Patent Publication Number: US-5294456-A

Title: Dietary fiber compositions for use in comminuted meats

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the provision of thermo-irreversible get particles for use in foods. 
     Recently, there has been an extensive emphasis on diet with the goal of reducing caloric and cholesterol intake. One of the major means of accomplishing this goal is the reduction of the intake of fat. Numerous fat mimics products are known and many are available commercially. One such product is an oat based extract patented under U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,996,063 and 5,082,673 issued to G. Inglett and identified as Oatrim. This product is the solids portion of the soluble fraction that remains after the partial hydrolysis of oat flour with α-amylase enzyme. The product has a elevated content of β-glucan. In addition to acting as a fat mimic, the product also has the benefit of the known ability of oat soluble fiber and β-glucan to reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood. 
     While Oatrim has been used in various food systems as a fat mimic or replacer, it has various limitations relative to the area of use. In particular, Oatrim has been added to various ground meat products in order to prepare a reduced fat meat patty or sausage. However, Oatrim by itself in meat products, while providing cook yields, provides a meat product that exhibits a weak or musky texture. Oatrim as presently constituted cannot be used effectively as a fat mimic to satisfy these characteristics and conditions. 
     It has been discovered that Oatrim compositions can be prepared which provide good yield and good water-holding capacity while providing a fat reduced product with the visual, taste and mouth feel properties characteristic of a full fat meat product. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, water soluble and insoluble dietary fiber-containing compositions which are based on cereal hydrolysates are provided which are characterized by good cook yields in comminuted meats as well as organoleptic characteristics comparable to the full fat product and also the benefits of β-glucan. These compositions can be mixed with food to effect a replacement of fat or other ingredients or act as a filler or flavor carrier or decoration. Particularly, the compositions can be used as fat mimics in combination with comminuted meats in such products as sausages. 
     The claimed compositions are achieved by blending soluble and/or insoluble dietary fiber compositions, also described as cereal hydrolysates, as defined hereinafter with a hydrocolloid as defined herein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used herein, the term &#34;Oatrim&#34; is intended to specifically refer to the solids recovered from the water soluble fraction after separating the soluble fraction from the insoluble fraction by partial amylase hydrolysis of oat flour as defined herein. 
     Broadly, the term &#34;oat hydrolysate&#34; is intended to cover a) the solids from the soluble fraction prepared from oats as defined above, b) the insoluble fraction as defined above and c) the total solids obtained after the amylase hydrolysis of the cereal forming the soluble and insoluble fraction without isolation of the fractions. 
     The term &#34;cereal hydrolysate&#34; is intended to cover the same products as listed under the oat hydrolysate but prepared using the cereals as listed hereinafter. 
     The hydrolysate used in the invention, e.g., the soluble dietary fiber material, can be formed using the process of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,996,063 and 5,082,673, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Suitable substrates contemplated for use in preparing the hydrolysates used in the invention include cereal flours, milled cereal brans, cereal starches, tuber starches, and blends thereof. Of particular interest are the whole flours of barley, oats, wheat, corn, rice, rye, triticale, and milo, as well as the flours prepared from bran or other fractions of the milled grain. Preferably, the substrate is whole oat flour. 
     The substrate is slurried in a sufficient amount of water to give a concentration in the range of about 10-40% by weight. The water can contain a suitable calcium content in an amount sufficient to stabilize the subsequently added α-amylase, such as about 25-50 part per million (ppm) of calcium. The slurried substrate may be gelatinized prior to enzymatic treatment, using any method known in the art such as heating. The pH of the ungelatinized slurry or the gelatinized dispersion can be adjusted to about 5.5-7.5, preferably about 6.0, with appropriate acid or base addition, i.e., sodium hydroxide or other alkali. 
