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The flavor characteristics of pennywort juices with added sugar treated by ultra-high pressure, pasteurization, and sterilization were investigated using solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was found that sesquiterpene hydrocarbons comprised the major class of volatile components present and the juices had a characteristic aroma due to the presence of volatiles including β-caryophyllene and humulene and α-copaene. In comparison with heated juices, HPP-treated samples could retain more volatile compounds such as linalool and geraniol similar to those present in fresh juice, whereas some volatiles such as α-terpinene and ketone class were apparently formed by thermal treatment. All processing operations produced juice that was not significantly different in the concentration of total volatiles. Practical Application: Pennywort juice is considered a nutraceutical drink for health benefits. Therefore, to preserve all aroma and active components in this juice, a nonthermal process such as ultra-high pressure should be a more appropriate technique for retention of its nutritive values than pasteurization and sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavor variability and stability of U.S.-produced whole milk powder (WMP) are important parameters for maximizing quality and global competitiveness of this commodity. This study characterized flavor and flavor stability of domestic WMP. Freshly produced (<1 mo) WMP was collected from 4 U.S. production facilities 5 times over a 1 y period. Each sample was analyzed initially and every 2 mo for sensory profile, volatiles, color, water activity, and moisture through 12 mo storage. Selected volatiles were quantified using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry: dimethyl sulfide, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, hexanal, 2-heptanone, heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, octanal, 3-octen-2-one, and nonanal. Multiple linear regression with backwards elimination was applied to generate equations to predict grassy and painty flavors based on selected volatiles. All WMP were between 2% and 3% moisture and 0.11 and 0.25 water activity initially. WMP varied in initial flavor profiles with varying levels of cooked, milk fat, and sweet aromatic flavors. During storage, grassy and painty flavors developed while sweet aromatic flavor intensities decreased ( P < 0.05). Painty and grassy flavors were confirmed by increased levels ( P < 0.05) of lipid oxidation products such as hexanal, heptanal, and octanal. Hexanal, 2-heptanone, 1-octen-3-ol, and nonanal concentrations were best predictors of grassy flavor ( R2= 0.38, P < 0.0001) while hexanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, octanal, and 3-octen-2-one concentrations were best predictors of painty flavor ( R2= 0.61, P < 0.0001). These results provide baseline information to determine specific factors that can be controlled to optimize U.S. WMP flavor and flavor stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristic flavors, with the exception of umami, of dried bonito stock not only enhanced saltiness but also improved palatability, namely the acceptability, of salt-reduced foods. However, the respective effects of odorants and tastants of dried bonito stock on palatability have yet to be fully explained. Thus, the effect of dried bonito stock aroma on saltiness enhancement and palatability improvement in salt-reduced food was evaluated by sensory assessment. Probit analysis indicated that aromas of the stocks, arabushi and karebushi, did not affect the intensity of saltiness. However, the test sample with aromas of dried bonito stocks was significantly more palatable than the reference sample. The effects of the taste of dried bonito stock were also evaluated. Probit analysis indicated that enhanced saltiness was not observed in the MSG solution but was observed with the dried bonito stocks, when controlled for aroma. These results suggest that saltiness enhancement by dried bonito stock was caused by the characteristic taste (excluding umami) of dried bonito stock, while its characteristic aroma and umami were involved in preventing the loss of palatability of a low-salt diet. Moreover, it was found that using a combination of karebushi and dried kelp, as material for making stock, could contribute effectively to the preparation of palatable salt-reduced foods in Japan. Invention of new seasonings for improving the palatability of salt-reduced foods could exploit these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceptability of cheese depends largely on the flavor formed during ripening. The flavor profiles of cheeses are complex and region- or manufacturer-specific which have made it challenging to understand the chemistry of flavor development and its correlation with sensory properties. Infrared spectroscopy is an attractive technology for the rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput analysis of foods, providing information related to its composition and conformation of food components from the spectra. Our objectives were to establish infrared spectral profiles to discriminate Swiss cheeses produced by different manufacturers in the United States and to develop predictive models for determination of sensory attributes based on infrared spectra. Fifteen samples from 3 Swiss cheese manufacturers were received and analyzed using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The spectra were analyzed using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) to build a classification model. The cheeses were profiled by a trained sensory panel using descriptive sensory analysis. The relationship between the descriptive sensory scores and ATR-IR spectra was assessed using partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. SIMCA discriminated the Swiss cheeses based on manufacturer and production region. PLSR analysis generated prediction models with correlation coefficients of validation (rVal) between 0.69 and 0.96 with standard error of cross-validation (SECV) ranging from 0.04 to 0.29. Implementation of rapid infrared analysis by the Swiss cheese industry would help to streamline quality assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavor and texture lexicons and consumer perception for 2 cheese sauce categories, wet and dry, were determined and compared. Commercial and prototype, as well as homemade, wet ( n = 24) and dry cheese sauces ( n = 14) were evaluated by a trained descriptive panel ( n = 9). Consumer acceptance testing was conducted on representative wet sauces (10) and dry sauces (8) on different days ( n = 122 consumers each day). Cheese sauces were served over pasta for consumer testing. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate the collected data. Flavor and cheese flavor liking were highly correlated with overall liking for both wet and dry sauces. Salty taste was a key driver of liking for both cheese sauce categories. Flavor attributes of wet sauces that contributed most to higher acceptance were beefy/brothy, sweet/caramelized, and free fatty acid. Liking of dry sauces was driven by Alfredo sauce specific flavors such as onion/garlic and herbal for 2 of the consumer clusters, but beefy/brothy and free fatty acid were drivers for the traditional macaroni and cheese consumers. The impact of color/appearance and texture attributes had only a minor influence on consumer liking. By knowing what drives liking in wet and dry cheese sauces, researchers and product developers can more easily develop cheese sauces that appeal to all categories of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is tremendous variability in flavor profiles of sharp or aged U.S. cheddar cheese due to varied practices among commercial facilities and the lack of legal definitions for these terms. This study explored U.S. consumer perception and liking of commercial sharp or aged cheddar cheese profiles. Flavor profiles of 29 representative sharp cheddar cheeses were documented by descriptive sensory analysis with a trained panel. A total of 9 representative cheddar cheeses were selected and evaluated by consumers in 3 regional locations: east coast (Raleigh, N.C.; n = 150), midwest (Champaign, Ill.; n = 75), and west coast (Pullman, Wash.; n = 100). Consumers assessed the cheeses for overall liking and other consumer liking attributes. External preference mapping revealed 5 distinct consumer segments. The segment membership distribution between east coast and midwest consumers was similar while the west coast distribution was distinct ( P < 0.05). A larger proportion of west coast consumers were present in segment 3, which consisted of consumers with specific likes for cheeses characterized by intense flavors of free fatty acid, brothy, and nutty flavors and salty and sour tastes. Consumer preferences in other segments differed from segment 3 due to their liking of at least 1 sensory attribute generally associated with young or mild cheddar cheese flavor. Key drivers of liking for these segments included whey flavor for segments 1 and 4 and milkfat flavor for segment 5. Segment 2 consumers liked most of the cheeses tested except those with dominant whey flavor. A sharp or aged cheddar cheese label means different things to different consumers and liking profiles are not defined by consumer location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to characterize shortday onions of 3 pungency levels with regard to the composition of flavor related compounds. A total of 9 onion breeding lines/cultivars were selected, per each of low, medium, and high pungency level, with pyruvic acid contents of 1.9 to 2.8, 4.8 to 5.4, and 7.2 to 8.3 μmoles/mL, respectively. The contents of flavor precursors (S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide [1-PeCSO] and S-methyl-L-cysteine-sulfoxide [MCSO]), free amino acids, free sugars, soluble solids (SSC), and total sulfur (S) in onion bulbs were measured. The flavor precursor contents ranged from 0.03 to 0.16 mg/g fresh weight (FW) for MCSO, 0.07 to 0.65 mg for 1-PeCSO, and 0.12 to 0.77 mg in total, and precursor contents increased with the pungency levels. Onions of different pungency levels did not differ in the contents of individual or total free amino acids, and the most abundant amino acids were glutamine and arginine. The total sugar contents ranged from 50 to 75 mg/g FW, and total S contents (3.5 to 5.1 mg/g dry weight) were not correlated with the pungency levels. However, pungency levels were correlated inversely with bulb weight and positively with SSC, presumably by the effect of dilution. This study indicates that onion pungency is primarily determined by the content of flavor precursor compounds and not by total S, total sugars, or individual/total free amino acids in shortday bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tea has been widely consumed for its mild flavors and its health benefits, yet caffeine in green tea has been a limitation for those who want to avoid it. The limitation brought increase in need for decaffeinated products in the green tea market. Most of the conventional decaffeination techniques applied in food use organic solvents. However, supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SC-CO2) method is gaining its intension as one of the future decaffeination methods that overcomes the problems of conventional methods. The purpose of this study was to identify sensory characteristics of decaffeinated green teas applied with SC-CO2 method and to observe the relationship with consumer acceptability to elucidate the potentiality of applying SC-CO2 technique in decaffeinated green tea market. Descriptive analysis was performed on 8 samples: green teas containing 4 caffeine levels (10%, 35%, 60%, and 100%) infused at 2 infusing periods (1 or 2 min). It was found that the SC-CO2 process not only reduced caffeine but also decreased some important features of original tea flavors. Two groups were recruited for consumer acceptability test: one (GP I, N = 52), consuming all types of green teas including hot/cold canned teas; and the other (GP II, N = 40), only consuming the loose type. While GP II liked original green tea the most, GP I liked highly decaffeinated green teas. Although the SC-CO2 method had limitations of losing complex flavors of green teas, it appeared to have future potential in the decaffeinated green tea market within or without the addition of desirable flavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple methods are required for analysis of cheese flavor quality and composition. Chromatography and sensory analyses are accurate but laborious, expensive, and time consuming. A rapid and simple instrumental method based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was developed for simultaneous analysis of Cheddar cheese composition and flavor quality. Twelve different Cheddar cheese samples ripened for 67 d were obtained from a commercial cheese manufacturer along with their moisture, pH, salt, fat content, and sensory flavor quality data. Water-soluble components were extracted from the cheese, dried on zinc selenide FTIR crystal and scanned (4000 to 700 cm−1). Infrared spectra of the samples were correlated with their composition and flavor quality data to develop multivariate statistical regression and classification models. The models were validated using an independent set of ten 67-d-old test samples. The infrared spectra of the samples were well defined, highly consistent within each sample and distinct from other samples. The regression models showed excellent fit ( r > 0.92) and could accurately determine moisture, pH, salt, and fat contents as well as the flavor quality rating in less than 20 min. Furthermore, cheeses could also be classified based on their flavor quality (slight acid, whey taint, good cheddar, and so on). The discrimination of the samples was due to organic acids, amino acids, and short chain fatty acids (1800 to 900 cm−1), which are known to contribute significantly to cheese flavor. The results show that this technique can be a rapid, inexpensive, and simple tool for predicting composition and flavor quality of cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stewed beef and grilled dry aged beef were analyzed as part of an in-depth analytical program, with the aim of creating new flavors incorporating only compounds identified in the target foods and identifying new synthesis targets. In-house GC-MS analyses of several types of cooked beef have identified over 1000 volatile and semivolatile components; many for the 1st time. Among the semivolatiles detected were ten 2, 5-diketopiperazines (cyclic dipeptides) previously unreported in beef. These cyclic dipeptides are cis-cyclo(l-Ile-l-Pro), cis-cyclo(l-Leu-l-Pro), cis-cyclo(l-Pro-l-Pro), cis-cyclo(l-Pro-l-Val), cis-cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro), cyclo(Gly-l-Pro), cyclo(Gly-l-Leu), cis-cyclo(l-Met-l-Pro), cis-cyclo(l-Phe-l-Pro), and cis-cyclo(l-Phe-l-Val). All 10 cyclic dipeptides were synthesized and evaluated organoleptically. Among them cis-cyclo(l-Leu-l-Pro), cis-cyclo(l-Met-l-Pro), and cis-cyclo(l-Phe-l-Pro) were found to be of particular organoleptic interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of agglomeration on flavor