Adding Sugar or Glucose Syrup to Sliced Meats
Flavor
How does salt and sugar inhibit microbial growth?
Salt and sugar prevent microbial spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth through osmosis, or dehydration. Sourced from Scientific American (Feb 21, 2006), salt or sugar, in either solid or aqueous form, attempts to reach equilibrium with its environment, resulting in a decrease of available water for the microbes. This decrease in available water results in the microbes being unable to grow and reproduce. Salt and sugar can also increase the acidity of the environment, which can further inhibit the growth of microbes.
What is the Maillard reaction?
The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars which gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Named after French chemist Louis Camille Maillard, first described in 1912, it is often referred to as the "browning" reaction on seared steaks, fried dumplings, cookies, breads, toasted marshmallows and many other foods. The Maillard reaction produces hundreds of flavor and aroma compounds which contribute to the unique flavor of cooked food.
What standards must food products meet to be labelled and sold in the UK?
The rules for food standards, labelling and composition cover white sugars, dextrose, glucose syrups and fructose, as per the guidance published by the UK government in April 2013. An info from this guidance, products must meet certain standards in order to be labelled and sold in the UK. Food products must also meet specific requirements regarding their durability and composition.
Texture
Can adding glucose to sugar-based recipes improve their texture?
Adding glucose to sugar-based recipes like caramel, meringues, and sorbets can improve their texture and prevent graininess over time, according to ChefSteps.com. This is due to the fact that adding a small amount of glucose to a nearly saturated simple syrup creates a solution less prone to crystallization. Knowing when to add glucose to a recipe can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful outcome.
What are the three categories of deli meats?
Deli meats (cold cuts) can be divided into three categories: whole cooked cuts, sectioned and formed products, and processed products. This article provides an overview of each type and the important things to consider when selecting deli meats. Citation: SupermarketGuru.com, 2006. It is important to note that many processed meats contain additives such as nitrates which can have adverse health effects.
What is the sweetening level of glucose/dextrose compared to sugar?
Glucose/Dextrose has a sweetening level of approximately three-quarters that of sugar, and it is used in foods to soften texture, add volume, prevent crystallization of sugar, and enhance flavour. An info from the Open Text BC (2020), Corn syrup or HFCS can be used to replace sugar in a formula. Glucose/dextrose is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages and other products.
Color
Why is added sugar linked to health issues?
Sucrose is a type of added sugar that must be broken down into glucose and fructose for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which may explain why added sugars like high fructose corn syrup are linked to various health issues. As indicated by Healthline, glucose and fructose are absorbed directly into your bloodstream while sucrose must be broken down first. Fructose has the highest sweetness level compared to glucose and sucrose.
Why do humans have a preference for sweet taste?
Sugars are natural sweet-tasting compounds that provide energy in the form of 4 calories per gram and can be found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, honey, and milk. According to the Institute of Food Technology (IFT) in 2019, humans have an innate preference for sweet taste. Lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, is present in human milk.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High Fructose Corn Syrup is made from breaking down corn starch into individual glucose molecules, resulting in corn syrup. As stated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this process is often used in food production as a sweetener and preservative. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that High Fructose Corn Syrup is a common ingredient found in processed foods such as cookies, cakes, and soft drinks.
Consistency
What are common sources of added sugars?
Added sugars, such as syrups and sweeteners added to foods during processing, can be detrimental to our health, according to Mayo Clinic. Sodas, desserts, and energy and sports drinks are the most common sources of added sugars in the United States. Consumption of added sugars should be limited for a healthy lifestyle.
What percentage of beef must a beef burger contain?
Products labelled beef burger must contain at least 62% beef, while economy beef burgers must contain at least 47%, according to the UK government guidance on food standards and labelling from April 9, 2013. Foods with 'reserved descriptions' must adhere to specific guidelines.
What is Glucose-Fructose Syrup?
Glucose-Fructose Syrup is a sweet liquid made of varying ratios of glucose and fructose molecules, with the fructose content ranging from 5% to over 50%. Cited on Eufic, an organization dedicated to providing science-based information on nutrition and health, unlike sucrose, which contains 50% of glucose and 50% of fructose, GFS contains extra unbound glucose or fructose molecules. GFS is often used as a sweetener and in processed food products.
Sweetness
Are added sugars bad for your health?
Added sugars are a type of simple carbohydrate found in processed foods and drinks, such as sodas, desserts, and energy and sports drinks. According to Mayo Clinic, these added sugars can be detrimental to your health if consumed in excess. Naturally occurring sugars can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods.
Where can sugars be found?
Sugars are naturally occurring sweet-tasting compounds that are found in many different foods and provide a source of energy, containing approximately 4 calories per gram. Via IFT.org (Institute of Food Technologists, 2019), sugars are present in fruits, vegetables, honey, and human and dairy milk. Humans have an innate preference for sweet tastes.
Where do monosaccharides come from?
Sugar is made up of three main monosaccharides: glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is derived from plants like sugar cane, fructose is found in honey and other fruits, and galactose is the least sweet of the three. Cited on The Serious Eats Guide to Sugar, all of these can be used as natural sweeteners. Glucose and galactose combine to form lactose.
Nutritional Value
Do nutrition information panels include fibre when a nutrition claim is made?
Nutrition information panels must include fibre information only when a nutrition claim is made on the label about fibre, sugar or carbohydrate, such as high in fibre or low in sugar, according to the Food Standards website. Products with no added sugar nutrition claims may still contain high levels of natural sugars.
