Reducing the fat content in ground beef without sacrificing quality: A review

Effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) on NaCl diffusion in beef and consequence on meat quality

The impact of various field strength (2, 3, 4 kV/cm) and treatment time (60s and 90s) combinations on NaCl content and diffusion coefficient of beef were evaluated in the current study. Weight change, water content, water holding capacity, and texture of beef after brining were also explored. The results demonstrated pulsed electric field (PEF) pre-treatment significantly increased NaCl uptake when the brining time was 150 min (P < 0.05). The maximum NaCl content increased by 19.50% and the diffusion coefficient increased by 58.50%. Relatively mild PEF (60s) could improve beef qualities, but longer treatment time (90s) was detrimental to these qualities. Meanwhile, more complete myofibrillar structure and lower lipid oxidation extent were observed in the samples treated by PEF, contributing to the higher a* values. In conclusion, short processing time (60s) and high field strength (4 kV/cm) treatment is a potential strategy for meat brining acceleration and quality improvement in practical industrial production.

Quality characteristics of peanut protein-based patties produced with pre-emulsified olive oil as a fat replacer: Influence of acylglycerol type

The emulsion (O/W) may be used as a fat replacer to develop healthier meat analogs. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of oil incorporation methods (direct oil addition and emulsion addition) and oil types [triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG)] on the quality characteristics of peanut protein-based patties crosslinked by transglutaminase (TGase). The patties formulated with emulsions showed larger texture parameters (springiness, cohesiveness and gumminess), lower cooking loss and higher acceptability compared with directly adding oil. The rheological results confirmed that the presence of emulsions strengthened the gel structure in patties, which allowed the patties containing emulsions to stabilize free water. Whereas, TAG-based emulsion was more effective than DAG-based emulsion in improving quality of products, possibly because the competitive adsorption at oil-water interface of DAG reduced the crosslinking between the interfacial protein and adjacent protein molecules. This study revealed the relationship between the acylglycerol type in emulsion and the patty quality, providing a reference for the development of plant-based patties.

A review on the relation between grinding process and quality of ground meat

This review is providing an overview of the actual and past research in the field of ground meat. The forces that are acting in the meat grinder are well understood. The higher the forces that are acting on the meat while grinding, the stronger the disintegration of the meat cells after the process. These forces can be calculated as energy transfer in meat grinders using specific mechanical energy (SME). The amount of non-intact cells (ANIC) can be used to describe the extent of disintegrated cells. Different methods are available to rate the quality of ground meat, which is mainly influenced by the raw material and processing. Over the past decades of industrialization, the landscape of ground meat production has changed. However, the effects of the process adjustments on the quality of ground meat are not yet sufficiently described in the literature.

Sensory properties of thickened tomato soup enhanced with different sources of protein (whey, soy, hemp, and pea)

Thickened soup formulations were created with different proteins (hemp, soy, pea, and whey) to improve protein and fluid intake. The formulations consisted of a control soup, and soups with 6% whey protein, 6% hemp protein, 6% pea protein, and 6% soy protein by volume. The suitability of the samples for those living with dysphagia was evaluated using the international dysphagia diet standardization initiative (IDDSI) spoon tilt test and a sensory trial (51 older adults and 51 younger adults). The sensory trial used nine-point hedonic scales and check-all-that-apply to evaluate the different formulations. The sample with the whey addition was not significantly different than the control in terms of liking of flavor and texture, but it decreased the participants' overall liking. The hemp, pea, and soy decreased overall liking as well as liking of flavor and texture. They were associated with off-flavors, aftertaste, and astringency. The responses from the older and younger adults were compared and significant differences were found in their liking of the texture, with the older adults finding the formulations' texture significantly more acceptable. Overall, the study identified that hemp, pea, and soy did not create acceptable thickened soup formulations and the hemp and pea formulations did not achieve a consistency level that is acceptable for those living with dysphagia.