and flavor stability of whey protein concentrates 80% (WPC80) and whey protein isolates (WPI) has not been widely addressed. This study examined the impact of agglomeration on the flavor and flavor stability of commercial WPC80 and WPI across 18 mo of storage. Duplicate agglomerated and nonagglomerated WPC80 and WPI were collected from 4 facilities and stored at 21 °C, 50% relative humidity. Volatile analysis using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and descriptive sensory analysis were conducted every 2 mo. Solubility index, bulk volume, dispersibility, moisture, and color ( L, a, b) were tested every 3 or 6 mo. Consumer acceptance testing with protein beverages was conducted with fresh and stored whey proteins. Higher intensities and more rapid development of lipid oxidation flavors (cardboard, raisin/brothy, cucumber, and fatty) were noted in agglomerated powders compared to nonagglomerated powders ( P < 0.05). Volatile analysis results confirmed sensory results, which indicated increased formation of aldehydes and ketones in agglomerated products compared to nonagglomerated powders ( P < 0.05). Consumer acceptance scores for protein beverages were lower for beverages made with agglomerated WPC80 stored for 12 mo and agglomerated or nonagglomerated WPI stored for 18 mo compared to fresh products while trained panelists detected differences among beverages and rehydrated proteins earlier. Agglomeration with or without lecithin decreased the storage stability of whey proteins. These results indicate that the optimum shelf life at 21 °C for nonagglomerated whey proteins is 12 to 15 mo and 8 to 12 mo for agglomerated whey proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the application of whey protein isolate (WPI) solution as a postbreading dip to reduce oil absorption in deep-fried, battered, and breaded chicken patties on sensory properties was investigated. Chicken patties were battered, breaded with either crackermeal (CMP) or Japanese breadcrumbs (JBP), and dipped into WPI solutions at varying protein concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%[w/w] WPI) and pH levels (pH 2, 3, and 8). A trained descriptive sensory panel evaluated the patties for 16 attributes relating to appearance, texture, and flavor. Instrumental analysis on the color and texture of the patties was also performed. The only perceivable changes in treated patties were related to color, hardness, and crunchiness. Increasing WPI concentration caused darkening of JBP but made CMP lighter. Patties treated at pH 8 were significantly darker across all WPI concentrations. The presence of WPI increased hardness and crust fracture for CMP but not JBP. Variations in pH levels did not affect texture. Thus, JBP that showed the highest lipid reduction (10% WPI at pH 2) were observed to be darker, less yellow, but did not produce any perceivable changes in hardness or crunchiness, while CMP with the lowest lipid content (5% WPI at pH 2) were lighter, more yellow, harder, and crunchier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between overall acceptance, chemical indicators, and sensory attributes in roasted peanuts harvested from high-oleic peanut genotypes produced in Argentina. Oleic/linoleic ratio (O/L), peroxide value, p-anisidine value, conjugated dienes, consumer acceptance, and descriptive analysis were performed on roasted peanuts prepared using 16 genotypes of normal and high-oleic peanuts. Principal component and cluster analysis were performed on the chemical and sensory data from peanut genotypes. Acceptance was positively associated with O/L, crunchiness, sweetness, roasted peanutty flavor, and hardness. Acceptability was negatively associated with cardboard, oxidized, and sour flavors. The high-oleic genotypes, 4896-11-C, and 9399-10 showed high consumer acceptance with 7 or “like moderately” in a hedonic scale of 9 points. Some high-oleic peanut lines, such as 9399-10, could be used to replace normal peanuts without affecting consumer acceptance of peanut products processed from them and more stability due to the high-oleic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmstead Cheddar cheeses with natural bandage wrappings have a distinctive flavor profile that is appealing to many consumers. An earthy/bell pepper (EBP) flavor has been previously recognized in some of these cheeses. This study characterized the alkylmethoxypyrazine compounds causing EBP flavor in Farmstead Cheddar cheeses. Eight cheeses were divided into inner, outer, rind, and wrapper sections, and tested for descriptive sensory and instrumental analyses. To assess reproducibility of EBP flavor, cheeses from the same facilities were purchased and tested after 6 and 12 mo. EBP flavor was detected in four out of 8 Farmstead Cheddar cheeses by a trained sensory panel. 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine were identified as the main sources of EBP flavor in these cheeses by GC/O and GC/MS. In general, those alkylmethoxypyrazines were prevalent in the wrapper (106 to 730 ppb) and rind (39 to 444 ppb) sections of the cheeses. They were either not detected in inner and outer sections of the cheeses or were present at low concentrations. These results suggest that 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine are formed near the surface of the cheeses and migrate into the cheese during ripening. Threshold values in water and whole milk were 1 and 16 ppt for 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine, and 0.4 and 2.3 ppt for 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, respectively. Sensory analysis of mild Cheddar cheese model systems confirmed that direct addition of those individual alkylmethoxypyrazines (0.4 to 20 ppb) resulted in EBP flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavor is a key factor contributing to consumer acceptance and repeat purchase of rice. Plant breeders focus on production yield and ignoring quality traits because there are no readily useable tools to evaluate quality. A systematic approach is needed for rice breeders to select rice with favorable flavor traits. Descriptive sensory analysis combined with chemical analysis provided an insight of sensory significance to interpret chemical data for a better understanding approach of rice flavor. This study was aimed to develop prediction models for sensory descriptors based on the volatile components derived from the gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) that would be useful to help select rice cultivars containing a satisfactory flavor to produce improved quality in rice breeding programs. Thirteen Korean specialty rice samples were evaluated for their flavor components using descriptive analysis and GC–O. Nineteen aroma attributes in cooked specialty rice samples were evaluated by 8 trained panelists and statistically correlated to the concentration of aroma-active compounds derived from GC–O analysis. Prediction models were developed for most aroma descriptors including popcorn, cooked grain, starchy, woody, smoky, grain, corn, hay-like, barny, rancid, waxy, earthy, and sweet aroma using stepwise multiple linear regression. ( E,E)-2, 4-decadienal, naphthalene, guaiacol, ( E)-2-hexenal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, 2-heptanone contributed most to these sensory attributes. These models help provide a quantitative link between sensory characteristics of commercial rice samples and aroma volatile components desirable in developing a rapid analytical method for use by rice breeders to screen progeny for superior flavor quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavor is an important factor in consumer selection