FULL UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION CURVES FOR PREDICTING SENSORY TEXTURE QUALITY OF COOKED POTATOES

The prediction of six different sensory texture attributes of twenty-seven potato samples based on uniaxial compression curve features and full uniaxial compressions curves is reported. The data set comprised five varieties, sorted in dry matter bins, and sampled at two storage times. The predictions of most of the sensory texture attributes from full compression curves performed better than just using curve features. Furthermore, force-deformation curves are shown to give slightly better predictions than stress-strain curves. For most of the texture attributes better predictions were obtained using uniaxial compression data from raw potato samples as compared to cooked samples. This study is meant to open up a debate on interpreting the information in uniaxial compression curves in relation to sensory texture quality. Multivariate analysis can handle this and can further give insight about where in the curve the information relevant for the predictions of the sensory attributes is found.     

PREDICTION OF SENSORY TEXTURE OF FETA CHEESE MADE FROM ULTRAFILTERED MILK BY UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND SHEAR TESTING

The ability to predict sensory texture properties of Feta cheese made from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta) from uniaxial compression, small shear deformation measurements (frequency sweep, strain sweep, relaxation) and indices of proteolysis was studied. In principal component analysis (PCA) some of the instrumental variables were highly correlated, e.g. the moduli from uniaxial compression and shear measurements; and strain at fracture from uniaxial compression and indices of proteolysis. PCA of the six sensory attributes determined by a trained panel showed that mainly one type of information was present in the sensory results. Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) of all results revealed that stress at fracture from uniaxial compression was the individual instrumental parameter having the highest correlation with the sensory texture attributes. Of these, the three firmness attributes were best predicted by the instrumental parameters. As the shear measurements were not very useful for prediction of sensory texture properties by themselves, and as the increase in prediction precision by inclusion of these measurements was marginal, it is suggested that either stress at fracture alone, or together with three other parameters from uniaxial compression should be used to describe texture properties of UF-Feta cheese.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY PARAMETERS OF COOKED SWEETPOTATO TEXTURE1

This study compared two instrumental methods, namely uniaxial compression and texture profile analysis (TPA), with sensory evaluation in describing the textural properties of cooked sweetpotatoes. The steamed cooked samples (1.35 × 2.2 cm cylinder) of four cultivars and six selections were subjected to a trained texture profile panel for sensory ratings and the two instrumental methods for determination of the mechanical properties. Factor analysis indicated that the 15 sensory variables were grouped into 3 main factors, namely moistness-firmness (factor 1), particles (factor 2), and fiber (factor 3). Among the instrumental parameters, shear stress of compression and fracturability, hardness, and gumminess of TPA correlated highly (R = 0.73–0.95) with both the mouthfeel and mechanical-type sensory notes. These parameters of the two instrumental methods were linearly related (R²≥ 0.95) and could be converted from one to another with a high degree of reliability. Regression equations based on shear stress significantly explained (R²= 0.71–0.91) eight of the sensory notes. These instrumental parameters can be good predictors of cooked sweetpotato texture.     

UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION OF UF-FETA CHEESE RELATED TO SENSORY TEXTURE ANALYSIS

Rheological characteristics of seven Feta cheeses with different textures and produced from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta cheeses) were evaluated by uniaxial compression and sensory texture analysis. The effect of uniaxial deformation rate (50–2500 mm/min) on four rheological parameters: Stress at fracture s?_f), Hencky strain at fracture (?_f), deformability modulus (E) and work to fracture (W_f) was examined. Three Principal Components (PC) described 76, 16 and 4% respectively, of the variation in the uniaxial compression data set (4 parameters at 12 deformation rates). Statistically α_f, E and W_f described the same type of information in the data set. Six sensory texture attributes of the UF-Feta cheeses were evaluated by a sensory texture panel: nonoral firmness, nonoral brittleness, nonoral spreadability, oral crumbliness, oral firmness and oral stickiness. One PC described 93% of the variation in the sensory texture data and grouped the sensory variables into two negatively correlated groups: nonoral firmness nonoral brittleness, oral firmness and oral crumbliness versus nonoral spreadability and oral stickiness. Correlations and Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) between instrumental and sensory texture variables showed that nonoral and oral firmness were the nonoral and oral sensory variables best predicted from instrumental measurements. α_f, E and W_f were all able to predict nonoral and oral firmness. Of the instrumental parameters, α_f generally gave the best correlation to nonoral firmness at all deformation rates. Above a deformation rate of 50 mm/min correlations between α_f and nonoral firmness were almost independent of deformation rate, and at any deformation rate correlations between α_f and oral firmness     

