A dataset of perception and preferences of French consumers for commercial cooked hams sampled according to their nutritional values and claims.

This article describes a dataset providing sensory and nutritional information for 30 commercial cooked hams (without rind, not flavored) representative of the French commercial segment. The sensory data were collected in two phases. During the first phase (fall 2019, field experiment), 483 consumers, regular consumers of cooked hams, were recruited in seven cities and vicinities of France. They were instructed to choose and buy cooked hams at the supermarket and evaluate them at home over a period of three months. They were provided with a list of 30 eligible cooked hams selected by the experimenters. A total of 2758 evaluations were collected (an average of 5.7 evaluations per consumer). During the second phase (fall 2020, lab experiment), a selection of 16 cooked hams were evaluated at blind by 86 consumers in a sensory analysis laboratory using a complete balanced design. Sensory evaluation at home and in the laboratory included liking Just-About-Right (colour, fat, salt and texture) measurements. In the field experiment, consumers were additionally asked to describe with free comments the appearance, texture and flavour of tested hams and of a virtual "ideal ham". They also had to report the price they paid for a pack of four slices of ham and their intentions to repurchase the tested hams. Other data on cooked hams included actual salt and fat contents (measured using physicochemical analyses) and information displayed on the packaging (type of brand, nutritional claims, labels). This dataset offers a broad overview of the perception and the appreciation of cooked hams representative of the French market, and it could allow the joint analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic food properties. Moreover, this data paper describes an innovative protocol of field experiment bridging the gap between the controlled lab environment (panelized consumers, selection of the list of hams by the experimenter) and the real-life settings (hams chosen by the consumers and tasted at home with access to information). Such a protocol could be reused to collect large sensory datasets and aggregate them into open databases interoperable with other food databases (nutritional, economic, sustainability, etc.).

Chemical Profile and Aroma Effects of Major Volatile Compounds in New Mulberry Leaf Fu Brick Tea and Traditional Fu Brick Tea.

This study aimed to investigate the aroma effects of key volatile compounds in a new type of mulberry leaf Fu brick teas (MTs) and traditional Fu brick teas (FTs). Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), sensory evaluation, and chemometrics were used to determine the differences in key flavour qualities between the two. The results showed that a total of 139 volatile components were identified, with aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols dominating. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) combined with the odour activity value (OAV) showed that seven aroma compounds had an OAV > 10, including 2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl) propan-2-ol with floral and fruity aroma and green attributes, 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one, (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-one, (3E,5E)-octa-3,5-dien-2-one, Benzaldehyde, and (E)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol, which were more abundant in MTs than FTs; Cedrol with sweet aroma attributes was more consistent in MTs than FTs, and we suggest that these odour compounds are important aroma contributors to MTs. Taken together, these findings will provide new insights into the mechanism of formation of the characteristic attributes of aroma in MTs.

Evaluation of the flavor profiles of Yanbian-style sauced beef from differently treated raw beef samples.

In this study, we investigated the volatile flavor compounds and sensory perceptions of Yanbian-style sauced beef prepared from raw meats subjected to different treatments (hot fresh, chilled, and frozen beef). The results indicated that the treatment of raw beef significantly impacted the quality and flavor of sauced beef. Sauced chilled beef (CRSB) exhibited the highest content of fatty acids and total amino acids. A total of 48 volatile compounds were identified. Moreover, a relative odor activity value analysis identified hexanal, nonanal, heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2,3-octanedione as the characteristic flavor compounds in Yanbian-style sauced beef. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that CRSB was the most palatable and flavorful. Additionally, correlation loading plot analysis indicated strong correlations between sensory evaluation, fatty acids, amino acids, and volatile flavor compounds. These results suggest that chilled beef meat is the best raw material for the production of Yanbian-style sauced beef.

Effect of postharvest grape dehydration on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sensory characeteristics of Marselan wines.