of cheeses. Mild Cheddar cheese is the classification used to describe Cheddar cheese that is not aged extensively and has a “mild” flavor. However, there is no legal definition or age limit for Cheddar cheese to be labeled mild, medium, or sharp, nor are the flavor profiles or flavor expectations of these cheeses specifically defined. The objectives of this study were to document the distinct flavor profiles among commercially labeled mild Cheddar cheeses, and to characterize if consumer preferences existed for specific mild Cheddar cheese flavors or flavor profiles. Flavor descriptive sensory profiles of a representative array of commercial Cheddar cheeses labeled as mild ( n= 22) were determined using a trained sensory panel and an established cheese flavor sensory language. Nine representative Cheddar cheeses were selected for consumer testing. Consumers ( n= 215) assessed the cheeses for overall liking and other consumer liking attributes. Internal preference mapping, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis were conducted. Mild Cheddar cheeses were diverse in flavor with many displaying flavors typically associated with more age. Four distinct consumer clusters were identified. The key drivers of liking for mild Cheddar cheese were: color, cooked/milky, whey and brothy flavors, and sour taste. Consumers have distinct flavor and color preferences for mild Cheddar cheese. These results can help manufacturers understand consumer preferences for mild Cheddar cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa-specific aroma precursors and methylpyrazines in underfermented cocoa beans obtained from fermentation induced by indigenous carboxypeptidase have been investigated. Fermentation conditions and cocoa bean components were analyzed during 0 to 3 d of fermentation. Underfermented cocoa beans were characterized as having hydrophilic peptides and free hydrophobic amino acids much higher than unfermented ones. These 2 key components of cocoa aroma precursors may be produced from the breakdown of proteins and polypeptides by endogenous carboxypeptidase during the fermentation process. The enzyme was activated during fermentation. Polypeptides of 47, 31, and 19 kDa were observed in the samples throughout the 3-d fermentation period; however, only the first 2 polypeptides were remarkably reduced during fermentation. Since the 1st day of fermentation, underfermented cocoa beans contained methylpyrazines, a dominant group of cocoa-specific aroma. This might be due to microbial activities during fermentation, observed through a decrease of pH value and an increase of temperature of cocoa beans. The concentration of tetramethylpyrazines was significantly increased during the 3 d of fermentation. This may increase the cocoa-specific flavor to the beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During sensory evaluation assessments, visual masking techniques are frequently employed to disguise color differences between samples and minimize perceptual bias. Particularly in wine, the impact of these masking techniques on panelist evaluations has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to study the influence of visual masking techniques on the aroma and flavor assessment of 2 red wines and observe the impact of these techniques on trained and consumer sensory panels. Specific masking techniques included (1) blue wine glass/white illumination; (2) clear glass/red illumination; and (3) clear glass/white illumination. Ten panelists were trained to recognize 7 aroma and flavor attributes, while consumer panelists ( n= 80) evaluated attributes and liking. For the trained panel, the visual masking technique affected only perceived spicy flavor of Syrah ( P≤ 0.05), with the clear glass/red illumination resulting in more intense spicy flavor compared to the other 2 conditions. Principal components analysis showed that for the 2 red wines evaluated by the trained panel, red illumination resulted in higher spicy attributes and perceived astringency while wines served in blue wine glasses were higher in perceived astringency. For the consumer panel, red illumination resulted in wines higher in perceived astringency and blue wine glasses resulted in wines higher in perceived flavor liking. These results indicated that the visual masking techniques may influence both trained and consumer panel evaluation of aroma and flavor attributes of red wine. However, beyond red wine, this study makes the larger point that the choice of masking technique does impact sensory evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five-carbon sugars affect cooked meat flavor by the Maillard reaction. This research extends to the effects of pH and cooking temperature on meaty and species flavor, sweetness, barnyard, and rancid flavor in sheepmeat. Glucose and xylose were each blended into ground longissimus meat to 0%, 0.5%, or 1% and heated to 75 °C. Xylose treatments browned more than glucose treatments, and xylose flavor effects were more marked. With xylose, sheepmeat flavor declined significantly, but meaty flavor also declined. Differences were marked between pH 5.93 and 6.52, but pH effects at lower pHs were more subtle. Sweetness increased in many treatments, suggesting that 75 °C did not fully exploit the Maillard reaction. Therefore, pressure-cooked casserole treatments, chilled and frozen, were used to study the effects of xylose, packaging, and storage time on flavor. There were no flavor differences due to chill packaging (foil laminate compared with barrier bag) (not significant). Xylose addition reduced sheepmeat flavor by 24% on the 1 to 9 intensity scale ( P < 0.001), while meaty flavor and sweetness were unaffected. Rancid flavor was reduced by xylose addition ( P < 0.01), and the reduction in barnyard flavor approached significance ( P= 0.07). Chilled storage time to 29 d did not affect any attribute. In the frozen casserole trial (stored exposed to air), xylose had no significant flavor effects (all P≥ 0.38). However, storage to 71 d increased the rancid flavor score from a negligible 0.06 to 0.60 ( P= 0.04), suggesting that rancidity development swamped more subtle effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a pressing need for the development of ways of preparing palatable salt-reduced foods to reduce the salt intake of the Japanese population. The salt-reducing effect of the characteristic flavors other than umami of dried bonito stock, which is widely used in everyday Japanese food, was examined by sensory evaluation. In the 1st sensory evaluation, the effect was evaluated in a model solution. The saltiness of 0.80% NaCl solution was equivalent to that of 0.12% monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution containing 0.81% NaCl and dried bonito stock containing 0.68% NaCl. Saltiness enhancement could not be found when MSG solution was used, but was found with 6% dried bonito stock. The 2nd evaluation examined whether the effect was valid for 2 everyday Japanese foods—traditional Japanese clear soup ( sumashi-jiru) and steamed egg custard ( tamagodoufu). Although enhancement of saltiness by dried bonito stock could not be clearly demonstrated in the soup, a change in NaCl concentration within 15% did not affect the palatability of the soup. However, dried bonito stock not only enhanced the saltiness but also improved the palatability of steamed egg custard. These findings are expected to be useful for improving the palatability of salt-reduced food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheddar cheese is a widely popular food in the United States. This product is produced in facilities across the United States and often