DEVELOPMENT OF A SENSORY TEXTURE PROFILE OF COOKED POTATOES BY MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS

A sensory texture profile of cooked potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum ) was developed through two training periods in 1995 and 1997. Training time necessary to obtain a reliable sensory panel in assessing texture attributes was studied by the use of univariate and multivariate data analysis. The panel was interviewed and introduced to the Texture Profile Method. A list of texture attributes, ranging from non oral terms to terms evaluated after the first bite and the following mastications, was developed resulting in 14 texture attributes, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), discriminant partial least squares regression (DPLSR) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the texture profile to 8 reliable sensory attributes covering the geometrical (reflection, mealiness, graininess), mechanical (firmness, hardness, springiness chewiness) and moistness characteristics. These variables explained 89% and 86% of the total variance in 1995 and 1997, respectively. Relevant criteria for studying panel performance are discussed. Training for more than one day did not significantly improve panel performance. Geometrical attributes as well as moistness were found easier to evaluate than the mechanical attributes.     

INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERIZATION OF COOKED POTATO TEXTURE

Uniaxial compression, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) and chemical measurements were related to sensory texture evaluation of potato quality during storage. Principal component analysis grouped the varieties into three types of variation: mealiness versus firmness and springiness (PC1), moistness versus adhesiveness (PC2) and hardness versus adhesiveness and moistness (PC3). In uniaxial compression the variable 'stress', 'work up to fracture' and 'total work during compression' described the same type of information in the data. These uniaxial data and most of the TPA data were highly correlated. Uniaxial compression data (stress, strain, modulus of deformability), starch structural data (area, roundness, aspect ratio), specific gravity and pectin methyl esterase activity discriminated between the varieties and harvest times. Partial Least Squares Regression showed stress, strain, modulus of deformability and specific gravity to be the most important variables in distinguishing between two groups of sensory texture attributes explaining 65% of the total variance in the sensory data. Coefficients of correlation between predicted and measured sensory attributes were in the range 0.36–0.79. The TPA data were not found to be relevant substitutions for the sensory attributes.     

INFLUENCE OF FRICTION, SAMPLE DIMENSIONS AND DEFORMATION RATE ON THE UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION OF RAW POTATO FLESH

The influence of surface friction and lubrication on the compression behavior, at compression rates of 5–100mm min^−l, of cylindrical samples of potato flesh have been examined with an Instron Universal Testing Machine at room temperature. The samples had length/diameter ratios of 0.2–0.8. Parameters derived from compression to failure were: failure stress; failure strain; and apparent modulus of elasticity. Stress relaxation with time was studied using samples with length/diameter ratios of 0.4–0.8 following compressions of 10 and 30%. The length/diameter ratio, rate of compression, surface friction and lubrication influenced the parameters derived from both the compression and the stress relaxation tests. Relaxation times increased following sample lubrication. The effect due to surface lubrication was smaller than in previous compression and relaxation tests on Gouda cheese. This was attributed to release of fluid from the damaged cellular tissue of the potato flesh which reduced the effectiveness of the lubricant film.     

