Search

Air frying is being projected as an alternative to deep fat frying for producing snacks such as French fries. In air frying, the raw potato sections are essentially heated in hot air containing fine oil droplets, which dehydrates the potato and attempts to impart the characteristics of traditionally produced French fries, but with a substantially lower level of fat absorbed in the product. The aim of this research is to compare: (1) the process dynamics of air frying with conventional deep fat frying under otherwise similar operating conditions, and (2) the products formed by the 2 processes in terms of color, texture, microstructure, calorimetric properties, and sensory characteristics. Although, air frying produced products with a substantially lower fat content but with similar moisture contents and color characteristics, it required much longer processing times, typically 21 min in relation to 9 min in the case of deep fat frying. The slower evolution of temperature also resulted in lower rates of moisture loss and color development reactions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed that the extent of starch gelatinization was also lower in the case of air fried product. In addition, the 2 types of frying also resulted in products having significantly different texture and sensory characteristics.

Chourico de vinho is made from roughly minced (10 to 30 mm) pork and fat, seasoned with a marinade made from wine, salt, garlic, and other facultative seasonings used according to the recipe of each producer. The batter is maintained at 4 to 7 oC for 24 to 48 h. It is then stuffed into natural thin pork gut, cold smoked and matured at a low temperature for 1 to 4 wk. The effect of garlic used in wine-based marinade and a starter culture of indigenous Lactobacillus sakei on the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in the processing of chourico was investigated. The garlic (as powder and fresh juice) was found to contribute (P < 0.05) to the control of both pathogens in broth. Garlic dose, as tested within the usual limits used for seasoning, did not impact the reduction of pathogens. Garlic-wine-based marinade and a starter culture of indigenous L. sakei contribute to controlling L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in the processing of chourico. Their presence was responsible for the loss of viability of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. following 5 d of drying, even sooner than situations where no garlic was used. The results of the present work show that the use of a wine-based marinade with garlic has an important role in ensuring the safety of the product. Practical Application Demonstration that traditional meat preservation techniques using natural ingredients, namely, by the use of wine-based marinades with garlic, are useful in the control of foodborne pathogens.

Chouriço de vinho is made from roughly minced (10 to 30 mm) pork and fat, seasoned with a marinade made from wine, salt, garlic, and other facultative seasonings used according to the recipe of each producer. The batter is maintained at 4 to 7 ºC for 24 to 48 h. It is then stuffed into natural thin pork gut, cold smoked and matured at a low temperature for 1 to 4 wk. The effect of garlic used in wine-based marinade and a starter culture of indigenous Lactobacillus sakei on the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in the processing of chouriço was investigated. The garlic (as powder and fresh juice) was found to contribute (P 0.05) to the control of both pathogens in broth. Garlic dose, as tested within the usual limits used for seasoning, did not impact the reduction of pathogens. Garlic-wine-based marinade and a starter culture of indigenous L. sakei contribute to controlling L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in the processing of chouriço. Their presence was responsible for the loss of viability of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. following 5 d of drying, even sooner than situations where no garlic was used. The results of the present work show that the use of a wine-based marinade with garlic has an important role in ensuring the safety of the product.

Sous vide technology permits precooked dishes of high sensory and nutritional quality to be obtained with a longer shelf life than is possible using other cooking-cooling methods. Salmon portions (200 g; 0.5, w:w; greased with olive oil) were par-roasted (300 degrees C/3 min), cooked using sous vide technology (80 degrees C/43 min), and maintained in anaerobic conditions at 2 degrees C for 0, 4, 8, 12, 15, 18, 22, and 25 d. At each control day, Enterobacteriaceae counts were made and the attributes of sensory spoilage were determined (3 visual, 2 odor, 2 flavor, and 3 texture attributes) by a panel of trained judges. A loss of smell, taste, color, and juiciness was detected during storage, along with the appearance of off-odors and off-flavors. The shelf life of the sous vide salmon based on sensory analysis was established at 18 d.