Impact of adding papain to sous vide cooking on texture and sensorial traits of marinated semitendinosus beefsteaks.

Sous vide meat is an emerging food category, the consumption of which has increased owing to greater convenience, sensory traits, elderly consumers acceptance, and low-cost cuts use. However, required prolonged thermal treatment to achieve desired tenderness, impact energy-consumption besides triggering lipid oxidation, undesired off-flavors, and cooked meat profiles. Using a response surface methodology (RSM), this study evaluated the effects of the vegetal proteolytic papain (0 to 20 mg/kg) and low-temperature sous vide cooking (SVC) time (1 to 8 h at 65°C) in low-value marinated M. semitendinosus beefsteaks on technological characteristics associated with tenderness, and lipid oxidation. Additionally, the sensory profile traits of the pre-selected treatments were described using check-all-that-apply (CATA) and preference mapping. Shear force (WBsSF) was reduced with greater papain addition, whereas higher cooking losses (CL) were observed with longer SVC cooking times. Both the released total collagen and TBARS values increased with increasing papain concentrations and SVC times. Combining high levels of papain (>10 mg/kg) and SVC time (>6 h) resulted in lower WBsSF values (<20 N) but higher CL (>27%) and the CATA descriptors "aftertaste" and "mushy." The optimized conditions (14 mg/kg papain; 2 h SVC) also reduced WBsSF values (<26 N) with lower CL (<20%) and were most preferred and described as "juicy" and "tender" by consumers. Observed results suggest that combined mild SVC and papain may potentiate tenderness, conjointly favor juiciness and oxidation, further representing a promising tool for reducing SVC time without compromising valued sous vide sensory traits.

Technological and sensory characteristics of hamburgers made with polyunsaturated gelled emulsions.

The quest for healthiness has driven the meat industry to seek solutions to reduce or replace saturated animal fat. The replacement (partial or total) of animal fat by polyunsaturated vegetable oils rich in omega fatty acids has gained prominence in terms of making a product healthier. However, an obstacle to this strategy is the effects on the sensory characteristics of the products, which may be unfavorable to consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lipid reformulation of hamburgers through the total replacement of pork fat with canola, sunflower, and corn oil emulsions. The physical-chemical, technological, and sensory properties analyses were performed. There were no significant changes (P > 0.05) in moisture content, protein content, ash content, pH, weight loss (%), moisture retention (%), or shrinkage (%). However, the lipid content was reduced (P < 0.05) and there was a significant improvement in the fatty acid profile with the application of gelled emulsions. The lipid peroxidation and oxidation also increased (P < 0.05) for the samples with the addition of gelled emulsions, and we observed the same behavior for lipid retention (%). In the sensory evaluation, the samples showed good overall acceptance, with hedonic scores ranging from "like slightly" to "like very much." In addition, through check-all-that-apply questions, we observed that the most positive scores given applied to the treatments were applied to the emulsions. The total replacement of animal fat by gelled emulsions is a promising strategy for producing healthier hamburgers.

Technological performance of different rabbit meat cuts in processing cured cooked ready-to-eat meat products / Desempenho tecnológico de cortes diferentes de carne de coelho no processamento de produtos cárneos curados cozidos prontos para consumo

There is a worldwide demand for new protein sources through environmentally responsible production, and rabbit farming is a sustainable activity. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize meat from different cuts of rabbit carcasses and evaluate their use in the processing of restructured cured cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Rabbit raw meats from different cuts were technologically characterized, and the RTE products were processed from the meats of the entire carcass (RABB), hind legs (RHIND), loin (RLOIN), and foreleg, thoracic cage, and flank (RBACK). Restructured pork cooked ham (PHAM) was used as the reference. Rabbit raw meat from different anatomical parts differed in proximate composition, total collagen and heme-pigment content, water-holding capacity, and CIE color, affecting the characteristics of processed products. RBACK products had higher fat content (5.46%), cooking and reheating losses (7.50% and 5.61%), and poor hardness and chewiness (11.1 N and 17.37 N×mm). Higher values of lightness (L* ~70.27), hue (h ~68.61°), and a slight cured color were observed in RLOIN, with a pale yellowish color described by sensory evaluation. RABB and RHIND were correlated with the sensory attributes of traditional PHAM, being preferred more often and with greater purchase intent than RLOIN and RBACK. It is concluded that cooked ham development from whole carcass meat (RABB) is a potential opportunity for the rabbit industry to offer value-added technological products of high quality to consumers.