Addressing Clean Label Trends in Commercial Meat Processing: Strategies, Challenges and Insights from Consumer Perspectives

BACKGROUND

The concept of a clean label is difficult to define, even in common language, as the interpretation of what a "clean" food is differs from one person to another and from one organisation to another. The lack of a unique definition and regulations of what the term "clean" means, along with the growing consumer demand for more "natural" and healthier foods, is posing new challenges for manufacturers and ingredient producers. The meat industry, in particular, has been affected by this new movement owing to negative attitudes and feelings consumers associate with consuming processed meat products. Scope and approach: The review scope is to describe attributes and associations around the "clean" label term by analysing the most recent ingredients, additives and processing methods currently available for meat manufacturers. Their application in meat, plant-based alternatives and hybrid meat/plant products, current limitations and challenges presented in consumer perception, safety and potential impacts on product quality are also presented.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The availability of a growing number of "clean" label ingredients provides a new suite of approaches that are available for application by meat processors to help overcome some of the negative connotations associated with processed meat products and also support plant-based meat alternatives and hybrids.

Effects of Button Mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetes) and Soybean Oil on Storage Characteristics of Chicken Sausage

To investigate the effect of Agaricus bisporus and soybean oil as complex fat substitutes on the storage characteristics of chicken sausages, a pre-mixture of A. bisporus and soybean oil (1:2) was used to replace 0% (CK), 30% (T30), 60% (T60), and 90% (T90) of pork back fat in chicken sausages. The changes in color (brightness value, L*; redness value, a*; and yellowness value, b*), texture, pH, and total viable count of the sausages were examined at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 d of storage at 4°C, respectively. The results showed that A. bisporus and soybean oil altered the color of the sausages. At the same storage time, compared with CK, L* values of fat-reduced chicken sausages decreased significantly, while a* values increased significantly (P < 0.05), b* values increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the 10 d of storage. During storage, L* and a* values of CK gradually decreased and b* values gradually increased, fat-reduced sausages exhibited opposite trends in a* values and b* values compared with CK. The hardness and chewiness of fat-reduced sausages increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with CK at the same storage time. During storage, the overall hardness of fat-reduced sausages increased, and the springiness and chewiness fluctuated. T60 did not change significantly in cohesiveness throughout the storage period (P < 0.05). The pH of fat-reduced sausage was relatively stable during storage. The higher the amount of A. bisporus added, the greater the pH. The pH of T60 did not change throughout the storage period. A. bisporus and soybean oil showed some antibacterial effect on sausage and the minimum shelf life of chicken sausage with A. bisporus was 25 d. In conclusion, A. bisporus and soybean oil increased the redness and hardness of the sausages during storage, but the pH and total viable bacteria count remained relatively stable. T60 displayed the most stable storage properties among them, making it the optimum method for the manufacturing of fat-reduced chicken sausages.

The influence of the rotational speed of the meat cutter knives and bowl on the microstructure of meat products

The aim of the study was to determine the structure of meat batter and processed meat products, depending on the chopping time and rotational speed of the cutter knives and bowl, by means of histochemical methods combined with the computer image analysis system. Finely comminuted meat batters and processed meat products were investigated. Four variants of the rotational speed of cutter knives and bowl were applied in the experiment: 1500/10 rpm, 1500/20 rpm , 3000/10 rpm and 3000/20 rpm. The chopping process lasted 10 min. After 5, 6, 8 and 10 min of chopping samples of meat batter and processed meat products were collected for histological analyses. The microstructure of structural elements (fat globules and collagen fibres) was measured using computer image analysis. The following parameters were included in a characteristic of the images: the area, circumference, length and width of fat fields; the number of fat fields analysed; the percentage of fat fields in the field under analysis; the area, circumference, length and width of collagen fibres. The computer image analysis showed that the optimal speed of the cutter knives and bowl was 3000/20 rpm. The chopping time was reduced from 10 to 8 min.

Replacing animal fat with edible mushrooms: a strategy to produce high-quality and low-fat buffalo meatballs

The present work investigated the effects of replacing the fat in meatballs with enoki, brown beech, shiitake, white oyster, brown, or king oyster mushrooms on the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the reduced-fat meatballs. The water holding capacity of the reduced-fat meatballs increased significantly (14.4 - 36.5%) in parallel to a significant increase in the moisture (3.3 - 5.6%) and protein (4.1 - 7.5%) contents, with a decrease in fat (16.3 - 86.3%) content as compared to the control. No differences were found for the cooking yield and texture properties of the samples, except for the king oyster mushroom which reduced the hardness of the reduced-fat meatballs. The redness of the reduced-fat meatballs was comparable with the control, but reduced in yellowness and lightness. Most of the reduced-fat meatballs had better sensory characteristics as compared to the control, in particular, the meatballs with shiitake mushroom. In conclusion, all the mushrooms tested have the potential to be used as a full fat replacer in meatballs, except for king oyster mushroom which reduced the texture quality of the reduced-fat meatballs.

