Effect of meat appearance on consumer preferences for pork chops in Greece and Cyprus

The effect of meat appearance on consumers’ preferences for pork chops was assessed using images manipulated for appearance characteristics. Data were collected from 412 consumers in Greece and Cyprus. Consumers were asked for their preference for pork chops from a book of computer-modified images and then completed a questionnaire of socio-demographic information, including eating and purchasing behaviour. Consumers under the age of 35 years showed preferences for dark red, lean pork, while consumers aged 35 years and older preferred either dark or light red pork. Gender appeared to be an important selection factor as men showed an increased preference for dark red pork while women preferred the light red. Consumers who stated that they like pork for its taste (91%) preferred either dark or light red pork chops while those who like pork for reasons other than taste preferred dark red, lean pork. Urban consumers preferred light red, fatty pork chops while the rural consumers preferred the dark red pork chops.     

Effect of carbon monoxide and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging and phosphate enhanced, case-ready pork chops

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO-MAP compared to traditional high oxygen MAP (HiOx-MAP) packaging and enhanced with different phosphate on enhanced pork quality. Pork loins were enhanced to 10.5% over initial weight to contain 0.3% salt and 0.4% phosphate (either sodium tripolyphosphate [STP] or a blend of STP and sodium hexametaphosphate) on a finished weight basis. Chops were cut, packaged in atmospheres containing 0.4% CO/30.0% CO₂/69.6% N₂ (CO-MAP) or 80% O₂/20% CO₂ (HiOx-MAP), aged in the dark, then placed in a lighted retail display case for 48 h. Chops packaged in CO-MAP were redder (higher Minolta a^* values) and darker (lower Minolta b^* values) than chops packaged in HiOx-MAP. Based on sensory scores, the CO-MAP chops were pinker than the HiOx chops after cooking. CO-MAP chops also experienced less purge loss than chops in HiOx-MAP. Results indicate that CO-MAP had no effect on flavor or consumer acceptability and only minimal effects on other characteristics.     

A study on the acceptability and consumer attitude towards parboiled rice

Despite nutritional claims and other advantages that parboiled rice possesses, its consumption is still low in Brazil mainly because of the local preference for milled rice. In the first part of this study, the acceptability of five commercial brands of parboiled and milled rice was assessed by 100 consumers and similar acceptance levels were observed, evidencing that consumers might not reject parboiled rice for its sensory properties. In the second part, 286 consumers were surveyed about their eating habits and attitude towards rice, focusing especially the nutritional value, sensory and convenience aspects of parboiled rice. In the survey 35% of the respondents were unaware of parboiled rice. Cluster analysis performed on data grouped consumers in one segment with positive attitude and in two other segments with negative attitude towards parboiled rice. Segmentation was mainly because of negative beliefs about the sensory characteristics of the product, although its nutritional claims were unknown to most respondents, revealing the need of marketing efforts focused on informing consumers the health benefits and convenience of eating parboiled rice.     

Effects of product information and consumer attitudes on responses to milk and soybean vanilla beverages

BACKGROUND: A study was made into how the type of information (picture of real package or card with beverage type and nutritional facts) and consumer attitudes (interest in eating healthily and food neophobia) affect hedonic ratings and purchase intention with respect to milk and soybean vanilla beverages and to what extent the expectations created by information influence the hedonic ratings of these products. RESULTS: A significant effect of the interaction between samples and information type was detected for both expected acceptability and purchase intention when only information about the samples was provided. The effect of this interaction was significant for acceptability ratings when the samples were evaluated together with corresponding information. The acceptability and purchase intention for two soymilk samples were significantly higher for consumers interested in eating healthily. Both types of information generated an assimilation effect for four samples; however, only for milk beverages was this effect complete. CONCLUSION: Information affected purchase intention to a greater extent than it did hedonic ratings. Type of information significantly affected hedonic ratings in most samples, although sensory quality seemed more decisive for two of the soymilk samples. The extent to which information influenced consumer behaviour was also dependent on some consumer attitudes, such as interest in eating healthily. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Duroc content, sex and ageing period on meat and eating quality attributes of pork loin