marketed based on region of manufacture, implying that regional differences in flavor character of the cheese exist. This study was conducted to determine if regional differences in flavor exist in the aged U.S. Cheddar cheeses. Three times per year for 2 y, triplicate 18-kg blocks of Cheddar cheese (< 60 d old) were obtained from 19 manufacturing facilities located in 4 major cheese- producing regions/states: California, Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast. A trained sensory panel documented the flavor characteristics of cheeses after 6-, 9-, 12-, 18-, and 24-mo ripening at 7 °C. Regional differences were observed for specific flavors for cheeses manufactured in the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast across ripening ( P < 0.05), but the specific flavors responsible for these effects were not consistent across ripening. Similarly, cheese make procedure effects were also observed for specific flavors across ripening ( P < 0.05), but these differences were also not consistent across ripening. The impact of region and cheese make procedure on flavor of the aged Cheddar cheeses was small in comparison to consistently documented, facility-specific flavor differences ( P < 0.0001). Flavor profiles of aged Cheddar cheeses were most strongly influenced by practices specific to manufacturing facility rather than region of manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Products will be judged as weaker in intensity when presented in a series with stronger items and stronger in intensity when presented with weaker items. This is a context effect known as simple contrast. Four groups of panelists were tested for the appearance and persistence of simple contrast effects in judgments of sweetness intensity. One group received training with intensity references, 1 group received a reference standard in each test, 1 group received both training and intensity references, and 1 group received neither training nor any references. In spite of extensive training and the presence of reference standards, the contrast effects were persistent. Training with intensity standards, as sometimes done in descriptive analysis, may not be sufficient to protect against shifts in judgments when products are judged in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textured soy protein (TSP), an extruded and fibrous-structured product, is mainly used as meat analog or extender. Meat alternatives are third in sales in the U.S. soy food marketplace. A primary problem that limits the incorporation of more TSP into products is the undesirable “beany” flavor. The objective of this study was to develop the best formulation of TSP and vegetable-based flavors to produce consumer acceptable “chicken” or “shrimp” flavored TSP using heat application processes. Four different types of commercial TSP (containing an average of 51% protein) strip-shaped extruded with a narrow die (STRIP-N) or with a wider die (STRIP-W), shred-shaped (SHRED) strips, and 1-cm crouton-shaped bits (BITs) were used. The TSPs were baked or deep-fat fried after soaking in 5 different commercial vegetable-based powered, liquid, or oil-based flavors ranged from 0% to 22.3% concentrations. Four descriptive analyses with a minimum of 14 trained panelists were utilized to evaluate the attributes of the finished TSP. Proximate, color, and texture analyses were performed on each TSP product. All treatments were statistically analyzed. Both instrumental and sensory tests demonstrated that BIT had a significantly higher crispness than other TSP. The powder type of chicken flavor used for a consumer panel had a more intense flavor than others with the optimum hydration time, 15 min. A consumer test with 125 people was performed with the highest chicken flavored (22.3%) fried and baked BIT. Overall, 66% of the total consumers preferred the fried BIT to the baked BIT, and 31% preferred the baked BIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important flavor component of citrus oils is limonene. Since limonene is lipid soluble, it is often added to foods as an oil-in-water emulsion. However, limonene-containing oil-in-water emulsions are susceptible to both physical instability and oxidative degradation, leading to loss of aroma and formation of off-flavors. Proteins have been found to produce both oxidatively and physically stable emulsions containing triacylglycerols. The objective of this research was to determine if whey protein isolate (WPI) could protect limonene in oil-in-water emulsion droplets more effectively than gum arabic (GA). Limonene degradation and formation of the limonene oxidation products, limonene oxide and carvone, were less in the WPI- than GA-stabilized emulsions at both pHs 3.0 and 7.0. These data suggest that WPI was able to inhibit the oxidative deterioration of limonene in oil-in-water emulsions. The ability of WPI to decrease oxidative reactions could be due to the formation of a cationic emulsion droplet interface at pH 3.0, which can repel prooxidative metals, and/or the ability of amino acids in WPI to scavenge free radical and chelate prooxidative metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour taste is the key element in the flavor profile of food acidulants. Understanding the chemistry and physiology of sour taste is critical for efficient control of flavor in the formulation of acid and acidified foods. After a brief introduction to the main applications of food acidulants, several chemical parameters associated with sour taste are discussed. Special emphasis is given to hydrogen ions, protonated (undissociated) acid species, titratable acidity, anions, molar concentration, and physical and chemical properties of organic acids. This article also presents an overview of the physiology of sour taste and proposed theories for the transduction mechanisms for sour taste. The physiology of sour taste perception remains controversial and significant diversity exists among species with regard to cellular schemes used for detection of stimuli. The variety of mechanisms proposed, even within individual species, highlights the complexity of elucidating sour taste transduction. However, recent evidence suggests that at least one specific sour taste receptor protein has been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: Microwave blanching of peanuts has been explored as an alternative to conventional oven methods based on its speed of operation, energy savings, and efficiency of process control. Although processing times can be greatly reduced, the occurrence of stale/floral and ashy off-flavors has been reported at high process temperatures. This study examined the chemical compounds responsible for this off-flavor using solvent extraction/solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC/O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Select compounds were quantified based on AEDA results using SAFE and GC/MS. Quantification, threshold testing, and analysis of model systems revealed increased formation of guaiacol and phenylacetaldehyde in the off-flavored peanuts, which resulted in the burnt and stale/floral flavors noted by a trained panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the sensory characteristics of eight rose apple varieties cultivated in Thailand. In all rose apple samples, nine sensory attributes were present, including rose apple identity, fruity, overall sweet, overall sour, bitter, firmness, cohesiveness of mass, astringent, and pulpy residue, but at different intensities for each variety. Just five attributes, including floral/perfumy, green, spongy, initial sweetness, and sustained crispness, were found in most samples.