EFFECT OF DEGREE OF COMPRESSION ON TEXTURE PROFILE PARAMETERS

Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was performed on apple, carrot, frankfurter, cream cheese and pretzels with the Instron and the effect of the degree of compression on TPA parameters measured at a compression speed of 5 cm/min. Fracturability is almost independent of the degree of compression. Hardness, area 1, area 2, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness usually increase with increasing compression but the rate of increase varies widely. Springiness increases for pretzel sticks and decreases for the four other commodities as compression increases. Adhesive force and adhesive area of cream cheese increase but stringiness decreases with increasing compression. Since the TPA parameters vary so widely with degree of compression, all TPA measurements should standardize the degree of compression and clearly state in reports what compression was used.     

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF UF-FETA CHEESE DETERMINED BY UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND DYNAMIC TESTING

Rheological characteristics of three Feta cheeses produced from ultrafiltered milk (UF-Feta cheeses) with different textures were evaluated using uniaxial compression and dynamic testing (strain and frequency sweeps). Stress at fracture was 20–46 kPa, Hencky strain at fracture was 0.20–0.35, modulus of deformability was 176–465 kPa, and work up to fracture was 4.4–6.7 kj/m³, depending on the type of cheese and the strain rate. Stress at a given strain, and stress at fracture increased with strain rate: the slope of the log (stress at fracture) versus log(in-itial Hencky strain rate) plot was 0.06–0.21, indicating a partially viscous behavior. Stress at fracture discriminated between all three Feta textures, and Hencky strain at fracture discriminated a Tin Feta texture from two Brick Feta textures at every compression rate. In dynamic testing the complex modulus was 40–173 kPa, and tan (δ) was 0.17–0.25 depending on the type of cheese and the frequency of oscillation. The slope of log(complex modulus) or log(storage modulus) versus log (frequency) was 0.12–0.14, and the slope of log(loss modulus) versus log (frequency) was 0.07–0.11 for all three types of cheese. The complex modulus from strain and frequency sweeps in the dynamic testing distinguished the Tin Feta texture from the Brick Feta textures, and the phase angle (δ) measured in strain sweep could differentiate the Blue Brick Feta texture from the Red Brick Feta texture in the strain interval 0.0003–0.024.     

PREDICTION OF THE SENSORY TEXTURE OF A YAM THICK PASTE (AMALA) USING INSTRUMENTAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

Amala is a traditional thick paste consumed in West Africa (Nigeria, Bénin, Togo). It is prepared from blanched dried yam flour and has a particular texture. The texture attributes of amala pastes obtained from market and prepared in laboratory were sensorily evaluated. Both compression and extrusion tests were done from which maxima force and slope were calculated. The physical (particle size), starch characteristics and functional properties (solubility, swelling power [Sp], viscosity) of yam flours were also determined to establish a predictive model for amala sensory texture attributes. The main amala sensory attributes were stickiness, firmness and smoothness. Stickiness and firmness could be assessed by uniaxial extrusion test: These attributes were highly correlated with the maximum extrusion slope (r = ?0.60 and r = 0.53, respectively). Stickiness was associated with yam flour Sp, which in turn was related to gelatinization temperature and enthalpy changes. In addition, soluble matter and soluble amylose were found to be indicators of amala sensory stickiness. No clear relationships were observed between sensory firmness and yam flour physicochemical characteristics or functional properties.     

SENSORY TEXTURE PROFILE, GRAIN PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INSTRUMENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF COOKED RICE