This study was conducted to determine the effect of percentage Duroc content of entire male and female pigs and ageing period on meat and eating quality attributes of pork loin (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum). A total of 84 pigs [entire males (n=42) and female (n=42)] of 0% Duroc (100% Large White), 50% Duroc (Duroc×Large White) or 100% Duroc (n=14 pigs per sex×genotype combination) were slaughtered at a liveweight of 100 kg. Steaks from the M. longissimus lumborum of female pigs were aged for either 2 or 7 days post-slaughter and evaluated using a consumer taste panel. Eating quality attributes of tenderness, flavour and overall liking of pork loin steaks from female pigs were not (P>0.05) influenced by Duroc content. Pork from 100% Duroc pigs was juicier (P=0.05) and had a higher (1.84%, P=0.05) intramuscular fat content than pork from 0 and 50% Duroc pigs (1.40 and 1.25%, respectively). Pork from entire male pigs had a lower (P<0.001) intramuscular fat content, was darker (P<0.01) in colour and recorded higher (P<0.01) Warner Bratzler shear force values compared with pork from female carcasses. Ageing pork loin steaks in vacuum bags for 7 days improved tenderness (P<0.01), flavour (P<0.05) and overall liking (P<0.05) compared with steaks aged for 2 days post-slaughter. Ageing of pork steaks for 7 days post-slaughter improved eating quality attributes far more effectively than increasing percentage Duroc content of pigs, which only influenced consumer scores for juiciness.     

复合保鲜剂对冷却猪肉感官品质的模糊综合评判

以茶多酚、石榴皮提取液和维生素C为复合保鲜剂对冷却猪肉进行保鲜研究,采用模糊综合评判法对冷却猪肉进行感官品质评定,并在此基础上通过三因素三水平正交实验优化复合保鲜剂。结果表明:浓度为0.50%的茶多酚、1.00%石榴皮提取液和0.40%维生素C复配时对冷却肉保鲜效果良好。冷藏6d后,肉样的色差b*/a*值、丙二醛（MDA）、挥发性盐基氮（TVB-N）值分别为0.41、0.20nmol/mgprot、10.28mg/100g;冷藏12d后,肉样的MDA、TVB-N值分别为0.42nmol/mgprot、16.15mg/100g,显著低于对照组（p<0.05）,冷却肉Ⅱ级感官模糊综合评判得分为8.7,属Ⅱ级新鲜度,保鲜效果良好。      

Effect of low voltage electrical stimulation of pig carcasses and ageing on sensory attributes of fresh pork

The effect of electrically stimulating pig carcasses and ageing on sensory attributes of pork was evaluated in this study. A total of 48 female pigs [Duroc×Large White/Landrace (A; n=24) and Large White/Landrace (B; n=24)] were randomly allocated immediately prior to slaughter to one of two low voltage stimulation treatments; no stimulation or 150 mA applied for 30 s at 2 min post-exsanguination. Each side of the carcass was then randomly allocated to an ageing treatment of either 2 or 7 days post-slaughter. Muscle pH of the M. longissimus lumborum was lower (P<0.001) in electrically stimulated carcasses when measured from 40 min to 8 h post-slaughter compared with non-stimulated carcasses. Percentage drip loss, muscle lightness and PSE incidence were not influenced (P>0.05) by electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of pig carcasses and ageing pork for 7 days post-slaughter both improved (P<0.001) consumer scores for tenderness, juiciness, overall liking and quality category, however the interaction term of electrical stimulation and ageing was not significant for any of the sensory attributes. Pork from non-stimulated carcasses that was aged for 2 day post-slaughter was less tender (P<0.01) compared with pork in all other treatments. These results indicate that electrical stimulation (150 mA applied for 30 sec at 2 min post-exsanguination) was effective in improving eating quality attributes of pork, particularly when pork was aged for only 2 days post-slaughter, without detrimentally affecting colour or drip loss.     

