Studies were conducted to further elucidate factors responsible for inability of S. thermophilw and L. bulgaticus yogurt culture to produce lactic acid and flavor in soy-based yogurt made with isolated soy protein and soymilk. Partial replacement of ISP with fresh cheese whey or whey protein isolate, or addition of phosphate and citrate ions resulted in physical stability defects in soy-based yogurt. They also failed to improve acid and flavor development or provide a 1:l number concentration ratio of the two culture bacteria types. SMbased yogurt had lower acid development than ISP-based yogurt. Addition of commercial sodium caseinate stimulated acid development in SM-based yogurt.

The development of off-flavors from oxidation reactions in cooked turkey products is a common problem and results in a less desirable, rancid flavor. Various strategies have been evaluated to minimize this off-flavor development, including vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging, feeding antioxidants to animals, and use of antioxidants in the final product. A natural protein-sugar reaction called the Maillard reaction produces a brown pigment, flavors, and antioxidants. This research tested the addition of honey to turkey breast meat before processing to retard production of oxidation products related to off-flavor. Three levels (0, 5, 15%) of dry honey were mixed with raw turkey breast meat pieces, then the mixture was stuffed into casing and cooked. The cooking process facilitated the Maillard reaction and the development of an antioxidative effect. The cooked chubs were then cooled, sliced, and vacuum-packaged as individual slices. The slices were refrigerated and tested for color, flavor, oxidative rancidity, and microbial growth over 11 wk. Sensory panelists detected increased sweetness and no negative flavor impact on acceptability for turkey with added honey. The addition of honey enhanced the oxidative stability of the meat, as indicated by lower TBA values, hexanal content, and oxidative stability index. Honey did impart a slightly darker color with lower lightness values but had no effect of redness and yellowness values.

Taste panel perception and preference of pericarp tenderness in three phenotypes (su, se, and sh2) of sweet corn (Zea mays) harvested at three different maturities were compared to the readings received from a penetrometer. Pericarp tenderness perception by taste panel correlated with penetrometer measurements when phenotypes and maturities were compared. The penetrometer showed significantly lower readings for sweet corn harvested at early maturity than those harvested at late maturity. This was also noted in the panelists' perception of tenderness, with the early and mature harvest samples being preferred over those from the late harvest. The only difference between cultivars within phenotypes was noted in sh2 `Rustler' and `AXC904'. `Rustler' received the greatest overall pentrometer values and lowest panel ratings; conversely, `ACX904' had low penetrometer values and was perceived as tender and very acceptable to panelists. Correlations between penetrometer readings and panel perception of pericarp tenderness indicate that a puncture force, using a 0.118-inch (3.0 mm) probe, of greater that 0.95 g/inch2 (0.147 g·cm-2) indicated a tough pericarp and lower than 0.70 g/inch2 (0.109 g·cm-2) indicated a tender pericarp.

Increased value of fresh sweet corn (Zea mays) during the last decade has lead to increased interest into the characteristics that increase marketability. Sweetness was examined over three phenotypes (su, se, and sh2) to determine if there was an optimum phenotype or cultivar within a phenotype. Each phenotype was isolated to prevent cross-pollinization. Cultivars were grown on sandy loam soil located at the Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center (Charleston, S.C.). Early, mature, and late harvest dates were also evaluated to determine the optimal harvest date(s) for maximum flavor. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine sucrose, fructose, glucose, and total sugars. Panelists' evaluation of sweetness and its acceptability significantly correlated with the high performance liquid chromatography analysis for sucrose and total sugars (sweetness, R = 0.70 and 0.61; acceptability, R = 0.64 and 0.55). Sucrose correlated with the total sugars (R = 0.95). As maturity increased, the ability of the taste panel to identify differences in phenotypes also increased. Although sucrose and total sugar levels were different between se, sh2, and su, taste panelists indicated no difference between se and sh2. Sh2 cultivars were considered sweet and acceptable on all harvest dates, but su was only acceptable to panelists at early maturity.

Eighty-four hot and cold deboned and bone-in hams were dry cured and aged as country-style hams. The boneless hams had high visual mold scores due to increased exposed muscle tissue. Hot deboned hams had the highest total aerobic plate count indicating that 6% of fresh weight as cure mix may not be high enough to hinder microbial growth. The same hams were less desirable in initial and secondary flavor and in salt intensity and desirability than those from other treatments. Warner Bratzler and Instron shear values were generally lower in hot processed, boneless hams. An acceptable hot processed, boneless country-cured ham can be produced with one cure application and with a casing.