Metabolite composition of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) upon cooking: Proximate analysis,fibre, organic acids and phenolics

The aim of this research was to study the processing effects (roasting and boiling) on primary and secondary metabolite composition of fruits from the following chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivars (cvs.) of three Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) areas in the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region (Portugal): PDO Terra Fria (cvs. Aveleira, Boaventura, Côta, Lamela and Trigueira), PDO Padrela (cvs. Judia, Lada, Longal and Negra) and PDO Soutos da Lapa (cvs. Longal and Martaínha). The cooking processes significantly (p < 0.0001) affected primary and secondary metabolite composition of the chestnuts. Roasted chestnuts had higher protein contents, insoluble and total dietary fibre and lower fat contents whilst boiled chestnuts had lower protein, but higher fat contents. Cooking increased citric acid contents, especially in roasted chestnuts. On the other hand, raw chestnuts had higher malic acid contents than cooked chestnuts. Moreover, roasted chestnuts had significantly higher gallic acid and total phenolics contents, and boiled chestnuts had higher gallic and ellagic acids contents, when compared to raw chestnuts. The present data confirms that cooked chestnuts are a good source of organic acids and phenolics and have low fat contents, properties that are associated with positive health benefits.     

Effect of pasteurisation on ascorbic acid,dehydroascorbic acid,tocopherols and fatty acids in pooled mature human milk

Ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E) and unsaturated fatty acids are heat-sensitive and therefore, their concentrations in human milk could be affected by pasteurisation. Here we determined the concentrations of ascorbic acid plus dehydroascorbic acid, ascorbic acid alone, and α- and γ-tocopherols, and the percentages of fatty acids in samples of human milk after pasteurisation by a slow (62.5 °C, 30 min) or fast heating (100 °C, 5 min) procedure. Both methods led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of ascorbic acid plus dehydroascorbic acid (12% and 29%), ascorbic acid (26% and 41%), α-tocopherol (17% and 34%) and γ-tocopherol (13% and 32%), respectively. However, milk fatty acids, including the polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids, were unaffected by the two methods. On the basis of these observations, we recommend that human milk be treated using a slow pasteurisation. In addition, we propose ascorbic acid as a marker of the degree of heat treatment.     

Effect of cooking on the antioxidant properties of coloured peppers

Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) has long been recognized as an excellent source of antioxidants, being rich in ascorbic acid and other phytochemicals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different cooking methods on the antioxidant properties of coloured peppers. Six varieties of peppers were subjected to different cooking methods, such as microwave heating, stir-frying and boiling in water, for 5 min individually. The cooked and raw peppers were analyzed for radical-scavenging activity (RSA) and total polyphenol content (TP) using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl–high-pressure liquid chromatography (DPPH)–HPLC and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The samples were also evaluated for ascorbic acid content (AsA) by HPLC. Total carotenoid content was determined spectrophotometrically. Results suggest that there is no significant (P > 0.05) difference in RSA, TP, AsA and total carotenoid contents between the cooked and raw peppers when processed for 5 min. However, the cooked peppers show marked differences (P < 0.05) in the RSA, TP and AsA when cooked for 5 min in boiling water with further reduction observed after boiling for 30 min. This may be due to the leaching of antioxidant compounds from the pepper into the cooking water during the prolonged exposure to water and heat. Therefore, it is vital to use less water and cooking time and also to consume the water used for boiling so as to obtain the optimum benefits of bioactive compounds present in peppers. It is concluded that microwave heating and stir-frying without using water are more suitable cooking methods for pepper, to ensure the maximum retention of antioxidant molecules.     

Chemical and biochemical characterisation of an IGP ecotype chestnut subjected to different treatments

This study investigated and compared the polyphenols content, the antioxidant activity, the mineral and trace elements concentrations of raw chestnuts, chestnuts subjected to different cooking methods and cured chestnuts. The aim was to verify the quality of raw fruit and the changes induced from treatments, such as roasting, boiling and curing. The total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity decreased in cured and heat-treated chestnuts, when compared to raw material, in the following order: cured > roasted > boiled shelled > boiled unshelled fruits. Specific phenolic compounds showed significant effects of cooking treatments, while the concentrations of minerals (Ca, K, Mg, and Na) and trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) also varied.     

Furan formation from vitamin C in a starch-based model system: Influence of the reaction conditions

The generation of furan from vitamin C during thermal treatment of a starch-based model system, which simulated baby food, was studied. Results indicated that the amount of sample heated in the vial influenced the furan generation from ascorbic acid. Increasing the amount of heated sample from 5% to approximately 98% of the total vial volume, drastically reduced furan formation from 70 ppb to 16 ppb. Changes in ascorbic acid concentrations from 0.1 to 4.5 mg/g did not influence furan concentration nor did different ascorbic/dehydroascorbic acid molar ratios. Interestingly, waxy corn starch itself considerably enhanced furan generation from ascorbic acid. Under the same conditions, 13.2 ppb of furan was generated in starch-based samples, while in ascorbic acid buffered solutions only 0.4 ppb of furan was formed. Application of other matrices, in particular agar and hydrolysed starch, resulted in similar furan concentrations as for native starch, while in polyol solutions furan concentrations were comparable to those obtained for the buffered ascorbic acid solutions.     