     It is advantageous to use thermostable α-amylase referred to as 1.4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolases and having the essential enzymatic characteristics of those produced by the Bacillus stearothermophilus strains ATCC Nos. 31,195; 31,196; 31,197; 31,198; 31,199; and 31,783. These strains are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,722 which is incorporated herein by reference. Other sources of this enzyme include organisms as B. subtilis which have been genetically modified to express the thermostable α-amylase of B. stearothermophilus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,893 incorporated herein by reference. These enzymes are available commercially under the name &#34;G-zyme G995&#34; (formerly called &#34;Enzeco Thermolase&#34;; Enzyme Development Div., Biddle Sawyer Corp., New York, N.Y.) 
     Other suitable α-amylases are those produced by B. licheniformis var. as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,662 and 4,724,208, herein incorporated by reference. These enzymes are available commercially under the name &#34;Taka-Therm L-340&#34; (formerly called &#34;Takalite&#34; Solvay Enzyme Products, Inc., Elkart, Inc.). Of course, any α-amylase which is useful in the thinning of the starch is contemplated for use therein. 
     The conditions of enzyme treatment, including the enzyme concentration and the time and temperature of reaction, are selected to achieve liquefaction of the starch in the substrate. When using a thermostable α-amylase, a preferred treatment temperature is in the range of 70°-100° C., preferably about 95° C. At these temperatures, gelatinization of the starch in the substrate occurs concurrently with the hydrolysis. The duration of the treatment at the desired conversion temperature depends on the desired product properties and will generally range from about 2-60 min. 
     After completion of the enzymatic hydrolysis, the enzyme is inactivated, such as by passing the mixture through a steam injection pressure cooker at a temperature of about 140° C. Alternatively, the enzyme may be inactivated by acidification (pH 3.5-4.0) at 95° C. for about 10 min. A combination of these methods can also be used. Optional neutralization with alkali increases the salt concentration of the product and this could be less desirable. A natural pH product can be made by avoiding the acid enzyme inactivation step and relying solely on heat inactivation. After the enzyme has been inactivated, the soluble fraction comprising the soluble dietary fiber and the maltodextrins (maltooligosaccharides) is separated from the insoluble residue by any appropriate means such as by centrifugation of the hydrolysates. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, temperatures during centrifugation are maintained less than 70° C., and most preferably within the range of 5°-50° C. Under these conditions of separation, the levels of lipids and proteins in the dietary fiber products are significantly reduced. Water is then removed from the soluble fraction by any of a variety of conventional techniques, whereby the products of this invention comprising the dietary fiber and maltodextrins are recovered. The maltodextrins produced by the process of the invention have a D.E. of 20 or less. These maltodextrins are substantially water soluble at elevated temperatures (e.g., 70°-100° C.) 
     The soluble dietary fiber recovered from the centrifugate is principally in the form of β-glucans and pentosans. Of course the relative amount of each fiber type varies with the species of substrate. Oat and barley substrates yield mostly the β-glucans; whereas wheat, rice, and corn yield the pentosans. 
     The insoluble fraction recovered from the centrifuge can also be use though not as effectively as the soluble dietary fiber. If desires, the product from the hydrolysis step can be dried to recover both the soluble and insoluble solids. The benefit derived by this procedure is the use of all the components without loss or expense in disposing of the insoluble fraction. 
     Representative Method of Preparing Soluble Oat Fiber in accordance with Example 10 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,673 
     Six kilograms of oat flour can be slurred in 18 liters of water containing 25 ppm of calcium. The pH of the slurry was 5.75. After gelatinization by passage of the mixture through a steam injection cooker, the slurry can be collected in a 30 gallon (113.5 liter) steam-heated cooker. Alpha amylase can then be added to the slurry in an amount sufficient to provide 1 unit per gram of oat flour. After 5 minutes of stirring at 80°-90° C., the enzyme can be inactivated by passing the slurry through a steam injection cooker. The warm slurry can be centrifuged at 15,000 rpm by a large &#34;Sharples&#34; centrifuge to separate the soluble and insoluble components. The products can be dried separately on hot rolls. The oligomer composition can be 98% DP 9 and larger. 
     The hydrocolloids for use in the invention include carrageenan (kappa or iota) or a mixture of xanthan and locust bean gum. Preferably, the hydrocolloid is carrageenan or a mixture of xanthan and locust bean gum. Effective ratios of xanthan to locust bean depend on use area (e.g. 4:1 to 1:4) preferably 1:1. 
