Broccoli leaf powder as an attractive by-product ingredient: effect on batter behaviour,technological properties and sensory quality of gluten-free mini sponge cake

Broccoli by-products, in particular leaves, are rich sources of nutritional and bioactive components thus could constitute a valuable food additive. Although an upsurge in quantity of gluten-free products is observed further studies are required on improvement of their nutritional quality and palatability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli leaf powder (BLP) on dough behaviour, and technological characteristics and sensory quality of gluten-free mini sponge cake (GFS). Broccoli leaf powder replaced an equivalent amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%; w/w) of corn and potato starches in GFS formulation. Applied BLP increased the instrumental firmness of GFS but sensorial attributes (elasticity, crustiness, mastication and adhesiveness) were similar to the control. All broccoli GFS were vividly green, had small size pores properly distributed. Among them, sample with 2.5% BLP was distinguished for its desirable sensory quality, despite a slightly perceived cabbage aroma and taste. Moderate amount of BLP allows to preserve a good quality GFS improving its attractiveness and palatability.     

Physicochemical properties of steamed bread fortified with ground linseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is a staple food among Asian populations. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is an emerging ‘healthy’ food ingredient rich in a range of bioactive components. Ground linseeds were incorporated in northern style CSB formulation up to 20%. Various physico-chemical, nutritional and sensory properties of the resulting CSB were studied. Linseed addition decreased the specific volume and spread ratio of CSB, while increasing the hardness and chewiness in a dose-dependent manner. Linseed addition up to 15% little affected the overall sensory acceptability of CSB. Nutritionally, linseed addition increased the in vitro antioxidant activities of CSB, while decreasing in vitro starch digestibility and expected glycaemic index. It may be concluded that linseed has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of CSB without negatively affecting the eating quality.     

Effects of incorporating roasted lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) flour on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of beef sausage

The effects of incorporating lupin flour on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of beef sausages were explored. Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) flour was roasted, then hydrated to match the moisture content of beef meat. The beef sausage samples were manufactured for six treatments by replacing beef with hydrated lupin flour from 0% to 36% (w/w). Proximate analysis revealed that carbohydrate (dietary fibre) level was increased from 9.62% to 19.31%, whereas fat content was decreased from 11.62% to 7.91%. Inclusion of lupin flour increased the meat emulsion stability (fluid released decreased from 9.35% to 1.53%) and decreased cooking loss from 22.70% to 14.30%. Softer texture and greater adhesiveness were observed in lupin-incorporated formulations. Sensory evaluation indicated no significant difference between control and 12% lupin-enriched beef sausage formulation in appearance, aroma, flavour and overall liking, suggesting lupin flour can be added to beef sausage at this level without compromising consumer acceptance.     

Comparative study on quality characteristics of pickled and fermented sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat in retort cooking

Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat has not been fully utilised due to quality defects which were raised by Chinese sturgeon processing industry. This study was aimed to develop a high-quality sturgeon meat product and the effect of fermentation on qualities was studied. Results showed that fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae could enhance ‘mushroom’, ‘fruity’ and ‘chocolate’ flavour by 1-octen-3-ol, ethyl acetate and 3-methyl-butanal; and enrich flavour through mild lipid oxidation and hydrolysis. In addition, fermentation could give an attractive colour with higher a*, b* and L* value. Texture properties were also improved with higher hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness. Higher free amino acids, TCA-soluble peptides and taste score in fermented sturgeon meat indicated better flavour and taste. The organoleptic evaluation suggested an overall satisfactory of wine-aroma sturgeon meat by fermentation with S. cerevisiae.     

Mixed fermentation of jujube juice (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) with L. rhamnosus GG and L. plantarum-1: effects on the quality and stability

This study was conducted aiming at improving the quality of jujube juice by mixed fermentation of lactobacilli. Selection of favourable lactobacilli and addition of nitrogen sources were explored as an efficient method to improve the viability of probiotic in jujube juice. After fermentation, the viability increased to 9.15 ± 0.10 Log CFU mL⁻¹, while the content of lactic acid increased to 5.61 ± 0.03 mg mL⁻¹. The total phenolic and total flavonoid content were 2663.03 ± 11.95 μg mL⁻¹ and 163.95 ± 0.47 μg mL⁻¹ respectively. Moreover, the stability of fermented jujube juice during refrigeration was investigated, which showed that the viability dropped to 8.84 ± 0.6 Log CFU mL⁻¹ and the concentration of lactic acid slowly increased to 6.51 ± 0.04 mg mL⁻¹; the ABTS value showed a 4.26% reduction and FRAP value did not significantly (P < 0.05) change during refrigerated storage. In addition to the existing knowledge, our data aid to the future applications of the jujube as a potential ingredient in novel probiotic foods formulation.     

Determination of sensory thresholds of Mentha piperita L. essential oil in selected tropical fruit juices and efficacy of sensory accepted concentrations combined with mild heat to inactivate foodborne pathogens

This study determined the compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) and rejection threshold (RT) of Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO) in cajá, guava and mango juices. The MPEO concentrations below the RT values were evaluated alone or combined with mild heat treatment (MHT; 54 °C) to inactivate ≥5-log₁₀ of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis PT 4 in the same juices. The CAT of MPEO varied from 0.30 to 0.32 μL mL⁻¹, while the RT was 1.34 or 1.36 μL mL⁻¹ in the tested juices. Only concentrations of MPEO close, or higher than the RT caused ≥5-log₁₀ reductions in the tested pathogens in cajá, guava and mango juices. Combined with MHT, concentrations of MPEO below the RT reduced ≥5-log₁₀ of both pathogens in juices. These findings indicate that MPEO concentrations below the RT in combination with MHT is a feasible preservation technology to ensure the safety of tropical fruit juices.     

Development of vitamin E-enriched functional foods: stability of tocotrienols in food systems

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family that provide many nutritional benefits. Developing tocotrienol-fortified functional foods introduces vitamin E into consumers diets without changing their food habits. The purpose of this study was to compare the stability of tocotrienols in bulk form and six food matrices at a fixed dose (40 mg kg⁻¹) under accelerated and conventional storage conditions. The delta- and gamma-tocotrienol content was measured using HPLC, and the sensory attributes were evaluated using triangle and hedonic tests. Tocotrienol in bulk powder was less stable under stressed conditions than in bulk oil, with the powders having approximately 40% and 80% reduction in δ- and γ- after storage and bulk oil with no significant degradation. HPLC analysis demonstrated that tocotrienol content remained unchanged in dry mix lemonade, yogurt, raw and UHT milk, and margarine over time; however, complete degradation of γ- and partial degradation (up to 50%) of δ-tocotrienol was observed in bread during ambient and stressed storage conditions. A significant decrease in the δ-tocotrienol relative concentration was also observed in HTST processed milk samples. Tocotrienol addition was not perceived, and no significant difference in the product attributes and overall liking was reported in the discrimination sensory testing.