Physical properties of breads containing hydrocolloids stored at low temperature. I. Effect of chilling

Different bread types, some of them containing also hydrocolloid stabilizers, were cold stored for evaluating the final quality of breads after storage. Dough (DB), semi-baked products (SB) and full-baked (FB) breads were used. After storage their physical characteristics were measured, data grouping was performed using PCA analysis and correlations among the properties measured were found. Fresh samples presented some similarities to DB or SB breads, but FB breads had a completely different behaviour. Crust characteristics were found to be important for the quality characterization of breads, as crust textural characteristics; its colour and moisture content were correlated to other properties. Furthermore, crust viscoelastic characteristics gave an indication of bread staling. Porosity was the only physical property not correlated to other bread characteristics. Differences were noticed according to the bread type before storage and the hydrocolloid used, but the main differences were determined by the baking stage before storage. Furthermore, hydrocolloids addition could result in different final bread properties according to the baking stage before storage. The crumb of FB breads was relatively viscous despite of hydrocolloid addition. Hydrocolloids seem to be more effective as stabilizers in DB and SB breads.     

Influence of hydrocolloids on dough handling and technological properties of gluten-free breads

BackgroundThe development of gluten-free breads has attracted great attention as a result of better diagnoses of relationship between gluten-free products and health. The market demand for gluten-free products is increasing day by day due to growing number of celiac disease cases. Development of gluten-free bread remains a technological challenge due to the key role of gluten in the breadmaking process and in bread structure, appearance, texture and shelf life.Scope and approachThis review covers recent advances in the application of hydrocolloids in dough handling, technological and nutritional properties of gluten-free breads, which affect its quality and value.Key findings and conclusionsGluten-free breads results from the combination of different ingredients and hydrocolloids required to building up network structures responsible for bread quality. Various gluten-free formulations have applied hydrocolloids to mimic the viscoelastic properties of gluten. In addition, the impact of different hydrocolloids on the characteristics of dough and bread quality is known to be highly dependent on raw materials, the nature and quantity of hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids improve the texture, increase the moisture content and extend the overall quality of bread. The results of the reviewed studies indicate that some of those products were acceptable and presented similar or better sensory attributes than control formulations and some were even comparable to their wheat-based counterparts. Based on successful applications of hydrocolloids, it is suggested that novel nutritious ingredients, combined with hydrocolloids can be added to gluten-free bread formulations to improve the quality of life.     

Chemical,functional and physicochemical properties of flour from cassava stored under freezing

Cassava root spoils rapidly after harvest but can be well preserved by storing under freezing. This study investigated the functional, chemical and physicochemical properties of flour produced from frozen cassava roots. Freezing period did not significantly (p < 0.05) alter the moisture, ash, fat and fibre, but had slight effect on the carbohydrate and protein contents of the flour. Lightness, yellowness index and bulk densities of the flour samples reduced with freezing period. While freezing did not significantly (p < 0.05) change the ability of the flour samples to absorb oil, a slight but significant increase in the water absorption capacity was observed. Potassium (1.29–3.46 mg/kg), sodium (1.24–1.28 mg/kg), and calcium (0.94–1.34 mg/kg) were the major minerals in the cassava flour samples. The cyanide content (10.80–22.95 mg/kg) reduced as freezing days increased but peak, setback, breakdown and final viscosities did not follow a particular pattern. The information from this study is important to further determine the industrial potentials of flour from stored cassava roots.     

Antioxidant properties and sensory profiles of breads containing barley flour

Breads were made by replacing 40% of wheat flour with barley flour. The incorporation of barley increased the antioxidant properties of the breads compared to the control bread. Furthermore, these properties proved to be dependent on the variety of barley as well as the extraction rate of the flour. The amount of free phenolics (TPC-S) decreased during the baking process, while the amount of bound phenolics increased (TPC-IS). At the same time, the measured antioxidant activities (FRAP-S and FRAP-IS) were relatively stable during the baking process. A sensory evaluation showed differences in sensory attributes, depending on the barley variety, and there was a good consistency between the sensory evaluation and the amount of phenolics. The present study showed that utilization of barley in breads has a beneficial health potential. However this will largely depend on the barley variety.     