Há uma demanda mundial por novas fontes proteicas de produções ambientalmente responsáveis, e a cunicultura se enquadra perfeitamente como uma atividade sustentável. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a carne de diferentes cortes da carcaça de coelho e avaliar sua utilização no processamento de produtos curados cozidos prontos para o consumo (RTE). As carnes cruas de coelho de diferentes cortes foram caracterizadas tecnologicamente, e os produtos RTE foram processados a partir das carnes de carcaça inteira (FC-INT), patas traseiras (FC-PERNIL), lombo (FCLOMBO), patas dianteiras, caixa torácica e flanco (FC-APARAS). Um produto RTE com carne de pernil suíno (APRESUNTADO) também foi elaborado como referência. A carne de coelho de diferentes partes anatômicas diferiu na composição centesimal, conteúdo total de colágeno e pigmento heme, capacidade de retenção de água e cor (CIE), afetando as características dos produtos elaborados. Os produtos FC-APARAS apresentaram maior teor de gordura (5.46%), perdas por cozimento e reaquecimento (7,50% e 5,61%), baixa dureza e mastigabilidade (11.1 N e 17.37 N×mm). Maiores valores de luminosidade (L* ~70.27), matiz (h ~68.61°) de cor e uma fraca cor curada foram observados no FC-LOMBO, com uma coloração amarelada pálida descrita pela avaliação sensorial. FC-INT e FC-PERNIL foram correlacionados com os atributos sensoriais do tradicional APRESUNTADO, sendo mais preferidos e com maior intenção de compra do que FCLOMBO e FC-APARAS. Concluiu-se que o desenvolvimento de produtos curados cozidos a partir de carcaças inteiras (FC-INT) é uma oportunidade potencial para a indústria de cunicultura oferecer produtos tecnológicos de valor agregado e de alta qualidade aos consumidores.

Ultra-refined yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) as a potential naturally colored food ingredient

Ultra-refined yerba mate (URYM), with a final particle size of 5 to 12 microns, is an innovation in the market that aims to diversify and increase the consumption of yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) through its practicality and versatility of preparation. The present work seeks to evaluate the potential for applying naturally colored URYM in food products. The nature of this study was exploratory, adopting a chemical approach (analysis of the antioxidant potential); physical approach (color stability) and sensory perception. URYM is a suitable naturally colored food ingredient with natural antioxidant appeal. Methanolic extraction of URYM (MEUR) was more efficient in scavenging DPPH radicals compared with aqueous extract of URYM (AEUR) (959.5 vs . 638.1 µmol Trolox g-1). No differences were found between AEUR and MEUR for total phenolic content in mg GAE g-1 (266.4 and 339.0, respectively) and scavenging of ABTS radicals in µmol Trolox g-1 (1008.9 and 1053.8, respectively). Water was able to extract phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Ice cream, juice, cake, and cookies emerged as the food products in which consumers used URYM in their homemade foods. With good color stability (no difference between L*, a* and b* parameters during the six-day) and good acceptance, cake with URYM added has a profile described as tasty, sweet, soft, and mate flavor. The results also demonstrated consumer interest in food products and ingredients with a healthy appeal.(AU)

Assessment of Japanese radish derivatives as nitrite substitute on the physicochemical properties, sensorial profile, and consumer acceptability of restructured cooked hams.

This study aimed to evaluate the technological and sensory properties of restructured cooked hams prepared with natural curing agents (0.5% radish powder, HRP; 3% radish juice, HRJ; and 0.5% radish pulp powder, HRPP) and with 40 and 150 mg/kg sodium nitrite (HN40 and HN150, respectively). No difference was observed for pH, proximate composition, or cooking loss. Higher residual nitrite contents were observed in the HN150, followed by the radish derivatives hams and HN40. All radish derivatives hams had a similar hue (h) color to HN40, but the h values of HRJ also did not differ from the HN150 ones. The stability of the cured color was not affected. Consumers perceived a non-characteristic aroma and flavor in the radish derivatives hams, but the HRJ had the best acceptance scores. The HRJ appearance was similar to the HN150, and the other sensory attributes were like the HN40. The potential use of radish derivatives, especially radish juice, as natural curing agents was confirmed.

