force were less important at higher temperatures. A positive linear relationship between temperature and fat removal was observed from 20 to 33 degrees C. Conditions of 30 degrees C and 23,500 x g for 5 min removed 50% of the fat. The removed fat had some aroma but little or no taste. The fatty acid composition, triglyceride molecular weight distribution, and melting profile of the fat retained in the reduced-fat cheeses were all consistent with a slight increase in the proportion of saturated fat relative to the full-fat cheeses. The process of fat removal decreased the grams of saturated fat per serving of cheese from 6.30 to 3.11 g. The flavor intensity of the reduced-fat cheeses were at least as intense as the full-fat cheeses.     

Improvement of texture and structure of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese by exopolysaccharide-producing lactococci

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of capsular and ropy exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris on textural and microstructural attributes during ripening of 50%-reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. Cheeses were manufactured with added capsule- or ropy-forming strains individually or in combination. For comparison, reduced-fat cheese with or without lecithin added at 0.2% (wt/vol) to cheese milk and full-fat cheeses were made using EPS-nonproducing starter, and all cheeses were ripened at 7°C for 6 mo. Exopolysaccharide-producing strains increased cheese moisture retention by 3.6 to 4.8% and cheese yield by 0.28 to 1.19 kg/100 kg compared with control cheese, whereas lecithin-containing cheese retained 1.4% higher moisture and had 0.37 kg/100 kg higher yield over the control cheese. Texture profile analyses for 0-d-old cheeses revealed that cheeses with EPS-producing strains had less firm, springy, and cohesive texture but were more brittle than control cheeses. However, these effects became less pronounced after 6 mo of ripening. Using transmission electron microscopy, fresh and aged cheeses with added EPS-producing strains showed a less compact protein matrix through which larger whey pockets were dispersed compared with control cheese. The numerical analysis of transmission electron microscopy images showed that the area in the cheese matrix occupied by protein was smaller in cheeses with added EPS-producing strains than in control cheese. On the other hand, lecithin had little impact on both cheese texture and microstructure; after 6 mo, cheese containing lecithin showed a texture profile very close to that of control reduced-fat cheese. The protein-occupied area in the cheese matrix did not appear to be significantly affected by lecithin addition. Exopolysaccharide-producing strains could contribute to the modification of cheese texture and microstructure and thus modify the functional properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese.     

Reducing the fat content in ground beef without sacrificing quality: a review

Americans are becoming more health conscious in their food choices and many are interested in reducing dietary fat intake. Fat replacers can affect meat flavor both by adding flavors of their own, by reducing the original aroma-generating substrate (fat) and by altering release of aroma compounds. When fat is removed from meat, water is generally added to replace it. Water-binding compounds can be added to prevent the added water from cooking out or evaporating and to prevent patty shrinkage. Fat replacers are generally classified by their composition: protein-based replacers including whey, soy and collagen, lipid-based substances such as soy lecithin which function as emulsifiers maintaining the fat that is retained distributed in the product, and carbohydrate-based substances including flours (wheat, soy, oat), starches (potato, modified corn starch, tapioca) and gums (carrageenan, xanthin). Duplication of the characteristics contributed by fat often requires a combination of replacers to address juiciness and texture (firmness) without negatively impacting flavor.     

Lecithin Associated Off-Aromas in Fermented Milk

ABSTRACT Soy, rice and hydrogenated soy lecithins were added to milk with lactic acid fermentation to characterize and elucidate formation of volatile off‐aromas. Sensory panelists detected off‐aromas in fermented milk containing unmodified soy or rice lecithin. Instrumental aroma analysis revealed that off‐flavor compounds included (E,E)‐2,4–nonadienal and (E,Z)‐ and (E,E)‐2,4–decadienal. Formation of 2,4–decadienals occurred within the first 4 h of lactic acid fermentation and reached maximum levels within 14 h of incubation. Enzymatic assays confirmed that washed cells of Lactococcus produced H₂O₂. Hydrogenated soy lecithin was suitable to use in cultured dairy products, but use of other soy or rice lecithin resulted in off‐flavor formation due to oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Effect of various high-pressure treatments on the properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

