Chemical constituents of Sweetpotato genotypes in relation to textural characteristics of processed French fries

Authors: SATO, AI - North Carolina State University; Truong, Van Den; Johanningsmeier, Suzanne; Reynolds, Rong; PECOTA, KENNETH - North Carolina State University; YENCHO, G. CRAIG - North Carolina State University

Submitted to: Journal of Food Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2017
Publication Date: 1/1/2018
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5883581
Citation: Sato, A., Truong, V., Johanningsmeier, S.D., Reynolds, R., Pecota, K., Yencho, G. 2018. Chemical constituents of Sweetpotato genotypes in relation to textural characteristics of processed French fries. Journal of Food Science. 83(1):60-73. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.13978.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.13978

Interpretive Summary: In recent years, sweetpotato French fries (SPFF) have grown in popularity, but limited information is available on SPFF textural properties in relation to the differences in chemical constituents among the sweetpotato varieties. Many studies on textural properties and sensory characteristics of white potato French fries have been conducted over the years but the findings may not be suitable for SPFF because the two commodities are different botanically and chemically. This study demonstrated that sensory texture attributes of SPFF varied widely and were significantly correlated with chemical components such as dry matter, starch and total sugar contents of raw sweetpotatoes and instrumental texture measurements of SPFF. The knowledge generated from this study will benefit the food industry and breeding programs in selection of sweetpotato varieties for improved SPFF quality to meet increasing consumer demands.

Technical Abstract: Sweetpotato French fries (SPFF) are growing in popularity, however limited information is available on SPFF textural properties in relation to chemical composition. This study investigated the relationship between chemical components of different sweetpotato varieties and textural characteristics of SPFF. Sixteen sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated for (1) chemical constituents; (2) instrumental and sensory textural properties of SPFF; and (3) the relationship between chemical components, instrumental measurements, and sensory attributes. Dry matter (DM), alcohol-insoluble solids (AIS), starch, sugar, and oil content, and also a- and ß-amylase activities were quantified in raw sweetpotatoes and SPFF. Peak force and overall hardness describing instrumental textural properties of SPFF were measured using a texture analyzer. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted and 10 attributes were evaluated by a trained panel. Results showed that DM, AIS, and starch content in raw sweetpotatoes were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with instrumental peak force and overall hardness (r = 0.41 to 0.68), and with sensory surface roughness, hardness, fracturability, and crispness (r = 0.63 to 0.90). Total sugar content in raw sweetpotatoes was positively correlated with sensory smoothness and moistness (r = 0.77), and negatively correlated with instrumental peak force and overall hardness (r = –0.62 to –0.69). Instrumental measurements were positively correlated with sensory attributes of hardness, fracturability, and crispness (r = 0.68 to 0.96) and negatively correlated with oiliness, smoothness, moistness, and cohesiveness (r = –0.61 to –0.91). Therefore, DM, AIS, starch, and total sugar contents and instrumental measurements could be used as indicators to evaluate sweetpotato genotypes for SPFF processing.