Nutrient database improvement project: The influence of U.S.D.A. Quality and Yield Grade on the separable components and proximate composition of raw and cooked retail cuts from the beef rib and plate

Beef nutrition is important to the worldwide beef industry. The objective of this study was to analyze proximate composition of eight beef rib and plate cuts to update the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the influence of USDA Quality Grade on the separable components and proximate composition of the examined retail cuts. Carcasses (n = 72) representing a composite of Yield Grade, Quality Grade, gender and genetic type were identified from six regions across the U.S. Beef plates and ribs (IMPS #109 and 121C and D) were collected from the selected carcasses and shipped to three university meat laboratories for storage, retail fabrication, cooking, and dissection and analysis of proximate composition. These data provide updated information regarding the nutrient content of beef and emphasize the influence of common classification systems (Yield Grade and Quality Grade) on the separable components, cooking yield, and proximate composition of retail beef cuts.     

Degree of oxidation of sonicated soybean oil using various sonication process parameters

This research aimed to examine the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on the oxidation of soybean oil (SBO). Samples (5, 100, and 250 g) were sonicated at 25 °C using various sonication conditions: power level (settings 1, 5, and 9), tip size (12.7, 3.2, and 2 mm), and duration (5, 10, and 60 s). After sonication, the degree of oxidation of samples (sonicated and non-sonicated SBO) were analysed using peroxide value (PV), oil stability index (OSI), and volatile compounds. Sonication was applied to obtain a range of absolute power (0–123.5 W), power density (0–14.2 W cm⁻³), and power intensity (0–1,120 W cm⁻²) values. The highest power density and power intensity were obtained with the highest HIU setting with the 3.2 mm tip. The highest power was obtained when HIU was applied using a 12.7 mm tip and setting 9 in 250 g of sample. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in PV (0.20 ± 0.01 mEq kg⁻¹) nor OSI (10.05 ± 0.04 h), among the various sonication conditions tested. In addition, no differences were observed in the volatile compounds obtained. These results show that HIU can be used under mild sonication conditions such as the ones needed to change the physical properties of lipids without causing oxidative deterioration.     

Effect of Spray Nozzle Design on Fish Oil–Whey Protein Microcapsule Properties

Abstract: Microencapsulation improves oxidative stability and shelf life of fish oil. Spray and freeze drying are widely used to produce microcapsules. Newer spray-nozzles utilize multiple fluid channels allowing for mixing of wall and core materials at the point of atomization. Sonic energy has also been employed as a means of atomization. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nozzle type and design on fish oil encapsulation efficiency and microcapsule properties. A total of 3 nozzle types, a pressure nozzle with 1 liquid channel, a pressure nozzle with 2 liquid channels, and a sonic atomizer with 2 liquid channels were examined for their suitability to encapsulate fish oil in whey protein isolate. Physical and chemical properties of freeze dried microcapsules were compared to those of microcapsules produced by spray drying. The 2-fluid pressure and ultrasonic nozzles had the highest (91.6%) and the lowest microencapsulation efficiencies (76%), respectively. There was no significant difference in bulk density of microcapsules produced by ultrasonic and 3-fluid pressure nozzles. The ultrasonic nozzle showed a significantly narrower particle size distribution than the other nozzles. This study demonstrated that new nozzle designs that eliminate emulsion preparation prior to spray drying can be beneficial for microencapsulation applications. However, there is still a need for research to improve microencapsulation efficiency of multiple channel spray nozzles. Practical Application: Since this research evaluates new spray nozzle designs for oil microencapsulation, the information presented in this article could be an interest to fish oil producers and food industry.     

Consumer assessment of beef palatability from four beef muscles from USDA Choice and Select graded carcasses

Consumer sensory analysis was conducted to determine differences in beef palatability between two quality grade categories [Upper 2/3 (Top) Choice and Select] and four muscles [longissimus lumborum (LL), gluteus medius (GM), serratus ventralis (SV), and semimembranosus (SM)]. Generally, tenderness, flavor, and overall liking scores were more desirable for Top Choice compared to Select, regardless of muscle. Consumers rated LL as more tender (P < 0.05) than SV and SM, but similar to GM (P = 0.52). Overall and flavor acceptability were similar (P > 0.05) between LL, GM, and SV, regardless of quality grade. Consumer overall liking was most highly correlated with flavor liking (r = 0.85). When tenderness was acceptable, flavor and juiciness played a major role in determining overall acceptability. Overall liking of GM and SV from Top Choice carcasses was superior to LL from Select carcasses and comparable to LL from Top Choice carcasses.