To explore the effect of postharvest dehydration on grape berries and wine quality, we determined physicochemical properties, polyphenols, antioxidant activities, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics for wines brewed by 'Marselan' (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of water loss. The result showed that postharvest dehydration improved the alcohol content, residual sugar and titratable acidity of Marselan wine. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in wines with a dehydration of 20% have significantly increased. Postharvest dehydration increased the contents of isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl butyrate in Marselan wines, and enhanced the floral, fruity and sweet taste of wines. Marselan wine had the lowest acceptability score under the condition of severe dehydration (25% dehydration), which was related to the significant increase of tannins content. In summary, postharvest dehydration was beneficial in improving the quality of Marselan wine.

Characterization of Key Odor-Active Compounds in Draft Beers for the Chinese Market Using Molecular Sensory Science Approaches.

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage worldwide. However, limited research has been conducted on identifying key odor-active components in lager-type draft beers for the Chinese market. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the odor characteristics of the four most popular draft beer brands through a sensory evaluation and an electronic nose. Subsequently, the four draft beers were analyzed through solid-phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction using a two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry analysis (GC×GC-O-MS). Fifty-five volatile odor compounds were detected through GC×GC-O-MS. Through an Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis, 22 key odor-active compounds with flavor dilution factors ≥ 16 were identified, with 11 compounds having odor activity values > one. An electronic nose analysis revealed significant disparities in the odor characteristics of the four samples, enabling their distinct identification. These findings help us to better understand the flavor characteristics of draft beer and the stylistic differences between different brands of products and provide a theoretical basis for objectively evaluating the quality differences between different brands of draft beer.

Development and Evaluation of Calcium-Fortified Multi-Millet Biscuits: A Nutritious Alternative to Refined Wheat Flour.

Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices.

Effect of Blueberry Pomace Addition on Quality Attributes of Buttermilk-Based Fermented Drinks during Cold Storage.

The fruit and beverage industry faces challenges related to waste management and environmental pollution due to rapid industrial expansion. Fruit industry waste, such as blueberry pomace, holds the promise of enhancing gut health and providing valuable antioxidants. Concurrently, buttermilk, a prominent dairy product, offers nutritional and technological benefits but remains underutilized. This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of blueberry pomace (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) into buttermilk at varying levels and assess its impact on the physicochemical, antioxidant, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of the buttermilk. Buttermilk samples were supplemented with different concentrations of blueberry pomace and subjected to analysis over a two-week storage period (4 ± 1 °C). The addition of blueberry pomace led to alterations in the pH, dry matter, water holding capacity, color parameters, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Microbiological analysis revealed the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, or molds. Sensory evaluation indicated significant differences among samples, with the highest scores observed for the buttermilk supplemented with 2% and 4% blueberry pomace. Incorporating blueberry pomace improved the overall acceptability and sensory properties. This research highlights the potential of fruit industry by-products to enhance the functionality and health benefits of dairy products, which is a promising way to effectively utilize waste.

Volatile Profile Characterization of Jujube Fruit via HS-SPME-GC/MS and Sensory Evaluation.

Current research does not fully elucidate the key compounds and their mechanisms that define the aroma profile of fresh jujube fruits. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of both free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds in fresh jujube fruits of ten cultivars. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we identified 76 volatile free aroma compounds and 19 glycosidically bound volatile compounds, with esters, aldehydes, and ketones emerging as the predominant volatile compounds in the jujube fruits. Odor activity value (OAV) analysis revealed that the primary aroma profile of the jujubes is characterized by fruity and fatty odors, with ß-damascenone being a key contributor to the fruity aroma, and (E)-2-oct-en-1-al and nonanal significantly influencing the fatty aroma. Moreover, the integration of sensory evaluation and partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis pinpointed octanal, (E)-2-oct-en-1-al, nonanal, ß-damascenone, and pentanal as significant contributors to the jujube's characteristic aroma, while isoamyl acetate was identified as significantly influencing the fatty acid taste. This study not only underscores the complexity of the jujube aroma composition but also highlights the impact of environmental factors on aroma profiles, offering valuable insights into the sensory characteristics of jujube fruits.