Effect of modified atmospheres on microbiological, color and sensory properties of refrigerated pork

Pork loin samples were stored (4 °C) in nylon polyethylene plastic bags using different modified atmospheres packaging (MAP): vacuum, 100% CO₂ 99% CO₂ + 1% CO, 100% O₂ or 100% CO followed by vacuum. Throughout the storage period Pseudomonas growth was limited in loins packaged in all MAPs evaluated, except for 100% O₂. Psychrotrophs reached 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹ after 20 days of storage except for the loin samples in 100% O₂ MAP that present count above 10⁸ CFU g⁻¹. The 1% CO/99% CO₂ atmosphere was best for preserving the desirable pork loin color and the L* and a* values remained similar to the fresh meat values using this MAP. Pork loins in 99% CO₂/1% CO MAP obtained the highest consumer acceptance scores after 24 h of storage. These samples and those treated with CO and then vacuum packaged received the greatest acceptance scores even after 20 days of storage.     

Effects of triticale-based diets on finishing pig performance and pork quality in deep-bedded hoop barns

Effects of triticale diets on pig performance and pork quality were evaluated in summer and winter. Diets were: corn-soy, 40% triticale, or 80% triticale. Pigs (72 kg) were fed 49 d. Loins were evaluated for meat and fat quality and sensory evaluation. Average daily gain decreased as triticale inclusion increased (P < 0.01). Feed intake was similar. Pigs fed corn-soy had the greatest and those fed 80% triticale had least gain:feed ratio (P < 0.05). In summer, pigs fed corn-soy had largest and those fed 80% triticale diet had smallest loin muscle area (P < 0.05) based on ultrasound scan. During summer, ultimate pH was higher (P ? 0.001) and, loin purge and shear force were lower (P < 0.05). Diet did not affect sensory evaluation or fatty acid profile of loins. During summer, total MUFA were more and total PUFA were less (P ? 0.01). Triticale fed to pigs in hoop barns slightly decreased growth without compromising pork quality.     

Clustering of variables, application in consumer and sensory studies

We consider two dissimilarity measures between variables that take account of the variances of the variables as well as of their correlations. When variables are standardised, we retrieve widely used dissimilarity measures. The first dissimilarity measure is Euclidean distance and is suitable in studies where negative correlation between variables implies disagreement. The second dissimilarity measure is a Procrustean distance and is suitable in situations where both positive and negative correlations imply agreement. We also discuss aggregation strategies in order to carry out hierarchical clustering and find groups of variables. Applications in consumer and sensory studies are outlined.     

Effect of micro-oxygenation on sensory characteristics and consumer preference of Cabernet Sauvignon wine

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to improve the structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon red wine in a short period of time by micro‐oxygenation (MOX) at high rates (25 and 50 mL L^?1 month^?1), the effects of which were evaluated based on sensory characteristics and consumer preference. Sensory data were analysed by principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and ordinal logistic regression (OLR). RESULTS: MOX led to significant differences in the colour, colour stability and phenolic compounds of wine. Sensory characteristics also changed through MOX treatment, and wine experts were able to discriminate between MOX‐treated and untreated samples, with olfactory intensity, complexity, astringency and roundness being the main discriminating characteristics. Ordinal logistic regression enabled identification of the sensory characteristics that drove consumer preference. CONCLUSION: MOX at high rates improved the sensory characteristics of wine and may therefore be considered a valid technique for obtaining structured wines in a short period of time, i.e. within just a few months after the vintage. The results highlight the need for (i) careful selection of the MOX dosage rate and duration (the 25 mL L^?1 month^?1 dose for 6 days provided the best result) and (ii) continuous monitoring of the MOX treatment. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Identifying drivers for consumer acceptance and purchase intent of corn tortilla