Rapid Nondestructive Simultaneous Detection for Physicochemical Properties of Different Types of Sheep Meat Cut Using Portable Vis/NIR Reflectance Spectroscopy System

The visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis/NIRS) models for sheep meat quality evaluation using only one type of meat cut are not suitable for other types. In this study, a novel portable Vis/NIRS system was used to simultaneously detect physicochemical properties (pH, color L*, a*, b*, cooking loss, and shear force) for different types of sheep meat cut, including silverside, back strap, oyster, fillet, thick flank, and tenderloin cuts. The results show that the predictive abilities for all parameters could be effectively improved by spectral preprocessing. The coefficient of determination (R_p²) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of the optimal prediction models for pH, L*, a*, b*, cooking loss, and shear force were 0.79 and 3.50, 0.78 and 2.28, 0.68 and 2.46, 0.75 and 2.62, 0.77 and 2.19, and 0.83 and 2.81, respectively. The findings demonstrate that Vis/NIR spectroscopy is a useful tool for predicting the physicochemical properties of different types of meat cut.

Influence of Plant-Based Proteins on the Fresh and Cooked Characteristics of Ground Beef Patties

Blended meat/plant products are capturing industry market space at the retail counter for value-added beef products. Plant protein ingredients can be added to meat formulations to create appealing and functional products. Ground beef was combined with one of three plant protein inclusion treatments: control, pea, oat, or rice, along with 5% textured vegetable protein (TVP) and 1.5% soy protein concentrate then formed into 226 g patties containing up to 10% plant-based proteins. Patties were analyzed for fresh and cooked characteristics throughout a 5- or 7-day retail display. The inclusion of plant-based proteins negatively affected the instrumental tenderness values which were greater (p < 0.01) in plant-inclusion patties compared to the control patties. The inclusion of plant proteins increased (p = 0.01) the cooking yield of patties compared to the control. Cooking time was longer (p = 0.04) for oat patties compared to the control patties. Cooked color values for vegetable inclusion patties did not affect (p = 0.12) lightness (CIE L*) values; however, redness (CIE a*) was greater (p < 0.01) for rice than all other treatments and yellowness (CIE b*) values were greater (p < 0.01) for all protein treatments compared to the control. Rice improved (p < 0.01) fresh a* values on day 5 of display compared to the control; whereas pea decreased (p = 0.04) values compared to the control. There was a treatment × day interaction (p < 0.01) on lipid oxidation values with a reduction in values on day 3 for all vegetable proteins compared to the control and on day 7 lipid oxidation was reduced (p ≤ 0.03) for oat patties.

Effect of adding byproducts of chicken slaughter on the quality of sausage over storage

The use of byproducts generated by the food industry is a strategy that can have advantages in economic, technological, nutritional, and environmental terms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the addition of byproducts of chicken slaughter (skin and abdominal fat) on the quality of fresh sausage stored under freezing. Partial chemical characterization of the byproducts was performed. Three batches of chicken sausage were prepared with skin, abdominal fat, and with skin and abdominal fat added; thereafter were stored for 135 d in freezer. Partial chemical composition, physical characteristics, microbiological quality, and product acceptance were determined. Skin and abdominal fat are rich sources of fat. However, the addition of skin provided to sausage higher protein content, hardness, water retention capacity, and less cooking loss compared to added abdominal fat treatments. In contrast, the addition of abdominal fat provided higher lipid content to the sausages and displaying higher acceptability. The addition of byproducts in fresh sausage manufacture would be a great strategy to increase the chicken sausage value, with physicochemical quality improvement, and without sensory acceptability issues.

Influences of extrusion parameters on physicochemical properties of textured vegetable proteins and its meatless burger patty

Isolated soy protein, wheat gluten, and starch at ratio 5:4:1 were texturized under different moisture contents (40 and 50%) and die temperature (130 and 150 °C) by the twin-screw extruder. Physicochemical properties were firstly studied. These textured vegetable proteins (TVPs) were used to form 100% plant-based burger patties. Cooking and textural features were secondly investigated. TVP at 50% moisture content and 130 °C die temperature represented the highest water absorption capacity and integrity index but the lowest solubility among TVPs. Cooking loss and shrinkage in diameter and thickness, cohesiveness, chewiness, hardness, and cutting strength of TVP meatless burger patties were significantly lower than that commercial meat patty, while moisture retention and springiness of TVP meatless burger patties were higher (p < 0.05). Our results found that the texture of patty made with TVP at 50% moisture content and 130 °C die temperature was the most similarity to commercial meat patty.

