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.     

Reducing salt level in food: Part 1. Factors affecting the manufacture of model cheese systems and their structure–texture relationships

A model lipoproteic matrix able to mimic hard-type cheese was produced with controlled structural and textural properties. Changes in the microstructural and rheological properties of these model cheeses made from different milk concentrate powder, anhydrous milk fat, salt contents and pH values at renneting were characterised. Rheological properties were measured by texture profile analysis, fat globule and protein aggregate size distributions by laser light scattering. Microstructural properties of the model matrices were studied by confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy.Significant differences between the matrices were found for the structural, physico-chemical and rheological parameters measured. Cheeses with higher dry matter content were significantly harder and contained more insoluble proteins than cheeses with lower dry matter content. The salt concentration and the pH at renneting had significant influence on cheese hardness and adhesiveness of rheological parameters. The model lipoproteic matrix presented air bubbles and powder aggregates which could not be avoided during the manufacture of products. However, compared with classic cheese making with rennet or acid coagulation, the technology used here allows model cheeses to be produced rapidly with a good reproducibility of texture.     

Reducing salt and fat content: Impact of composition,texture and cognitive interactions on the perception of flavoured model cheeses

To better understand which composition levers are available to reduce salt content in food without altering flavour perception, this paper aimed at quantifying the impact of texture and composition (salt, fat and dry matter) of a model cheese: (i) on salt and flavour perception, and; (ii) on profile texture and flavour release.     

Effect of an Exopolysaccharide-Producing Strain of Streptococcus Thermophilus on the Yield and Texture of Mexican Manchego-Type Cheese

An exopolysaccharide-producing strain of Streptococcus thermophilus was evaluated in the production of Mexican manchego-type cheese. This ropy strain improved water and fat retention, and significantly increased cheese yield. Furthermore, the ropy strain cheese retained more moisture than control cheese during ripening, suggesting that exopolysaccharide strongly bound water within the protein matrix of the cheese. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that exopolysaccharide bound to the protein matrix of the cheese, producing a dense network that helped to increase water and fat retention and leading to a more open structure of the cheese that gave a softer product, as confirmed by instrumental texture profile analysis and sensory evaluation. Comparison of scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the different sections of the cheese showed higher concentration of exopolysaccharide in the centre than in the outer sections, indicating that exopolysaccharide production continued during ripening and that the environment at the centre of the cheese (moisture and/or oxygen concentration) favoured exopolysaccharide production. Instrumental texture profile analysis also demonstrated that the ropy strain cheese was more cohesive and less elastic than the control; in contrast, exopolysaccharide did not affect chewiness. The changes in texture could be correlated to composition: hardness increased as water and fat decreased, while springiness decreased with increasing fat. The interactions of exopolysaccharide with the cheese protein matrix had an affect on the increase in cohesiveness of the ropy strain cheese.     

含水量对软烤虾制品品质变化的影响

本文通过对不同含水量的软烤虾制品分别进行水分活度、色差、质构等指标测定,并结合感官评定与商业无菌,探究制品含水量对其品质的影响。结果表明,软烤虾制品的含水量与其水分活度线性关系良好。软烤虾含水量增加时,水分活度、L*值和弹性值均上升,而a*值、b*值、硬度、胶粘性、咀嚼性、最大剪切力与粘附性呈现下降趋势,但含水量对样品的内聚性影响不大。同时,软烤虾制品的含水量对其咀嚼性、粘附性、最大剪切力、硬度与胶粘性影响显著(p<0.05)。当样品含水量≤45%时,软烤虾处于商业无菌状态,而≥45%时产品的感官性状最佳。因此,生产中应将软烤虾制品的含水量控制在45%时为宜。