ABSTRACT
The quality of fried products affects consumer purchase decisions, and frying is an important stage in the production process. The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermophysical properties, the sensory quality, and microstructure of Colombian coastal Carimañola traditionally manufactured, in atmospheric frying and vacuum frying conditions. Lower moisture and fat content were reported in samples fried under vacuum compared to samples fried under atmospheric conditions, which is associated with the vacuum pressure during the process. Thermophysical properties, related to heat transfer in the samples, showed a correlation between thermal conductivity and moisture content. The micrographs visualized the changes in the porous structure of the coastal Carimañola. A greater effect was evidenced in the samples obtained by atmospheric frying because higher temperatures were used. The sensory evaluation reflected a preference for Carimañolas made with conventional frying. This research provides a basis for consumer purchases of traditionally fried products made with vacuum frying.
ABSTRACT
Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence dietary profiles, especially those of adolescents, who are highly susceptible to acquiring bad eating habits. Adolescents' poor dietary habits increase their subsequent risk of degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies, etc. Our aim was to study nutritional modifications during COVID-19 confinement in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, compare them with their usual diet and dietary guidelines, and identify variables that may have influenced changes. Data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire on food intake among 820 adolescents from Spain, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The results show that COVID-19 confinement did influence their dietary habits. In particular, we recorded modified consumption of fried food, sweet food, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Moreover, gender, family members at home, watching TV during mealtime, country of residence, and maternal education were diversely correlated with adequate nutrition during COVID-19 confinement. Understanding the adolescents' nutrition behavior during COVID-19 lockdown will help public health authorities reshape future policies on their nutritional recommendations, in preparation for future pandemics.
