Effects of saccharide type and extended heating on the Maillard reaction and physicochemical properties of high-solid gelatin gels.

This research delves into the Maillard reaction (MR) in high-solid gelatin-saccharide mixtures consisting of 8% and 72% of allulose, fructose, or fructo-oligosaccharides, which were subjected to varied duration (0-60min) of thermal processing prior to gelation. Physicochemical properties of the gels, including color, chemical composition, protein crosslinking, mechanical strength, in-vitro digestibility and antioxidant activities, were characterized. At pH ∼5.5 and intermediate water activities (0.6-0.7), fast browning was observed through sugar degradation and sugar-amine interactions, which were intensified by prolonged heating. The MR reactivity of saccharides followed: AL > FRU > FOS. Characteristic products (MRPs, e.g., α-dicarbonyls, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and advanced glycation end products) were identified, with the spectra of MRPs varying significantly between monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. The MR-induced protein glycation and crosslinking exhibited certain negative impacts on the gel strength and in-vitro protein digestibility. Furthermore, all gelatin-saccharide mixtures exhibited augmented antioxidant properties, with the gelatin-AL mixtures displaying the highest free radical scavenging rates.

Improved analysis of grape seed extract by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) reveals that proanthocyanidin-protein interaction mechanisms in cream depend on degree of polymerization.

This study aimed to comprehensively characterize chemical profiles of proanthocyanidins (PACs) from grape seed extract (GSE), examine their interactions with proteins in a cream system, and define the mechanisms mediating PAC-protein interactions. GSE PACs were fractionated and characterized by thiolysis followed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis. New PACs with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to 16 were identified by improved HRMS data processing methods. In the model cream system, high-DP PACs exhibited greater precipitation capacity and protein binding than low-DP PACs. Low-DP PACs primarily engaged in hydrogen bonding, while high-DP PACs predominantly utilized multiple hydrophobic interaction sites to form cream protein aggregates. Furthermore, particle size and viscosity measurement of cream revealed a progressively DP-dependent increase in aggregated fat globules and cream viscosity. These findings enhanced our understanding of PACs' structural intricacies and highlighted their functional role as PAC-rich natural ingredients in creating structured cream systems.

Crystal networks, partial coalescence, and rheological properties of milk fat fraction model systems.

This study aimed to investigate the crystal network of bulk milk fat fractions and the partial coalescence, and the rheological properties of their oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Different milk fat fraction model systems were compared for their physicochemical properties, crystallization kinetics, and fat crystal networks across a range of temperatures. The extent of partial coalescence and rheological properties of the O/W emulsion prepared by different milk fat fractions were further analyzed. The results demonstrated that the ratio between saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids and triacylglycerides (TAG) influenced the melting thermal behaviors, solid fat contents (SFC), and crystal networks of various milk fat fractions, which in turn influenced the partial coalescence and rheological characteristics of their O/W emulsions. Moreover, an excellent fit of the trend line confirmed that hardness increased exponentially with SFC. Trisaturated TAG in fractions with high melting points (HMF) such as milk fat fraction MF45, whose clarification temperature was 45°C, enriched long-chain SFA (saturated:unsaturated fatty acid = 2.2:1). We found that MF45 achieved higher SFC and hardness in the range of 0 to 40°C and, ultimately, formed a well-defined microstructural network with thick, rod-like crystals. Further, TAG in fractions with low melting points (LMF) such as MF10, whose clarification temperature was 10°C, were enriched with short-chain and unsaturated fatty acids (saturated:unsaturated fatty acid = 1.5:1), and a disordered crystal network in MF10, composed of randomly arranged, translucent platelets, was detected. Although fat globules of HMF and LMF were stabilized against coalescence, this could be attributed to a variety of mechanisms involving SFC, liquid fat, protective film around the fat globule, and minor lipids. According to the rheological profiles, all O/W emulsions exhibited weak viscoelastic "gel-like" structures [storage modulus (G') > loss modulus (G")] over most of the measured range. The G' values and apparent viscosity of HMF were greater than those of other fractions, indicating that the large and rigid crystals strengthen the networks more effectively.

Effects of Food and Liquid Properties on Swallowing Physiology and Function in Adults.