Elaboração de salsichas de frango com redução de gordura e adição de inulina

Resumo Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar os efeitos da substituição parcial e total da gordura por inulina nos parâmetros de qualidade de salsichas de frango. Três formulações foram desenvolvidas: Controle (F1) e dois níveis de inclusão de inulina: 2,5% (F2) e 5% (F3). Parâmetros de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos, pH, atividade de água e cor (L*, a* e b*) foram analisados. O perfil tecnológico também foi analisado por meio da estabilidade da emulsão, perda de peso por cozimento, perda de peso por exsudação e força de cisalhamento. Os atributos sensoriais pesquisados foram cor, aparência, textura, sabor, aceitação geral, bem como teste de intenção de compra. A adição de 2,5% de inulina na formulação F2 verificou-se uma redução na perda de água durante o cozimento, perda de peso por exsudação, bem como aumento da estabilidade da emulsão comparada às demais formulações. A formulação com 5% de inulina apresentou baixo teor de gordura, baixa força de cisalhamento e elevados teores de cinzas e carboidratos comparativamente à formulação controle. Não houve alterações no pH e na atividade de água. Em relação à cor, a inclusão de inulina teve efeito significativo (p < 0,05) para a luminosidade (L*) na superfície interna das salsichas. O valor de b* também foi significativo (p < 0,05) na formulação (F3) para a superfície interna e na formulação F1 na superfície externa. A adição de inulina, em especial na formulação (F3), resultou em valores mais altos nas avaliações de aparência, textura e sabor em relação às demais formulações, o que refletiu na maior intenção de compra. Sendo assim, pode-se afirmar que foi possível a redução de 50% e 100% de gordura com a adição de 2,5% e 5% de inulina, sem redução na qualidade das salsichas.

Technological parameters for the production of cooked poultry and pork sausages enriched with non-traditional vegetable raw materials

The results of the development of the technological scheme and parameters of the production of cooked sausage products from poultry and pork, enriched with protein-containing vegetable raw materials, are presented. It is proposed to introduce chickpea flour and lentil flour in a total amount of 5% in equal proportions of 1:1 into the sausage product recipe as a protein-containing vegetable additive. Previously, chickpea and lentil flour are mixed with aquafaba in different containers. Part of the water or ice introduced in the production of cooked sausages is replaced with aquafaba, obtained in the production of chickpea flour. Aquafaba is administered in an amount of 5%. These mixtures are placed in the freezer 30 minutes before the start of cooking the minced meat and kept at a temperature of -22°C for freezing. At the third stage of cutting, a frozen mixture of aquafaba, lentil and chickpea flour is added. The processing time is 3-5 minutes. This mixture in the technological process acts as a structure-forming component and improves the organoleptic properties of the finished product. The introduced additives allow you to get a functional product with an increased content of animal and vegetable protein, as well as increased vitamin and mineral value.

Structuring meat systems using natural biopolymers

The features of the structure and properties of raw materials, which are a source of biopolymers of natural origin are presented. The main focus of the theoretical part is paid to the study of the process of structuring of biopolymers (proteins and polysaccharides). Practical approbation was carried out on the example of meat-containing meat and meat chopped products and semi-finished products.

Glyceryl monostearate-based oleogels as a new fat substitute in meat emulsion

Bologna sausages were produced with 25, 50, 75 and 100% of their pork fat content replaced by monoglyceride based-oleogels prepared from conventional or high oleic sunflower oils. Physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties of Bologna sausages were evaluated. Emulsion stability was little affected by fat replacement. All treatments batters exhibited characteristic rheological properties of gels (G' > G″). Overall, the addition of oleogel as a fat substitute made the sausages lighter and a small increase in hardness was observed in the sausages with total fat replacement by oleogels. The sliceability was affected by the reformulation and a higher number of slices were obtained in samples with oleogels in relation to the control. These results were associated to the product structure that became more compact as the amount of pork fat was reduced. However, all samples showed good acceptance by the consumers and no significant difference was observed between treatments. The results showed that monostearate-based oleogel can be a potential fat replacer with higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids to be used in meat products, but retaining the desired characteristics of the traditional products.

