Performance evaluation of hexane-extracted oils from genetically modified soybeans

Soybeans produced by induced mutation breeding and hybridization were cracked, flaked and hexane-extracted, and the recovered crude oils were processed to finished edible oils by laboratory simulations of commercial oil-processing procedures. Three lines yielded oils containing 1.7, 1.9 and 2.5% linolenic acid. These low-linolenic acid oils were evaluated along with oil extracted from the cultivar Hardin, grown at the same time and location, and they were processed at the same time. The oil from Hardin contained 6.5% linolenic acid. Low-linolenic acid oils showed improved flavor stability in accelerated storage tests after 8 d in the dark at 60°C and after 8h at 7500 lux at 30°C, conditions generally considered in stress testing. Room odor testing indicated that the low-linolenic oils showed significantly lower fishy odor after 1 h at 190°C and lower acrid/pungent odor after 5 h. Potatoes were fried in the oils at 190°C after 5, 10 and 15 h of use. Overall flavor quality of the potatoes fried in the low-linolenic oils was good and significantly better after all time periods than that of potatoes fried in the standard oil. No fishy flavors were perceived with potatoes fried in the low-linolenic oils. Total volatile and polar compound content of all heated oils increased with frying hours, with no significant differences observed. After 15 h of frying, the free fatty acid content in all oils remained below 0.3%. Lowering the linolenic acid content of soybean oil by breeding was particularly beneficial for improved oil quality during cooking and frying. Flavor quality of fried foods was enhanced with these low-linolenic acid oils.     

Performance of Regular and Modified Canola and Soybean Oils in Rotational Frying

Canola and soybean oils both regular and with modified fatty acid compositions by genetic modifications and hydrogenation were compared for frying performance. The frying was conducted at 185 ± 5 °C for up to 12 days where French fries, battered chicken and fish sticks were fried in succession. Modified canola oils, with reduced levels of linolenic acid, accumulated significantly lower amounts of polar components compared to the other tested oils. Canola oils generally displayed lower amounts of oligomers in their polar fraction. Higher rates of free fatty acids formation were observed for the hydrogenated oils compared to the other oils, with canola frying shortening showing the highest amount at the end of the frying period. The half-life of tocopherols for both regular and modified soybean oils was 1–2 days compared to 6 days observed for high-oleic low-linolenic canola oil. The highest anisidine values were observed for soybean oil with the maximum reached on the 10th day of frying. Canola and soybean frying shortenings exhibited a faster rate of color formation at any of the frying times. The high-oleic low-linolenic canola oil exhibited the greatest frying stability as assessed by polar components, oligomers and non-volatile carbonyl components formation. Moreover, food fried in the high-oleic low-linolenic canola oil obtained the best scores in the sensory acceptance assessment.     

Low-linolenic acid soybean oil—Alternatives to frying oils

Oil was hexane-extracted from soybeans that had been modified by hybridization breeding for low-linolenic acid (18∶3) content. Extracted crude oils were processed to finished edible oils by laboratory simulations of commercial oil processing procedures. Oils from three germplasm lines N83-375 (5.5% 18∶3), N89-2009 (2.9% 18∶3) and N85-2176 (1.9% 18∶3) were compared to commercial unhydrogenated soybean salad oil with 6.2% 18∶3 and two hydrogenated soybean frying oils, HSBOI (4.1% 18∶3) and HSBOII (<0.2% 18∶3). Low-18∶3 oils produced by hybridization showed significantly lower room odor intensity scores than the commercial soybean salad oil and the commercial frying oils. The N85-2176 oil with an 18∶3 content below 2.0% showed no fishy odor after 10 h at 190°C and lower burnt and acrid odors after 20 h of use when compared to the commercial oils. Flavor quality of potatoes fried with the N85-2176 oil at 190°C after 10 and 20 h was good, and significantly better at both time periods than that of potatoes fried in the unhydrogenated oil or in the hydrogenated oils. Flavor quality scores of potatoes fried in the N89-2009 oil (2.9% 18∶3) after 10 and 20 h was good and equal to that of potatoes fried in the HSBOI oil (4.1% 18∶3). Fishy flavors, perceived with potatoes fried in the low-18∶3 oils, were significantly lower than those reported for potatoes fried in the unhydrogenated control oil, and the potatoes lacked the hydrogenated flavors of potatoes fried in hydrogenated oils. These results indicate that oils with lowered linolenic acid content produced by hybridization breeding of soybeans are potential alternatives to hydrogenated frying oils.     

