Microbial Growth Estimation in Liquid Media Exposed to Temperature Fluctuations

Comparisons of linear, square root and Arrhenius specific growth rate-temperature models showed no clear overall preference. At low a_w and refrigeration temperature, the linear model was satisfactory for Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas fluorescens. A linear relationship between (specific growth rate)^?1 and lag phase was observed for these two psychrotrophs. The R² for B. thermosphacta in 3% (a_w= 0.968), 6% (a_w= 0.950), and 9% NaCl (a_w= 0.943) media was 0.865, 0.946 and 0.994, respectively. In 8% (a_w= 0.973) and 20% (a_w= 0.948) glycerol media, the R² was 0.998 and 0.999, respectively. R² for P. fluorescens growth in NaCl (3 or 4%) or glycerol (10 or 20%) media was >0.99. A cumulative growth adaptation function successfully estimated microbial growth at fluctuating temperatures.     

TIME-VARIABLE RETORT TEMPERATURE PROFILES FOR CYLINDRICAL CANS: BATCH PROCESS TIME,ENERGY CONSUMPTION,and QUALITY RETENTION MODEL1

The batch retort model developed uses a heat transfer equation for heat conduction in cylindrical cans, first order kinetics for microbial inactivation, first order kinetics for quality losses and a transient energy balance to estimate steam consumption. For a given retort, lethality process and quality retention, the transient energy balance equation in the model allowed the identification of feasible time-temperature profiles reducing energy consumption, total process time or both. In the examples analyzed and depending upon product specifications, time-variable retort temperatures reduced process time by 18–55 min. These examples suggested that a change from constant to time-variable retort temperatures could increase canning capacity by 20–50%.     

EFFECT OF SPRAY-DRIED OR REDUCED-CHOLESTEROL YOLK AND TEMPERATURE ON THE LINEAR VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF MAYONNAISE

The dynamic viscoelastic properties of five mayonnaise products were evaluated at 5–30C and 0,031-31,4 s⁻¹. The composition of the products was held constant, while the type of egg product was varied. Two egg yolks (native and spraydried) and three whole egg products (native, dried-yolk containing and low-in-cholesterol-yolk containing) were used as the emulsifiers. Temperature generally produces a decrease in the viscoelastic functions. A replacement of yolk (native or not) by egg white reduces the viscoelastic properties of mayonnaise. Processed yolk gives rise to greater viscoelastic parameters than native yolk. This effect loses significance when yolk is diluted by native egg white. The low-cholesterol mayonnaise has similar viscoelastic properties when compared to commercial mayonnaise.     

Colour and texture changes during sterilization of packed ripe olives

There were no temperature- or time-dependent significant changes in colour or iron content of two cultivars of bottled ripe olives during heat sterilization at temperatures between 117 and 129°C. the addition of calcium had no effect on the activation parameters of texture, although the olives were always firmer when the cation was added. the z-values for the texture of ripe olives were found to be around 20°C and the average activation energy was 138 kJ/mol.     

STABILITY OF WHOLE, FILLETED, AND MINCED TROUT (SALMO IRIDEUS GIBB) DURING FROZEN STORAGE

In order to determine the behavior of trout (Salmo irideus Gibb) muscle in frozen storage, five lots (whole, fillets, and minces obtained by extrusion, “mincer” and “cutter”) were made and stored at -20⁰C for one year. During this period the mince, mainly the one made with “cutter”, was more denaturated than the whole trout and fillets. The highest rate of insolubilization was reached by 255 days of storage (45% of soluble protein in minces and 60% in fillets and whole fish). Also a similar difference was noticed in the cooking drip. The variations of protein solubility do not thoroughly explain the changes in objective texture observed up to 30–75 days of storage. So, other parameters may be connected with these changes. On the other hand, after 165 days, the rancidity increase measured by the TBA value is high, especially in the mince although rancid flavor was detected at 120 days of storage.     

MINERAL CONTENT IN GOATS' MILKS

Concentrations of eight essential minerals were determined in 78 samples of goats'milk from the Canary Islands. The following mean values (ranges) were found: Se (μ/L), 19.98 (9.2‐31.2); Fe (mg/L), 0.52 (0.19‐1.17); Cu (mg/L), 0.17 (0.08‐0.31); Zn (mg/L), 3.31 (1.6‐4.6); Na (mg/L), 514 (289‐906); K (mg/L), 1585 (1212‐2160); Ca (mg/L), 1533 (1118‐1962); and Mg (mg/L), 157 (101‐210). Comparing with data for human milk and cows' milk from the Canary Islands, the mean concentrations of Se, K and Mg arranged in according the following sequence: goats' milk > cows' milk > human milk. Cows' milk had the highest (P<0.05) mean concentration for Ca and Zn, while humans had the highest (P < 0.05) mean concentration for Cu. The milk of goats milked once per day had significantly higher concentrations of Se and lower Mg and Zn than the milk of goats milked twice per day. While the concentrations of Na and Mg increased significantly from March to August, the concentrations of Se, Fe and Cu in goats' milk decreased significantly from March to June.