Similarities and differences in sensory properties of high quality Arabica coffee in a small region of Colombia.

Coffee sensory properties can depend on several factors such as the species/varieties cultivated, the processing after the harvesting phase, geographical origin, and climatic factors. The impact of microclimates has been suggested to be critical to coffee sensory properties. Thirteen Arabica coffee samples from different farms in different sub areas of the same municipality (Pitalito region of Huila, Colombia), were evaluated using descriptive sensory analysis.

Sensory Characteristics and Volatile Components of Dry Dog Foods Manufactured with Sorghum Fractions.

Descriptive sensory analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with a modified headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method was performed on three extruded dry dog food diets manufactured with different fractions of red sorghum and a control diet containing corn, brewer's rice, and wheat as a grain source in order to determine the effect of sorghum fractions on dry dog food sensory properties. The aroma compounds and flavor profiles of samples were similar with small differences, such as higher toasted aroma notes, and musty and dusty flavor in the mill-feed sample. A total of 37 compounds were tentatively identified and semi-quantified.

Food Leftover Practices among Consumers in Selected Countries in Europe, South and North America.

Foodborne illnesses may be related to many food production factors with home practices of consumers playing an important role in food safety. Consumer behavior for handling food leftovers has been studied, however little work on comparisons among countries has been published. The objective of this study was to investigate home food leftover practices of people from North American, South American, and European countries.

Motivations for Food Consumption during Specific Eating Occasions in Turkey.

Several studies in different countries have been conducted to investigate factors affecting food choices. The objective of this study was to understand the motivations of specific food and beverage choices for different eating occasions in a typical diet of the Turkish people. A convenience sample of 141 respondents from seven different geographical regions in Turkey completed an online survey questionnaire that included questions about demographic information and details about their latest eating occasion.

The Effects of Fiber Inclusion on Pet Food Sensory Characteristics and Palatability.

The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the influence of fiber on the sensory characteristics of dry dog foods; (b) differences of coated and uncoated kibbles for aroma and flavor characteristics; (c) palatability of these dry dog foods; and (d) potential associations between palatability and sensory attributes. A total of eight fiber treatments were manufactured: a control (no fiber addition), guava fiber (3%, 6%, and 12%), sugar cane fiber (9%; large and small particle size), and wheat bran fiber (32%; large and small particle size). The results indicated significant effects of fibers on both flavor and texture properties of the samples.

Consumer Acceptance of Dry Dog Food Variations.

The objectives of this study were to compare the acceptance of different dry dog food products by consumers, determine consumer clusters for acceptance, and identify the characteristics of dog food that drive consumer acceptance. Eight dry dog food samples available in the US market were evaluated by pet owners. In this study, consumers evaluated overall liking, aroma, and appearance liking of the products.

Survey on the presence of Anisakis and Hysterothylacium larvae in fishes and squids caught in Ligurian Sea.

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of Anisakidae larvae (genera Anisakis and Hysterothylacium) in fishes and squids used for human nutrition and increase the knowledge of the distribution of Anisakidae larvae in this area of Mediterranean Sea. Distribution and correct identification of Anisakidae larvae in fish species is important for the assessment of their relative epidemiological role; especially when the fishes are of high commercial value and largely used in human nutrition. The study investigated the occurrence of Anisakidae larvae (genera Anisakis and Hysterothylacium) in 195 fishes owing to 22 different species and 60 squids (Illex coindetii) sampled in northern Ligurian Sea.

Volatile compounds in dry dog foods and their influence on sensory aromatic profile.

The aim of this study was to determine volatile compounds in dry dog foods and their possible influence on sensory aromatic profile. Grain-free dry dog foods were compared to dry dog foods manufactured with grain, but also with different protein sources for their aromatic volatiles. Solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the aromatic compounds present in the headspace of these samples.