A major problem with reduced-fat cheese is the difficulty in attaining the characteristic flavor and texture of typical full-fat versions. Some previous studies have suggested that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) can accelerate the ripening of full-fat cheeses. Our objective was to investigate the effect of HHP on reduced-fat (~7.3% fat) Cheddar cheese, with the goal of improving its flavor and texture. We used a central composite rotatable design with response surface methodology to study the effect of pressure and holding time on the rheological, physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. A 2-level factorial experimental design was chosen to study the effects of the independent variables (pressure and holding time). Pressures were varied from around 50 to 400 MPa and holding times ranged from 2.5 to 19.5 min. High pressure was applied 1 wk after cheese manufacture, and analyses were performed at 2 wk, and 1, 3, and 6 mo. The insoluble calcium content as a percentage of total Ca in cheeses were not affected by pressure treatment. Pressure applications ≥225 MPa resulted in softer cheese texture during ripening. Pressures ≥225 MPa increased melt, and resulted in higher maximum loss tangent values at 2 wk. Pressure treatment had a greater effect on cheese microbial and textural properties than holding time. High-pressure-treated cheeses also had higher pH values than the control. We did not observe any significant difference in rates of proteolysis between treatments. In conclusion, holding times of around 5 min and pressures of ≥225 MPa could potentially be used to improve the excessively firm texture of reduced-fat cheese.     

Effect of octenyl succinylated waxy starch as a fat mimetic on texture,microstructure and physicochemical properties of Minas fresh cheese

The effect of fat reduction and the addition of octenyl succinylated (OS) waxy maize starch as a fat replacer on the physicochemical properties, texture, and microstructure of Minas fresh cheese was studied. The cheeses were produced according to three formulations: full-fat cheese (FC), reduced-fat cheese (RC), and reduced-fat cheese with 0.5 kg/100 L of added starch (SC). Analyses of the chemical composition, titratable acidity, water-holding capacity (WHC), yield, texture, microstructure, and electrophoretic profile of casein were conducted. Fat reduction increased the hardness and decreased the yield of the cheeses. Fat reduction also promoted a denser microstructure and less proteolysis. The concentration of starch that was added was insufficient to improve the yield and texture parameters of the reduced-fat cheese. However, the addition of starch increased the moisture content and the WHC of the reduced-fat cheese. In general, OS waxy maize starch improved the overall quality of the reduced-fat Minas fresh cheese.     

Sensory Evaluation of Reduced Fat Cheeses

The objectives of this research were to compare the effects of seven make-procedures on the sensory quality of reduced fat Monterey Jacktype cheeses. Modifications (decreased cook temperature, decreased ripe time, decreased starter, homogenization, added milk-solids-not-fat, added flavor cultures, and washed curd) were incorporated into standard make-procedures for 33% reduced fat (RF) Monterey Jack-type cheeses. Two controls, a standard full fat cheese, and a standard RF cheese, were also prepared. Cheeses were aged 3 and 7 mo prior to sensory evaluation. The full fat control cheese and the washed curd RF cheese received the highest flavor scores from trained dairy judges (n = 9) and the highest flavor and acceptance scores from a consumer panel (n = 125). Washed curd was an effective modification for optimum sensory quality of RF cheeses.     

Effect of Resistant Starch and Inulin on the Properties of Imitation Mozzarella Cheese

The effect of two fat replacers (inulin and resistant starch) on functional properties and microstructure of imitation Mozzarella cheeses was evaluated. Three groups of imitation Mozzarella cheeses were manufactured by adding 0, 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6, and 12% (w/w) inulin or resistant starch instead of the fat, respectively. Inclusion of the inulin up to 7.2% in cheese, fat content of it was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased and the moisture and pH values of it were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different. Inclusion of resistant starch up to 9.6% in cheese, fat content of it was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased and the moisture and pH values of it were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different. The physical properties of these cheeses were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among them. The textural properties were determined by instrumental texture pro?le. With increased levels of inulin or resistant starch from 2.4 to 12% (w/w), the hardness of the resultant imitation cheeses were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05), while the cohesiveness and springiness decreased and the meltability and stretch ability had reduced (p ≤ 0.05), compared with the control, especially containing resistant starch stretch ability had reduced more. The microstructure of imitation Mozzarella cheese was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that interactions between casein and inulin or resistant starch in imitation cheeses accounted for variance properties of imitation cheese. It is concluded that inulin or resistant starch could be used to replace up to 7.2% of the fat in imitation cheese and that the preferred substitution was inulin.     

Milkfat Sucrose Polyesters as Fat Substitutes in Cheddar-type Cheeses

Milkfat sucrose polyesters (SPE) were substituted for 10, 25, 50, or 75% (w/w) of mllkfat in reconstituted milk and made into Cheddar-type cheeses. Total fat, moisture, and salt contents of the cheeses averaged 27, 49, and 1.2% (w/w). respectively. A screened sensory panel (n=22) determined that cheeses containing SPE were significantly different from the control cheese. Colorlmetrlc measurements of the total difference (ΔE) of the cheeses containing SPE from the control cheese increased as % SPE in the cheese increased (r=0.90). Firmness of the cheeses did not differ (p<0.05). Cheddar-type cheeses made with mllkfat SPE substituted for milkfat may have potential marketability.     

