Physico‐Chemical and Structural Characteristics of Vegetables Cooked Under Sous‐Vide,Cook‐Vide,and Conventional Boiling

In this paper, physico‐chemical and structural properties of cut and cooked purple‐flesh potato, green bean pods, and carrots have been studied. Three different cooking methods have been applied: traditional cooking (boiling water at 100 °C), cook‐vide (at 80 and 90 °C) and sous‐vide (at 80 °C and 90 °C). Similar firmness was obtained in potato applying the same cooking time using traditional cooking (100 °C), and cook‐vide and sous‐vide at 90 °C, while in green beans and carrots the application of the sous‐vide (90 °C) required longer cooking times than cook‐vide (90 °C) and traditional cooking (100 °C). Losses in anthocyanins (for purple‐flesh potatoes) and ascorbic acid (for green beans) were higher applying traditional cooking. β‐Carotene extraction increased in carrots with traditional cooking and cook‐vide (P < 0.05). Cryo‐SEM micrographs suggested higher swelling pressure of starch in potatoes cells cooked in contact with water, such as traditional cooking and cook‐vide. Traditional cooking was the most aggressive treatment in green beans because the secondary walls were reduced compared with sous‐vide and cook‐vide. Sous‐vide preserved organelles in the carrot cells, which could explain the lower extraction of β‐carotene compared with cook‐vide and traditional cooking. Sous‐vide cooking of purple‐flesh potato is recommended to maintain its high anthocyanin content. Traditional boiling could be recommended for carrots because increase β‐carotenes availability. For green beans, cook‐vide, and sous‐vide provided products with higher ascorbic acid content.     

Sous vide pretreatment in cooking sturgeon fish burger: Effects on physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics

The effect of sous vide (SV) pretreatment on the physicochemical (texture, water holding capacity (WHC) and protein modifications) and sensory (appearance, odour, flavour and overall acceptability) properties of sturgeon fish burgers cooked by four common methods (steaming, baking, microwaving and frying) were investigated. The texture analysis results showed that SV combined with transglutaminase could make the structure of cooked fish burgers denser and increase the springiness (ranging from 3.60 to 4.97 mm) and chewiness (ranging from 4.50 to 9.57 N), especially in microwave-cooked samples. In terms of sensory quality, on the one hand, SV could effectively inhibit off-flavours from oxidation and prevents evaporative losses of flavour volatiles (nitrogen oxides, organic sulphur and aromatic compounds) during cooking. On the other hand, the overall acceptability of microwave-cooked sample pretreated with SV was higher than that of other cooking methods, especially compared with steaming (P < 0.05). The above results indicate that it is feasible to obtain common cooked fish burgers with improved physicochemical and good sensory properties using SV pretreatment.     

Ohmic cooking of whole beef muscle – Optimisation of meat preparation

Uniform ohmic heating of solid foods primarily depends on the uniformity of electrolyte distribution within the product. Different preparation techniques were tested in an attempt to ensure an even salt dispersion within a full beef muscle (biceps femoris). Meat pieces were soaked, injected and tumbled using a range of procedures before ohmic cooking at pasteurization temperatures. A final preparation method (multi-injection (five points) with a 3% salt solution followed by 16 h tumbling) was validated. Selected quality parameters of the ohmically cooked products were compared to steam cooked products. Ohmically heated meat had a significantly (P < 0.05) uniform lighter and less red colour. Cook loss was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in ohmic samples and in relation to tenderness ohmic heated samples were tougher (P < 0.05) though the difference was only 5.08 N. Comparable cook values were attained in the ohmic and conventionally cooked products.     

The effect of lemon juice on bonito (Sarda sarda,Bloch, 1793) preserved by sous vide packaging

This study examined the effect of lemon juice on sensory, biochemical and microbiological quality of sous vide (SV)‐packaged bonito. Bonitos were salted (0.2%) and divided into two groups. The first group (SV) was vacuum‐packaged in a gas barrier plastic pouch, pasteurised (70 °C, 10 min) and stored at 4 ± 1 °C. The second group [(lemon juice‐treated sous vide (LSV)] was treated with lemon juice, vacuum‐packaged, pasteurised and stored similarly. LSV samples had lower pH, mesophilic and psychrophilic aerobic counts than SV samples (P < 0.05), and they had better sensory quality. SV samples spoiled on the 35th day, while the LSV samples were acceptable until 49th day of storage. This result shows that treatment with lemon juice increased the acceptability and shelf life of SV packaged bonito for 2 weeks (40%). When compared to several other mild preservation procedures, addition of lemon juice to SV fish is inexpensive and uncomplicated method.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sous</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">Vide</Emphasis> Processing as an Alternative to Common Cooking Treatments: Impact on the Starch Profile,Color, and Shear Force of Potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis> L.)