BSTRACT: This review encompasses the binding of volatile flavor compounds by milk proteins in aqueous solutions. The presence of proteins in a food matrix can result in a decrease in aroma perception and in an unpleasant aroma profile, because of binding of the desirable flavor compounds to proteins. Hence, various analytical methods used to measure the extent and the type of binding, and the determination of the binding parameters, are evaluated in this review. The binding of various flavor compounds by individual milk proteins is discussed and compared in terms of their binding affinity for flavor compounds. Furthermore, the influence of temperature and ultra-high pressures on the interactions between proteins and flavors is considered in detail. The implications of protein-flavor binding in the development of protein foods are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: In the context of measuring thresholds of orange flavor compounds in a deodorized orange juice matrix, it was found that 50% of panelists could not perceive β-ionone or β-damascenone as well as the other panelists. Orthonasal and retronasal thresholds for β-ionone were, respectively, 985 and 490 times higher for nonperceivers than perceivers. For β-damascenone, the ratios were 690 and 390 times higher for ortho- and retronasal thresholds, respectively. Panelists who could not perceive β-ionone were otherwise good perceivers of most compounds tested. There were no such differences for α-ionone, a constitutional isomer of β-ionone. All 3 compounds were retested in water using the same panelists. Differences between nonperceivers and perceivers of β-ionone were 4900 and 4600 times higher for ortho- and retronasal thresholds for nonperceivers, respectively. However, for β-damascenone, no such differences were found when measured in water. The same panelists could be classified as 'perceivers' or 'nonperceivers' when β-ionone was tested in deodorized orange juice or in water. A different panel was used to confirm β-ionone and β-damascenone thresholds in water. A greater difference between perceivers and nonperceivers was found for β-ionone; as with the first panel, there were no differences in sensitivity to β-damascenone between panelists when the compound was tested in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined the effect of flaxseed on two bread formulations. Rolls (FR) and cinnamon rolls (FCR) are the two kinds of bread samples analyzed in this study. Results of the study showed that storage time has affected the texture, moisture, odor and flavor of flaxseed bakery products. The study also found a significant decrease in the springiness of cinnamon rolls.