Foods and liquids have properties that are often modified as part of clinical dysphagia management to promote safe and efficient swallowing. However, recent studies have questioned whether this practice is supported by the evidence. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to answer the question: "Can properties of food and liquids modify swallowing physiology and function in adults?" Online search in six databases yielded a set of 4235 non-duplicate articles. Using COVIDENCE software, two independent reviewers screened the articles by title and abstract, and 229 full-text articles were selected for full-text review. One-hundred eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and assessment of risk of bias. Three randomized controlled trials and 108 non-randomized studies were analyzed. Large amounts of variability in instrumental assessment, properties of food and liquids, and swallowing measures were found across studies. Sour, sweet, and salty taste, odor, carbonation, capsaicin, viscosity, hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness were reported to modify the oral and pharyngeal phase of swallowing in both healthy participants and patients with dysphagia. Main swallow measures modified by properties of food and liquids were penetration/aspiration, oral transit time, lingual pressures, submental muscle contraction, oral and pharyngeal residue, hyoid and laryngeal movement, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter pressures, and total swallow duration. The evidence pooled in this review supports the clinical practice of food texture and liquid consistency modification in the management of dysphagia with the caveat that all clinical endeavors must be undertaken with a clear rationale and patient-specific evidence that modifying food or liquid benefits swallow safety and efficiency while maintaining quality of life.

Shrinkage in frozen desserts.

Shrinkage is a well-documented defect in frozen desserts, yet the root causes and mechanisms remain unknown. Characterized by the loss of volume during storage, shrinkage arose during the mid-twentieth century as production of frozen desserts grew to accommodate a larger market. Early research found that shrinkage was promoted by high protein, solids, and overrun, as well as postproduction factors such as fluctuations in external temperature and pressure. Rather than approaching shrinkage as a cause-and-effect defect as previous approaches have, we employ a physicochemical approach to characterize and understand shrinkage as collapse of the frozen foam caused by destabilization of the dispersed air phase. The interfacial composition and physical properties, as well as the kinetic stability of air cells within the frozen matrix ultimately affect product susceptibility to shrinkage. The mechanism of shrinkage remains unknown, as frozen desserts are highly complex, but is rooted in the physicochemical properties of the frozen foam. Functional ingredients and processing methods that optimize the formation and stabilization of the frozen foam are essential to preventing shrinkage in frozen desserts.

Understanding stickiness in sugar-rich food systems: A review of mechanisms, analyses, and solutions of adhesion.

Stickinessis an inherent textural property in many sugar-rich foods, which can be problematic to the processing of confectionery products. The adhesion between foods and contact surfaces during processing and consumption has not been well understood in academia or industry. The theories of adhesion were discovered by scientists in the adhesive field of study, some of which can explain the stickiness phenomenon of confections. This work reviewed these theories in the context of sugar-rich foods, followed by a survey on the sensory and instrumental analyses of stickiness. Furthermore, the contributions of ingredients, temperature, compression, and contact surfaces to sugar-rich food adhesion are highlighted.

Characterizing Maillard reaction kinetics and rheological changes in white chocolate over extended heating.

Molten white chocolate held at high temperatures for extended periods of time undergoes thickening and nonenzymatic browning reactions. Lactose and milk proteins participate in Maillard browning, which occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures. Crystallization of amorphous lactose and high temperature contribute to rheological changes over heating. In the present study, five white chocolates of varied compositions were sampled over time at different temperatures. White chocolates containing amorphous lactose showed increases in complex viscosity, while chocolates with crystalline or no lactose showed no change in rheological properties. Maillard browning was measured through both colorimetry and spectrophotometric analysis of brown pigments. Both markers showed the greatest browning for Nonfat dry milk (NFDM)-containing systems. Chocolates containing no NFDM (milk protein isolate, MPI, or crystalline lactose) showed no change in absorbance after clarification, but some browning in colorimetry results, likely due to residual amorphous lactose in the MPI or increased mobility of lactose from crystals at high temperatures. The evolution of fluorescent intermediates was visualized using fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing that these intermediates were formed prior to colored end stage products and were consumed as the reaction approaches completion. An excess of lactose in the system meant reducing sugar declines were relatively small throughout. Kinetic models were created to determine the influence of chocolate composition and temperature on thickening as related to complex viscosity (first order) and browning via colorimetry and absorbance (pseudo-zero order). Both thickening rate and Maillard reaction rates were faster in chocolates with greater levels of amorphous lactose and when held at higher temperatures. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: So-called "golden chocolate" is white chocolate that has been held at warm temperatures for a period of time to undergo Maillard browning. However, thickening of the chocolate during heating can cause processing problems. In this study, viscosity changes are correlated with Maillard browning kinetics to help chocolate manufacturers find optimal conditions for creating new products.