Effect of some hydrocolloids on the rheological properties of different formulated ketchups

Five different hydrocolloids (tragacanth gum, guar gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, xanthan gum and locust bean gum) were added, at levels of 0, 0.5, and 1 g/100 g (w/w), respectively, to three different formulated ketchups which were processed from cold-break tomato paste dilutions, having total soluble solid (TSS) contents of 7.5, 10, and 12.5 g/100 g (w/w), in sequence, and the effect of these hydrocolloids on the rheological properties of tomato ketchups was investigated using a viscometer with smooth surface wide-gap coaxial cylinders. All hydrocolloids increased the consistency of the tested samples; however, guar gum and locust bean gum caused the maximum increase, followed by xanthan gum, tragacanth gum and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). Both the ketchup formulation and the hydrocolloid concentration were found to affect the consistency of ketchups. The highest consistency index was obtained by processing dilutions with a TSS content of 12.5%, and the addition of hydrocolloids at the level of 1%. The fluidity of the ketchups decreased with both the addition of all hydrocolloids and the increase in hydrocolloids concentration. Furthermore, the fluidity of the ketchups was also affected by ketchup formulation, and it was found to be the lowest for the samples prepared from the tomato paste dilutions having a TSS content of 12.5%.     

Frozen Sangak dough and bread properties: Impact of pre-fermentation and freezing rate

The impact of pre-fermentation time and freezing rate on Sangak frozen dough and bread quality were studied. The pre-fermented doughs for 0, 30, 60, 90, or 120 min were frozen under –20, –25, or –30°C in air blast freezer. After 24 h storage at –18°C, dough samples were baked after final fermentation. The yeast viability, gassing power, and dough development for fresh and frozen Sangak doughs were determined. Crust color, density, and shear stress of bread obtained from fresh and frozen Sangak dough were evaluated. The results showed that yeast survival initially increased and then decreased with increasing freezing rate. The maximum yeast survival was observed at short pre-fermentation (30 min). A direct relationship was observed between gassing power, dough development, and yeast viability. From bread quality point-of-view, short pre-fermentation and higher freezing rate led to a more desirable bread.     

A study on the effects of different gums on dielectric properties and quality of breads baked in infrared-microwave combination oven

In this study, the effects of different gums on dielectric properties of doughs and breads baked in infrared-microwave combination oven were investigated. In addition, the quality parameters of breads formulated with different gums baked in infrared-microwave combination oven were determined. The gums used were xanthan, guar, xanthan-guar blend and κ-carrageenan. The gums were added to the formulation at 0.5% concentration. The dielectric properties and quality parameters of breads baked in infrared-microwave combination oven were found to be dependent on gum type. κ-carrageenan resulted in undesirable final bread quality, while xanthan-guar blend addition improved bread quality (high specific volume and porosity, low hardness values). The dielectric properties of bread samples formulated with κ-carrageenan were found to be the highest among the other gum types.     

Significance of healthy viscous dietary fibres on the performance of gluten‐free rice‐based formulated breads

The impact of associated viscous dietary fibres (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose semi‐firm – SFE‐ and weak – NE‐gel forming, and barley ß‐glucan, BBG) incorporated at different amounts (1.6–7.5%, flour basis) into gluten‐free rice‐based dough formulations on the breadmaking performance and staling behaviour of hydrated (70–110%, flour basis) fibre‐flour composite blends has been investigated. Single BBG addition fails to mimic gluten visco‐elasticity properly, but simultaneous incorporation of either SFE or NE contributes to bread improvement in terms of bigger volume and smoother crumb. 3.3 g of BBG (70% purity) and 104 mL of water addition to 100 g rice flour provided sensorially accepted breads (7.6/10) with a theoretical ß‐glucan content of 1.24 g per 100 g GF bread that would allow a daily ß‐glucan intake of 3 g provided a bread consumption of 240 g day^?1. Complementary tests should be carried out to know the amount and molecular weight of ß‐glucan in the final bread before assuring the nutritional benefit of this addition.     

Incorporation of several additives into gluten free breads: Effect on dough properties and bread quality

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of emulsifiers, hydrocolloids and enzymes on gluten-free dough rheology and thermal properties and bread quality, while relating dough properties parameters to bread technological quality. Breads were based on rice flour, cassava starch and full-fat active soy flour, with 65% or 75% (flour-starch basis) of water incorporation. Additives used were emulsifiers (diacetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglycerides – DATEM and sodium stearoyl lactylate – SSL), enzymes (glucose oxidase and α-amylase) and hydrocolloids (xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, alginate and carrageenan). Results showed that additive incorporation modified dough behavior, evidenced by different calorimetric and rheological properties. Besides, the electrophoretic pattern of dough extracted proteins changed with glucose oxidase addition. These modifications resulted in breads with different characteristics, such as specific volume, firmness and firming rate, and crumb structure. Nonetheless, they did not necessarily show better quality parameters than the control bread. The control dough displayed good performance for obtaining gluten-free breads of acceptable volume, crumb structure and, principally, with lower hardening rate during storage. Contrary to widespread opinion, this work shows that the presence of additives is not essential for gluten-free bread production. This fact provides new perspectives to the gluten free market at the moment of selecting raw materials and technological parameters, reducing production costs and facilitating gluten free products development.     