Frying performance of low-linolenic acid soybean oil

The frying performance of low-linolenic acid soybean oil from genetically modified soybeans was examined. Partially hydrogenated and unhydrogenated low-linolenic acid soybean oils were compared to two partially hydrogenated soybean frying oils. Frying experiments utilizing shoestring potatoes and fish nuggets were conducted. Frying oil performance was evaluated by measuring free fatty acid content, p-anisidine value, polar compound content, soap value, maximal foam height, polymeric material content, and Lovibond red color. The hydrogenated low-linolenic soybean oil (Hyd-LoLn) consistently had greater (P<0.05) free fatty acid content and lower p-anisidine values and polymeric material content than did the other oils. Hyd-LoLn generally was not significantly different from the traditional oils for polar content, maximal foam height, and Lovibond red color. The low-linolenic acid soybean oil (LoLn) tended to have lower soap values and Lovibond red color scores than did the other oils. LoLn had consistently higher (P<0.05) p-anisidine values and polymeric material content than did the other oils, and LoLn generally was not different (P<0.05) from the traditional oils for polar content, maximal foam height, and free fatty acid.     

Review of stability measurements for frying oils and fried food flavor

Measurements of degradation in frying oils based on oil physical properties and volatile and nonvolatile decomposition products were reviewed. Rapid methods by means of test kits were also considered. Factors that affect the analysis of total polar components (TPC) in frying oils were examined. Relationships between TPC, free fatty acid (FFA) content, Food Oil Sensor readings (FOS), color change (ΔE), oil fry life and fried-food flavor were evaluated. Flavor scores for codfish, fried in fresh and discarded commercial frying oil blends, were dependent upon individuals in the consumer panel (n=77). Part (n=29) of the panel preferred the flavor of fresh fat; others (n=24) didn't; the rest (n=24) had no preference. FFA, FOS and TPC were analyzed in two soybean oils and in palm olein during a four-day period in which french fries were fried. Flavor score and volatiles of potatoes fried on days 1 and 4 in each oil were also determined. TPC, FFA and FOS significantly increased (P<0.05) in all oils during the frying period. TPC and FFA were highest in the used palm olein, and flavor of potatoes fried in palm olein on day 1 was less desirable than those fried in the soybean oils. Potatoes fried in day-1 oils had significantly higher concentrations (P<0.10) of several pyrazines and aldehydes than those fried in day-4 oils. Presented at the 84th Annual Meeting of the American Oil Chemists' Society, Anaheim, California, April 25–29, 1993.     

Frying quality and oxidative stability of high-oleic corn oils

To determine the frying stability of corn oils that are genetically modified to contain 65% oleic acid, high-oleic corn oil was evaluated in room odor tests and by total polar compound analysis. Flavor characteristics of french-fried potatoes, prepared in the oil, were also evaluated by trained analytical sensory panelists. In comparison to normal corn oil, hydrogenated corn oil and high-oleic (80 and 90%) sunflower oils, high-oleic corn oil had significantly (P<0.05) lower total polar compound levels after 20 h of oil heating and frying at 190°C than the other oils. Fried-food flavor intensity was significantly higher in the normal corn oil during the early portion of the frying schedule than in any of the high-oleic or hydrogenated oils; however, after 17.5 h of frying, the potatoes fried in normal corn oil had the lowest intensity of fried-food flavor. Corn oil also had the highest intensities of off-odors, including acrid and burnt, in room odor tests. High-oleic corn oil also was evaluated as a salad oil for flavor characteristics and oxidative stability. Results showed that dry-milled high-oleic corn oil had good initial flavor quality and was significantly (P<0.05) more stable than dry-milled normal corn oil after oven storage tests at 60°C, as evaluated by flavor scores and peroxide values. Although the high-oleic corn oil had significantly (P<0.05) better flavor and oxidative stability than corn oil after aging at 60°C, even more pronounced effects were found in high-temperature frying tests, suggesting the advantages of high-oleic corn oil compared to normal or hydrogenated corn oils.     

