Flavor Intensity as Related to the Creatine and Creatinine Content of Microwave and Conventionally Cooked Beef

No relationship between sensory thresholds of panelists for creatine and their ability to detect differences in flavor intensity of beef prepared in a consumer type microwave oven (120V; 550 watts) and a conventional oven was found. The flavor of beef cooked in an institutional type microwave oven (220V; 1050 watts) was rated more intense than conventionally cooked beef. However, the flavor of beef prepared in a consumer type microwave oven (115V; 500 watts) was evaluated as less intense than conventionally cooked beef. The creatinine content of microwave cooked roasts was greater than conventionally prepared roasts. Correlation between flavor intensity and creatinine content was statistically significant in only one part of this research.     

Calcium Additives and Sprouted Wheat Effects on Phytate Hydrolysis in Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread loaves were subjected to treatments of different fermentation periods, different sources and levels of calcium, and the addition of sprouted wheat. Phytate losses increased with increased fermentation time. Increasing the calcium level inhibited phytate hydrolysis when the calcium was provided by nonfat dry milk, CaCl₂, or nonfat yogurt, whereas phytate hydrolysis in loaves supplemented with CaCO₃ remained nearly constant. Milk-derived calcium exerted the greatest inhibition of phytate hydrolysis. The addition of sprouted wheat decreased absolute phytate losses. A comparison of phytate losses in yeasted vs nonyeasted loaves suggested that endogenous wheat phytase was quantitatively more important than yeast phytase during breadmaking.