Not since "Sugar Chemistry" by Shallenberger and Birch (1975) has a
text clearly presented and applied basic carbohydrate chemistry to
the quality attributes and functional properties of foods. Now in
Food Carbohydrate Chemistry, author Wrolstad emphasizes the
application of carbohydrate chemistry to understanding the
chemistry, physical and functional properties of food
carbohydrates. Structure and nomenclature of sugars and sugar
derivatives are covered, focusing on those derivatives that exist
naturally in foods or are used as food additives. Chemical
reactions emphasize those that have an impact on food quality and
occur under processing and storage conditions. Coverage includes:
how chemical and physical properties of sugars and polysaccharides
affect the functional properties of foods; taste properties and
non-enzymic browning reactions; the nutritional roles of
carbohydrates from a food chemist's perspective; basic principles,
advantages, and limitations of selected carbohydrate analytical
methods. An appendix includes descriptions of proven laboratory
exercises and demonstrations. Applications are emphasized, and
anecdotal examples and case studies are presented. Laboratory
units, homework exercises, and lecture demonstrations are included
in the appendix. In addition to a complete list of cited
references, a listing of key references is included with brief
annotations describing their important features.
Students and professionals alike will benefit from this latest
addition to the IFT Press book series. In Food
Carbohydrate Chemistry, upper undergraduate and graduate
students will find a clear explanation of how basic principles of
carbohydrate chemistry can account for and predict functional
properties such as sweetness, browning potential, and solubility
properties. Professionals working in product development and
technical sales will value Food Carbohydrate Chemistry as a
needed resource to help them understand the functionality of
carbohydrate ingredients. And persons in research and quality
assurance will rely upon Food Carbohydrate Chemistry for
understanding the principles of carbohydrate analytical methods and
the physical and chemical properties of sugars and
polysaccharides.