How can the Nutrition Facts Label help us make dietary decisions?
It is important to pay attention to the serving size on the Nutrition Facts Label in order to understand the nutrients, including calories, provided per serving, according to the FDA. On FDA.gov, the organization provides valuable information on how to best interpret and use the label in order to make informed dietary decisions. It is helpful to know that many of the nutrient values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
What are the potential health risks of eating too many added sugars?
Eating too many foods with added sugars can lead to poor nutrition, weight gain, and other potential health problems. Via Mayo Clinic's research on added sugars, published in 2021 on their website, added sugars contribute extra calories to your diet but provide little nutritional value. Research has shown that a diet high in added sugars can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Sodium Content
How do salt and sugar prevent microbial spoilage?
Salt and sugar are effective agents in preventing microbial spoilage due to their ability to dehydrate the microorganisms through osmosis. As discussed in the Scientific American article "How Do Salt and Sugar Prevent Microbial Spoilage?" (2006), salt and sugar can also have a preservative effect by creating an environment that is inhospitable to microbial growth. They can bind to proteins and enzymes in the microorganisms, preventing them from functioning properly.
What is the minimum dextrose equivalent content and total solids content for glucose syrup?
The Codex Standard for Sugars states that glucose syrup must have a dextrose equivalent content of not less than 20.0% m/m (expressed as D-glucose on a dry basis), and a total solids content of not less than 70.0%. Dried glucose syrup must have a total solids content of not less than 70.0%. This information is stated in the Codex Standard for Sugars by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2020. Glucose syrup is a type of sweetener used in food production.
What is the nutritional difference between glucose syrup and light corn syrup?
A 1-tablespoon serving of glucose syrup has around 70 calories, 17 grams of carbs and 6 milligrams of sodium, while light corn syrup has 62 calories, 17 grams of carbs and 14 milligrams of sodium, according to DiabetesTalk.Net (2018). Both can be interchanged in recipes.
Cost
Should we limit added sugars in our diets?
Added sugars should be limited in our diets, as they provide energy but no additional nutrients. Cited from Mayo Clinic, added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing, and are found in sodas, desserts, energy and sports drinks. Eating too much added sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
What are deli meats?
Deli meats, or cold cuts, are cooked and sliced whole cuts of meats or poultry, sectioned and formed products, and processed products. This was discussed in the article, "The 5 Things You Need to Know About Deli Meats (Cold Cuts)" on Supermarketguru.com in 2006. It is important to buy deli meats that are fresh and properly handled.
What are minimally processed foods?
Processed culinary ingredients are used to prepare minimally processed foods, such as oils from plants, seeds, and nuts, or flour and pastas made from whole grains. As mentioned in Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source, these food ingredients are derived from a minimally processed food by pressing, refining, grinding, or milling. Research suggests that regularly consuming processed foods can increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as obesity and chronic diseases.
Shelf Life
How can salt and sugar inhibit microbial spoilage?
Salt and sugar are effective in preventing microbial spoilage by inhibiting growth through osmosis and other methods. Attributed to Scientific American (Feb 21, 2006), salt or sugar, whether in solid or aqueous form, attempts to reach equilibrium by drawing out water from the microorganisms, thus causing dehydration. Sugar can reduce the available water content of food, making it difficult for microbial growth.
How long do dairy products last?
Properly stored dairy products have a shelf life of up to several weeks or months, depending on the type of cheese. Sourced from Fitibility (web - Oct 27, 2022), pasteurized milk lasts 1-2 weeks, yoghurt 2-6 weeks, soft cheese 1-2 weeks, hard and semi-hard cheese from several weeks to months, and buttermilk 1-2 weeks. Storing dairy products at an optimum temperature can extend their shelf life.
What foods contain sulphites?
Sulphites are a type of food preservative commonly found in a variety of products, such as deli meats, hot dogs and sausages, dressings, gravies, sauces and soups, dehydrated fish, crustaceans and shellfish, and noodle and rice mixes. As indicated by Unlock Food, sulphites are also used in sweeteners like dextrose, glucose solids and syrup and molasses, and can be found in gelatin or pectin, as well as medications and pharmaceuticals. Studies have shown that sulphites are linked to asthma in some individuals.
Caloric Value
What is the recommended maximum amount of added sugars for adults?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should limit their consumption of added sugars to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake, which is equivalent to 12 teaspoons (48 grams) of sugar per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. Attributed to Mayo Clinic, this amount should not be exceeded, as it can lead to negative health effects. Studies have shown that high consumption of added sugars can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend that all Americans 2 years and older should limit their added sugar intake to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake, or 200 calories/day (50g/day). Attributed to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this translates to about 12 teaspoons of sugar daily. It is also recommended that toddlers and infants younger than 2 years should not be given added sugars.
What is the best way to use binding syrups in bars?
Binding syrups are best used in bars when dispersed in a mixing tank and hydrated before adding sugar, then mixed into the dry ingredients while still hot. According to Ingredion's resource library, this allows the bars to cool in their desired shapes. It is also important to note that sugar can compete with gums for water in the mixing tank.
Source:
- Scientificamerican : salt, sugar, microbial spoilage.
- Chefsteps : Simple Syrup, ChefSteps.
- Healthline : Glucose, Fructose, What, the Difference.
- Mayoclinic : sweeteners.
- Ift : Sugars, A Scientific Overview, IFT.org, Institute, Food.