Quantification of γ-sorbitol crystal growth rate and solubility in the presence of mannitol and maltitol.

In many confectionery systems, an understanding of crystallization behavior is essential for proper control of product texture. While this knowledge is well developed in sucrose-based systems, there is little information on controlling crystallization in sugar-free systems, such as those formulated with sorbitol. By leveraging such advances in time domain-nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) methodology, the impact of mannitol and maltitol on modulating sorbitol crystal growth in sugar-free systems. Binary and ternary systems of sorbitol mixed with mannitol, maltitol, or a mixture thereof were evaluated at total impurity addition levels of 10% and 20%. Polyol mixtures were dissolved in water, evaporated to 10% moisture, and mixed with γ sorbitol seed crystals to create a sugar-free fondant. Fondants were crystallized at 25 °C, and crystal content was measured using TD-NMR over time. Crystal content increased rapidly at the start but quickly tapered off to a final asymptote indicating phase equilibrium. In all systems, the addition of impurities decreased the extent and rate of sorbitol crystallization, with mannitol having the greatest impact on rate. When both mannitol and maltitol were present as impurities, the rate of crystallization was reduced to a greater extent. At the highest level of mannitol, the final crystal content increased, presumably because mannitol also crystallized. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Controlling sorbitol crystallization in the presence of impurities is a key to controlling quality in certain confections.

Effects of structural attributes on the rheological properties of ice cream and melted ice cream.

Although the ice phase greatly influences the properties of ice cream, other structural components also affect its rheological behavior, particularly after melting. In this study, mix viscosity (serum phase viscosity), extent of fat destabilization (FD), and overrun were manipulated to produce different microstructures. The effects of these structural components were evaluated on the rheological properties of the ice creams and melted ice creams. In oscillatory thermorheometry, mix viscosity and then overrun, influenced G' and tanδ below -10 °C. When ice phase decreased (between -10 and -2.7 °C), mix viscosity had reduced effects, but continued to strongly affect G' and tanδ, followed by FD, and with lower effects from overrun. When the ice phase was completely melted at 0 °C, FD had most influence on G' and tanδ, followed by overrun, and with lower effects from mix viscosity. In creep/recovery test, six-element model described well creep behavior of melted ice cream at 0 °C. Viscous behavior at lower shear rate (η0 0 °C) was most influenced by mix viscosity, followed by FD, and lower overrun effects. In stress growth measurement, transient behavior, represented by σY 0 °C, of melted matrix at 0 °C was most influenced by FD, followed by mix viscosity, with lower overrun effects. In flow ramp measurement, Hysteresis Area was most affected by mix viscosity, followed by overrun, and with lower FD effects. Moreover, correlation between Hyst 0 °C and tanδ Peak suggested that structure formation affected the magnitude of tanδ Peak. These results document the importance of microstructure on properties of melted ice cream. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The understanding of how structural components, such as mix viscosity, fat destabilization, and overrun, affect the ice cream matrix can help manufacturers to control its rheological behavior. The influence of these structural components on the G', tanδ, η0 0 °C , σY 0 °C , and Hyst 0 °C can be also used to understand the structural rearrangements that occur in meltdown tests and sensory analyses for future studies. Therefore, elucidation of these mechanisms on the rheological properties can directly assist in quality control and new product development in the ice cream industry.

Aggregation in viscoelastic emulsion droplet gels with capillarity-driven rearrangements.

Arrested, or partial, coalescence of viscoelastic emulsion droplets can occur when elastic resistance to deformation offsets droplet surface area minimization. Arrest is a critical element of food and consumer product microstructure and performance, but direct studies of structural arrest and rearrangement have been carried out using only two or three droplets at a time. The question remains whether the behavior of small numbers of droplets also occurs in larger, more realistic many-droplet systems. Here we study two-dimensional aggregation and arrested coalescence of emulsions containing ∼1000 droplets and find that the restructuring mechanisms observed for smaller systems have a large effect on local packing in multidroplet aggregates, but surprisingly do not significantly alter overall mass scaling in the aggregates. Specifically, increased regions of hexagonal packing are observed as the droplet solids level, and thus elasticity, is decreased because greater degrees of capillary force-driven restructuring are possible. Diffusion-limited droplet aggregation simulations that account for the restructuring mechanisms agree with the experimental results and suggest a basis for prediction of larger-scale network properties and bulk emulsion behavior.