Three samples of raw-milled rice, and 4 differently parboiled rices were used to study and to relate sensory perception to instrumental measurements. Variance analysis showed that some physico-chemical characteristics indicated great differences among rice samples: thickness of cooked grain, length/width ratio, water uptake, elastic recovery, white core rate and amylose and protein contents. The most discerning sensory attributes were: elasticity, stickiness, pastiness, mealiness, length of grain, firmness, crunchiness, time in mouth, brittle texture and juiciness. The correlation circle of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed high correlation between some sensory characteristics and instrumental measurements. Melting texture, surface moistness, juiciness, were positively correlated with water uptake (r = 0.70, 0.61, 0.71). Granular texture, crunchiness, brittleness and mealiness were significantly affected by white core presence (r = 0.81, 0.74, 0.86, 0.83). Elasticity was dependent upon elastic recovery and firmness measured by the Viscoelastograph, but not linearly. Length of cooked grain was correlated with the length/width ratio of raw grain (r = 0.83). Pastiness, compactness, stickiness were slightly influenced by the thickness of raw grain (r = 0.81, 0.67, 0.72). To a weaker extent, the sensory firmness was associated with the firmness measured by extrusion force using an Ottawa cell (r = 0.58). PCA showed greatdifferences in texture between rices. Two of the parboiled rices were very elastic, another was firm, granular, crunchy and mealy. The remaining two, cooked longer, were moister and more melting. Among the 3 samples of raw-milled rices, differences in grain length feeling and melting-granular-brittle characteristics. were distinguished.     

SENSORY AND INSTRUMENTAL EVALUATION OF TEXTURE OF COOKED AND RAW MILLED RICES WITH SIMILAR STARCH PROPERTIES

Three pairs of milled rices with similar starch properties (low gelatinization temperature waxy, and low gelatinization temperature low amylose, and intermediate gelatinization temperature intermediate amylose) were assessed for cooked rice properties by two industry taste panels and for raw and cooked rice properties by 30-member Filipino consumer panels. Only slight differences in texture within pairs were noted by the two industry taste panels who had not been trained to assess boiled raw rice or waxy rice. The Filipino consumer panel gave significantly higher ranked scores for one low-amylose variety in both raw and cooked forms. Malagkit Sungsong suman sa antala was ranked higher than modern waxy rices. Instrumental methods for translucency and whiteness of raw rice and Instron hardness and stickiness of cooked rice were not able to detect differences perceived by the Filipino consumer panels.     

FREEZING OF COOKED MEAT: INFLUENCE OF FREEZING RATE AND RECONSTITUTION METHOD ON QUALITY AND YIELD

The combined effects of freezing rate, frozen storage and reconstitution method on meat quality and yield were studied in multifactorial experiments using pan-fried 1.5 cm slices of longissimus muscles and deep-fat fried meat patties. On the whole, a slight improvement in sensory quality and yield was seen with increasing freezing rate, except that liquid nitrogen immersion freezing influenced flavor negatively. In contrast with earlier results of ours with raw beef, an advantage was now seen for reconstitution after previous thawing over reheating directly from the frozen state, and pan frying gave better sensory quality but lower yield than continuous microwave reheating. Tenderness of sliced, cooked beef tended to increase during frozen storage, while the opposite was earlier observed for frozen raw beef. Otherwise, a general trend was seen towards decreasing yield and sensory quality during frozen storage. A number of significant interactions between variables was obtained, suggesting that their influence on quality and yield is interrelated in a rather complex manner.     

BI-CYCLICAL INSTRUMENT FOR ASSESSING TEXTURE PROFILE PARAMETERS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SENSORY EVALUATION OF TEXTURE

The most popular instrumental imitative test is the Texture Profile Analysis (T.P.A.). It was originated in the General Foods Laboratories (Szczesniak et al. 1963) and adapted to the Instron by Bourne (1978). T.P.A. involves a double compression test that uses flat plates attached to an Instron Universal Testing Machine (I.U.T.M.). Several instrumental parameters can be extracted from the force/deformation curve generated by the test (e.g. hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness). Recently developed in our laboratory, the Bi-cyclical Instrument for Texture Evaluation (B.I.T.E. master) uses the I.U.T.M. to generate its motion and features a set of artificial dentures as well as a tri-dimensional movement simulating a chewing motion. Five parameters were extracted from the force/deformation curve to evaluate their potential use for the prediction of cohesiveness.