Amorphophallus konjac: Sensory Profile of This Novel Alternative Flour on Gluten-Free Bread.

This study aimed to evaluate the sensory profile of gluten-free bread with Amorphophallus konjac (AK) flour in different concentrations. This experimental study is divided into three steps: preparation of the gluten-free bread formulations, sensory analysis, and statistical analysis. The addition of Konjac flour in a gluten-free bread formulation was tested in different proportions, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50% of the flour content. The checking all-that-apply (CATA) was conducted with 110 panelists; among these, 43 were consumers of gluten-free bread. Sensory analysis was conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale for color, aroma, texture, flavor, appearance, and overall acceptability. The AK flour influenced the sensory characteristics of gluten-free bread. Bread with characteristics closer to those found in bread with gluten was the one with 12.5% of konjac flour for both the acceptability analysis as the attributes raised through a detailed CATA map. The control sample is located next to features like dry appearance, dry texture and grainy, dark color, and salty. Therefore, 12.5% AK gluten-free bread is closer to the characteristics of the control sample, such as light crust color, light crumb color, soft and moist texture, cohesion, and brightness. The bread with the highest percentage of overall consumer acceptance was 12.5% konjac with 93% and 96% acceptance among consumers and non-consumers of gluten-free bread, respectively.

Development of tropical mixed juice with low added-sugar content: Sensory and nutritional aspects.

The aim of the present study was to develop a mixed tropical fruit juice of cashew apple, acerola and melon with low added-sugar content considering sensory and nutritional aspects. Five formulations were developed varying the concentration of the different fruits. A total of 172 consumers rated their overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale and described their sensory characteristics using a Check-all-that-apply question. In addition, the functional properties of the juices were evaluated by analyzing vitamin C, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that the addition of sugar and fruit composition affected the sensory characteristics and consumer liking of the formulations. Samples without added sugar and with higher melon concentration showed lower liking scores (p < 0.05). In addition, the highest concentration of acerola had a positive effect on nutritional characteristics. The formulation with 50% of fruit pulp (60% of cashew apple, 30% of acerola and 10% of melon), 47% of water, and 3% of added sugar achieved the best results. The effect of aroma on sweetness perception was investigated by adding identical to natural aromas of melon, apple and pineapple to the selected formulation. However, aroma did not significantly modify sweetness perception, evaluated using a rate-all-that-apply question.

Probiotic fermented milks: Children's emotional responses using a product-specific emoji list.

This study aimed to develop and validate a product-specific emoji list and use this list to analyse children's emotional responses associated with the consumption of probiotic fermented milks prepared with different probiotic strains. Furthermore, the overall liking of the products was studied during a sensory test. Six formulations were studied: Bifidobacterium BB12 (BB), Lactobacillus acidophilus L3 (LA3), Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 05 (LA5), Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (LL), Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 (LC), and Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (CONV). A total of 132 children (7-14 years old) participated in two study phases: development (n = 32) and validation (n = 100) of the list. Fifteen emoji were selected to be included in the product-specific list, which had a high frequency of citations in the first phase. The formulations with the highest overall liking (LL, BB, LC and CONV) were correlated with positive emoji, while the least-liked formulations (LA3 and LA5) were associated with negative emoji. Furthermore, the utilisation of emoji enabled the differentiation among formulations with similar overall liking. Therefore, this study developed and validated an emoji list to be used in the evaluation of fermented milks by children. The results suggest that the type of probiotic culture impacted the sensory characteristics of fermented milks, supporting the use of Bifidobacterium, L. lactis or L. casei in these products.

Temporal dominance of sensations and check-all-that-apply analysis of restructured cooked hams elaborated with different salt content and pork quality meats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salt (NaCl) content of 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0% in the sensory characteristics of restructured cooked hams, formulated with abnormal (PSE; pale, soft, and exudative) and normal (RFN; reddish pink, firm, and non-exudative) meats. The products with 1.2% added salt had higher (P < 0.05) acceptance scores for flavor, regardless of the type of meat used. Hams manufactured with PSE meat and 1.2% salt content had higher (P < 0.05) overall impression scores and were associated with the terms "characteristic ham flavor", "juicy", and "soft" in the check-all-that-apply analysis. RFN meat samples with 1.6% and 2.0% salt content were respectively associated to "rubbery" and "firm" texture. The ham flavor was always reported at the beginning of the temporal dominance of sensation test, followed by the term "salty" for the samples with 2.0% salt and "meaty" in the samples with 1.2% salt. The term "umami taste" appears to be associated to that samples made with PSE meat. These results led to the conclusion that PSE meat had a positive effect on the sensory profile of restructured cooked hams, especially in those formulated with 1.2% salt.

