Physicochemical and sensorial properties of tomato leathers at different drying conditions.

Tomato leather as a healthy alternative to traditional fruit leathers was formulated. A tray dryer with changing temperature (50, 60, and 70°C) and relative humidity (5%, 10%, and 20%) was used to achieve the best product in terms of color, water distribution, lycopene content, mechanical, and sensorial properties. Color change was the highest at 70°C due to the Maillard reaction. Lycopene content was also the highest at 70°C. Time domain-NMR relaxometry showed that water distribution of all samples was homogeneous and similar to each other. Processing conditions affected mechanical properties significantly. The highest tensile strength was observed at 70°C, possibly due to the denatured proteins. Sensory analysis indicated better flavor development at 70°C, whereas overall acceptability of samples was higher at 50°C. The results of this study showed the main processing parameters of tomato leather with a minimal amount of ingredients, with acceptable mechanical and sensorial properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Tomato leather was produced by using minimal amount of ingredients. Taste of the leather was found acceptable, as a salty snack food. Therefore, this product can be produced economically and it has a high potential to be consumed as an alternative to conventional fruit leathers.

Sensory characteristics and antioxidant capacity of red raspberry extract as a preservative in fruity flavoured beverages.

Sensory evaluation is a critical process in product development and consumer research. It is a fastly growing field due to innovation of novel techniques. The objective of this study was determination of sensory properties of red raspberry extract in fruity flavoured beverages comparison to the synthetic preservatives. For this purpose, an organoleptic stability study on fruity flavoured beverages was conducted storing them at several temperatures (room temperature, 2 ± 2 °C and 40 ± 2 °C) in the dark for 3 months. Sensory quality of beverages was analysed. Difference in pH and data obtained from °Brix measurements during storage was evaluated statistically. Room temperature and 40 ± 2 °C were detected to affect sensory characteristics of beverages. Highest variations were observed at 40 ± 2 °C. Beverages stored at 2 ± 2 °C displayed most acceptable appearance in organoleptic evaluation and insignificant change occured. It was also found that red raspberry extract provided stable sensory effects, color, flavour and taste, in beverages compared to synthetic preservatives at 2 ± 2 °C.