The article discusses a study which examined the application of a multithreshold Bayesian procedure involving a probit approach in the analysis of sensory evaluation data. Information on the parameters evaluated by rabbit meat tasters is given. Results of the study showed that there were differences in favor of males in intensity of rabbit flavor, aniseed flavor, and fibrousness. It cites the probabilities obtained by the threshold model for tenderness, juiciness and fibrousness.

The article focuses on a study which examined the possible antioxidant activity of raisin paste added to raw ground beef, pork or chicken prior to cooking. Raisin was blended with distilled water in an Osterizer blender to prepare raisin paste. Results of the study showed that the thiobarbituric acid test values of cooked meat were affected by raisin level, storage time and their interaction. It also found that beef flavor and rancid flavor intensities were influenced by raisin level.

The article focuses on a study which examined the ability of front face fluorescence spectroscopy to measure early lipid oxidation in minced turkey meat. Information on the sensory evaluation performed on turkey samples is provided. Results of the study showed that storage time led to changes in the intensity of rancid odor and flavor. It also found an increase in hexanal levels during the storage period.

BSTRACT: Development of fresh-cut apple products requires consideration of cultivars that store well as both intact and fresh-cut fruit. We compared the instrumental and sensory quality of 2 apple cultivars, Granny Smith and Fuji, that are used for fresh cutting with 2 new cultivars, Pink Lady and GoldRush, which were considered to have quality characteristics suitable for fresh cutting. Firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), and aromatic volatile concentration were measured in intact fruit of the 4 cultivars during 12 mo storage in air at 0 °C and during 3 wk storage at 5 °C as fresh-cut slices. After 1 wk storage as fresh-cut slices, sensory evaluations for acceptability of flesh and peel appearance, flavor, texture, and overall eating quality were performed. During storage, GoldRush apples maintained > 80 N firmness, approximately 17% SSC, > 0.5% TA, and had high aromatic volatile production, that is, maintained quality better than the other cultivars. The quality and shelf stability of GoldRush slices were also as good as or better than slices from the other cultivars, whereas Granny Smith slices generally rated lower than the other cultivars. The acceptability of flavor, texture, and overall eating quality of GoldRush slices was as good as that for Pink Lady and Fuji. The quality of GoldRush apples can be maintained throughout the year in refrigerated air storage and still remain suitable for fresh-cut processing. The results indicate that GoldRush and Pink Lady are 2 promising new, high-quality apple cultivars for fresh cutting. Keywords: fresh-cut fruit, Malus × domestica, postharvest quality, respiration rate, shelf life [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: Research was conducted to determine whether Leuconostoc mesenteroides starter cultures with and without malolactic activity (MDC+ and MDC-, respectively) influenced sensory and chemical properties of sauerkraut. No sensory differences were found between MDC+ and MDC− sauerkraut ( P≥ 0.05). In addition, sulfur compound profiles of the resulting sauerkraut were nearly identical. Brining at lower NaCl (0.5%) with either inoculum changed both the microbiology and chemistry of the fermenting sauerkraut, leading to decreased sauerkraut sulfur flavor. Quantification of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), methyl methanethiosulfinate, and methyl methanethiosulfonate (MMTSO2) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that sauerkraut sulfur flavor correlated linearly with DMTS and MMTSO2 ( P≤ 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which aimed to evaluate the effect of fat levels on the cooking and sensory properties of ground pork patties cooked by microwave energy. Results show that as fat levels increased, cooking time decreased and that shear force values decreased as fat levels increased. It was also found that flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and oiliness ratings increased as fat levels increased.