     The hydrocolloids can be used in dry admixture with the hydrolysate or pre-gelled with the soluble dietary fiber composition by blending the water soluble dietary fiber composition and the hydrocolloid in water, preferably, hot (75°-100° C.) water until the substrate is swollen and the gum is dissolved and well mixed. The gels are prepared by blending the water soluble dietary fibers and the hydrocolloid in hot (75°-100° C.) water until dissolved and well mixed. After cooling, such as in a refrigeration over night, the gel is set. The gel is usually comminuted to small pieces such as within the range of from about 0.1 cm to about 1.30 cm. The gel can be stored in a cool place until needed for use to prevent bacteriological degradation. The gel can be prepared with coloring, flavors, preservatives, protein enhancers, fillers and the like. The gel can be used chopped or in shaped particles. 
     The cereal hydrolysate is used in a dry solids ratio to the hydrocolloid of from about 80-88 parts hydrolysate to from about 20 to about 12 hydrocolloid, preferably from about 88 to about 86 parts to from about 18 to about 14 parts and more preferably from about 83 to about 85 parts to from about 17 to about 15 parts. Most preferably, the cereal hydrolysate is used in an amount of 84 parts hydrolysate to 16 parts hydrocolloid. The blend of xanthan gum and locust bean gum would be considered a hydrocolloid for these ratios. The gel is preferably prepared in a 1:3 weight basis ratio of solids to water. 
     The gel or the dry blend is added to the comminuted meat in an amount as needed to provide the effect needed. In general, the gel can be used in an amount ranging from about 4 to about 12.5%. The gel can be used to replace the fat on a ratio of 1:1 depending on the moisture content in the gel. 
     As used herein, comminuted meat is intended to cover meat muscle which has been interrupted from its natural form such as by cutting, shredding, chopping, grinding, emulsifying and the like. The comminuted meat pieces preferably have a size of less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) and more preferably less than 0.6 centimeters (0.25 inch). Appropriate particle sizes for products such as patties and sausages are well known to the skilled artisan. 
     The comminuted meat may be derived from any usual meat source using any conventional recipe [such as from bovine (cow, bull, steer, calf), sheep (lamp and mutton), swine (pigs, hogs), wild game (elk, deer) and fowl (chicken, turkey, duck, goose)] and conventional preparation techniques such as disclosed in &#34;Sausage and Processed Meats Manufacturing, Robert E. Rust, AMI Center for Continuing Education, American Meat Institute (1977), which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The comminuted meat can include conventional ingredients such as curing agents and preseratives, spices, and flavor accentuators, fillers, coloring, and the like. These can be illustrated by alkali metal chlorides, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates (pyro and poly), sorbates, benzoates, erythorbates, citrates and citric acid, sugar and sugar derivatives, cereal flour and cereal derivatives, spices and spice extracts, oleo resins, seasonings, flavors, curing adjuncts such as glutamic acid and GDL, fats, oils, modified fats and oils, solvents such as water, alcohol or glycerin, vitamins, amino acids, proteins (natural, hydrolyzed, modified, isolated), flavor enhancers such as MSG or soy sauce, smoke flavorings, coloring agents such as paprika, tomato pumice, beet extract, artificial colors as desired. 
     The comminuted meat products can be in the form of patties, sausage, cooked and fermented sausage (salami and pepperoni), frankfurters (hot dogs) and the like products made from chopped meat, spices, preservation agents (nitrites, erythorbates, phosphates) and the like either formed or in casings. 
     The following examples are presented only to further illustrate the invention and are not inserted to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims. All percentages are by weight unless otherwise stated. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Materials and Formulations 
     The Oatrim used in the following example was prepared by admixing at room temperature sufficient whole oat flour with water containing calcium to provide a slurry of about 25% solids by weight. The pH of the slurry is 6.2. Taka-therm enzyme in the amount equivalent to 0.7 grams per kilogram of total solids was added. The enzymatic hydrolysis was allowed to proceed at 92°-95° C. for a retention time of 1.5-2 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to pH 4 with phosphoric acid and heated to 130° C. for six minutes in order inactivate the enzyme. The pH was then adjusted to 5.5 with caustic and the material was centrifuged to separate the insoluble solids from the mother liquor. The mother liquor was dried in a drum dryer to provide the Oatrim product which had a pH of 5.3, a viscosity of 58 centipose (5% solution using spindle #3) and a moisture content of 6.7%. 