Comparison of consumer-based methodologies for optimizing the development of new products: A case study with probiotic chocolate flavored milk.

Several studies have reported that most new products do not achieve satisfactory results when launched on the market. There is a need to increase the efficiency of the methodologies used in the development of new products to increase success rates. Rapid sensory methodologies named Polarized Sensory Positioning (PSP), Check-all-that-apply (CATA), Projective mapping (PM) or Napping were applied to obtain sensory and hedonic information of a new product, probiotic-added chocolate flavored milk, aiming at determining preference guides that can be used to obtain a high overall liking level. It was possible to develop a probiotic chocolate flavored milk with general positive overall liking. The preferred sample was formulated with high content of sugar and chocolate, concluding that these characteristics are preference guides. The results supplied by the consumers using different methodologies were consistent, although the methodologies differed in their ability for sample differentiation. CATA methodology allowed better discrimination between samples than the other methodologies, followed by Projective Mapping, PSP with scales and triadic PSP. We could confirm that those rapid methodologies of sensory characterization are efficient when applied to product development.Practical applications Using those methodologies, it was possible to develop a probiotic chocolate flavored milk that meets both, consumer's expectations in relation to nutrition and taste and functionality. The methodologies proved to be efficient in characterizing consumer preference guides, and therefore fundamental to the development of a product with higher overall liking.

The potential of umbuzeiro genotypes for the development of preserves / Potencial de genótipos de umbuzeiro para o desenvolvimento de doce em massa

One of the relevant economic importances of the umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) to the northeastern semiarid region of Brazil is the fruit processing to obtaining preserves. However, there are limitations in the production and standardization of this product, such as color, taste and texture, which are problems in the quality, identity, making it harder to achieve new markets. This study was carried out aiming to evaluate the potential of umbu genotypes (Access 37, Access 44, BRS 48, BRS 52, BRS 55 and BRS 68) registered by Embrapa in the development of preserves. It was evaluated the product pH, total acidity, water activity, soluble solids, moisture, firmness, color (L*, a*, b*), reducing and non-reducing sugars, vitamin C, syneresis and consumer acceptance regarding the overall impression. The CATA method was applied to describe the sensorial profile of the samples. According to the results, it was observed a significant difference (p0.05) in the physico-chemical composition of the samples, being samples produced from the access 37 and BRS 68 more appropriated for processing of preserves (in bars), with greater firmness and less syneresis. Consumers indicated products from the genotypes 37, 44, BRS 52 and BRS 55 as the ones with highest acceptance regarding the overall impression; the consumers associated the samples in different characterizations, associating the access 37 and BRS 68 with the characteristics of firm and delicious; the commercial sample was characterized as acid, adstringent and terrible.(AU)

Uma das relevantes importâncias econômicas do umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) ao semiárido nordestino pode ser atribuída ao beneficiamento do fruto na forma do tradicional doce em massa. Entretanto, existem limitações na produção e padronização deste derivado quanto sua cor, sabor e textura, o que prejudica sua qualidade, identidade e alcance de outros mercados. Este trabalho foi conduzido buscando analisar o potencial de genótipos de umbu (Acesso 37, Acesso 44, BRS 48, BRS 52, BRS 55 e BRS 68), registrados pela Embrapa, para o desenvolvimento de doce em massa. Avaliou-se a qualidade dos produtos obtidos, diante de uma amostra comercial, quanto a composição físico-química (pH, acidez total, atividade de água, sólidos solúveis, umidade, firmeza, cor (L*, a*, b*), açúcares redutores e não-redutores, vitamina C e sinérese) e aceitação por consumidores quanto a impressão global. O método CATA foi aplicado para descrever o perfil sensorial das amostras. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa (p0.05) na composição físico-química das amostras, sendo as amostras Acesso 37 e BRS 68 as mais apropriados ao processamento de doce em massa, com a maior firmeza e menor sinérese. Os consumidores indicaram os genótipos 37, 44, BRS 52 e BRS 55 com maiores médias de aceitação na impressão global; associaram as amostras em distintas caracterizações, indicando o Acesso 37 e BRS 68 como mais gostosos e firmes, e a amostra comercial como a mais ácida, adstringente e terrível.(AU)

