The shelf-life of ice cream is determined by when, and under what conditions, a product feature fails. Microbiological, chemical and some physical features rarely change after ice cream is hardened, stored or distributed. However, sensory properties-flavor, body and texture-do change when ice cream is exposed to high temperatures and temperature fluctuations (i.e., heat shock).
After reading my column in the September issue-On Probiotics and Maternity Leave-many of you felt inclined to drop me a line. (It was all positive-thanks!) For those who missed the column, let me explain why these two very dissimilar topics were addressed in the same article.
Cheese lovers who scream "More cheese, please!" will find that lower-fat cheeses provide a great way to indulge in more cheese and still meet personal dietary goals. Food manufacturers and foodservice formulators can use lower-fat cheese to develop products and menu items that appeal to the calorie conscious.
Obesity has risen significantly in the United States and is predicted to become the most prevalent public health problem in the United States. Thirty percent of American adults aged 20 - 74-more than 60 million people-are obese. The number of children and teens who are overweight has tripled since 1980. Sixteen percent of children 6 - 19 years-more than 9 million-are considered overweight. If weight gain continues at its present rate, 39% of Americans are estimated to be obese in 2008.
When I was asked to write on "Aspects of Shelf-life," I was uncertain how to proceed. The factors that limit shelf-life and means to extend shelf-life are at once complex and simple. So, I will begin and end this piece with the same advice: "To maximize shelf-life, pay close attention to the quality of the incoming milk and other ingredients, product formulation, the selection of starter culture, the sanitation program in your plant and maintain the appropriate low-storage temperature."
Dairy foods have historically served as ideal vehicles for fruits and nuts. The motive for adding fruits and nuts to dairy was to enhance flavor and color. Today, this has expanded to include boosting nutritional profiles.
Research suggests that consumers are seeking foods and beverages with
added value in terms of increased nutrition, so fruity and nutty dairy foods can
have "real" appeal.
So why is it important to know what flavors are popular half way around the world? The answer is simple-the Great American Melting Pot is no longer homogenous.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the United States has the worst maternity leave income plan among industrialized countries. It has none. In fact, out of 168 nations in a 2004 Harvard University study, 163 had some form of paid maternity leave, leaving the United States in the company of Lesotho, Papua New Guinea and Swaziland. (August 1, 2005)
Sleep. It's something which at one point in my life I
would nearly go without to leave more time for work
and play. Sleep. It's something I now crave and
something I need more and more of to function effectively.
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