Benders'dictionary of nutrition and food technology

fungi Subdivision of Thallophyta, plants without differentiationinto root, stem and leaf; cannot photosynthesise, all are parasitesor saprophytes. Microfungi are moulds, as opposed to largerfungi, which are mushrooms and toadstools. yeasts are sometimesclassed with fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associationswith tree roots.Species of moulds such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, etc. areimportant causes of food spoilage in the presence of oxygen andrelatively high humidity.Those that produce toxins (mycotoxins)are especially problematical.On the other hand, species of Penicillium such as P. cambertiiand P. rocquefortii are desirable and essential in the ripening ofsome types of cheese.A number of larger fungi (mushrooms) are cultivated, andother wild species are harvested for their delicate flavour. Themycelium of smaller fungi (including Graphium, Fusarium andRhizopus spp.) are grown commercially on waste carbohydrateas a rich source of protein (mycoprotein) for food manufacture.furans Derivatives of five-membered heterocyclic compounds(C 4 H 4 O), associated with caramel-like, sweet, fruity, nutty andmeaty flavours in foods; formed in foods by the maillard reactionand thermal degradation of carbohydrates.furcellaran Danish agar; an anionic, sulphated polysaccharideextracted from the red alga, Furcellaria fastigiata, structurallysimilar to carrageenan; used as a gelling agent.fusel oil Alcoholic fermentation produces about 95% alcohol and5% fusel oil, a mixture of organic acids, higher alcohols (propyl,butyl and amyl), aldehydes and esters, known collectively as congeners.Present in low concentration in wines and beer, and highconcentration in pot-still spirit. On maturation of the liquor fuseloil changes and imparts the special flavour to the spirit. Manyof the symptoms of hangover can be attributed to fusel oil inalcoholic beverages.fussol Monofluoroacetamide, a systemic insecticide for treatingfruit.F value The time required to destroy a given percentage of microorganismsat a specified reference temperature and Z value.G205gaffelbitar Semi-preserved herring in which microbial growth ischecked by the addition of 10–12% salt and sometimes benzoicacid.galactans polysaccharides composed of galactose derivatives;a major constituent of carageenan.