The potential of "umbuzeiro" genotypes for the development of preserves / Potencial de genótipos de umbuzeiro para o desenvolvimento de doce em massa

ABSTRACT: One of the relevant economic importances of the "umbuzeiro" (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) to the northeastern semiarid region of Brazil is the fruit processing to obtaining preserves. However, there are limitations in the production and standardization of this product, such as color, taste and texture, which are problems in the quality, identity, making it harder to achieve new markets. This study was carried out aiming to evaluate the potential of "umbu" genotypes (Access 37, Access 44, BRS 48, BRS 52, BRS 55 and BRS 68) registered by Embrapa in the development of preserves. It was evaluated the product pH, total acidity, water activity, soluble solids, moisture, firmness, color (L*, a*, b*), reducing and non-reducing sugars, vitamin C, syneresis and consumer acceptance regarding the overall impression. The CATA method was applied to describe the sensorial profile of the samples. According to the results, it was observed a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the physico-chemical composition of the samples, being samples produced from the access 37 and BRS 68 more appropriated for processing of preserves (in bars), with greater firmness and less syneresis. Consumers indicated products from the genotypes 37, 44, BRS 52 and BRS 55 as the ones with highest acceptance regarding the overall impression; the consumers associated the samples in different characterizations, associating the access 37 and BRS 68 with the characteristics of firm and delicious; the commercial sample was characterized as acid, adstringent and terrible.

RESUMO: Uma das relevantes importâncias econômicas do umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) ao semiárido nordestino pode ser atribuída ao beneficiamento do fruto na forma do tradicional doce em massa. Entretanto, existem limitações na produção e padronização deste derivado quanto sua cor, sabor e textura, o que prejudica sua qualidade, identidade e alcance de outros mercados. Este trabalho foi conduzido buscando analisar o potencial de genótipos de umbu (Acesso 37, Acesso 44, BRS 48, BRS 52, BRS 55 e BRS 68), registrados pela Embrapa, para o desenvolvimento de doce em massa. Avaliou-se a qualidade dos produtos obtidos, diante de uma amostra comercial, quanto a composição físico-química (pH, acidez total, atividade de água, sólidos solúveis, umidade, firmeza, cor (L*, a*, b*), açúcares redutores e não-redutores, vitamina C e sinérese) e aceitação por consumidores quanto a impressão global. O método CATA foi aplicado para descrever o perfil sensorial das amostras. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa (p≤0.05) na composição físico-química das amostras, sendo as amostras Acesso 37 e BRS 68 as mais apropriados ao processamento de doce em massa, com a maior firmeza e menor sinérese. Os consumidores indicaram os genótipos 37, 44, BRS 52 e BRS 55 com maiores médias de aceitação na impressão global; associaram as amostras em distintas caracterizações, indicando o Acesso 37 e BRS 68 como mais gostosos e firmes, e a amostra comercial como a mais ácida, adstringente e terrível.

Características fisicoquímicas, mecánicas y sensoriales de salchichas secas tipo cabanossi elaboradas con carne de llama (Lama glama) y cerdo (Sus scrofa domestica) / Physicochemical, mechanical and sensory characteristics of cabanossi-type dry sausages made with llama (Lama glama) and pork (Sus scrofa domestica) meat

RESUMEN Se estableció la caracterización de salchichas secas tipo cabanossi con carne de llama, cerdo y muestras comerciales mediante un análisis proximal (contenidos de grasa: 18,6 a 29,6% y proteína: 19,4 a 36,2%), color (C*: 15,8 a 33,7), actividad de agua (0,770 a 0,960), pH (5,2 a 6,5) y propiedades mecánicas como dureza (47,8 a 124 N) y masticabilidad (9,4 a 33,2 N). Se obtuvieron 19 descriptores a partir de la opinión de 83 consumidores; luego, se empleó el método CATA (Check-all-that-apply) para describir las características sensoriales del cabanossi empleando 55 consumidores. Se evidenció que el cabanossi con carne de llama presentó el menor contenido de grasa total y ácidos grasos saturados, y mayor contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados en comparación a las otras muestras. Los descriptores más utilizados fueron: olor característico/embutido, sabor a especias/condimentos, picante y sensación residual picante. Los consumidores indicaron como atributos relevantes para la aceptabilidad al color rojo claro, blando/suave, masticable y picante. La utilización de carne de llama constituye una alternativa en el desarrollo de nuevos productos cárnicos basados sobre las características presentadas.

ABSTRACT The chemical and physical characterization of cabanossi-type dry sausages made with lama meat, pork and commercial samples were performed. Remarkable differences were found in terms of fat (18.6 to 29.6%), color (15.8 to 33.7), water activity (0.770 to 0.960), pH (5.6 to 6.5), hardness (47.8 to 124 N) and chewiness (9.4 to 33.2 N). Nineteen descriptive terms based on the opinions of 83 consumers were used. Then, 55 consumers used the CATA (Check-all-that-apply) method to describe the sensory traits of cabanossi . Sausage from lama meat had the lowest total fat and saturated fatty acid content, and the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content in comparison to the other samples. The most utilized sensory terms were: characteristic odor/smell of sausage, spicy flavor and spicy after taste. For sensory acceptability, consumers selected light red color, soft/tender, chewable and spicy as the most relevant traits. The application of lama meat represents an alternative to new meat products developed based on the characteristics studied.

Development of functional pasta with microencapsulated Spirulina: technological and sensorial effects.

BACKGROUND: Spirulina microalgae have been added to food; however, there have been few reports on the methods used to protect the antioxidant potential against process conditions, and the effects on the sensory characteristics of products need to be better described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on the technological properties, sensory profile, and acceptability of the pasta with free or microencapsulated Spirulina biomass added. Pasta formulations included: free Spirulina (FSP), microencapsulated Spirulina (MSP), and empty microspheres (EMP), which were compared with the control pasta (CP). RESULTS: The microencapsulation protected the antioxidant potential of Spirulina in 37.8% of the pasta cooking conditions. The microspheres presented low solubility in water (86 g.kg-1 ) and high encapsulation efficiency (87.6%), this being appropriate for addition to products that need cooking in water. The technological properties of pasta (water absorption, weight gain, firmness, and adhesiveness) were affected, but the overall acceptability index (85.13%) was not influenced by the addition of microspheres, despite changes observed in the sensory profile obtained by the CATA (check-all-that-apply). CONCLUSIONS: Spirulina could be added to pasta even without microencapsulation but the microencapsulation in alginate allows for the protection of the antioxidant potential of the biomass, representing a potential alternative for the bakery industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Consumer perception and use of nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica): A cross-cultural study between Mexico and Brazil.

The objective of the present study was, in a first moment, to observe the consumers' perception, qualitatively and quantitatively, with respect to nopal through a cross-cultural study among participants from Mexico (n = 200) and Brazil (n = 200), traditional and potential consumers, respectively. And, secondly, to use a Brazilian nopal cookie to complement the perception of the Brazilians regarding the nopal, evaluating their sensory acceptance and possible commercial potential in this country through the Check All That Apply (CATA) test. The cross-cultural study using the word association task has shown that although nopal is not part of the Brazilian food culture, people are willing to accept it as food because of its functional properties. This result, coupled with the positive acceptance of Mexican nopal cookies, confirmed the primary objective of working with products made from this unfamiliar vegetable in Brazil. In this context, the use of Brazilian nopal cladodes resulted in cookies with satisfactory sensory acceptance. This acceptance was similar to the one obtained by the Mexican commercial cookies. The affective and the CATA tests constitute a potential tool to evaluate and develop innovative products made with nopal, thus increasing their commercial potential. The results obtained provide support for a better utilization of this food, mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions, where this cactus is generally abundant, considering the social and cultural context to which the nopal is inserted in each country.

Discrimination of sensory attributes by trained assessors and consumers in semi-sweet hard dough biscuits and their drivers of liking and disliking.

Descriptive methods are traditionally performed with trained assessors to objectively analyze products, since consumers have long been considered incapable of performing such tests because they are influenced by hedonic evaluations. However, in the last decades, there have been alternative descriptive tests performed by consumers, due to other advantages, such as a rapid sensory profile assessment, reducing cost and time, and Check-all-that-apply (CATA) is an example. Thus, the objective of this work was to compare the performance of trained assessors (n = 15) and consumers using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) - traditional method and CATA - alternative method (n = 161 consumers, including acceptance test as well), for 5 samples of semi-sweet hard dough biscuit with different contents of specific ingredients: fructose (0.0 to 6.0%), vanilla aroma (0.0 to 1.2%) and water (9.0 to 13.8%). Results showed that the number of attributes in which trained assessors perceived significant differences was marginally higher (p < .1) than consumers. For smaller formulation differences, trained assessors perceived more (p < .01) attributes presenting significant differences (10) than consumers (2). The sample discrimination presented the same pattern, however trained assessors had greater discriminative power than consumers, i.e., they discriminated samples in more difference levels. The description of the samples was not similar between the methods. The QDA and CATA assessors used different attributes to describe the samples, which reflected in different drivers of liking and disliking if descriptive data come from trained assessors or from consumers. It is concluded that the choice of performing descriptive tests with trained assessors or consumers depends on the purpose of the study.

Ultrasound: A new approach to reduce phosphate content of meat emulsions.

Meat emulsions with a reduction of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of phosphate levels were produced. Soon after filling, the pieces were sonicated in an ultrasonic bath (normal mode, 60% amplitude, 25 KHz frequency, 230 W acoustic power, and 33 W L-1 volumetric power) for 0, 9, and 18 min. The technological, oxidative, and sensory quality was evaluated. The reduction of the phosphate content in the non-sonicated samples led to a decrease in the cooking yield and emulsion stability and impaired the texture profile, and the oxidative and sensory quality of the samples. Although the 9-min ultrasound treatment was not effective to compensate for defects caused by the phosphate reduction, the application for 18 min improved the technological quality and did not increase the lipid oxidation. In addition, it allowed reducing most of the sensory defects caused by the reduction of 50% of the phosphate level. Therefore, the US can be useful to produce low-phosphate meat emulsions.

Descriptive and hedonic sensory perception of Brazilian consumers for smoked bacon.

The descriptive and hedonic sensory perception of bacon manufactured using different smoking processes was studied. Six bacon samples were evaluated: three manufactured with woods, two with liquid smokes, and a commercial bacon. Consumers rated their overall liking (OL) and responded the check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions coupled with ideal profile method (IPM).1 The preliminary result showed that LS2 and Bamboo were the best-rated bacons. However, data analysis indicated two segments of consumers (both n = 50), with significant differences in the OL. The first segment liked fatty and smoked bacons, while the second valued the texture and appearance. The drivers of liking in both segments were the attributes related to texture, juiciness and the smoky aroma. The use of different woods in the bacon smoking process modified the descriptive and hedonic sensory perception of consumers.

A sensometric approach to the development of mortadella with healthier fats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory characteristics of mortadellas with different fat contents using Descriptive Analysis (DA) and Check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions and their relationship with overall liking (OL). Five mortadella samples were studied. Sample 1, containing 16% fat. Sample 2 was formulated with 8% fat. Samples 3 and 4 were prepared by replacing 50% fat by a pre-emulsion composed of fish, canola and olive oil. A commercial fat-reduced sample was also studied. The sensory characteristics of the samples were evaluated by DA. Besides, eighty-four consumers evaluated their OL using a 9-point scale and answered the CATA questions. Replacement or reduction of fat caused changes in the sensory characteristics of the samples. Commercial mortadella was the most liked. CATA questions along with penalty analysis and partial least squares regression (PLSR) of dummy variables on the OL helped to identify the attributes to be changed in the mortadella formulations.

Sensory profile of sheep cheeses during a six-month storage period as evaluated by consumers.

Over the past decade, the use of check-all-that-apply questions has become an easier and faster alternative to traditional sensory profiles using trained assessors, allowing the characterisation of a product by consumers. In this study, 65 consumers evaluated the acceptability of six artisan Uruguayan sheep cheese samples during a six-month storage period, providing a descriptive profile using a check-all-that-apply questionnaire consisting of 32 sensory and non-sensory terms. Although the acceptability of five of the six samples was not modified during storage, the consumers were able to perceive changes in the texture and flavour of products, providing a sensory profile of the cheeses. The categories s trange flavour, animal odour, strange odour, bitter and acidic were associated with negative terms such as bad quality and unpleasant flavour, whereas salty and tasty appeared to be related to positive terms including good quality, pleasant flavour and delicious. Therefore, for the Uruguayan consumer, preference for this type of product appears to be mainly conditioned by the flavour perceived in these cheeses, rather than their texture attributes.