Effects of xanthan gum, canning and storage period on fatty acid profile and cholesterol oxidation of restructured low-fat meat product of India

This study evaluated the impact of xanthan gum (XG), canning and storage on fatty acids (FAs) contents and formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in low-fat meat product (goshtaba) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. The FAs composition i.e. saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, polyunsaturated FAs and trans FAs during processing and storage showed non-significant difference in all goshtaba products (P > 0.05). The cholesterol content decreased significantly after canning in all products (P < 0.05) while, maximum reduction was observed in high-fat goshtaba (HFC). During storage all products exhibited significant decrease in cholesterol upto 6th month, thereafter showed non-significant variation. The COPs determined were 7-β-OH-ch, 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one and 25-OH-ch. After canning two COPs (7-β-OH-ch, 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one) were produced in all products. But during storage there was formation of 25-OH-ch, increase in 7-β-OH-ch and decrease in 5-ch-3β-ol-7-one and lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba containing 1.5% XG. The results concluded that fat replacer (XG), processing and storage had no significant effect on the FAs compositions of all goshtaba products including HFC. However, cholesterol content exhibited significant variation and minimum reduction in cholesterol and formation of lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba formulated with 1.5% XG.

4D printing of products based on soy protein isolate via microwave heating for flavor development

The aim of this study is to establish food 4D printing products with the property of automatic flavor change by the post-printing application of microwave as an external thermal stimulus. The combination of a formulation comprised of soybean protein isolate (SPI), k-carrageenan (CAR) and vanilla flavor (VNL) was used as printing material. The change in flavor profile was observed by the level of external heat stimulus as a 4D effect. The results of e-nose revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in sensors 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 and 13 in the sample added with vanilla flavor meanwhile GC-MS detected 25 volatiles compounds. Notably, four new generated flavor compounds (1-Octen-3-ol, Maltol, Ethyl maltol and eugenal) were identified when added with vanilla flavor. Moreover, e-tongue results indicated the taste characteristics of the sample with vanilla flavor presenting more intense bitterness, astringency, umami, richness and saltiness. The rheological property and water distribution (LF-NMR) determined at different concentrations levels of carrageenan showed that SPI gel made with 3% (w/v) carrageenan was the most suitable for 3D printing among all three concentrations considered in this study. Overall, the results can conclude that the addition of carrageenan and post-printing microwave heating at an optimum level of microwave power enhanced the printability and flavor of SPI gel.

Physicochemical and Functional Potential of Hydrocolloids Extracted from Some Solanaceae Plants

Three different plants (Solanum indicum, Solanum surattense, and Solanum nigrum) of Solanaceae family were explored to extract and characterize hydrocolloids in aqueous solution. S. indicum fruit fractions bring in maximum hydrocolloid yield of 21.39 ± 0.42% based on % dry weight of the sample. The observed order of extracting hydrocolloid yield amongst investigating aerial parts of S. surattense, S. nigrum, and S. indicum (% dry weight) is fruits > stem > leaves. Maximum protein (22%) and starch (0.85%) contents were observed in fruit fractions of S. nigrum and S. indicum, respectively. Among the functional characteristics, the fruit fraction of S. indicum has higher water-holding capacity (24.80%), oil-holding capacity (2.96%), emulsifying activity (90%), emulsion stability (70%), foaming capacity (65%), and foaming stability (90%). Monosaccharide profiling results showed the presence of glucose, galacturonic acid, galactose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, and xylose in extracted fractions. The findings propose that hydrocolloids (extracted with water) are cost-effective and would be potential candidate as a substitute for pectin added into foamy and frothy food products and frothy beverages.

Seaweeds as a Functional Ingredient for a Healthy Diet

Seaweeds have been used since ancient times as food, mainly by Asian countries, while in Western countries, their main application has been as gelling agents and colloids for the food, pharmaceuticals, and the cosmetic industry. Seaweeds are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Polyphenols, polysaccharides, and sterols, as well as other bioactive molecules, are mainly responsible for the healthy properties associated with seaweed. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties are attributed to these compounds. If seaweeds are compared to terrestrial plants, they have a higher proportion of essential fatty acids as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids. In addition, there are several secondary metabolites that are synthesized by algae such as terpenoids, oxylipins, phlorotannins, volatile hydrocarbons, and products of mixed biogenetic origin. Therefore, algae can be considered as a natural source of great interest, since they contain compounds with numerous biological activities and can be used as a functional ingredient in many technological applications to obtain functional foods.