Effect of tocopherols on the frying stability of regular and modified canola oils

A study was conducted to compare the relationship between frying stability and levels and degradation rates of tocopherols in regular and three modified canola oils. Oils were heated at 175 ± 2°C for a total of 72 h, with french fries fried intermittently. Frying stability was compared based on the rates of formation of free fatty acids (FFA) and total polar compounds (TPC). Significant differences (P<0.05) were identified between oils using analysis of covariance and t-tests for multiple comparisons. No significant differences were observed in the rates of FFA formation among the canola oils during frying. Nevertheless, regular canola (RCO) and high-oleic, low-linolenic acid canola (HOLLCO) oils produced less FFA compared to higholeic LLCO and HOCO both had significantly (P<0.05) faster rates of TPC formation compared to HOLLCO or RCO. HOLLCO with the highest level of tocopherols (893 mg/kg) exhibited a slow rate of degradation which accounted for a halflife of 48–60 h of frying. RCO, with a lower level of tocopherols (565 mg/kg), however, had the slowest degradation rate with a half-liofe of >72 h. In contrast, HOCO and LLCO with 601 and 468 mg/kg tocopherols, respectively, both exhibited a half-life for tocopherols of 3–6 h of frying. An inverse relatioship was observed between TPC formation and the reduction of tocopherol. Thus, the greater frying stability of RCO and HOLLCO appears to be affected far more by the rate of tocopherol degradation than by any changes in fatty acid composition.     

Chemical and physical analyses and sensory evaluation of six deep-frying oils

The performance of three high-oleic canola oils with different levels of linolenic acid [low-linolenic canola (LLC), medium-linolenic canola (MLC), and high-linolenic canola (HLC)], a medium-high-oleic sunflower oil, a commercial palm olein and a commercial, partially hydrogenated canola oil, was monitored by chemical and physical analyses and sensory evaluation during two 80-h deep-frying trials with potato chips. Linolenic acid content was a critical factor in the deep-frying performance of the high-oleic canola oils and was inversely related to both the sensory ranking of the food fried in the oils and the oxidative stability of the oils (as measured by color index, free fatty acid content, and total polar compounds). LLC and sunflower oil were ranked the best of the six oils in sensory evaluation, although LLC performed significantly better than sunflower oil in color index, free fatty acid content, and total polar compounds. MLC was as good as palm olein in sensory evaluation, but was better than palm olein in oxidative stability. Partially hydrogenated canola oil received the lowest scores in sensory evaluation. High-oleic canola oil (Monola) with 2.5% linolenic acid was found to be very well suited for deep frying.     

Effects of frying oil composition on potato chip stability

Potato chips were fried in six canola (low-erucic acid rape-seed) oils under pilot-plant process settings that represented commercial conditions. Oil samples included an unmodified canola oil and oils with fatty acid compositions modified by mutation breeding or hydrogenation. Chips were fried for a 2-d, 18-h cycle for each oil. Chips and oil were sampled periodically for sensory, gas-chromatographic volatiles and chemical analyses. Unmodified canola oil produced chips with lower flavor stability and oxidative stability than the other oils. The hydrogenated oil imparted a typical hydrogenation flavor to the chips that slightly affected overall quality. the modified canola oil (IMC 129) with the highest oleic acid level (78%) had the lowest content of total polar compounds and the lowest total volatile compounds at most of the storage times; however, the sensory quality of the potato chip was only fair. The potato chip with the best flavor stability was fried in a modified/blended oil (IMC 01-4.5/129) with 68% oleic acid, 20% linoleic acid and 3% linolenic acid.     

Frying quality and stability of low-and ultra-low-linolenic acid soybean oils

To determine effects of very low levels of linolenic acid on frying stabilities of soybean oils, tests were conducted with 2% (low) linolenic acid soybean oil (LLSBO) and 0.8% (ultra-low) linolenic acid soybean oil (ULLSBO) in comparison with cottonseed oil (CSO). Potato chips were fried in the oils for a total of 25 h of oil use. No significant differences were found for either total polar compounds or FFA between samples of LLSBO and ULLSBO; however, CSO had significantly higher percentage of polar compounds and FFA than the soybean oils at all sampling times. Flavor evaluations of fresh and aged (1, 3, 5, and 7 wk at 25°C) potato chips showed some differences between potato chips fried in different oil types. Sensory panel judges reported that potato chips fried in ULLSBO and aged for 3 or 7 wk at 25°C had significantly lower intensities of fishy flavor than did potato chips fried in LLSBO with the same conditions. Potato chips fried in ULLSBO that had been used for 5 h and then aged 7 wk at 25°C had significantly better quality than did potato chips fried 5 h in LLSBO and aged under the same conditions. Hexanal was significantly higher in the 5-h LLSBO sample than in potato chips fried 5 h in ULLSBO. The decrease in linolenic acid from 2 to 0.8% in the oils improved flavor quality and oxidative stability of some of the potato chip samples.     

Comparison of a low-linolenic and a partially hydrogenated soybean oil using pan-fried hash browns

Hash browns (HB) were fried (Teflon-coated pan, ∼180°C) with low-linolenic acid (LL-SBO) and creamy partially hydrogenated soybean oils (PH-SBO). High-performance size-exclusion chromatography of the oil extracted before heating indicated a relatively low polymer content (LL-SBO, 3.8%; PH-SBO, 1.6%), although the oil remaining in the pan after frying had a much greater polymer content (38.8%, LL-SBO; 17.5%, PH-SBO). The percentage of altered TAG in the LL-SBO sample (extracted from HB) was 34.4% after frying, whereas the PH-SBO had 33.2% altered TAG (as determined by supercritical fluid chromatography). In the LL-SBO pan-fried HB samples (not the extracted oil), 2-pentanone, hexanal, 2-hexenal, trans-2-heptenal, 2-pentylfuran, and trans-2-octenal were found, whereas the major volatile compounds in the HB fried with PH-SBO included hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, and trans-2-heptenal. Hexanal was the most abundant volatile compound in both HB samples (LL-SBO, 2.7 ppm; PH-SBO, 0.3 ppm). There were significant differences in the polymer content, hexanal content, p-anisidine values, and Foodoil sensor readings between LL-SBO and PH-SBO (P<0.05). The PH-SBO sample was more stable than the LL-SBO sample. Moreover, the LL-SBO oil sample in the pan after frying had the greater increase in polymer content.     

Cyclic fatty acids in sunflower oils during frying of frozen foods with oil replenishment

Frying of frozen foods has become popular because it considerably reduces cooking time. Polymers and cyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) formed during frying are potentially toxic and therefore their production should be minimized. Twenty discontinuous fryings of different frozen foods were carried out over ten consecutive days, in sunflower oil (SO) and in high‐oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO), by adding fresh oil after each frying to bring the volume of the fryer oil back to 3 L. CFAM methyl ester derivates were hydrogenated, isolated, concentrated and quantified by HPLC using a reverse‐phase column, followed by gas chromatography. After 20 fryings, significantly higher contents of polar material, polymers and CFAM (all p <0.001) were found in SO than in HOSO. Bicyclic compound formation was four times higher in SO (p <0.001). The fat from the fried potatoes presented a polymer content very similar to that of their corresponding oils. The 100‐g rations of the SO‐fried potatoes from the 20^th frying supply 49 or 15%, respectively, more polymers and CFAM and 1 mg more bicyclic fatty acids than the 100‐g rations of HOSO‐fried potatoes. Because digestion and absorption of polar material, polymers and CFAM occur, the data clearly show the advantageousness and advisability of frying with HOSO rather than SO.     

High-temperature stability of soybean oils with altered fatty acid compositions

One canola oil and six soybean oils with different fatty acid compositions were heated intermittently, and bread cubes were fried in them to determine the stability of the oils. Two of the soybean oils were commercial varieties Hardin and BSR 101. The other soybean oils were from experimental lines developed at Iowa State University, and included A17 with 1.5% linolenate (18:3) and 15.1% palmitate (16:0), A16 with 1.9% 18:3 and 10.6% 16:0, A87-191039 with 1.8% 18:3 and 29.1% oleate (18:1) and A6 with 27.7% stearate (18:0). The soybean seeds were cold-pressed and crude canola oil was obtained without additives. Oils were refined, bleached and deodorized under laboratory conditions with additions. Each oil (300 mL) was heated to 180 ± 5°C in a minifryer. Bread cubes were fried at the beginning of heating, and half of the cubes were used for analyses. The second half was analyzed after storage at 60°C for seven days. Heating of the oils was continued for 20 h, cooled for 10 h, and then reheated for another 20 h, after which additional bread cubes were fried and analyzed. Results of sensory evaluation of the fried cubes, the peroxide values (PV) of oils extracted from the cubes and the conjugated dienoic acid values of the oils showed that the A17, A16, A87-191039 and A6 oils had better stabilities than did Hardin, BSR 101 and canola oils. The initial 18:3 contents of oils predicted their oxidative and flavor stabilities under heating and frying conditions (for PVvs. 18:3, r=0.89,P=0.008; for flavor qualityvs. 18:3, r=−0.93,P=0.002; for flavor intensityvs. 18:3, r=−0.91,P=0.004).     

Sensory stability of canola oil: Present status of shelf life studies

Sensory studies on autoxidation of canola oil, stored under several variations of Schaal Oven test conditions, suggest an induction period of 2–4 d at 60–65°C. Similar induction periods have been observed between canola and sunflower oils, whereas a longer induction period has been found for soybean oil. Canola oil seems to be more stable to storage in light than cottonseed and soybean oils but is less stable than sunflower oil. Storage stability of products fried in canola oil is similar to products fried in soybean oil. Storage stability of canola and cottonseed oils that had been used in the frying of potato chips showed that canola oil was more prone to autoxidation during storage at 40°C. The presence of light aggravated the oxidative effects and was similar for both oils. Advances in our knowledge about the shelf life of canola oil would be strengthened by standardization of Schaal Oven testing conditions and by specifying the testing protocol for photooxidation studies. Methods for training of panelists and for handling and evaluating oils and fried foods require definition. Rating scales used in the evaluation of oils need to be evaluated to ensure that reliable and valid measurements are achieved. Further progress is needed in the identification of chemical indicators that can be used to predict sensory quality of oils. Presented in part at AOCS Annual Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 1992.     

Formation and distribution of oxidized fatty acids during deep‐ and pan‐frying of potatoes

The formation of cis‐9,10‐epoxystearate, trans‐9,10‐epoxystearate, cis‐9,10‐epoxyoleate, cis‐12,13‐epoxyoleate, trans‐9,10‐epoxyoleate, trans‐12,13‐epoxyoleate and the co‐eluting 9‐ and 10‐ketostearates during eight successive pan‐ and deep‐frying sessions of pre‐fried potatoes in five different types of vegetable oils – namely cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, vegetable shortening, palm oil and virgin olive oil – was followed and quantified both in fried oils and in fried potatoes by GC/MS after derivatization to methyl esters. These oxidized fatty acids were present at relatively low concentrations in the fresh oils and pre‐fried potatoes while they increased linearly with frying time, reaching up to 1140.8 µg/g in virgin olive oil (VOO) and 186.9 µg/g in potatoes pan‐fried in VOO after eight pan‐frying sessions, with trans‐9,10‐epoxystearate predominating in all cases. The formation of polymerized triacylglycerols (PTG) was also quantified in frying oils by size exclusion HPLC. Pan‐frying caused higher oxidized fatty acid and PTG formation compared to deep‐frying. Epoxyoleates and PTG concentrations were increased after frying in polyunsaturated oils, while epoxystearate and 9‐ and 10‐ketostearate concentrations were increased after frying in monounsaturated oils. No specific absorption of the oxidized fatty acids by the fried potatoes seems to occur. The dietary intake of oxidized fatty acids and PTG by the consumption of fried potatoes was discussed.     

Antipolymerization activity of oat extract in soybean and cottonseed oils under frying conditions

A methanolic extract of Noble oat (Avena sativa L.) was tested for its antipolymerization activity in soybean and cottonseed oils heated to 180°C for 10 h per day for 10 d and for its carry-through properties in fried bread cubes. The soybean and cottonseed oils containing 0.005 or 0.007% oat extract (based on total phenolic content) formed significantly lesser amounts of polar compounds with high molecular weight than did the oils containing 0.02% tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), 1 ppm dimethylpolysiloxane (DMS) and oils containing no additives (control) as measured by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. Fatty acid composition, also monitored, showed that oils with either level of oat extract maintained a significantly higher linoleic-to-palmitic acid ratio (18∶2/16∶0) than did the other treatments. Oil extracted from bread cubes fried (180°C) in oils containing TBHQ and oat extract and then stored at 60°C in the dark for up to 14 d had significantly lower (P≤0.05) peroxide values and higher (P≤0.05) 18∶2/16∶0 ratios than did oil extracted from cubes fried in oil containing DMS and in the control oil.     

Pan-frying stability of NuSun oil,a mid-oleic sunflower oil

Pan-frying is a popular frying method at home and in many restaurants. Pan-frying stabilities of two frying oils with similar iodine values (IV)—mid-oleic sunflower oil (NuSun oil; IV=103.9) and a commercial canola oil (IV=103.4)—were compared. Each oil sample was heated as a thin film on a Teflon-coated frying pan at ∼180°C to a target end point of ≥20% polymer. High-performance size-exclusion chromatography analysis of the mid-oleic sunflower and canola oil samples indicated that the heated samples contained 20% polymer after approximately 18 and 22 min of heating, respectively. The food oil sensor values increased from zero to 19.9 for the canola sample and from zero to 19.8 for the mid-oleic sunflower sample after 24 min of heating. The apparent first-order degradation rate for the mid-oleic sunflower sample was 0.102±0.008 min⁻¹, whereas the rate for the canola sample was 0.092±0.010 min⁻¹. The acid value increased from approximately zero prior to heating to 1.3 for the canola sample and from zero to 1.0 for the mid-oleic sunflower sample after 24 min of heating. In addition, sensory and volatile analyses of the fried hash browns obtained from both oils indicated there were no significant differences between the two fried potato samples.     

Effects of expeller-pressed/physically refined soybean oil on frying oil stability and flavor of french-fried potatoes

To determine effects of expeller pressing/physical refining of soybean oil (SBO) on frying, studies were conducted with expeller-pressed, physically refined, bleached, deodorized SBO (EPSBO); hexane-extracted, refined, bleached, deodorized SBO+TBHQ; and hydrogenated SBO (HSBO). Oils contained citric acid and dimethylpolysiloxane and were used for 35 h of frying french-fried potatoes. Polar compound levels in EPSBO were similar to SBO+TBHQ or HSBO. Flavor quality of potatoes was evaluated by trained, experienced, analytical sensory panelists. In early frying stages, potatoes fried in EPSBO had significantly lower intensities of fishiness than potatoes fried in SBO+TBHQ. Potatoes fried in HSBO were described as “hydrogenated”. Because of differences in flavor intensities and types, potatoes prepared in EPSBO had significantly better quality scores than those fried in SBO+TBHQ or HSBO during the first 15 h of frying. During later stages (25 and 35 h), potatoes fried in EPSBO had significantly better quality scores than potatoes fried in HSBO. Variations in minor oil constituents may partly explain these differences. EPSBO had less total tocopherols and phytosterols than did SBO at 0-time. During frying, TBHQ in SBO and Maillard reaction products in EPSBO probably inhibited tocopherol loss and therefore improved quality.     

Antioxidative properties of phenolic acids and interaction with endogenous minor components during frying

The ability of selected phenolic acids to improve the frying performance of canola oil was evaluated in a frying test. The frying performance of the oil was assessed by analysis of total polar components (TPC), level of 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE), and the rate of formation of volatile carbonyl compounds (VCC). All the tested phenolic acids; ferulic acid (FA), caffeic acid (CA), dihydrocaffeic acid (HCA), gallic acid (GA), and vanillic acid (VA) significantly increased the frying performance of canola oil triacylglycerols (CTG). At the end of the frying test, the amount of TPC in CTG was 22.9 ± 1.0% compared to a maximum of 18.8 ± 0.8% in CTG fortified with the phenolic acids. Similarly, the level of HNE was reduced by up to 45% when it was supplemented with phenolic acids. The results showed that ethyl ferulate (EF) was a better antioxidant than FA under frying conditions; HCA offered a slightly better protection than CA; and the cinnamic acid derivative, FA was better than VA, its benzoic acid analogue. A significant synergy was observed between phenolic acids and the sterol fraction isolated from canola oil. The observed synergy was attributed to the possible formation of steryl phenolates during the frying test. Practical applications: The poor thermal stability of polyunsaturated oils limits their application for prolonged frying. PUFA offer important health benefits and can improve nutritional value of fried foods. Contrary to the commonly applied synthetic antioxidants, the phenolic acids tested in this study often are part of endogenous oil components present in oilseeds and also in some oils, and are known for their positive health benefits. Thus, the simple phenolic acids, especially the cinnamic acid derivatives may be applied as potent antioxidants to protect oils during thermal processes used for food production.     

Electrochemical hydrogenation of edible oils in a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Sensory and compositional characteristics of low Trans soybean oils

Soybean oils were hydrogenated either electrochemically with Pd at 50 or 60°C to iodine values (IV) of 104 and 90 or commercially with Ni to iodine values of 94 and 68. To determine the composition and sensory characteristics, oils were evaluated for triacylglycerol (TAG) structure, stereospecific analysis, fatty acids, solid fat index, and odor attributes in room odor tests. Trans fatty acid contents were 17 and 43.5% for the commercially hydrogenated oils and 9.8% for both electrochemically hydrogenated products. Compositional analysis of the oils showed higher levels of stearic and linoleic acids in the electrochemically hydrogenated oils and higher oleic acid levels in the chemically hydrogenated products. TAG analysis confirmed these findings. Monoenes were the predominant species in the commercial oils, whereas dienes and saturates were predominant components of the electrochemically processed samples. Free fatty acid values and peroxide values were low in electrochemically hydrogenated oils, indicating no problems from hydrolysis or oxidation during hydrogenation. The solid fat index profile of a 15∶85 blend of electrochemically hydrogenated soybean oil (IV=90) with a liquid soybean oil was equivalent to that of a commercial stick margarine. In room odor evaluations of oils heated at frying temperature (190°C), chemically hydrogenated soybean oils showed strong intensities of an undesirable characteristic hydrogenation aroma (waxy, sweet, flowery, fruity, and/or crayon-like odors). However, the electrochemically hydrogenated samples showed only weak intensities of this odor, indicating that the hydrogenation aroma/flavor would be much less detectable in foods fried in the electrochemically hydrogenated soybean oils than in chemically hydrogenated soybean oils. Electrochemical hydrogenation produced deodorized oils with lower levels of trans fatty acids, compositions suitable for margarines, and lower intensity levels of off-odors, including hydrogenation aroma, when heated to 190°C than did commercially hydrogenated oil.