Effect of physico‐chemical properties of tropical starches and hydrocolloids on rice gels texture and noodles water retention ability

The links between the physico‐chemical properties of rice flour (RF), cassava (CS), sago (SS), canna (CaS), sweet potato (SPS), and mung bean (MS) starches, and the gelling properties of rice flour blends with these starches in different proportions (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% pure starches) and with xanthan (XG) and carrageenan (CG) gums were studied. Water retention ability of starches and hydrocolloids blends in noodle systems during drying at 40°C was also investigated. The mean granule diameter and AM content values of RF, CS, SPS, SS, CaS, and MS were in the range of 12.8–41.0 µm and 21.9–39.4%, respectively. Thermal properties showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the starches in terms of gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, as well as retrogradation tendency. Different starches produced gels with a wide range of textural properties. Results confirmed the role of AM content in determining the gel strength, and indicated a possible role of retrogradation in increasing the dissipation of mechanical energy during compression and relaxation tests, which can have an effect on mouth feel. Blends of RF with other starches and hydrocolloids generally improved the characteristics of RF‐based gels, by increasing gel strength. In particular, the use of MS markedly increased the strength of RF‐based gels. Addition of hydrocolloids significantly reduced the drying rate of noodles, although overall water retention ability was reduced only to a limited extent. This may be used to produce starch‐based products, especially noodles, in a range of desired characteristics.     

Conventional freezing plus high pressure-low temperature treatment: Physical properties, microbial quality and storage stability of beef meat

Meat high-hydrostatic pressure treatment causes severe decolouration, preventing its commercialisation due to consumer rejection. Novel procedures involving product freezing plus low-temperature pressure processing are here investigated. Room temperature (20 °C) pressurisation (650 MPa/10 min) and air blast freezing (−30 °C) are compared to air blast freezing plus high pressure at subzero temperature (−35 °C) in terms of drip loss, expressible moisture, shear force, colour, microbial quality and storage stability of fresh and salt-added beef samples (Longissimus dorsi muscle). The latter treatment induced solid water transitions among ice phases. Fresh beef high pressure treatment (650 MPa/20 °C/10 min) increased significantly expressible moisture while it decreased in pressurised (650 MPa/−35 °C/10 min) frozen beef. Salt addition reduced high pressure-induced water loss. Treatments studied did not change fresh or salt-added samples shear force. Frozen beef pressurised at low temperature showed L, a and b values after thawing close to fresh samples. However, these samples in frozen state, presented chromatic parameters similar to unfrozen beef pressurised at room temperature. Apparently, freezing protects meat against pressure colour deterioration, fresh colour being recovered after thawing. High pressure processing (20 °C or −35 °C) was very effective reducing aerobic total (2-log₁₀ cycles) and lactic acid bacteria counts (2.4-log₁₀ cycles), in fresh and salt-added samples. Frozen + pressurised beef stored at −18 °C during 45 days recovered its original colour after thawing, similarly to just-treated samples while their counts remain below detection limits during storage.     

Effects of freezing rates on starch retrogradation and textural properties of cooked rice during storage

The effects of freezing rates and storage temperatures on starch retrogradation and textural properties of cooked rice were evaluated. Cooked rice was frozen with different freezing rates and then stored at 4 °C for 14 days or −18 °C for up to 7 months. Starch retrogradation enthalpy (ΔH_r) of cooked rice was determined by a differential scanning calorimetry, and textural properties were determined by a texture analyser. The results showed that the ΔH_r and hardness values had a negative correlation with freezing rate, however, a positive correlation was found between adhesiveness and freezing rate. On the other hand, the advantages (lower hardness and higher adhesiveness, less starch retrogradaton) of cooked rice gained by rapid freezing, were lost quickly in the first 3 days of storage at 4 °C. However, rapid freezing combined with −18 °C frozen storage can effectively retard starch retrogradation and maintain the textural properties of cooked rice for at least 7 months. Therefore, high quality cooked rice can be produced by combined rapid freezing with frozen storage.     