     Of the fat mimics used in this Example, three dry blends were also prepared: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
1.       Mimic-III (Dry)                                                  
         a. Oatrim      84%                                               
         b. Kappa Carrageenan                                             
                        16%                                               
2.       Mimic-I (Dry)                                                    
         a. Oatrim      84%                                               
         b. Iota Carrageenan                                              
                        16%                                               
3.       Mimic III (Dry)                                                  
         a. Oatrim      84%                                               
         b. Xanthan      8%                                               
         c. Locust Bean Gum                                               
                         8%                                               
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     Three preformed gels were also prepared: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
1. &amp; 2. Mimic III [Kappa] (Gel) or Mimic-I                                
        [Iota] (Gel)                                                      
a.        Oatrim              21%                                         
b.        Kappa Carrageenan    4%                                         
          Iota Carrageenan                                                
c.        Water               75%                                         
3.      Mimic II [Oatrim/Xanthan                                          
        Gum/Locust Bean Gum] (Gel)                                        
a.        Oatrim              21%                                         
b.        Xanthan Gum          2%                                         
c.        Locust Bean Gum      2%                                         
d.        Water               75%                                         
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     PROCESS FOR PREPARING GELS 
     After boiling the water, weighing and mixing the dry ingredients, and calibrating a food processor bowl (Cuisinart) to 375 grams of liquid, the boiling water was poured into the food processor bowl up to the previously calibrated 375 gram level. The temperature immediately after pouring was recorded, specification is 90° C. or higher. With the food processor blades in operation, the dry ingredients were rapidly blended into the water, mixing for one minute on low speed. The resultant slurry/gel was removed to a sealable container (beaker) and placed in cooler 0° C.-3.3° C. (32°-38° F.) overnight to set the gel. 
     MEAT MIXTURE COMPOSITION 
     With the exception of the 30% fat control, the base formulation contained the following: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Pork Trim      21.63%                                                     
Beef Round     3.14%                                                      
Pork Picnic    38.25%                                                     
Water          (32.50% - Dry Fat Replacer) +                              
               10% Added Water                                            
Fat Mimic      See Table I.                                               
Spice (Includes Salt)                                                     
               4.40%                                                      
Sodium Erythorbate                                                        
               (0.06%)                                                    
Sodium Nitrite (0.02%)                                                    
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     Each low-fat formulation was prepared to contain 239.5 bind units (U. Georgia, College of Agrigulture) and 9.5% fat content as per the guidelines for a low-fat frankfurter formulation. Treatment addition levels of the various fat mimic ingredients are listed in Table I. 
     The 30% fat control contained: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Pork Trim              11.52%                                             
Pork back fat          24.00%                                             
Beef Round             11.00%                                             
Pork Picnic            34.00%                                             
Water                  15.00%                                             
Spice (+ salt)          4.40%                                             
Sodium Erythorbate      0.067%                                            
Sodium Nitrite          0.02%                                             
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     MEAT MIXTURE PREPARATION 
     For each treatment, separate meat blocks were prepared according to the base formulation previously described. Prior to chopping in a food processor (Cuisinart), the treatment formulation was blended using a Hobart planetary mixer according to the following procedures: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
1.  Meat block components were mixed for 30 seconds at                    
    slow (#1) speed.                                                      
2.  The spice blend including the salt and sodium erythorbate             
    were added and mixed for an additional 30                             
    seconds at the #1 setting.                                            
3.  Ice water and the dry fat replacer ingredients (if applicable)        
    were added and mixed for 60 seconds at the #1 speed setting.          
4.  Pre-dissolved sodium nitrite was added and mixed for a                
    final 30 seconds.                                                     
5.  From each of the mixed meat blocks, five 1000 gram units              
    were removed and assigned to each of five chopping                    
    times at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes.                                