This study aimed to assess the effect of sous vide cooking on the total and resistant starch content, color, and shear force in three potato cultivars (Agria, Agata, and Carrera). Potato strips were also cooked by three common treatments (boiling, frying, and microwaving) to evaluate the differences between the methods. According to principal component analysis (PCA), sous vide-processed cv. Agria and Agata potato strips were grouped with boiled samples, in contrast, cv. Carrera sous vide samples were grouped with microwaved samples. Higher water losses were associated with microwaved potatoes due to the diffusion of water inside the tuber. In addition, a significant decrease in shear force was obtained after microwaving and sous vide cooking (p < 0.05) irrespective of the treatment strength. The three cultivars became less bright, and the intensity of the color decreased; however, variations in the cook value (C ₁₀₀, min) between treatments did not affect the lightness and hue angle. Regardless of the initial value of resistant starch and the intensity of the cooking process, all of the cultivars reached a final content of less than 5%. From our results, in-pack sterilization may be considered for application in the food industry as a technology that has a similar impact to conventional cooking treatments used on potato products.     

Process optimisation of pulsed electric fields pre-treatment to reduce the sous vide processing time of beef briskets

This study used multiple regression to model the effect of pulsed electric field (electric field strengths 0.7, 1.0 or 1.5 kV cm⁻¹) and sous vide (60 °C for either 12, 18 or 24 h) processing on the quality parameters (tenderness, cooking loss, colour, lipid stability) of beef brisket. Pulsed electric fields (PEF) at 0.7 kV cm⁻¹ and 1.5 kV cm⁻¹ followed by sous vide processing for 12–20.2 and 20.8–23.7 h, respectively gave the lowest values for hardness (<20.2 N), shear force (100.5 N mm⁻¹ s⁻¹) and cooking loss (<17.4%). PEF treatment prior to sous vide processing had no significant effect on lipid oxidation, colour stability, cooking loss or in vitro protein digestibility of sous vide-processed brisket. Increasing the electric field strength and/or prolonging the sous vide time significantly increased collagen solubilisation in the sous vide brisket. This study demonstrated that a PEF pre-treatment can reduce sous vide processing time while enhancing the tenderness of tough meat cuts.     

Texture,colour and sensory evaluation of a conventionally and ohmically cooked meat emulsion batter

Samples of meat emulsion batter were steam or ohmically cooked (at voltage densities ranging from 3 to 7 V cm^?1) to standardized cook values (C_s) or to target end point temperatures (EPT). Higher ohmic voltage densities produced faster heating rates. Texture profile analysis (TPA) of ohmic and steam‐cooked frankfurters showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in any of the attributes assessed with the exception of springiness, which was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in ohmically cooked samples heated to similar C_s values, although this trend was less pronounced in samples cooked to similar EPT. Instrumental colour evaluations revealed that ohmically cooked samples (cooked both to similar C_s and EPT) differed from steam‐cooked in both a* and hue angle values (especially at 5–7 V cm^?1 (p < 0.05)). Although instrumental measurements revealed differences in selected texture and colour attributes, panellists were not able to distinguish between steam and similar EPT ohmically cooked samples (p < 0.05). Thus while subtle differences may exist in the eating quality of ohmic and steam‐cooked emulsions, these differences are unlikely to be of an order of magnitude to affect consumer acceptance of ohmically cooked meat emulsion products. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improvement of rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey by non‐thermal magnetic technique

A non‐thermal technology using magnetic field (MF) can improve flowability of honey while maintaining its physicochemical quality. Effects of MF treatment on rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey exposed to MF for 2 h at 15 °C and 28 °C were investigated and compared with those of non‐MF samples. Increasing MF strength at 28 °C caused a reduction in firmness (P ≤ 0.05), but not in consistency, index of viscosity and cohesiveness. The effects at 15 °C were greater. Newtonian behaviour was observed for all samples. Shear stress and viscosity were significantly reduced with increasing MF strength at 15 °C (P ≤ 0.05), but less at 28 °C. pH was also decreased. Total soluble solids content was increased at both temperatures (P ≤ 0.05). Colour index was not significantly affected by MF, whereas optical density was slightly increased at high MF strengths (P > 0.05). L* values for the MF treated samples were increased (P ≤ 0.05), giving lighter and more pleasant colour to the honey. MF treatment improved overall qualities of honey.     