Stabilisation mechanism of various inulins and hydrocolloids: Milk–sour cherry juice mixture

Milk–fruit juice mixtures, such as the mainly acidic nutraceutical soft drinks, usually suffer from phase separation due to aggregation of caseins at low pH. In this study, short‐chain inulin (SCI), native inulin (NI), long‐chain inulin (LCI) and a combination of long‐ and short‐chain inulins (LCI:SCI) (MIX) in different ratios (20:80, 50:50 and 80:20) were added (up to 10% w/v) to a milk–sour cherry juice mixture and their stabilisation mechanisms investigated using rheological, microstructural and zeta potential observations. In addition, gum tragacanth (GT) and Persian gum (PG) as adsorbing and guar gum (GG) as nonadsorbing hydrocolloids were combined with inulin to enhance their stabilising properties. Finally, sensory analyses were carried out on the stabilised samples. According to our findings, LCI fully stabilised the mixture (8% w/v), while LCI: SCI and NI only reduced phase separation at very high concentrations, and SCI had no significant effect on the stabilisation. Moreover, no inulin aggregates and rheological changes were observed with SCI. However, LCI, LCI: SCI and NI formed inulin aggregates and the mixtures became even more viscous and thixotropic (LCI > LCI: SCL > NI). Based on these observations, it can be concluded that chain length and concentration are two important factors that affect the functionality of inulin. On the other hand, the combination of inulin with GT and PG did not have any pertinent effect on the stabilisation. However, the mixture of inulin and GG could stabilise the mixtures at certain ratios and concentrations. Furthermore, in mixtures containing GG and SCI, GG played the main role in the stabilisation by increasing the viscosity and forming gel network.     

Sensory properties of akara (fried cowpea paste) prepared from paste stored at low storage temperatures

Akara (fried cowpea paste) a popular West African cowpea (Visna unguiculata) product was prepared from cowpea paste stored under refrigeration (4‐6°C) and freezer (‐18°C) temperatures for 10 and 24 days respectively. Blanched and unblanched paste were stored. Akara from freshly prepared paste was used as control. The sensory properties investigated were colour, taste, texture and aroma. Akara from various paste samples; refrigerator stored paste (RSP) freezer stored paste (FSP) and fresh paste (FP) were rated for the various attributes and the degree of difference from the control by a trained panel. Sensory attributes of RSP akara were majorly rated between good and fair in the first 3 days. Attributes were rated between fair and bad by the 6^th and 10^th days of storage and were significantly different from FP akara. Sensory attributes of FSP akara were rated between good and fair until the 17^th day of storage. Blanching proved beneficial as a pre‐storage treatment for the preservation of akara texture in the first 3 days for RSP and for 24 days for FSP. The results showed that the properties of cowpea paste which influence texture and overall sensory quality of akara, were better preserved in frozen storage. The implications of the results on the feasibility of bulk production and storage of cowpea paste for retail as a frozen ingredient are discussed.     

Combined effects of freezing rate, storage temperature and time on bread dough and baking properties

This study compares the effects of freezing temperature and rate as well as storage temperature and time on the quality of frozen dough. Yeasted bread dough was frozen using four freezing rates (19-69 °C/h), then stored at −10, −20, −30, or −35 °C for up to 180 days. Dough strength diminished with longer storage time and higher storage temperatures. Cryo-SEM showed that dough stored at −30 and −35 °C had the least damaged gluten network. NMR studies showed that more rapidly frozen dough, and that stored at lower temperatures had lower transverse relaxation (T₂) times (9-10 ms). However, dough stored at −20 °C displayed the highest yeast activity among samples. Bread loaf volume decreased with storage time, and bread made from dough stored at −20 °C showed the highest loaf volume. Breads produced from −30 and −35 °C stored dough displayed less change in the texture profile during storage as well as less change in T₂ values. Response surface analysis showed that optimal properties occurred at freezing rates of around 19-41 °C/h and storage temperatures of −15 to −20 °C.     

Effects of 1 year long‐term freezing with different preservatives on milk cholesterol,progesterone and lactoferrin determination

This study was performed to determine the effects of long‐term freezing on milk composition and to evaluate the possible effects on analysis of four preservative substances (Azidiol, Kathon CG, NaOH and Thiomersal) on the determination of milk cholesterol, progesterone and lactoferrin concentration. Collected milk was separated in aliquots, stored at 20 °C in 10mL plastic vials and analysed after 1, 6 and 12 months. It could be shown that the preservatives are not equally appropriate for all analysing methods used in this experiment. Preservatives and storage conditions for milk samples have to be carefully selected during the study design depending on the parameters to be measured.     