Storage Stability of Vacuum Packaged Frozen Pork Sausage Containing Soy Protein Concentrate, Carrageenan or Antioxidants

Fresh pork sausage patties containing carrageenan, without or with soy protein and an antioxidant were packaged with or without vacuum. They were evaluated for sensory properties, visual color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and Hunter color ‘L’, ‘a’, ‘b’ values at 4-wk intervals during 16 wk frozen storage. Rosemary extract was as effective as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)/propyl gallate (PG)/citric acid (CA) in antioxidant properties, but patties with BHT/PG/CA showed less surface discoloration (P < 0.05). In fat-control (FC) products, antioxidants combined with vacuum packaging provided optimum protection against rancidity. With vacuum packaging (VP), reduced-fat products maintained acceptable quality (TBARS and sensory properties) during 16 wks frozen storage.     

燕麦麸添加量对燕麦麸猪肉丸品质的影响

为采用燕麦麸糊替代猪肉丸中部分脂肪以开发最佳的低脂肉丸,本实验对不同燕麦麸添加量对传统猪肉丸的感官品质、色泽、质构、基本成分、风味物质及氧化程度的影响进行研究,从而为低脂燕麦麸猪肉丸的开发提供可行性建议。结果表明：当燕麦麸添加量为3.09%时,燕麦麸猪肉丸感官总评最高。随燕麦麸添加量增加,燕麦麸猪肉丸硬度、咀嚼性显著降低;亮度逐渐减小,红度与黄度增加;脂肪含量显著减少,粗纤维、蛋白质、水分含量增加。根据电子鼻及气相色谱-质谱分析发现,5 组样品的风味差异明显且脂肪氧化产物的含量降低;高效液相色谱分析显示,燕麦麸猪肉丸核苷酸含量并无显著差异,而氨基酸总量显著下降;过氧化值逐渐降低,但硫代巴比妥酸值却增加。综上,燕麦麸添加量对产品各方面的品质具有不同影响,因此,选择适当的燕麦麸添加量（3.09%）能保证燕麦麸猪肉丸综合品质最佳。     

Application of exopolysaccharide-producing cultures in reduced-fat Cheddar cheese: texture and melting properties

Textural, melting, and sensory characteristics of reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses made with exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing and nonproducing cultures were monitored during ripening. Hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness significantly increased in the cheeses as fat content decreased. Cheese made with EPS-producing cultures was the least affected by fat reduction. No differences in hardness, springiness, and chewiness were found between young reduced fat cheese made with a ropy Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris [JFR1; the culture that produced reduced-fat cheese with moisture in the nonfat substance (MNFS) similar to that in its full-fat counterpart] and its full-fat counterpart. Whereas hardness of full-fat cheese and reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1 increased during ripening, a significant decrease in its value was observed in all other cheeses. After 6 mo of ripening, reduced fat cheeses made with all EPS-producing cultures maintained lower values of all texture profile analysis parameters than did those made with no EPS. Fat reduction decreased cheese meltability. However, no differences in meltability were found between the young full-fat cheese and the reduced-fat cheese made with the ropy culture JFR1. Both the aged full- and reduced-fat cheeses made with JFR1 had similar melting patterns. When heated, they both became soft and creamy without losing shape, whereas reduced-fat cheese made with no EPS ran and separated into greasy solids and liquid. No differences were detected by panelists between the textures of the full-fat cheese and reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1, both of which were less rubbery or firm, curdy, and crumbly than all other reduced-fat cheeses.     

Effect of exopolysaccharide produced by isogenic strains of Lactococcus lactis on half-fat Cheddar cheese

Fat-reduced cheeses often suffer from undesirable texture, flavor, and cooking properties. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by starter strains have been proposed as a mechanism to increase yield and to improve the texture and cooking properties of reduced-fat cheeses. The objective of this work was to assess the influence of an exopolysaccharide on the yield, texture, cooking properties, and quality of half-fat Cheddar cheese. Two pilot-scale half-fat Cheddar cheeses were manufactured using single starters of an isogenic strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris (DPC6532 and DPC6533) that differed in their ability to produce exopolysaccharide. Consequently, any differences detected between the cheeses were attributed to the presence of the exopolysaccharide. The results indicated that cheeses made with the exopolysaccharide-producing starter had an 8.17% increase in actual cheese yield (per 100 kg of milk), a 9.49% increase in moisture content, increase in water activity and water desorption rate at relative humidities ≤90%, significant differences in the cheeses microstructure, and a significant improvement in both textural and cooking properties, without negatively affecting the flavor profiles of the cheeses.