Effect of dietary olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) on lipid and protein oxidation of refrigerated stored n‐3‐enriched pork

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary olive leaves versus α‐tocopheryl acetate on lipid and protein oxidation of raw and cooked longissimus dorsi muscle from pigs fed diets supplemented with fish oil. Enrichment of pork with the very long chain n‐3 fatty acids increased (P ≤ 0.05) lipid oxidation in both raw and cooked chops during refrigerated storage, and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the sensory attributes of the cooked chops, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on protein oxidation of both raw and cooked chops. Dietary olive leaves or α‐tocopheryl acetate had no effect (P > 0.05) on the fatty acid composition but decreased (P ≤ 0.05) lipid oxidation while exerting no effect (P > 0.05) on protein oxidation in both raw and cooked chops during refrigerated storage. In addition, dietary olive leaves at 10 g kg^?1 feed and α‐tocopheryl acetate at 200 mg kg^?1 feed exerted (P ≤ 0.05) a beneficial effect on the sensory attributes of cooked n‐3‐enriched chops.     

The Effectiveness of Antibrowning Dip Treatments to Reduce After‐Cooking Darkening in Potatoes

Abstract: After‐cooking darkening (ACD) is an inherent and undesirable trait that develops in cooked potatoes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium acid sulfate (SAS) dip treatments compared to other antigraying treatments and a control to reduce ACD in boiled, Katahdin potatoes. Dip treatments were applied for 3 min prior to boiling and included: 3% SAS, 3% citric acid (CA), 3% sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), along with a distilled water control. SAS‐ and CA‐treated potatoes had slightly, but significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher b* and chroma values, which indicates a more intense yellow potato color, with less graying, compared to the control. SAS‐ and CA‐treated potatoes also had significantly (P≤ 0.001) lower pH values for inner and outer potato surfaces than the control. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were detected for total phenolic or mineral contents among treatments. CA and SAPP samples had slightly, but significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher moisture contents than the control. Sensory test results showed no significant differences for color, aftertaste, or overall acceptability. However, CA‐treated samples were rated significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower for flavor than all other treatments and panelists commented on sour notes. CA‐ and SAS‐treated potatoes were scored slightly, but significantly lower for texture than other treatments due to a waxy outer layer. However, SAS was the most acidic dip treatment, but did not significantly affect flavor. Overall, results suggest that SAS was similarly accepted by consumers in comparison to CA and SAPP, which is the industry standard to reduce ACD. Practical Application: After‐cooking darkening (ACD) is an undesirable potato trait that occurs after potatoes have been processed. Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) has been used as the industry standard to reduce ACD. Sodium acid sulfate (SAS) treatments prior to boiling appeared to be comparable to SAPP and citric acid in effectiveness to reduce ACD. SAS did not negatively affect the flavor of boiled potato samples according to sensory results. The SAS treatment may be more beneficial for potatoes intended for potato salad products.     

Pulsed UV light as a postprocessing intervention for decontamination of hard‐cooked peeled eggs

The efficiency of pulsed UV light (PL) for inactivation of E. coli K12 on hard‐cooked eggs was investigated. Temperature, colour and texture were recorded to determine adverse effects on quality. Distance from the quartz window (5.5, 9.5 cm) and time (1–30 s) was set as the experimental variables. Results indicated that E. coli K12 viability decreased at closer distances and increased time (P < 0.05). Bacterial populations were reduced to 3.54 log CFU per egg and 3.23 log CFU per egg after 15 and 20 s at 5.5 cm and 9.5 cm, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the existence of photophysical mechanisms, bacterial overlapping and internalisation interfering inactivation. Treated samples experienced slight thermal increases (6–9 °C) contributing to the preservation of colour and texture, not significantly different from untreated samples (P > 0.05). Our findings support the use of PL to enhance the safety of hard‐cooked eggs although bacterial shadowing may have significant implications on treatment efficiency.     

Effect of processing and storage on the fatty acid composition of n‐3 or n‐6 fatty acid‐enriched eggs

Fresh eggs from hens fed diets supplemented with 4% linseed oil (LO) or sunflower oil (SO) were either directly submitted to pasteurisation, hard‐boiling or scrambling processing, or first submitted to refrigerated storage at 4 °C for 60 day and then to processing. Fresh LO eggs showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but lower (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), PUFAs and n‐6 PUFAs than the SO eggs. Storage decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the proportion of PUFAs and increased (P ≤ 0.05) that of MUFAs in egg yolks from both treatments. The pasteurisation process had no effect on the fatty acid composition of fresh eggs from both treatments, but increased (P ≤ 0.05) n‐6 PUFAs and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) n‐3 PUFAs in stored LO eggs. Hard‐boiling and scrambling modified the fatty acid composition of fresh and stored eggs from both treatments by decreasing (P ≤ 0.05) the proportion of PUFAs, particularly of the very long‐chain n‐3 eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic PUFAs. LO eggs showed a higher susceptibility to fatty acid modification upon processing as compared to the SO eggs.     

