Akif Kundakçı

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°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°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).

Effect of Starter Culture and Packaging on the Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Quality of Turkish Soudjouck (Sucuk)

Lactobacillus plantarum, Micrococcus aurantiacus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus in different combinations and amounts were used for the production of fermented soudjouck. The effects of starter cultures on total aerobic bacteria, and selected chemical properties of samples were determined. Additionally, the effects of starter culture and packaging on the sensory characteristics of final product were studied. It was found that nitrite and sugar content of samples decreased during ripening, while protein and fat content relatively increased with drying. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts increased in the first days of ripening and then decreased, similar trend was also observed for the counts of all three starter cultures. Sensory results showed that reducing amount of starter culture negatively affected and incorporation of glucano delta lactone (GDL) into formula along with starter culture had an adverse effect on the sensory properties. It was demonstrated that vacuum packaging improved the sensory properties; therefore, it should be preferred over normal packaging.

Effect of holding period prior to storage on the chemical attributes of Starking Delicious apples during refrigerated storage

In this research, the effects of three different holding periods (6, 12 and 24 hours) prior to storage on the quality attributes of Starking Delicious apples were investigated during storage of 8 months at 0.5 ± 1.0 oC. Changes in weight loss, flesh firmness, pH values, soluble dry matter amount, titratable acidity values, ascorbic acid contents, and total and reducing sugar content were determined. According to the results, the holding period showed statistically significant changes in the quality attributes of the apples (p < 0.05).

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.

Effect of Starter Cultures on Several Chemical, Sensory and Textural Attributes of Turkish Fermented Sausage

Abstract Two different probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus) were used in the formulation of dry fermented Turkish sausages. Proximate compositions, TBA values, residue nitrite contents, fatty acid profiles, textural and sensorial scores of sausages were determined. As results of sensorial and statistical analyses, it was concluded that the most preferred sample was the one fermented by using probiotic Lactobacillus casei strains. Also suggestions for further industrial practices were given in the text.

Erratum to: Microbiological attributes and biogenic amine content of probiotic Turkish fermented sausage

Unfortunately, Table 1 has not been published in the text and the missing table is given here; The heading ‘‘Table 1. Microbiological attributes of fermented sausage samples’’ is corrected as ‘‘Table 2. Microbiological attributes of fermented sausage samples’’ and the heading ‘‘Table 2. Biogenic amine contents of fermented sausage samples’’ is corrected as ‘‘Table 3. Biogenic amine contents of fermented sausage samples’’. In Results and Discussion part, in the 10th and 12th paragraphs, the term ‘‘Table 1’’ is corrected as ‘‘Table 2’’; whereas the term ‘‘Table 2’’ is corrected as ‘‘Table 3’’ in 1st, 8th, 10th and 14th paragraphs in section ‘‘Changes in biogenic amine contents of probiotic sausage’’. Putrescine contents of the samples were changing between 1.98 and 35.48 ppm just after manufacturing and at the end of the refrigerated storage respectively, whereas these values were 0.96–18.50 ppm for cadaverine, 1.41–10.84 ppm for histamine and 1.75–9.36 ppm for tyramine.