6.  In the 4 treatments using the performed gel, only water was           
    added in Step 3. The gels, pre-chopped by hand (knife),               
    were added (140 grams) to an 860 gram mixed meat block                
    immediately prior to food processor chopping in Step 7.               
7.  The 1000 gram units were then chopped for 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4             
    minutes using a food processor (Cuisinart Model DLC-7).               
    Temperatures of the mixture following chopping were                   
    recorded. The sides of the food processor bowl were                   
    scraped every minute to insure a more homogeneous mixture.            
8.  Each treatment was then placed into two aluminum loaf pans.           
    A vacuum was not drawn to eliminate air pockets                       
    as the formulations were very fluid.                                  
9.  Each loaf pan was weighed and then crimp covered                      
    with aluminum foil. All loaves were then kept at 1.1° C.       
    (34° F.) overnight prior to smokehouse cooking.                
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     COOKING PROCEDURE 
     Following the overnight chilling, the loaves were smokehouse cooked 2.5 hours at a wet bulb/dry bulb temperature of 76.6°/60° C. (170°/140° F.) until an internal temperature of 71° C. (160° F.) was reached and maintained for at least 15 minutes. The loaves were kept in an unheated smokehouse for 1.5 hours after which each loaf was weighed and the cook purge drawn off and volumetrically measured. Each loaf was then placed into a plastic pouch and held at 1.1° C. (34° F.) until needed for organoleptic appraisal. 
     The loaves were stored at 1.1° C. (34° F.) for 5 days prior to sensory evaluation. The 4 minute chop series of the treatment samples were then evaluated for texture, flavor and visual quality. 
     
                       TABLE I                                                     
______________________________________                                    
AVERAGE COOK YIELD (%) BY                                                 
CHOP TIME IN MINUTES                                                      
              0    1       2      3     4                                 
______________________________________                                    
Mimic-III(Dry) 3.5%                                                       
                68.70  86.50   89.30                                      
                                    89.70 88.40                           
Mimic-III(Gel) 14%                                                        
                84.80  93.80   94.80                                      
                                    94.40 92.90                           
Mimic-I(Dry) 2.5%                                                         
                67.30  84.10   85.50                                      
                                    86.20 83.30                           
Mimic-I(Gel) 14%                                                          
                85.10  92.10   90.03                                      
                                    86.10 84.70                           
Mimic-I(Dry) 3.5%                                                         
                69.30  83.90   86.30                                      
                                    87.90 86.70                           
Mimic-II(Dry) 3.5%                                                        
                --     95.00   93.40                                      
                                    94.20 94.60                           
Mimic-II(Gel) 14%                                                         
                86.10  96.00   95.90                                      
                                    96.10 95.60                           
CONTROL SAMPLES                                                           
Control (10% Fat)                                                         
                67.77  81.19   85.09                                      
                                    86.81 85.67                           
Control (30% Fat)                                                         
                82.91  91.18   81.22                                      
                                    76.37 70.64                           
Oatrim (3.5%)   66.21  76.59   79.69                                      
                                    80.63 77.79                           
Oatrim (2.5%)   63.10  75.60   81.60                                      
                                    81.30 80.60                           
Rice-trin* (3.5%)                                                         
                67.60  74.40   76.40                                      
                                    77.20 76.20                           
Carrageenan-Kappa (0.5%)                                                  
Source A        80.00  90.2    92.60                                      
                                    93.70 94.00                           
Source B        82.00  92.10   93.5 95.00 93.80                           
Oat Bran (3.5%) 84.80  93.30   94.10                                      
                                    94.40 94.20                           
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 *Rice-trin is a fat mimic commercially available from                    
 
    
     RESULTS 
     Cook Yields 
     Cook yields by formulation and chop time are summarized in Table 2. With the majority of the formulations exhibiting maximum cook yields following 3 minutes of chop time, a ranking of yields was prepared and presented as table 2. Of the fat mimics evaluated, the highest cook yields and the greatest stability to over chop stress (no yield loss over length of chop) were attained with the dry and gel forms of Mimic-II and Mimic-III blends. 