State-of-the-Art Production Chains for Peas, Beans and Chickpeas-Valorization of Agro-Industrial Residues and Applications of Derived Extracts

The world is confronted with the depletion of natural resources due to their unsustainable use and the increasing size of populations. In this context, the efficient use of by-products, residues and wastes generated from agro-industrial and food processing opens the perspective for a wide range of benefits. In particular, legume residues are produced yearly in very large amounts and may represent an interesting source of plant proteins that contribute to satisfying the steadily increasing global protein demand. Innovative biorefinery extraction cascades may also enable the recovery of further bioactive molecules and fibers from these insufficiently tapped biomass streams. This review article gives a summary of the potential for the valorization of legume residual streams resulting from agro-industrial processing and more particularly for pea, green bean and chickpea by-products/wastes. Valuable information on the annual production volumes, geographical origin and state-of-the-art technologies for the extraction of proteins, fibers and other bioactive molecules from this source of biomass, is exhaustively listed and discussed. Finally, promising applications, already using the recovered fractions from pea, bean and chickpea residues for the formulation of feed, food, cosmetic and packaging products, are listed and discussed.

Impact of use of byproducts (chicken skin and abdominal fat) on the oxidation of chicken sausage stored under freezing

Fresh chicken sausage is a meat product with high consumption in the world. The addition of a lipid source (other than abdominal fat), such as chicken skin, is considered an alternative to harnessing slaughter byproducts in the preparation of processed meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of use of skin and/or abdominal fat on chicken sausages and their effect on oxidative stability of chicken sausages during freezing storage. Three formulations with chicken meat added of abdominal fat (SF), or chicken skin (SS), or chicken fat and skin (SFS) were elaborated. Chemical composition, fatty acid profile, instrumental color and texture, oxidative stability of lipids and proteins, and sensory acceptability of chicken sausages were determined. SS formulation showed lower lipid and protein oxidation and softness during storage. Consumers showed greater preference and high purchase intent for SFS formulation, which showed average values of chemical composition and oxidation of chicken sausages stored under freezing. Therefore, the combined addition of lipid sources, skin, and abdominal fat is recommended for use in chicken sausages, considering that the addition of fat improves the sensory characteristics of chicken sausages and skin minimizes the oxidative effects of storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The combined addition of skin fat and abdominal fat is recommended for use in chicken sausages as it does not interfere with consumer acceptability and further ensures nutritional quality during freezing storage. In addition, it is an alternative to using a byproduct of chicken slaughter, bringing economic advantages to the industry and less environmental damage to the world.

The effect of tropical flours (breadfruit and banana) on structural and technological properties of beef emulsion modeling systems

This study evaluated structural and technological properties of beef emulsion modeling systems prepared with tropical flours. Treatments consisted of a control (0% flour inclusion) and three inclusion levels (1%, 2% and 4%) of two breadfruit flours and a banana flour. Flour type affected starch content of cooked beef emulsions, with greater starch content for emulsions prepared with banana flour compared with breadfruit flour, yet flour type did not affect cooking loss. Hardness and chewiness of cooked beef emulsion prepared with breadfruit flour decreased as inclusion level increased from 0% to 4%, while hardness was not affected by inclusion level of banana flour. Redness values of cooked beef emulsions increased as flour inclusion level increased, but were not affected by flour type. Evaluation of the beef emulsion microstructure and storage modulus revealed that the starch granules of banana flour behaved remarkably different than breadfruit flour. Overall, there were positive structural and technological attributes when tropical flours were included in beef emulsions.

Could Defatted Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Mealworm Oil Be Used as Food Ingredients?

Before edible insects may be used as an alternative food, it is necessary to develop basic product forms and evaluate their characteristics. We made two basic commercial products (defatted powder and oil) from mealworm, a popular edible insect. The defatted mealworm powder possessed a sufficient amount of protein, and it had a savory taste due to plentiful free amino acids. Additionally, it had abundant minor nutrients and bioactive compounds. The physicochemical properties of mealworm oil were very similar to vegetable oil, and mealworm oil was also abundant in bioactive nutrients, especially γ-tocopherol. In addition, the predicted shelf life of mealworm oil was suitable for commercial use. Moreover, mealworm had high antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities, which may arise from functional peptides and glucosamine derivatives such as chitin and chitosan. In short, the defatted mealworm powder and mealworm oil could be successfully used as novel food ingredients.