Effects of non-starch hydrocolloids on the physicochemical properties and stability of a commercial béchamel sauce

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-starch hydrocolloids (NSH) on the physicochemical properties and stability of a béchamel sauce. Three different NSH (guar gum, xanthan gum and carboxymethylcellulose) were added at two concentrations (0.10 wt.% and 0.25 wt.%) hereby replacing an equal amount of modified starch. Sauce batches were stored at refrigerated temperatures during four weeks and were rheologically characterized at day 2, 16 and 30 after preparation. The addition of all hydrocolloids caused a marked increase of the consistency index compared to the model system whereas this parameter decreased for all sauces during refrigerated preservation. The yield stress was also increased by the NSH. Furthermore all studied NSH reduced the amount of syneresis, with xanthan gum being the most effective. Besides, sensory tests demonstrated that there were no significant differences in taste and general preference between the hydrocolloid sauces and the model system.     

Effect of freezing on physical properties of whey protein emulsion films

The objective of this work was to study the effect of the freezing process on physical properties of whey protein emulsion films with different beeswax content dried at 5 °C. Thickness, microstructure, water vapour permeability, solubility in water, sorption isotherms and mechanical properties were measured in Control and Frozen films. The freezing process did not cause fractures or perforations in films, but films with beeswax showed a change in the appearance of the lipids after freezing. Only films with 40% of beeswax showed a significant increase in the water vapour permeability after freezing. The freezing process did not affect film solubility in water but produced small differences in the equilibrium moisture content values. In the puncture test, the freezing process increased puncture strength and deformation of films without beeswax but those parameters were not affected in films with beeswax. In tensile test, tensile strength and elastic modulus decreased, but elongation was not affected by freezing process. Principal component analysis accomplished an adequate condensation of the date grouping samples according to film formulation and treatment (Control and Frozen films). Indeed, the relationships of sample grouping and measured parameters were enlightened by principal component analysis. In conclusion, whey protein emulsion films were resistant to the freezing process (freezing, frozen storage and thawing) and could be a good alternative as a treatment to preserve the quality of frozen foods.     

Microbiological quality of Port Salut Argentino cheese stored at two temperature treatments

Microbiological quality of Port Salut Argentino cheese was studied during 10 days (after ripening) at two storage temperature treatments: (a) 4°C and (b) a temperature combination of both 4 and 20°C (4/20°C), which implied 12 h at 4°C and 12 h at 20°C. Total coliforms were not higher than 10³ cfu/g among samples. E. coli was detected at both treatments. Thirty three percent of the cheese contained Staphylococcus aureus. Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. were not detected in any treatment. Bacillus spp. incidence was 50% of the cheese, being B. cereus, B. cereus variety mycoides and B. pumilus. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus grew at 4/20°C. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria were between 10⁴ and 10⁷ cfu/g. At 4/20°C counts decreased. At 4°C the behaviour was variable. Moulds were lower than 10⁴ cfu/g and yeasts were between 10⁴ and 10⁵ cfu/g. pH, moisture content and tritatable acidity ranges of samples were 5.5-6, 51-52.3% and 1.215-1.935 g/100 g of lactic acid, respectively. Manufacturing of this cheese includes a short heat treatment and starter culture addition; consequently, our results indicate that this processing may be insufficient for achieving hygienic cheese production. The storage at refrigeration temperature will not always guarantee the cheese safety and quality.     

Food hydrocolloids as additives to improve the mechanical and functional properties of fish products: A review

The restructuring process offers to fish processors the opportunity to obtain new products, taking advantage of both low-value fish species and remains from filleting and other processing operations. However, mechanical and functional properties of restructured products depend on the biochemical and physicochemical properties of muscle proteins, mainly myosin and actomyosin. In this regard, the biochemistry of fish muscle is different from that of mammals and birds. Therefore, fish products must be processed in a different way from red meat or poultry. The main fish products are surimi and restructured products. Fish products can be improved or modified by using hydrocolloids (carbohydrates and protein) as additives. In this review, the modern technology to obtain these products, the applications of hydrocolloids in fish products, and the implications of the increasing demand for healthy, low-salt fish products are discussed.