     Gels of Mimic-II and Mimic-III provided higher cook yields than the dry counterparts. The differences between the two forms of Mimic-III were pronounced whereas the differences between the two versions of Mimic-II were small. The yields for Mimic-I were lower and could indicate that this gel form is not resistant to high stress. 
     ORGANOLEPTIC and VISUAL APPRAISAL Loaf--10% Frankfurter mixture Informal organoleptic evaluations were conducted on the 4 minute chop series. 
     Texture 
     The texture of the 30% fat control appeared dry, firm, and chewy as compared to the softer, smoother texture of the low-fat control. Of the low-fat formulations, the low-fat control, both carrageenan treatments, the oat bran and the dry application of Mimic-II and Mimic-I provided the firmest products. Single use of Oatrim and Rice-trin treatments provided meat products which appeared dry and mealy. 
     Flavor 
     With the exception of the a slight bitterness detected with the Source-A carrageenan, the flavor of the various fat replacers was considered acceptable. Primary differences between treatments appeared to be based on the intensities of spices, sugar and smoke flavor perception. Those treatments containing either Mimic-I or Mimic-II appeared to be sweeter than the other treatments. 
     Visual Appraisal 
     Many air pockets were present throughout the cooked products due to the inability of a vacuum treatment to lower the residual air. Except for Mimic-II and Mimic-III gel systems, the low fat loaves were similar in appearance. Small minute gel particles were visible in the Mimic-II and Mimic-III chop series. As such these gels are easily sheared and since the raw meat batters showed no evidence of such particles, it is concluded that the fine gel particles remaining following chopping continued to hydrate during the subsequent dwell and cook processes. With such additional hydration, the swollen gel particles thus appeared visible in the cooked matrix. While, of the single ingredient systems, both kappa carrageenan and oat bran, provided the highest cook yields and chop stabilities, the gel and dry forms of Mimic-II and Mimic-III provided the highest cook yields and chop stabilities along with the benefits of the soluble dietary fiber product. This is in contrast to Oatrim only treatment which provided only a measure of chop stability, and cook yields were lower than that of the low-fat (10%) fat control. 
     With the possible exception of the Oatrim and Rice-trin formulations which appeared dry and mealy, none of the low-fat treatments exhibited a negative textural state. Flavors were acceptable for the products of the invention. The presence of small gel pockets within the Mimic-II and Mimic-III gel treated loaves was a negative visual effect that could possibly be avoided by better gel hydration or increased milling of the meat emulsion. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     The Oatrim utilized in the following examples was prepared by admixing sufficient whole oat flour at room temperature with a pre-determined amount of calcium containing (100 ppm) water to provide a slurry of 20% solids by weight. Taka-therm enzyme was added to the slurry in an amount of 1.0 grams per kilogram of total solids diluted with 19.6 grams of water. The enzymatic hydrolysis was allowed to proceed at 90° C. for two minutes in a pressure cooker. The enzyme was inactivated by cooking in a pressure cooker at 131° C. The slurry was flashed to release excess vapor and odor. After removing the insoluble portion by centrifugation, the mother liquor was dried in a drum dryer. The product had a viscosity at a 5% solution of 88 centipose (using spindle #3), pH of 6.29 and a moisture content of 3.9%. 
     Beef Patties 
     Numerous evaluations have been performed comparing cook yields and organoleptic performance of reduced fat beef patties formulated to contain either an iota carrageenan or Mimic-I, (a 84:16 blend of Oatrim and iota carrageenan). To date, the results have shown the Mimic-I formulation [89.13% lean beef (6-9% fat), 2.0% Mimic-I, 8.5% water and 0.37% encapsulated salt] provided higher cook yields, better beef flavor release, softer texture and greater initial and sustained juiciness than a beef patty formulation using iota-carrageenan alone [89.13 beef (6-9% fat), 10% water, 0.5% iota carrageenan and 0.37% encapsulated salt]. Cook yield and organoleptic performance data from a recent evaluation are provided below in Table II. 
