Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Extended Beef Rounds Containing Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis

It was of interest to determine the water holding effect of the gum from the Acacia senegal var. kerensis in extended beef rounds. Beef rounds injected at two injection levels (30% and 35% over green weight) with curing brines containing gum arabic at 1%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% of the final product were investigated. A non-injected sample and a product injected with soy protein concentrate (SPC) at 3.5% of the final product weight were prepared for comparison. Mean results indicated that the level of gum arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis used in curing brines significantly increased the cook yield and reduced the extractable moisture in cooked extended beef rounds. The injection of beef with curing brine also significantly increased the cook yield and the extractable moisture of the extended beef rounds as compared to the non-injected beef samples. Both injection and gum levels had a significant effect on the proximate composition and sensory properties of the resulting beef rounds. Sensory analysis revealed that samples containing gum arabic at 2.5% were juicier and comparable to those containing SPC at 3.5% injection level. Furthermore, these samples had the highest overall preference comparable to samples injected with curing brines containing SPC. This is the first report on the physicochemical properties of extended beef rounds containing gum arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis.

Sensory Evaluation of Syneresis Reduced Jam and Marmalade Containing Gum Arabic from <i>Acacia senegal</i>var. <i>kerensis</i>

Jams and marmalades are some of the most popular food products because of their low cost, all year long availability and appealing sensory properties. These products are described as gels with pectin as the gelling agent used in its formulation. Gels are a form of matter intermediate between a solid and a liquid. They consist of polymeric molecules cross-linked to form tangles, and interconnected molecular network immersed in a liquid medium. However, the jams and marmalades require stabilization by hydrocolloids. The most common hydrocolloid stabilizer is pectin which is available as a low methoxy pectin or high methoxy pectin. Unfortunately, under mechanical stress, pectin gels may be damaged leading to the release of colloidal water. The release of the colloidal water is termed as syneresis. This problem may be solved by integrating pectin with other stabilizers having thickening properties. Jams were prepared using plums and pineapples while marmalades were prepared from oranges and lemons. Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis was added in the range of 1% - 5% which fell within the additives category. The prepared jams and marmalades underwent sensory evaluation using semi-trained panelists. The prepared jams and marmalades showed no evidence of syneresis. The jams and marmalades were subjected to a sensory panel who scored the different attributes against a 7-point hedonic scale. Gum Arabic at different levels was found to have a significant contribution to the consumer acceptance of the fruit spreads prepared. This is the first time that syneresis reduced jams and marmalades containing gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis are being reported. Sensory evaluation was carried out on different fruit spreads used in the study to assess the impact of gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. Kerensis. The parameters include taste, texture, spreadability, aroma, flavour, colour and general acceptability. Red plum jam and Pineapple jam had its best performance for general acceptability use at 5% level of gum Arabic whereas 4% gum Arabic level performed best for general acceptability for Orange marmalade and 5% level best for Lemon marmalade in terms of general acceptability.

Sensory Analysis of Sugar Reduced Jam Containing Gum Arabic from <i>Acacia senegal</i>var. <i>kerensis</i>

Reducing sugar in jam has an effect on the physico-chemical as well as sensory properties of the jam. To compensate for some of the functional properties lost, other co-solutes may be used. Therefore the objective of this study was to use gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis in formulation of a reduced sugar jam from plums and pineapple fruits. The innovatively prepared jam was subjected to sensory evaluation by a semi-trained panel. Twelve formulations were prepared in factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The products were rated using a seven-point hedonic scale for colour, taste, texture/spreadability, mouth feel and general acceptability. Data were analysed using SAS, 2004 (version 9.1.3) to perform analysis of variance and determine the least squares means for each variable. The main effect of the study was the level of gum Arabic at 15% and 20% w/w, level of sugar content at 30 and 35% w/w, and the type of fruit. A control product was prepared for the two sugar levels but without gum Arabic. Significance was established at p senegal var. kerensis is being reported.