Widely targeted metabolomic analysis reveals effects of yellowing process time on the flavor of vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata).

The bitter and astringent taste and miscellaneous smell of vine tea prevent its further development. In this study, we used a processing technology that mimics yellow tea to improve the flavor of vine tea and revealed its internal reasons through metabolomics. Sensory evaluation showed the yellowing process for 6-12 h reduced the bitterness and astringency significantly, and enriched the aroma. The improvement of taste was mainly related to the down-regulation of anthocyanins (54.83-97.38%), the hydrolysis of gallated catechins (34.80-47.81%) and flavonol glycosides (18.56-44.96%), and the subsequent accumulation of d-glucose (33.68-78.04%) and gallic acid (220.96-252.09%). For aroma, increase of total volatile metabolite content (23.88-25.44%) and key compounds like geraniol (239.32-275.21%) induced the changes. These results identified the positive effects of yellowing process on improvements in vine tea flavor and the key compounds that contribute to these changes.

Exploring bitter characteristics of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries by sensory-guided analysis: Key bitter compounds and varietal differences.

The taste of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries is wrapped in bitterness, and awareness about the essence of bitterness is lacking. In the current study, 7-ketologanin, sweroside and loganin were isolated and identified as key bitter compounds using sensory-guided analysis. The bitterness thresholds of these compounds were determined to be 11.9 µg/mL, 33.5 µg/mL and 60.2 µg/mL. Subsequently, the differences in bitterness among 16 blue honeysuckle varieties were evaluated. The wild varieties A1 and A2 exhibited the highest bitter intensity. 7-Ketologanin, with the highest concentration of 34.70-37.11 mg/100 g and taste activity values of 29.16-31.18 in A1 and A2, was first identified as a bitter contributor in blue honeysuckle. There was no significant difference in bitter intensity between the reconstitution model and the original sample, confirming the contribution of the three bitter compounds. This study lays the foundation for the bitter improvement and variety selection of blue honeysuckle resources.

Microbial dynamics and quality characteristics of spontaneously fermented salamis produced by replacing pork fat with avocado pulp.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel and healthier fermented meat product by replacing pork fat with avocado pulp (AVP) during salami production. Experimental salamis were produced under laboratory conditions by substituting pork fat with AVP partially (10-AVP) and totally (20-AVP), while control salamis (CTR) remained AVP-free. The microbial composition of control and experimental salamis was assessed using a combined culture-dependent and -independent approach. Over a 20-days ripening period, lactic acid bacteria, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and yeasts dominated the microbial community, with approximate levels of 9.0, 7.0 and 6.0 log CFU/g, respectively. Illumina technology identified 26 taxonomic groups, with leuconostocs being the predominant group across all trials [constituting 31.26-59.12 % of relative abundance (RA)]. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed changes in fatty acid composition and volatile organic compounds due to the substitution of pork fat with AVP. Specifically, monounsaturated fatty acids and terpene compounds increased, while saturated fatty acids and lipid oxidation products decreased. Although AVP influenced the sensory characteristics of the salamis, the highest overall satisfaction ratings were observed for the 10-AVP salamis. Consequently, substituting pork fat with AVP emerges as a viable strategy for producing healthier salamis and diversifying the meat product portfolio.

Combinative effect of pulsed-light irradiation and solid-state fermentation on ginkgolic acids, ginkgols, ginkgolides, bilobalide, flavonoids, product quality and sensory assessment of Ginkgo biloba dark tea.

Pulsed light (PL) is a prospective non-thermal technology that can improve the degradation of ginkgolic acid (GA) and retain the main bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL). However, only using PL hasn't yet achieved the ideal effect of reducing GA. Fermentation of GBL to make ginkgo dark tea (GDT) could decrease GA. Because different microbial strains are used for fermentation, their metabolites and product quality might differ. However, there is no research on the combinative effect of PL irradiation fixation and microbial strain fermentation on main bioactive compounds and sensory assessment of GDT. In this research, first, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were selected as fermentation strains that can reduce GA from the five microbial strains. Next, the fresh GBL was irradiated by PL for 200 s (fluences of 0.52 J/cm2), followed by B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae, or natural fermentation to make GDT. The results showed that compared with the control (unirradiated and unfermented GBL) and the only PL irradiated GBL, the GA in GDT using PL + B. subtilis fermentation was the lowest, decreasing by 29.74%; PL + natural fermentation reduced by 24.53%. The total flavonoid content increased by 14.64% in GDT using PL + B. subtilis fermentation, whose phenolic and antioxidant levels also increased significantly. Sensory evaluation showed that the color, aroma, and taste of the tea infusion of PL + B. subtilis fermentation had the highest scores. In conclusion, the combined PL irradiation and solid-state fermentation using B. subtilis can effectively reduce GA and increase the main bioactive compounds, thus providing a new technological approach for GDT with lower GA.

Effect of crossbreeding on growth performance, meat quality, and the economics of production of the pure and reciprocal crosses between the Sasso and Wassachie chickens.

The interplay between genetics and economics is important in understanding how crossbreeding can be harnessed to optimize sustainable poultry production, meat quality, and economic viability. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of crossbreeding on growth performance, meat quality, and production economics. A total of 451 unsexed day-old chicks were raised for 12 wk in a pure (Sasso X Sasso [SS]; Wassachie X Wassachie [WW]) and reciprocal cross (Sasso X Wassachie [SW]; Wassachie X Sasso [WS]) design. Data was collected on growth performance, meat quality, sensory evaluation, proximate analysis, and production economics. Genotype did not affect (P > 0.05) moisture, dry matter, ash, sensory evaluation, pH, and meat temperature. The carcass weights, final body weight, and cumulative weight gain of the hybrids were intermediate while the SS recorded the highest (P < 0.05) values. Drip loss between the WW and the reciprocal crosses was similar (P > 0.05) but lower (P < 0.05) than the SS genotype. Protein contents between the purebreds were similar likewise the crossbreds (P > 0.05). The SW cross recorded a higher (P < 0.05) lipid content compared to the WW cross while the WS recorded a higher (P < 0.05) protein content compared to the SS. The SS incurred higher feeding costs, and gross and net returns followed by the SW and then the WS with the WW having the lowest values. Crossbreeding improved growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, chemical composition, and the gains in the crossbreds with the SW genotype having better results. The SW cross is recommended for better performance.

The effect of mango aroma in low-sugar beverage: A sensory study on odor induced sweetness enhancement.

Excessive intake of sugar has become a public concern. However, it is challenging for food industries to decrease sugar level without sacrificing safety and sensory profile. Odor-induced sweetness enhancement (OISE) is believed to be a novel and promising strategy for sugar reduction. In order to investigate the OISE effect of mango aroma and evaluate its degree of sugar reduction in low-sugar beverages, a mathematical model was constructed through sensory evaluation in this study. The results showed that the maximum liking of low-sugar model beverages was 4.28 % sucrose and 0.57 % mango flavor. The most synergistic of OISE was at the concentration level of 2.24 % sucrose + 0.25 % mango flavor, which was equivalent to 2.96 % pure sucrose solution. With 32.14 % sugar reduction, the mango aroma was suggested to generate the OISE effect. However, the same level of garlic aroma was not able to enhance sweetness perception, suggesting that the congruency of aroma and taste is a prerequisite for the OISE effect to occur. This study demonstrated that the cross-modal interaction of mango aroma on sweetness enhancement in low-sugar model beverages could provide practical guidance for developing sugar-reduced beverages without applying sweeteners.

Quality of Arabica coffee grown in Brazilian Savannah and impact of potassium sources.

Located in Brazil's Central Plateau, the Cerrado Savannah is an emerging coffee-growing region with significant potential for the national coffee market. This study investigated the impact of potassium fertilization on Arabica coffee quality in the Cerrado, using three potassium sources (K2SO4, KCl, and KNO3) and five cultivars (Arara, Aranãs, IPR103, Catiguá and Topázio) across two consecutive harvests. We focused on productivity, granulometry, chemical composition, and sensory characteristics. No significant difference in productivity across the cultivars studied or potassium sources as isolated factors were observed. Regarding chemical parameters, potassium sources only affected NO3- and SO42- levels in the grains. Cultivar-specific differences were noted in caffeine (CAF), citric acid (CA), and sucrose (SUC), highlighting a strong genetic influence. K2SO4 improved productivity in Arara (15 %) and IPR103 (11 %), while KNO3 reduced flat grain percentage to 70 % in Catiguá. Sensory evaluation showed that all potassium sources and cultivars produced specialty coffees, with the Arara cultivar treated with K2SO4 achieving the highest SCA score (83.3) while IPR 103 treated with KCl scored the lowest at 78. Only three treatments were below but very close to the threshold (80). Multivariate analysis indicated a trend where specific treatments correlated with higher productivity and quality. Despite the subtle differences in productivity and quality among potassium sources, a cost-benefit analysis may favor KCl due to its affordability, suggesting its viability as a potassium fertilization option in coffee cultivation. Future research is needed to confirm these trends and optimize potassium source selection to enhance coffee quality in the Cerrado.

An assessment of the sensory drivers influencing consumer preference in infant formula, assessed via sensory evaluation and GC-O-MS.

Consumer partiality for food products is related to purchase and consumption behavior, and are influenced by sensory preferences. The sensory and chemical drivers behind consumer preference in the infant formula (IF) were analyzed. A total of 31 aroma-active compounds were identified, playing an important role in the production of off-flavors (especially fishy). Combined with the correlation analysis, the key aroma substances affecting the sensory attributes of IF were initially identified. A21, A22, B9 represented the key substances responsible for producing milky and creamy, while A2, A5, A11, A12, B5, C15, H5 primarily produced fishy. In addition, the two sensory attributes namely milky and creamy, and the T-sweet were more strongly correlated with consumer preference. Therefore, it can be concluded that consumers are more interested in the main flavor of the product than the off-flavor. These findings will inform the quality control of IF and the maintenance of sensory quality.

Metagenomic, organoleptic profiling, and nutritional properties of fermented kombucha tea substituted with recycled substrates.

Kombucha fermentation yields a diverse range of beneficial macro and micronutrients. In our study, we examined the metabolites, antioxidant activity, organoleptic characteristics, and nutritional attributes of traditionally prepared kombucha tea, using black tea and sugar (control) as substrates, and compared them with tea made from tea dust and blackstrap molasses (test). Kombucha tea crafted from functional raw materials exhibited enhanced sensory qualities and improved health-promoting properties. The levels of tannins, flavonoids, and phenols play a crucial role in determining the antioxidant activity of kombucha tea. Using the DPPH and FRAP methods, we investigated the antioxidant activity throughout the fermentation period, ranging from day 0 to day 12, under optimized conditions. The results consistently demonstrated an initial increase in antioxidant activity from day 0 to 6, followed by a decline from day 6 to 12. Notably, statistical analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of the test sample was significantly better (p > 0.001) compared to the control sample. The nutritional content of the kombucha from day 6 of the test sample is higher than the control sample provided sugars (fructose 0.4 ± 0.1, glucose 0.7 ± 0.1, sucrose 1.4 ± 0.1) g/100 mL, minerals (calcium, 19.4 ± 0.15, iron 23.1 ± 0.25, and potassium 28.3 ± 0.25) mg/100 mL, vitamins (B1 0.58 ± 0.01, B2 0.30 ± 0.02, B3 0.33 ± 0.02, B6 0.75 ± 0.02, B9 0.19 ± 0.03, B12 0.9 ± 0.03, and C 1.38 ± 0.06) mg/100 mL, sodium 4.35 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, calories 14.85 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, carbohydrates 3.135 ± 0.12, and acids (acetic acid 4.20 ± 0.02, glucuronic acid 1.78 ± 0.02) mg/100 mL on day 12. The predominant microbial species identified in both control and test samples included Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Gluconobacter oxydans, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Zygosaccharomyces bailli, each with varying dominance levels. These microorganisms play essential roles in metabolizing sugars, generating acids, and contributing to the distinctive flavor profile of kombucha. Sensory evaluations of the control and test samples were analyzed, and the overall preference was 88% for the test sample with tea dust and molasses. The sensory characteristics of the test sample included a fruity smell (41%), fizzy texture (66%), bright color (47%), and a fruity taste (67%), with overall acceptability (56%) rating it as excellent. Our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between raw materials, microbial composition, and the resulting composition of bioactive compounds.

Using salted egg white in steamed bread: Impact on functional and structural characteristics.

Steamed bread has long been an important part of Chinese cuisine. This study investigated the effects of salted egg white (SEW) (5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) on the quality of steamed breads. Findings revealed that SEW notably enhanced the bread's volume and texture, with a 20% inclusion significantly boosting water retention and rheological properties, albeit reducing bread's lightness. In addition, the H-bond absorption band intensity in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed increased peak intensities with higher SEW levels, indicative of protein structure alterations. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of an amylose-lipid complex. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) imaging depicted a smooth, consistent protein network with SEW addition. Consumer sensory evaluation responded favourably to the SEW15 steamed bread, suggesting its potential for food industry application. Overall, the study considers SEW an effective ingredient for improving steamed bread quality.

Molecular simulation screening and sensory evaluation unearth a novel kokumi compound with bitter-masking effect: N-lauroyl-L-tryptophan.

N-lauroyl-L-tryptophan (LT), which has the strongest potential flavor-presenting activity, was skillfully screened from numerous N-Lau-AAs docked to different taste receptors by molecular simulation techniques. Subsequently, LT was synthesized employing food-grade commercial enzymes and structurally characterized, the optimized yields of LT could reach 69.08%, 76.16%, and 50.40%, respectively. Sensory and E-tongue evaluations showed that LT at 1 mg/L significantly benefited the performance of different taste sensations and exhibited different bitter taste masking effects: L-Ile (68.42%), L-Trp (68.18%), D-salicylic acid (48.48%) and quinine (35.00%). The molecular docking results illustrated that LT had a high affinity for various taste receptors, dominated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This work provided a rare systematic elucidation of the potential and mechanism of enzymatically synthesized LT in enhancing taste properties. It provides novel insights into the directions and strategies for the excavation and innovation of flavor enhancers and food flavors.

Worldwide study of the taste of bitter medicines and their modifiers.

The bitter taste of medicines hinders patient compliance, but not everyone experiences these difficulties because people worldwide differ in their bitterness perception. To better understand how people from diverse ancestries perceive medicines and taste modifiers, 338 adults, European and recent US and Canada immigrants from Asia, South Asia, and Africa, rated the bitterness intensity of taste solutions on a 100-point generalized visual analog scale and provided a saliva sample for genotyping. The taste solutions were five medicines, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), moxifloxacin, praziquantel, amodiaquine, and propylthiouracil (PROP), and four other solutions, TAF mixed with sucralose (sweet, reduces bitterness) or 6-methylflavone (tasteless, reduces bitterness), sucralose alone, and sodium chloride alone. Bitterness ratings differed by ancestry for two of the five drugs (amodiaquine and PROP) and for TAF mixed with sucralose. Genetic analysis showed that people with variants in one bitter receptor variant gene (TAS2R38) reported PROP was more bitter than did those with a different variant (p= 7.6e-19) and that people with either an RIMS2 or a THSD4 genotype found sucralose more bitter than did others (p=2.6e-8, p=7.9e-11, resp.). Our findings may help guide the formulation of bad-tasting medicines to meet the needs of those most sensitive to them.