     
                       TABLE II                                                    
______________________________________                                    
COOK YIELDS AND ORGANOLEPTIC RESPONSES                                    
FOR REDUCED FAT BEEF PATTIES                                              
                Organoleptic Means (n = 7)                                
         Mean Cook    Tex-   Juici-                                       
                                   Fla- Prefer-                           
Treatment                                                                 
         Yield % (n = 8)                                                  
                      ture   ness  vor  ence                              
______________________________________                                    
Iota     67.9         6.9    4.8   5.6  4.9                               
Carrageenan                                                               
Mimic-I  72.2         5.6    6.5   6.7  6.9                               
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 Hedonic Scale 0-9, 9 being highest                                       
 
    
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Pork Sausage Patties 
     Using a gel application of Mimic-I (75 parts water: 25 parts dry Mimic-I), reduced fat pork sausage patties were formulated to contain 87.38% lean pork (ca. 10% fat), 10.5% Mimic-I gel, 1.0% encapsulated salt and 1.12% spice/seasoning blend. The cook yield and organoleptic performance of this formulation was compared to that of a high fat (30%) control, a reduced fat (9%) control and a reduced fat Iota-carrageenan-containing product, formulations of which are set forth below in Table III. 
     
                                           TABLE III                               
__________________________________________________________________________
Formulation Content: Pork Sausage Patties                                 
       Ingredient Percentages                                             
       Lean                                                               
          Back   Carrageenan                                              
                        Mimic-I                                           
                             Encap.                                       
                                 Spice                                    
                                     Fat                                  
Treatment                                                                 
       Pork                                                               
          Fat                                                             
             Water                                                        
                 Iota   Gel  Salt                                         
                                 Season                                   
                                     Content                              
__________________________________________________________________________
Low-fat                                                                   
       87.38                                                              
          -- 10.5                                                         
                 --     --   1.0 1.12                                     
                                     9%                                   
control                                                                   
High fat                                                                  
       73.41                                                              
          24.47                                                           
             --  --     --   1.0 1.12                                     
                                     30%                                  
control                                                                   
Mimic I (gel)                                                             
       87.38                                                              
          -- --  --     10.5 1.0 1.12                                     
                                     9%                                   
Iota   87.38                                                              
          -- 10.0                                                         
                 0.5    --   1.0 1.12                                     
                                     9%                                   
carrageenan                                                               
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                       TABLE IV                                                    
______________________________________                                    
Reduced Fat Pork Sausage Patties:                                         
Cook Yield and Organoleptic Responses                                     
       Grill Cook  Organoleptic Means                                     
         Yield %       Tex-   Juici-                                      
                                    Fla- Prefer-                          
Treatment                                                                 
         (6 min. @ 122° C.)                                        
                       ture   ness  vor  ence                             
______________________________________                                    
Low-fat  64.3          6.8    5.0   5.8  4.8                              
control                                                                   
High-fat 53.7          6.7    5.5   5.1  4.8                              
control                                                                   
Mimic-I  71.8          5.1    7.0   7.4  7.3                              
Gel                                                                       
Iota     71.1          6.4    4.8   5.3  5.0                              
Carrageenan                                                               
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     An ideal fat mimic or fat replacer ingredient system will provide a reduced fat product with organoleptic properties similar to that of the high fat standard. Based on the results provided above (Table IV), the use of the Mimic-I (gel) in a reduced fat pork sausage product provides cook yield and organoleptic performance equal or superior to that of the high fat standard. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     To study the efficacy of using a firm thermally stable gel as a fat replacer in a course-cut sausage product, a fat reduced kielbasa was prepared containing a fat particle look-alike comprised of Mimic-III (gel). The gel, prepared using a Hobart planetary mixer (speed #2) and boiling water (mixed 1 minute), consisted of 75 parts water and 25 parts of dry Mimic-III (84 parts Oatrim and 16 parts kappa carrageenan). Formulations for the standard high fat (30%) kielbasa and a reduced fat (10%) version containing the Mimic-III (gel) are listed below in Table V. 
     
                       TABLE V                                                     
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Ingredient %                                                              
Treatment      Hi Fat Control                                             
                           Mimic-κ (gel)                            
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Fresh Ham      40.51       45.38                                          
Beef (90/10 trim)                                                         
               15.51       12.51                                          
Pork Back fat  21.55       4.67                                           
Water          17.5        20.0                                           
Mimic-III (gel)                                                           
               --          12.5                                           
Spice and Salt 4.5         4.5                                            
Phosphate      0.4         0.4                                            
Nitrite        0.01        0.01                                           
Erythorbate    0.03        0.03                                           
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     The smokehouse cook yields for the high fat control and Mimic-III treatment were identical. Although the kielbasa was not tested by a formal panel, at least a dozen staff members tasted the product in both a cooked, chilled and a reheated state. The remarks were consistent with the reduced fat Mimic-III product closely resembling the high fat control sample. The visible gel particles resembled the characteristic visible fat particles in the high fat standard product. The Mimic-III (gel) pieces provided a mouth feel similar to that of the fat particles in the high fat standard. The texture of the reduced fat product was slightly firmer but still considered highly acceptable. 
     The use of Mimic-III (gel) in pepperoni is currently being tested. Preliminary results indicate that the pepperoni has a desirable flavor texture and mouth feel. The simulated fat particles (i.e., Mimic-III (gel)) exhibited fat like characteristics during grinding and further processing (stuffing, etc.). 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Frankfurters 
     Using the formulations outlined in Tables VI, both high fat (standard) and reduced-fat, frankfurters were prepared. The raw frankfurters were chopped to 15.5° C. after which the meat emulsions were stuffed into cellulose casings and smokehouse cooked to an internal temperature of 69° C. Cook yields are reported in Table VII: 
     
                       TABLE VI                                                    
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Dry Ingredients - % - Low Fat Frankfurters                                
Ingre-             High Fat  κCarra-                                
                                     Low Fat                              
dients % Mimic-II  Control   geenan  Control                              
(Grams)  (10% Fat) (30% Fat) (10% Fat)                                    
                                     (10% Fat)                            
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Salt     2.10      2.10      2.10    2.10                                 
Sugar    2.31      2.31      2.31    2.31                                 
Seasoning                                                                 
         0.38      0.38      0.38    0.38                                 
CV-250   0.42      0.42      0.42    0.42                                 
Mustard  0.84      0.84      0.84    0.84                                 
Corn Syrup                                                                
         2.00      2.00      2.00    2.00                                 
Solids                                                                    
Oatrim/  2.94      --        0.50    --                                   
K-Carra-                                                                  
geenan                                                                    
Xanthan  0.28      --        --      --                                   
Locust   0.28      --        --      --                                   
Bean Gum                                                                  
Sodium   0.01      0.01      0.01    0.01                                 
Nitrite                                                                   
Sodium   0.03      0.03      0.03    0.03                                 
Erythorbate                                                               
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                       TABLE VII                                                   
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Frankfurter Cook Yields                                                   
               Cook Yield                                                 
                         Adjusted Cook Yield                              
Treatment      % Batch   (+10% Added Water)                               
______________________________________                                    
1.  High Fat Control                                                      
                   88.5      98.5                                         
2.  Kappa Carrageenan                                                     
                   76.8      86.8                                         
3.  Mimic-II ( )   79.8      89.8                                         
4.  Low Fat Control                                                       
                   80.3      90.3                                         
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     Although no formal taste panel evaluations were conducted on the products, many informal tastings were performed. The Mimic-II treatment was considered similar to the high fat control in flavor, texture, juiciness and color. Frankfurter skin thickness was considered excessive for the low-fat control and the kappa-carrageenan treatments. Although the frankfurter skin was thicker with the Mimic-II product as compared to the high fat control, the degree of increased thickness was not considered a negative attribute. 
     The properties of the frankfurters prepared in accordance with the invention and high fat control samples were considered very acceptable by many whereas the carrageenan frankfurter&#39;s texture was considered too soft and mushy. 
     It is understood that the foregoing description is given merely by way of illustration and that modification and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention: