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The effects of pressure (21.3, 41.3, 61.3, 81.3, and 101.3 kPa) and temperature (174–184 °C) applied during the post-frying centrifuge stage on the physico-chemical characteristics of atmospheric fried plantain chips were studied. Results showed that the surface temperature dropped very fast during the cooling process while the total oil content gradually increased. The oil uptake in the plantain chips increased by 7.7% after 9 min of post-frying cooling. Though an alteration in moisture and oil content was significantly affected (p 0.05) was observed among the samples centrifuged at different pressures. The application of vacuum pressure at 21.3 kPa together with temperature control for 5 min during the post-frying centrifuge stage was significantly effective (p

The present study investigated the effect of ripening stages and chemical precursors on acrylamide formation in deep-fried chips of five plantains and one cooking banana. The highest level of acrylamide was found in the cooking banana, followed by False Horn plantain and French plantain, respectively. French plantain hybrids exhibited a significantly lower (P 0.60) with acrylamide formation in fried chips. The higher level of TP was significantly related (P

The transformation of value-added solar-dried banana to banana syrup, which contains very high levels of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), is attractive. It has promising economic potential for the nutraceutical and functional food industry. In this study, the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used for the detection of 1-kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3), 1F-fructofuranosylnystose (GF4), and total FOS in solar-dried banana syrup in the spectral region of 4000–12,000 cm−1. Partial Least Squares (PLS) were applied to build the regression models. Considering the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) of prediction, the prediction model of GF2 and GF3 yielded the greatest when original spectra at the optimization wavelength region was used. At the same time, the SNV procedure exhibited the best for the prediction model of GF4 and total FOS. Therefore, NIR spectroscopy with the PLS technique can be suitably applied for the rapid detection of FOS in solar-dried banana syrup.

Plantain (PLF) and soy flours (SF) were used to substitute wheat flour (10 and 20% w/w) in composite bread. Physico-chemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties were investigated. Partial substitution by PLF significantly increased (p < 0.05) starch, amylose, ascorbic acid, and potassium content in bread samples. In contrast, a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in protein, fat, amylopectin, and calcium content was observed with SF substitution. Composite bread with PLF and SF together lowered the hydrolysis index (HI) and glycemic index (GI) as compared with whole wheat flour. The molar phytate to minerals (iron, zinc, and calcium) ratio in all composite loaves was lower than reported critical values, except for phytate to iron. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in color, specific volume, and texture characteristics of loaves made from partial substitution with PLF and SF. Sensory evaluation revealed that bread with 10% PLF exhibited better scores for appearance and willingness to pay than the control. In contrast, SF negatively affected (p < 0.05) the appearance, texture, color, overall acceptance, and willingness to pay. The trade-off analysis indicated that PLF can be utilized to produce bread that meets consumers' demands, while incorporating SF as an alternative high-nutrient density bread will be beneficial for health. ispartof: Food Science & Nutrition vol:10 issue:9 pages:1-13 ispartof: location:United States status: Published online

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the computer vision system (CVS) for monitoring color and surface oil content of durian chips during post-frying cooling. The results revealed the browning index values increased with cooling time, while surface oil content decreased. A high linear correlation of browning index as well as surface oil content and cooling time was observed (R2 > 0.92). The image-processing technique can effectively be used to describe browning index and surface oil content of fried durian chips as it yielded a very high correlation (R2 > 0.94). This technology exhibits great potential as a reliable, rapid, consistent, and non-destructive tool for process optimization and quality control of fried products.

The effect of the pulsed-vacuum stimulation (PVS) on the external gelation process of calcium-alginate (Ca-Alg) hydrogel balls was studied. The process was conducted at four different working pressures (8, 35, 61, and 101 kPa) for three pulsed-vacuum cycles (one cycle consisted of three repetitions of 10 min of depressurization and 10 min of vacuum liberation). The diffusion coefficients (D) of calcium cations (Ca2+) gradually reduced over time and were significantly pronounced (p &lt, 0.05) at the first three hours of the external gelation process. The rate of weight reduction (WR) and rate of volume shrinkage (Sv) varied directly according to the D value of Ca2+. A significant linear relationship between WR and Sv was observed for all working pressures (R2 &gt, 0.91). An application of a pulsed vacuum at 8 kPa led to the highest weight reduction and shrinkage of Ca-Alg hydrogel samples compared to other working pressures, while 61 kPa seemed to be the best condition. Although all textural characteristics (hardness, breaking deformation, Young’s modulus, and rupture strength) did not directly variate by the level of working pressures, they were likely correlated with the levels of WR and Sv. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) supported that the working pressure affected the characteristics of Ca-Alg hydrogel structure. Samples stimulated at a working pressure of 8 kPa showed higher deformation with heterogenous structure, large cavities, and looser layer when compared with those at 61 kPa. These results indicate the PVS is a promising technology that can be effectively applied in the external gelation process of Ca-Alg gel.

The effect of cultivar, ripening stage, and pre-treatment method were investigated on the nutritional, physicochemical, and pasting properties of plantain flours from two plantains and two plantain hybrids. There were significant variations (p &lt, 0.05) in chemical composition and physical properties influenced by the interaction of cultivars, ripening stages, and pre-treatment methods. The highest levels of amylose, water-holding capacity (WHC), and oil-holding capacity (OHC) were observed in unripe flours and acid-treated flour recorded the highest content of resistant starch (RS). Flour after pre-blanching contained the highest level of total phenolic (TP), carotenoid contents, and browning index (BI) value. In contrast, acid-treated flours had the lowest BI value. As ripening progressed, peak viscosity and breakdown values increased but final viscosity, setback, and pasting temperature values were reduced. Untreated flour samples showed the highest peak viscosity. Higher breakdown values were found in acid-treated samples and higher setback values in pre-blanched samples.

The efficacy of cellulose paper consolidated with cellulose acetate and mixed adsorbents (bentonite: activated clay: celite = 37.5: 50: 12.5 g with 1 g citric acid/100 g mixed adsorbents) on the physico-chemical properties of oil was evaluated during deep-fat frying of chicken nuggets for 7 days. Cellulose fiber and cellulose acetate were produced from waxy corn husks. Using adsorbents supported on cellulose fiber with or without cellulose acetate resulted in lower poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), trans-fatty acid, free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and total polar materials (TPMs) compared with results from commercial filter paper (control). The L*, a*, and b* changes of treated oils were better than in control. Limiting the polarity in cellulose acetate might influence TPMs reduction but was more effective in overall quality improvement. The PUFAs, total trans-fatty acid, FFA, PV, and TPMs decreased by 1.8, 7.4, 37.0, 133.3, and 20.5%, respectively when compared with control. Therefore, the use of cellulose paper and cellulose acetate obtained from corn husks was found to significantly lengthen the life cycle of frying oil.

This study aimed to classify the degree of adulteration of Pathumthani 1 in Khaw Dok Mali (KDML) 105 rice during up to 5 months’ storage. KDML 105 was mixed with Pathumthani 1 at seven different ratios (100:0, 95:5, 92:8, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, and 0:100, w/w). The electronic nose (E-nose) was used to investigate the changes of aroma profiles in mixed rice, while GC–MS was conducted to determine the volatile compounds of each variety. The quantity of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) was found to notably decrease to 42.1 and 48.7%, respectively, while hexanal increased by 20.3 and 26.6%, respectively, during 5 months of storage. The E-nose potentially exhibited the ability to discriminate the aroma profiles of two rice varieties at the ratio 100:0 and 0:100 during storage. However, the aroma profiles of mixed rice during storage were not clearly separated due to the alteration of volatile compounds in rice.

Plantain is a key staple food in Central and West Africa, but there is limited understanding of its market in Africa. In addition, the cooking methods for enhancing the nutritional value, consumer preference, and willingness to pay for plantain and plantain-based products are not well understood. The knowledge gaps in the market and consumer dimension of the food chain need to be known to increase plantain utilization and guide breeding efforts. This research contributes by examining the cooking methods, consumer preference, and willingness to pay for plantain and plantain-based products in Cameroon and Nigeria. A household survey sample of 454 Cameroonian consumers in four divisions of Central Region and 418 Nigerian consumers in seven government areas of Oyo State in southwest Nigeria was the basis for the analysis. The results showed some levels of similarity and difference in the consumption and cooking of boiled, roasted, and fried plantain in both countries. The trend in consumption of all plantain-based products was constant in Cameroon but increased in Nigeria. The most important factor influencing Cameroonian consumers’ choice of plantain and its products was taste, while the nutrition trait influenced Nigerian consumers. Both Cameroonian and Nigerian consumers considered packaging, location of produce, and size and quantity as the least important factors. In addition, socioeconomic characteristics were significant determinants of consumers’ choices to consume plantain and its products. Gender significantly influenced (p &lt, 0.05) taste, while nutrition was significantly driven (p &lt, 0.05) by education and annual income. Household size played a significant role (p &lt, 0.05) in consumers’ choices when the price was considered. These findings serve as a guideline to improve existing products to match the needs of consumers in each country and develop products for different consumer segments and potentially increase production.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a computer vision system (CVS) for assessing the contact angle of frying oil. The oil was used to fry carbohydrate- and protein-based foods for 40 h, and the oil was collected for measuring free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), total polar materials (TPMs), and FOS reading (dielectric constant). The results showed that FFA linearly increased with frying time (R2 > 0.95) while the polynomial correlation between TPMs and FOS reading as a result of time was observed (R2 > 0.97). The contact angle obtained from CVS was highly correlated with all chemical qualities (R2 > 0.94), except PV. In addition, the contact angle models could be used to adequately predict FFA, TPMs, and FOS reading of frying oil (R2 > 0.91). This result suggested that the image processing technique through CVS could be an appropriate alternative to chemical analysis, especially for small- and medium-scale industrial frying.

Science, Engineering and Health Studies, 13, 3, 119-132

Science, Engineering and Health Studies, 12, 3, 169-178

The effects were studied of two different adsorbent combinations (com I; bentonite: activated carbon: celite = 3:4:1 and com II; bentonite: activated clay: celite = 3:4:1 + 1% citric acid) on the physico-chemical changes of oil used continuously for deep-fat frying of chicken drumsticks. The results showed that the % FFA was reduced by 44.3, PV by 50.2, and FOS reading by 40.1% in com I whereas reductions of 41.6, 44.9, and 32.8%, respectively, were found in com II. The oil treated with com II exhibited a lighter color than with com I. The changes of oil color in com I were L∗ 30.7, a∗ 1.7, and b∗ 31.9%; in com II they were 53.2, 19.1, and 39.5% respectively. The higher the L∗ observed, the better the oil quality obtained because of the bleaching ability of adsorbents. Therefore, the use of such adsorbents is recommended for poultry processing.

The physico-chemical and microstructural properties of fried rice crackers were studied as a function of spray-frying. Fried rice crackers were produced using the spray- and deep-frying techniques and their moisture content, oil uptake, color, texture (i.e., hardness, expansion ratio, and bulk density), and microstructure were compared. For spray-frying, the heat distribution inside the frying chamber, the effects of spraying rate of oil (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 L/s), and spinning speed of the frying basket (60, 80, and 100 rpm) were evaluated. Although the average temperature varied at each depth of the fryer, it did not influence overall heat distribution. Results also revealed that higher spraying rate and spinning speed resulted in higher moisture loss, higher oil uptake, darker color, and less crispiness. Compared with deep-frying, the oil uptake of spray-fried samples was lower by 45.4%. The color of the spray-fried crackers was better than that of the deep-fried samples. SEM micrographs showed that the cellular structure and integrity of the cell wall of deep-fried rice crackers were more deformed. They also had larger pore diameter and deeper and larger cavities, leading to higher oil content and crispier texture than spray-fried samples. Rice crackers fried using a spraying rate of 0.7 L/s and spinning speed of 100 rpm resulted in the most desirable physico-chemical qualities. Although the texture properties of the resulting rice crackers could still be improved, spray-frying could be an alternative technique in producing high-quality rice crackers with very low oil content.

The potential for using nitrogen gas as a pressurizing medium in a deep-fat fryer was investigated. Effects of different frying temperatures (150, 175 and 190C) and pressures (101, 163 and 184 kPa) on the fried food quality were studied. Chicken nuggets were either fried for a constant frying time of 240 s or at a constant core temperature of 70C in a modified restaurant-type pressure fryer. Modifications were made to include external gases to pressurize the frying chamber. The quality characteristics of the fried products were determined. An increase in pressure applied during frying resulted in tender and juicier fried products because of the reduction in moisture loss. The increase in pressure reduced oil uptake by the fried products. Compared with the use of steam released from the food, frying under nitrogen gas provided similar or better quality of fried products in terms of moisture retention, juiciness and texture.

Chemosensory systems are currently being introduced in the food industries for quality control and process monitoring. This study was conducted to determine the possibility of using a chemosensory system to differentiate among varying intensities of oil rancidity and investigate discrimination between good, marginal and unacceptable frying oils. Fresh, 1-day, 2-day used and discarded frying oils were obtained from a fast food restaurant in each frying cycle for 4 weeks. The oil samples were analysed using a quartz-microbalance-based chemosensory system. The discrimination between good, marginal and unacceptable frying oils with regard to rancidity was examined and the results were compared to their physico-chemical properties such as dielectric constant, peroxide value, and free fatty acid content. The different qualities of frying oils were successfully evaluated and discriminated using the chemosensory system. Good correlations (r from 0.87 to 0.96) were found between changes in physico-chemical properties of oil and the sensor signals.

The possibility of using the whole spectra (wave numbers between 4000 and 850 cm −1 ) from Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) to differentiate between good, marginal and unacceptable oils with regard to various intensities of oil rancidity was investigated. Fresh, used, and discarded oils were collected from several fast food restaurants from each frying cycle for 4 weeks. Dielectric constant, peroxide value, free fatty acid content, and density of oil samples significantly ( P r ) between FTIR absorbance at 3300 cm −1 and free fatty acid content was from 0.84 to 0.94 for oils from the three restaurants. Similarly, the correlation between FTIR absorbance at 3471 cm −1 and peroxide value was from 0.90 to 0.97. The results of principal component analysis using the whole spectra (4000–850 cm −1 ) showed good discrimination and stability for identification between acceptable, marginal and unacceptable frying oils.