ABSTRACT:  The traditional production of corn tortilla has been modified by new processing technologies to make possible a commercial-scale production; this practice has resulted in products having sensory properties different from those produced by the traditional method. There is no published information on sensory attributes driving acceptance and purchase intent of corn tortillas. Identifying sensory drivers for acceptance and purchase intent of corn tortillas will help commercially produce products that satisfy consumers' expectations. A consumer study was conducted to evaluate acceptance and purchase intent of corn tortillas and determine drivers of acceptance and purchase intent of the products. Ten samples of corn tortillas were selected to represent a variety of corn tortillas available in the Mexican market. Three hundred Mexican consumers evaluated acceptability of appearance, color, thickness, rollability, resistance to tearing, aroma, chewiness, taste and aftertaste, and overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale. Overall acceptance and purchase intent were determined with a yes/no scale. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance revealed that consumers were able to differentiate differences in sensory acceptability among 10 samples. For example, 2 homemade and 1 small commercial-scale samples, with an overall liking score of 6.6 to 6.7, were more acceptable than others. Rollability, resistance to tearing, and chewiness were attributes underlying overall differences among 10 samples. Attributes determining overall acceptance of corn tortillas were chewiness and overall liking. Purchase intent was influenced by overall appearance, rollability, chewiness, taste, and overall liking. This study revealed critical sensory attributes and their weights given by Mexican consumers when making decisions for acceptance and purchase intent of corn tortilla.     

添加发酵剂对猪肉脯品质的影响

分别利用戊糖片球菌,植物乳杆菌,肉糖葡萄球菌单一菌种和复合菌种对原料肉进行发酵,生产发酵型猪肉脯,分析了成品质构、水分活度、肌原纤维小片化指数(MFI)和感官品质等指标的变化。结果表明:与对照组相比,发酵可以明显改善产品的质构和感官品质。其中经肉糖葡萄球菌和戊糖片球菌复配发酵的产品剪切力可降低39.8%,MFI由对照组42.87提高到84.73。各发酵组的水分活度(Aw)和水分含量无显著区别,但与对照组相比有显著下降(p<0.05)。添加肉糖葡萄球菌发酵组和三组复配发酵组猪肉脯感官评分显著高于对照组(p<0.05)。      

Application of constant current, low voltage electrical stimulation systems to pig carcasses and its effects on pork quality

This study examined the effectiveness of a constant current, low voltage electrical stimulation system on improving pork quality when applied to pigs at 2 min post-exsanguination. A total of 48 female Duroc×Large White/Landrace pigs of 85–90 kg liveweight were randomly allocated immediately prior to slaughter to one of four constant current electrical stimulation treatments: control (no electrical stimulation), 50, 200 and 400 mA. Stimulation was applied to pig carcasses at 2 min post-exsanguination for 30 s. No differences (P>0.05) in WB shear force values, muscle lightness or PSE incidence of pork M. longissimus lumborum (LL) was found due to electrical stimulation treatment. Muscle pH of the LL muscle was lower (P<0.001) in carcasses in the 200 and 400 mA treatments compared to those from carcasses in both the 50 mA and control treatment groups, when measured at the various time points from 40 min to 8 h post-slaughter. Although carcasses stimulated with 200 and 400 mA had higher percentage drip loss (P<0.05) and purge (P<0.001), this was not found to impact WB shear force values, muscle lightness or PSE incidence.     

The use of sensory evaluation and consumer preference for the selection of sweetpotato cultivars in East Africa

Sweetpotato is an important staple crop in East Africa with great potential for introducing improved cultivars, but little is known about which sensory characteristics are desirable. Over a 2 year period, 600 consumers were interviewed at three locations (urban and rural) in the Lake Zone of Tanzania and their preference of 14 locally available sweetpotato cultivars in cooked form was evaluated. A simple questionnaire based on consumers first‐choice preference was used followed by socio‐economic questions. A trained sensory panel profiled the cooked sweetpotato samples, enabling comparisons with preference, location and season. Cluster analysis based on the sensory attributes was used to classify the cultivars into three groups; one cluster comprised the most preferred cultivars and another contained the least. Some cultivars were consistently preferred over the 2 year period while others were not. The location where the cultivars were grown also influenced preference. Stepwise regression indicated that the most discriminating sensory attributes were starch and stickiness. Target levels based on the mean intensity scores of these attributes are suggested as a means of screening new cultivars. The implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry