Optimization of compositional and structural properties in probiotic sausage production.

In this study, the effects of different fat levels and different particle sizes on compositional and structural characteristics of probiotic fermented sausage were investigated. In order to obtain probiotic character, Lactobacillus casei CRL431 was added. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analysis were done. The effect of fat level x mincer hole diameter interaction on hardness values were statistically significant (p < 0.005). At the end of the fermentation-ripening period, L.casei CRL-431 count has reached to sufficient microbial count (10(6) cfu/g of probiotic bacteria) to demonstrate the character of probiotic food. A significant positive correlation was found between L.casei CRL431 count and surface appearance, texture and overall acceptability scores (r = 0.60, 0.52, 0.53). The values of TBARS number of probiotic sucuk samples increased during fermentation-ripening. A significant correlation between taste-aroma scores and fat level was detected (r = -0.61,p = 0.0008). Consiquently, the best sensorial quality was determined in L3 samples and the worst sensorial quality was determined in H8 samples.

Several quality attributes of beef and turkey meat doner kebabs produced by traditional or continuous process.

The chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of doners produced by traditional or continuous processes were investigated. The production method (traditional or continuous) did not affect microbiological quality (p < 0.05). Doners produced by traditional process had generally better sensory properties than those produced by continuous process. Continuous process produced turkey meat doners with lesser fat content (p < 0.05), higher moisture content (p < 0.05). Even though, doners produced by the traditional process were given higher ratings by the sensory panel than those produced by the continuous process, the difference might not have any practical importance. Given the higher production capacity, continuous process is expected to replace traditional process in the years to come.

Changes in quality attributes of intermediate-moisture raisins during storage.

The aim of this research was to determine the changes in chemical and microbiological qualities of ready-to-eat intermediate-moisture raisins during storage. Raisins were immersed into hot (98+/-1 degrees C) glucose solutions (10% w/v and 20% w/v) containing 1% (w/v) potassium sorbate to inhibit mould and yeast growth. Raisins were kept in glucose solutions until the moisture content became 20%, 25% and 30%, respectively. The reconstituted raisins were then stored at ambient temperature (23+/-3 degrees C) and 50-60% relative humidity for 8 months in polyethylene/polyamide (PE/PA) packaging material. The changes of moisture content, water activity, pH values, total titratable acidity, total sugar contents, Hunter L, a and b color values, total mesophylic aerobic bacteria counts, and mould and yeast counts were determined during storage at 2-month intervals. The results of chemical analysis showed that changes in the total titratable acidity, total mesophylic aerobic bacteria, and mould and yeast counts of the products were increased significantly (P<0.05). However, the pH values, total sugar contents, and Hunter L, a, and b color values were decreased during the storage period (P<0.05).