Consumer Acceptability and Sensory Profile of Cooked Broccoli with Mustard Seeds Added to Improve Chemoprotective Properties

Broccoli, a rich source of glucosinolates, is a commonly consumed vegetable of the Brassica family. Hydrolysis products of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, have been associated with health benefits and contribute to the flavor of Brassica. However, boiling broccoli causes the myrosinase enzyme needed for hydrolysis to denature. In order to ensure hydrolysis, broccoli must either be mildly cooked or active sources of myrosinase, such as mustard seed powder, can be added postcooking. In this study, samples of broccoli were prepared in 6 different ways; standard boiling, standard boiling followed by the addition of mustard seeds, sous vide cooking at low temperature (70 °C) and sous vide cooking at higher temperature (100 °C) and sous vide cooking at higher temperature followed by the addition of mustard seeds at 2 different concentrations. The majority of consumers disliked the mildly cooked broccoli samples (70 °C, 12 min, sous vide) which had a hard and stringy texture. The highest mean consumer liking was for standard boiled samples (100 °C, 7 min). Addition of 1% mustard seed powder developed sensory attributes, such as pungency, burning sensation, mustard odor, and flavor. One cluster of consumers (32%) found mustard seeds to be a good complement to cooked broccoli; however, the majority disliked the mustard‐derived sensory attributes. Where the mustard seeds were partially processed, doubling the addition to 2% led to only the same level of mustard and pungent flavors as 1% unprocessed seeds, and mean consumer liking remained unaltered. This suggests that optimization of the addition level of partially processed mustard seeds may be a route to enhance bioactivity of cooked broccoli without compromising consumer acceptability.     

Effect of rice bran protein extract on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree

Effect of rice bran protein extract (RBPE) on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree was studied by colour measurement and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibition. RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree and showed a higher per cent potato PPO inhibition at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than those at pH 3.0, 6.0 and 7.0 (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE heated to 40 and 60 °C had browning inhibition in potato puree and per cent potato PPO inhibition at a similar extent to unheated RBPE (P > 0.05). Browning inhibition and per cent potato PPO inhibition of RBPE were decreased when it was heated to 80 °C (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree higher than 5, 10 and 20 mm ascorbic acid and 5 and 10 mm citric acid (P ≤ 0.05). Regarding the kinetics study, RBPE exhibited a mixed‐type inhibition for potato PPO. Therefore, RBPE has a potential to be used as a natural antibrowning agent in the potato industry.     

Effect of chemical preservatives on shelf life of mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivated on cassava peels

Short shelf life is a major impediment to the processing and distribution of mushroom. The effect of chemical preservatives on some quality attributes of mushroom during storage was investigated. Mushroom were soaked in four preservatives at two concentrations for 10 mins, packaged, stored at 4 °C for 30 days and analysed at intervals for their microbial population, colour, firmness and weight loss. Sodium benzoate (0.05%, 0.1%) lost its preservative effect on all the micro‐organisms enumerated after 3 days, and samples treated with 0.1% potassium sorbate had the lowest microbial load at the end of the storage period. Change in colour of the potassium sorbate (0.1%)‐treated sample was lower than and significantly different from the citric acid (2%, 4%)‐treated samples. The values of the firmness of the 4% citric acid preserved mushroom were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from other samples throughout the storage period. There was a significant negative correlation (r = ?0.807, P < 0.01) between the firmness and weight loss of the preserved mushroom. Potassium sorbate (0.1%) and citric acid (4%) extended the shelf life of mushroom for 24 days.     

Influence of ultrasound pretreatments on diffusion coefficients,texture and colour of osmodehydrated sweet potato (Ipomea batatas)

The moisture and solute diffusivities, texture and colour of sweet potato pretreated in distilled water with ultrasound (UD), osmotic dehydration without ultrasound (OD) and osmotic dehydration with ultrasound (UOD) were investigated to determine the effects of ultrasound on osmodehydrated sweet potato. The moisture and solute diffusivities of all the pretreatments ranged from 2.89 to 4.95 × 10^?10 and 1.17 to 1.67 × 10^?10 m² s^?1, respectively. The moisture diffusivity of samples treated in UOD was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of OD and UD by 30.82% and 41.62%, respectively. Compared to the fresh sample, the firmness of samples treated in OD and UOD was reduced by 83.53% and 92.47%, respectively. UD increased the brightness (L*) and reduced the redness (a*) of sweet potato, while UOD enhanced the yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*) of sweet potato. The sweet potato samples treated in UOD had the highest total colour difference (ΔE).     

Discolouration of raw and cooked coloured fleshed potatoes differing in anthocyanins and polyphenols content

Despite variations in the content of polyphenols, the tested potato varieties with red and purple flesh contained similar amounts of anthocyanins. Potatoes of the red-fleshed HBr variety were distinguished by a significant content of pelargonidin-3-feruloylrutinoside-5-glucoside, and those of the purple-fleshed Vitelotte variety were characterised by a significant cyanidin-3-rutinoside content. Immediately after cutting, raw potatoes with red flesh showed a small share of yellow (b* parameter) and double the share of red (a*) as compared to purple-fleshed tubers. A reduction in the share of red dye was observed in purple- and red-fleshed potatoes except Vitelotte and Rosalinde tubers, at both 1 and 4 h after being cut. The flesh colour of cooked potatoes was characterised by low susceptibility to darkening, and purple-fleshed tubers were more saturated by chroma than tubers of red-fleshed varieties.     

Effect of lactate-enhancement, modified atmosphere packaging, and muscle source on the internal cooked colour of beef steaks

Earlier studies on lactate-mediated colour stability in beef did not address the possible influence on cooked colour. Our objective was to examine the effect of lactate-enhancement, muscle source, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the internal cooked colour of beef steaks. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Psoas major (PM) muscles from 16 (n = 16) beef carcasses (USDA Select) were randomly assigned to 4 enhancement treatments (non-injected control, distilled water-enhanced control, 1.25% and 2.5% lactate), and fabricated into 2.54-cm steaks. Steaks were individually packaged in either vacuum (VP), high-oxygen MAP (HIOX; 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂), or carbon monoxide MAP (CO; 0.4% CO + 19.6% CO₂ + 80% N₂), and stored for 0, 5, or 9 days at 1 °C. At the end of storage, surface and internal colour (visual and instrumental) was measured on raw steaks. Steaks were cooked to an internal temperature of 71 °C, and internal cooked colour (visual and instrumental) was evaluated. Lactate-enhancement at 2.5% level resulted in darker (P < 0.05) cooked interiors than other treatments. Interior cooked redness decreased (P < 0.05) during storage for steaks in VP and HIOX, whereas it was stable for steaks in CO. Our findings indicated that the beef industry could utilise a combination of lactate-enhancement and CO MAP to minimise premature browning in whole-muscle beef steaks.     

Effects of microwave and hot‐air drying methods on colour, β‐carotene and radical scavenging activity of apricots

The effects of drying by microwave and convective heating at 60 and 70 °C on colour change, degradation of β‐carotene and the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity of apricots were evaluated. Microwave heating reduced significantly the drying time (up to 25%), if compared with convective one, also owing to the higher temperature reached during the last phase of the process, as monitored by infrared thermography. Colour changes of apricot surface, described with lightness and hue angle, in both drying methods followed a first‐order reaction (0.927 ≤ R² ≤ 0.996). The apricots dried by microwave were less affected by the darkening phenomena. The evolution of β‐carotene in fresh apricots (61.2 ± 5.6 mg kg^?1 d.w.) during the drying highlighted a wider decrease (about 50%) when microwave heating was employed for both the temperatures used. Radical scavenging activity increased (P < 0.05) in all dried samples except for hot‐air dried apricots at 60 °C.     

An innovative method of immersion vacuum cooling for cooked meat products: immersion vacuum cooling with ultrasonic assistance

In this paper, immersion vacuum cooling with ultrasonic assistance (IVCUA) is compared with immersion vacuum cooling alone (IVC) and vacuum cooling (VC) for cooling time, mass loss, colour, texture profile and water mobility and compartmentalization for cooked meat products. The results reveal that IVCUA clearly enhances the boiling intensity of impregnation liquid compared to IVC. The total cooling time using IVC (126.56 min) for samples from 72 to 4 °C was significantly longer (P < 0.05) than that of IVCUA (96.89 min) and VC (80.48 min). The cooling time of samples from 10 to 4 °C by IVC (46.26 min) was higher (P < 0.05) than that by IVCUA (28.55 min). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mass loss, colour and texture profile among all samples. However, IVCUA had a higher transverse relation time of bulk water (T₂₄) and MRI proton densities (P < 0.05), as well as a more uniform water distribution compared to IVC.