Use of Agaricus bisporus mushroom in beef burgers: antioxidant, flavor enhancer and fat replacing potential

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of Agaricus bisporus mushroom as a natural antioxidant, fat/salt substitute and flavor enhancer in beef burger. Ten treatments were considered using a fractional factorial design (salt [0.5, 1.25 and 2.0%], fat [10, 15 and 20%] and mushroom content [0, 15 and 30%]). Treatments were characterized by instrumental and sensory measurements. The statistical design indicated that fat content had little influence on the results. The principal component analysis showed that the incorporation of mushrooms and salt modified the texture, moisture and water activity. Oxidative stability decreased as the salt content increased, at a low-fat content. Finally, the sensory profile was affected by the mushroom and salt contents, with the fat content exerting the least influence. Therefore, mushroom incorporation in beef burger may be a feasible strategy to reduce the fat content of beef burgers.

Graphical abstract

Use of molecular interactions and mesoscopic scale transitions to modulate protein-polysaccharide structures

Mixed protein-polysaccharide structures have found widespread applications in various fields, such as in foods, pharmaceuticals or personal care products. A better understanding and a more precise control over the molecular interactions between the two types of macromolecules leading to an engineering of nanoscale and colloidal building blocks have fueled the design of novel structures with improved functional properties. However, these building blocks often do not constitute the final matrix. Rather, further process operations are used to transform the initially formed structural entities into bulk matrices. Systematic knowledge on the relation between molecular structure design and subsequent mesoscopic scale transitions induced by processing is scarce. This article aims at establishing a connection between these two approaches. Therefore, it reviews not only studies on the underlying molecular interaction phenomena leading to either a segregative or associative phase behavior and nanoscale or colloidal structures, but also looks at the less systematically studied approach of using macroscopic processing operations such as shearing, heating, crosslinking, and concentrating/drying to transform the initially generated structures into bulk matrices. Thereby, a more comprehensive look is taken at the relationship between different influencing factors, namely solvent conditions (i.e. pH, ionic strength), biopolymer characteristics (i.e. type, charge density, mixing ratio, biopolymer concentration), and processing parameters (i.e. temperature, mechanical stresses, pressure) to generate bulk protein-polysaccharide matrices with different morphological features. The need for a combinatorial approach is then demonstrated by reviewing in detail current mixed protein-polysaccharide applications that increasingly make use of this. In the process, open scientific questions that will need to be addressed in the future are highlighted.

Using Canola Oil Organogels as Fat Replacement in Liver Pâté

Five canola oil organogel formulations were used to replace pork fat in pâtés to increase unsaturated fat content, and to determine their effects on texture and sensory properties. While pâtés made with canola oil were softer than the control pork fat product at room temperature, pâtés made with gelled canola oil (organogel pâtés) had similar hardness values to the control. Back extrusion results (also a measure of spreadability) showed that pâté made with canola oil only was softer than the control at 4 °C, but the pâtés made with organogels were similar to the control. Organogel pâtés were perceived to have similar sensory hardness, oiliness, and juiciness as the control. Pâtés made with organogels showed higher oil loss, over time, compared to control; however, pâtés made with organogels containing glycerol monostearate showed lower oil loss after 24 hr (P < 0.05) compared to the other organogel treatments. Light microscopy showed that fat globule size was notably larger in pâtés made with organogels than in the pork fat and the canola oil control pâtés. The color of organogel pâtés was darker compared to pâtés made with pork fat or canola oil only. Sensory data showed that all fat replaced pâtés had very similar flavor profiles. Overall, organogel pâtés showed comparable textural, physical, and sensory properties to the traditional pâté made with pork fat, while reducing the saturated fat content by 60%. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Use of vegetable oil in highly emulsified liver pâté has been shown to be possible via the use of organogels prepared with ethylcellulose. This has been a challenge because some of the meat proteins are heat denatured prior to the emulsification process. Overall, the use of organogels, with specific hardness and oil retention values, is possible as demonstrated in this publication.