Fatty acid profile and solid fat content of Peruvian cacao for optimal production of trade chocolate / Composicion de acidos grasos y contenido de solidos grasos de cacao peruano para la produccion de chocolate óptimo

Using technical procedures, the fatty acid (FA) profile and solid fat content (SFC) of the Peruvian cultivar cacao beans CCN 51 and ICS 6 and the "optimal chocolate", obtained from the mixture of the first two, were determined to assess their quality. These cacao beans were found to have important nutritional values. The FA profile of the cacao beans were similar (p>0.05); however, in the FA profile, the 'optimal chocolate' had significant differences (p≤0.05) in terms of palmitic, arachidic and linolenic acid. The n6:n3 ratio for "optimal chocolate" was 12.0 ± 1.7. Cacao beans had the same SFC, and SFC was highly temperature dependent, as determined using a mathematical model for chocolate. The SFC of chocolate refers to hard cacao butter content at temperatures between 20 and 25°C, and solid fat was heat resistant from 25 to 30°C, which is considered valuable in trade chocolate production. The quality-related properties of these lipid fractions imparted nutritional and physical aspects to the optimal dark chocolate for human consumption.

La composición de ácidos grasos (CAG) y el contenido de sólidos grasos (CSG), de la fracción lipídica de los cultivares peruanos de cacao CCN 51 e ICS 6 así como del "chocolate óptimo", obtenido de las mezclas de las primeras dos, fueron determinados por técnicas analíticas para conocer su calidad. Estas variedades tuvieron valores nutricionales importantes. La CAG de los granos de cacao fueron similares, sin embargo la CAG del "Chocolate óptimo" tuvo diferencias significativas (p<0,05) para los acidos grasos palmitico, araquidico y linoleico. El ratio n6:n3 fue de 12,0 ± 1,7. El CSG de los granos de cacao fueron los mismos y tuvo una fuerte dependencia con la temperatura, también se definió un modelo matematico para el chocolate. El CSG le confiere al chocolate una consistencia dura a temperaturas de 20 a 25°C y resistentes al calor de 25 a 30°C, siendo tales propiedades una ventaja en la comercialización de chocolates. La calidad de estas fracciones lipidicas tuvieron aspectos nutricionales y fisicos en el chocolate oscuro para consumo humano.

The microstructural, melting, rheological, and sensorial properties of high-overrun frozen desserts.

Air incorporated during dynamic freezing influences the development of the microstructure and the final texture of frozen desserts. Frozen desserts were manufactured with 100-175% overrun from a constant ice cream mix formulation. Microstructural elements (fat, air, and ice phases) of the frozen desserts were then investigated and related to the melting, rheological, and sensory properties of the product. Mean ice crystal and air cell size were found to decrease with increasing overrun, and the extent of fat destabilization increased. Frozen desserts manufactured with higher overrun had slower drip-through rate and better shape retention after melting at ambient conditions, demonstrating that fat destabilization and the interplay of fat, air, and serum phases affect the melting behavior. Structural elements also influenced the rheological behavior, as measured by oscillatory thermo-rheometry. Frozen desserts had similar rheological properties at temperatures below the freezing point due to the presence of ice, and the values of G' and G″ (solid-like and viscous-like character, respectively) increased with increasing overrun above the freezing point, corresponding to a more solid-like structure. Slight differences in sensory denseness and breakdown were detected, but sensory texture was not significantly different for the frozen desserts studied. This study provided insights into the role of air in ice cream and frozen desserts, and its influence on product texture.

Interlaboratory Measurement of Rheological Properties of Tomato Salad Dressing.

Rheological properties of food materials are important as they influence food texture, processing properties, and stability. Rotational rheometry has been widely used for measuring rheological properties. However, the measurements obtained using different geometries and rheometers are generally not compared for precision and accuracy, so it is difficult to compare data across different studies. In this study, nine rheometers from seven laboratories were used to measure the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of a commercial salad dressing. The measurements were obtained at three temperatures (8, 25, and 60 °C) using different diameter parallel plates (20, 40, 50, and 60 mm). Generally, the viscosity measurements among rheometers differed significantly ( P < 0.05 ). For larger geometry diameter (40, 50, and 60 mm) and at lower temperatures (8 °C), viscosity measurements at lower shear rate (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 s-1 ) were significantly different. Rheometer brand significantly affected storage modulus only at low (0.01%) and high levels (10% and 100%) of strain. Temperature was an influencing factor on viscoelastic behaviors only at high strain (>10%). Storage moduli values obtained by frequency sweeps were not affected by rheometer or plate diameter. Overall, rheometer, geometry, and temperature can influence rheological measurements and care should be taken when comparing data across laboratories or published works. Higher shear rates (≥10 s-1 ) and moderate strains (0.1% to 10%) generally provide more repeatable data among different laboratories. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study provides information on what factors may potentially influence rheological measurements conducted across different laboratories. It is useful for rheometer users who want to compare their experimental data to published data or compare two sets of published data. It is better to compare data collected at shear rates 10 s-1 and strains between 0.1% and 1.0%.

The Effect of Overrun, Fat Destabilization, and Ice Cream Mix Viscosity on Entire Meltdown Behavior.

This study aims at exploring ice cream meltdown behavior by changing the levels of stabilizer (ST), polysorbate 80 (PS80), and overrun (OR). By adjusting the formulation of ice cream, the degree of fat destabilization (FD), mix viscosity (MV), and overrun can be controlled within a certain range, which in turn presents different meltdown behaviors for study. In addition to the drip-through test, the shape of ice cream as it melts was recorded as height change to further investigate ice cream meltdown. Mix viscosity (at 50 s-1 ) and fat destabilization were found to have a significant effect not only on drip-through rate, but also the induction time, final weight of the drip-through part, height-change rate, and final height of melted ice cream. On the other side, overrun was found only to have an effect on meltdown when no stabilizers were added. These results indicate serum phase viscosity (mix viscosity) and fat destabilization are important parameters to describe ice cream meltdown. Besides, the entire ice cream meltdown curve and height collapse curve provide important information on ice cream meltdown behavior. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A new direction of analysis of ice cream meltdown behavior is provided in this study. The induction time, the final drip-through weight, and the height change during the meltdown process were found to be the indicators on the influence of microstructure on ice cream meltdown behavior for the future study.

Effects of Emulsifier, Overrun and Dasher Speed on Ice Cream Microstructure and Melting Properties.

Ice cream is a multiphase frozen food containing ice crystals, air cells, fat globules, and partially coalesced fat globule clusters dispersed in an unfrozen serum phase (sugars, proteins, and stabilizers). This microstructure is responsible for ice cream's melting characteristics. By varying both formulation (emulsifier content and overrun) and processing conditions (dasher speed), the effects of different microstructural elements, particularly air cells and fat globule clusters, on ice cream melt-down properties were studied. Factors that caused an increase in shear stress within the freezer, namely increasing dasher speed and overrun, caused a decrease in air cell size and an increase in extent of fat destabilization. Increasing emulsifier content, especially of polysorbate 80, caused an increase in extent of fat destabilization. Both overrun and fat destabilization influenced drip-through rates. Ice creams with a combination of low overrun and low fat destabilization had the highest drip-through rates. Further, the amount of remnant foam left on the screen increased with reduced drip-through rates. These results provide a better understanding of the effects of microstructure components and their interactions on drip-through rate. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Manipulating operating and formulation parameters in ice cream manufacture influences the microstructure (air cells, ice crystals, and fat globule clusters). This work provides guidance on which parameters have most effect on air cell size and fat globule cluster formation. Further, the structural characteristics that reduce melt-down rate were determined. Ice cream manufacturers will use these results to tailor their products for the desired quality attributes.

Arrested coalescence of viscoelastic droplets: triplet shape and restructuring.

The stability of shapes formed by three viscoelastic droplets during their arrested coalescence has been investigated using micromanipulation experiments. Addition of a third droplet to arrested droplet doublets is shown to be controlled by the balance between interfacial pressures driving coalescence and internal elasticity that resists total consolidation. The free fluid available within the droplets controls the transmission of stress during droplet combination and allows connections to occur via formation of a neck between the droplets. The anisotropy of three-droplet systems adds complexity to the symmetric case of two-droplet aggregates because of the multiplicity of orientations possible for the third droplet. When elasticity dominates, the initial orientation of the third droplet is preserved in the triplet's final shape. When elasticity is dominated by the interfacial driving force, the final shape can deviate strongly from the initial positioning of droplets. Movement of the third droplet to a more compact packing occurs, driven by liquid meniscus expansion that minimizes the surface energy of the triplet. A range of compositions and orientations are examined and the resulting domains of restructuring and stability are mapped based on the final triplet structure. A geometric and a physical model are used to explain the mechanism driving meniscus-induced restructuring and are related to the impact of these phenomena on multiple droplet emulsions.

Structural, compositional, and sensorial properties of United States commercial ice cream products.

UNLABELLED: Commercial vanilla ice cream products from the United States (full fat, low fat, and nonfat) were analyzed for their structural, behavioral (i.e., melt rate and drip-through), compositional, and sensorial attributes. Mean size distributions of ice crystals and air cells, drip-through rates, percent partially coalesced fat, percent overrun and total fat, and density were determined. A trained panel carried out sensory analyses in order to determine correlations between ice cream microstructure attributes and sensory properties using a Spectrum(TM) descriptive analysis. Analyses included melt rate, breakdown, size of ice particulates (iciness), denseness, greasiness, and overall creaminess. To determine relationships and interactions, principle component analysis and multivariate pairwise correlation were performed within and between the instrumental and sensorial data. Greasiness and creaminess negatively correlated with drip-through rate and creaminess correlated with percent total fat and percent fat destabilization. Percent fat did not determine the melt rate on a sensorial level. However, drip-through rate at ambient temperatures was predicted by total fat content of the samples. Based on sensory analysis, high-fat products were noted to be creamier than low and nonfat products. Iciness did not correlate with mean ice crystal size and drip-through rate did not predict sensory melt rate. Furthermore, on a sensorial level, greasiness positively correlated with total percent fat destabilization and mean air cell size positively correlated with denseness. These results indicate that commercial ice cream products vary widely in composition, structure, behavior, and sensory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is a wide range of commercial ice creams in the United States market, ranging from full fat to nonfat. In this research we showed that these ice creams vary greatly in their microstructures, behaviors (the melt/drip-though, collapse, and/or stand up properties of ice cream products at ambient temperatures), and sensory properties.

Crystallization in lactose refining-a review.

In the dairy industry, crystallization is an important separation process used in the refining of lactose from whey solutions. In the refining operation, lactose crystals are separated from the whey solution through nucleation, growth, and/or aggregation. The rate of crystallization is determined by the combined effect of crystallizer design, processing parameters, and impurities on the kinetics of the process. This review summarizes studies on lactose crystallization, including the mechanism, theory of crystallization, and the impact of various factors affecting the crystallization kinetics. In addition, an overview of the industrial crystallization operation highlights the problems faced by the lactose manufacturer. The approaches that are beneficial to the lactose manufacturer for process optimization or improvement are summarized in this review. Over the years, much knowledge has been acquired through extensive research. However, the industrial crystallization process is still far from optimized. Therefore, future effort should focus on transferring the new knowledge and technology to the dairy industry.

Studies of isothermal crystallisation kinetics of sunflower hard stearin-based confectionery fats.

The crystallisation and polymorphic properties of three sunflower hard stearins (SHSs) and cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) formulated by blending SHSs and palm mid fraction (PMF) were studied and compared with those from cocoa butter (CB), to explore their possibilities as confectionery fats. The isothermal crystallisation kinetics of these fats were examined by pNMR and DSC at three different temperatures. All samples studied displayed a two-step crystallisation profile that could be fitted to an exponential-Gompertz equation. Stop-and-return DSC studies showed that SHSs and CBEs exhibited different crystallisation mechanisms according to their triacylglycerol composition, with a quick formation of metastable crystals, followed by a polymorphic transition to the more stable ß or ß' forms. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the polymorphic forms of tempered SHSs and CBEs in the long term. In all cases the resulting fats displayed short spacing patterns associated with ß polymorphism. These formulations based on SHSs and PMF met all the requirements to be considered as CBEs; therefore they could be used as an alternative to traditional confectionery fats.

Advances in food crystallization.

Crystals often play an important role in food product quality and shelf life. Controlling crystallization to obtain the desired crystal content, size distribution, shape, and polymorph is key to manufacturing products with desired functionality and shelf life. Technical developments in the field have improved the tools with which we study and characterize crystals in foods. These developments also help our understanding of the physico-chemical phenomena that govern crystallization and improve our ability to control it during processing and storage. In this review, some of the more important recent developments in measuring and controlling crystallization are discussed.