The article discusses a study which aimed to identify and define sensory characteristics of commercial chocolate milks and to link these differences to consumer preferences through the application of internal and external preference mapping. To document the sensory properties such as visual, flavor, mouthfeel of chocolate milks, a sensory language was identified in the study. The commercial chocolate milks were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis using the identified sensory language.

The article discusses a study which aimed to determine the effect of riboflavin on the volatile compounds in soymilk during storage under light. The effects of ascorbic acid, a quencher for both the singlet oxygen and excited triplet riboflavin, on the formation of beany flavor compounds during the storage under light are also examined. The results show that riboflavin had significant effects on the headspace oxygen depletion and volatile compounds formation in soymilk under light.

The article discusses a study which examined the effect of gamma irradiation on microbiological status, textural parameters, and flavor changes in fresh ready-to-use ginger. In order to achieve maximum extension of shelf life while ensuring microbiological quality, processing, packaging and storage conditions were standardized in this study. The results show that gamma irradiation could extend the shelf life of farm fresh ginger.

The article discusses a study on the formulation of an orange-flavored beverage with barley beta-glucan and whey protein isolate (WPI). Results of the research revealed the significant effect of WPI on the cloudiness, sourness, intensity of the orange-flavor, whey-flavor intensity, and viscosity of 0.5 per cent beta-glucan beverage. Moreover, WPI did not affect the sweetness of the beverage.

The article presents a study on macromolecular meaty flavor fractionation and characterization. The research involved macromolecular fractionation through dialysis and separated by anion-exchange chromatography, Cu²+-chelate chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. Two fractions were obtained, consisting of collagen and tropomyosin. The macromolecular material obtained from two fractions enhanced the meaty flavor, suggesting that the two are precedents of meaty flavor enhancer.

This article presents a study which examined the nonenzymatic browning (NEB) rates of amorphous, carbohydrate-based, freeze-dried and spray-dried food model systems with L-lysine and D-xylose. The test results showed that the physical structure food model systems and water sorption qualities are affected by different drying methods. These findings can be used in food processing to restrict potentially damaging changes or to allow color and flavor formation by NEB reaction.

BSTRACT: The efficacy of cyclodextrins for entrapping volatile beany flavor compounds in soymilk was studied using gas chromatography-headspace solid-phase microextraction and descriptive sensory analysis. Cyclodextrin addition reduced headspace concentrations of most beany flavor compounds, with α-cyclodextrin being more effective than γ-cyclodextrin. During 1 wk of 7 °C storage, soymilks with cyclodextrins maintained reduced headspace concentrations of volatile compounds associated with beany flavors. However, no significant difference was found by the sensory panel between soymilks with and without added cyclodextrins either 1 or 7 d after manufacture. This discrepancy could be because of the high concentrations of hexanal and other beany flavor compounds that might have had an overpowering effect on the panelists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of rice ingredients and other selected plant seeds including corn, soybean and cotton seed, and the effects on lipid oxidation into beef patties. It notes the benefit of antioxidants in food storage, preventing rancidity of food due to lipid oxidation which negatively affects the food's flavor, nutritional quality and safety. It finds that methanolic extracts of milled-rice co-products are effective antioxidants.

The article presents a study on the chemical and sensory effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) fortification on a low-fat dairy-based ice cream. It notes that descriptive analysis, instrumental viscosity and color testing revealed differences in SPI-fortified low-fat ice cream compared with those without added SPI. It finds that consumer acceptability scores for four percent SPI chocolate ice cream were higher than scores for SPI-fortified vanilla ice creams indicating better soy flavor masking.

BSTRACT: Freshly diced tomatoes were dipped into either 0.2% or 1% calcium chloride or 2% calcium lactate solution and exposed to γ-irradiation at 1.25 kGy. With increasing levels of calcium, firmness was enhanced, water-soluble pectin was decreased, and oxalate-soluble pectin was increased. Irradiation decreased instrumental firmness in all samples; however, the 1% calcium chloride and 2% calcium lactate-dipped samples remained firmer than the water-dipped control. Irradiation alone did not have a significant impact on pectic substances. Trained sensory panelists did not detect a significant loss of firmness due to irradiation in the calcified tomatoes, but some judges detected a change in flavor following the calcium dips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which elucidated the effect of fat on the release behavior of selected odor-active compounds while ice cream is being eaten. A review of the related literature is given. Methods utilized include a temporal modified purge and trap and time-intensity analyses for determining the temporal flavor profiles of ice creams. It was observed that stale and cherry flavors were released faster and at higher intensities as fat content diminished.

BSTRACT: 2-Pentylfuran and isomers of 2-pentenylfuran are known to be mainly responsible for the undesirable reversion flavor of soybean oil. Solid-phase microextraction - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry was used to isolate, separate, and identify 2-pentylfuran and isomers of 2-pentenylfuran from soybean oil containing 5 ppm chlorophyll in a gas-tight sample bottle during oxidation under light. Both 2-pentylfuran and isomers of 2-pentenylfuran increase as light exposure time and added chlorophyll increased. The compounds were neither formed in the oil containing 5 ppm chlorophyll under dark nor in the chlorophyll-free soybean oil under light. The singlet oxygen oxidation mechanism for the formation of 2-pentylfuran from linoleic acid and isomers of 2-pentenylfuran from linolenic acid are proposed. Removal of chlorophyll will reduce reversion flavor formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT Effects of commercial-scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the microbial stability, ascorbic acid, flavor compounds, color, Brix, pH, and sensory properties of orange juice were studied and compared with those of thermal processing. Freshly squeezed orange juice was thermally processed at 90 °C for 90 s or processed by PEF at 40 kV/cm for 97 ms. Both thermally processed and PEF-processed juices showed microbial shelf life at 4 °C for 196 d. PEF-processed juice retained more ascorbic acid, flavor, and color than thermally processed juice (P<0.05). Sensory evaluation of texture, flavor, and overall acceptability were ranked highest for control juice, followed by PEF-processed juice and then by thermally processed juice (P<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach using cold-trap, on-line sampling was applied to investigate migration rate of limonene, tert-butylbenzene, and pyrazine in a flour dough matrix. Flavor equilibrium concentration and migration rates were shown to be strong functions of initial concentration. Due to encapsulation of flavor compounds at lower moisture content, it was not possible to totally extract the flavor compounds from the matrix by solvent extraction. The cold-trap on-line sampling method could be satisfactorily used to generate data on flavor migration rates in dough matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]