Antioxidant capacity and mineral content of pulp and peel from commercial cultivars of citrus from Brazil

Four Citrus species (C. sinensis, cvs. Pera and Lima; C. latifolia Tanaka cv. Tahiti; C. limettioides Tanaka cv. Sweet lime and C. reticulate, cv. Ponkan) grown in Brazil were characterised in relation to contents of minerals, ascorbic acid, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of pulps and peels. In general, the peels demonstrated significantly higher contents of all compounds than the pulps (p < 0.05), with the exception of the Pera orange pulp that presented the highest acid ascorbic content (68 mg/100 ml), while the Tahiti lime peel presented the lowest (8 mg/100 g). Citrus showed high levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, and the peels were considered sources of these minerals. The Ponkan mandarin peel presented the highest antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant capacity of citrus was correlated both to vitamin C and phenolics. Aside from citrus pulps, the peels are also good sources of bioactive compounds and minerals, and can be explored for their health promoting values in food products.     

Time dependence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity during germination of different cultivars of broccoli and radish seeds

Optimisation of the germination process of different cultivars of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica cv. Lucky, cv. Tiburon and cv. Belstar) and radish (Raphanus sativus cv. Rebel and cv. Bolide) seeds in relation to the content of glucosinolates (GLS), vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity was carried out in order to maximise the health-promoting properties of Brassica sprouts. The content of total and individual GLS varied between species, among cultivars, and germination time. Glucoraphanin in broccoli and glucoraphenin in radish were the predominant GLS in raw seeds (61–77 and 63–129 μmol/g DM, respectively) and, although their content decreased during germination, they were maintained in rather large proportions in sprouts. Vitamin C was not detected in raw seeds and its content increased sharply in broccoli and radish sprouts (162–350 and 84–113 mg/100 g DM, respectively). Raw brassica seeds are an excellent source of antioxidant capacity (64–90 and 103–162 μmol Trolox/g DM in broccoli and radish, respectively) and germination led to a sharp increase. Germination of broccoli cv. Belstar and radish cv. Rebel for 4 days provided the largest glucoraphanin and glucoraphenin content, respectively, and also brought about large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidant capacity.     

Comparative evaluation of UV-HPLC methods and reducing agents to determine vitamin C in fruits

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidant supplied by fruits and vegetables. Therefore a reliable and easy method is needed for its determination. In this work, two UV-HPLC methods for the determination of ascorbic acid were validated and compared in strawberries, tomatoes and apples. In addition, two different reducing agents [dl-1,4-dithiotreitol (DTT) or 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol (BAL)] were tried for differentiate dehydroascorbic acid and determine vitamin C. Reliability resulted satisfactory for the UV-HPLC methods in each fruit. UV-HPLC methods resulted linear up to 5 mg/100 g and the least detection and quantification limits were <0.18 mg/100 g and <0.61 mg/100 g, respectively. Precision, as relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.6% to 3.9% and the recovery between 93.6% and 104.4%. Although, the UV-HPLC methods resulted useful for the routine analysis of AA and vitamin C in fruits, the best reliability was achieved when using a C18 column and DTT as reducing agent. Moreover, it may be the UV-HPLC method of choice because it is the easiest and cheapest to perform.     

Effect of added phosphate and type of cooking method on physico-chemical and sensory features of cooked lamb loins

This study evaluated the effect of brining with phosphates on the physico-chemical and sensory features of sous-vide and roasted cooked lamb. Lamb loins (n = 48) were injected with either 10% w/w of distilled water or a solution containing 0.2% or 0.4% (w/v) of a mixture of phosphate salts. After injection, samples were either sous-vide cooked (12 h—60 °C) or oven roasted (180 °C until 73 °C of core temp.). Expressible moisture, cooking loss, instrumental color, pH, water holding capacity, instrumental texture and sensory properties were evaluated. Brining with phosphates led to lower cooking loss in both sous-vide and oven roasted samples, but only the former showed significantly higher moisture content. Phosphates increased instrumental hardness and shear force values in sous-vide samples, while this effect was not as evident in roasted ones. Toughness was reduced and juiciness was improved as a consequence of phosphate addition. Overall, injection of a phosphate solution appears as a potential procedure for improving sensory textural features of cooked lamb whole cuts.     

Application of thermal inactivation of enzymes during vitamin C analysis to study the influence of acidification,crushing and blanching on vitamin C stability in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var. italica)

The effectiveness of heat inactivation of oxidative enzymes e.g., ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) to stabilise vitamin C during extraction and analysis was evaluated. The influence of different sequences of performing treatments including acidification (pH 4.3 vs. pH 6.5), crushing, high temperature short time (90 °C/4 min–HTST) and low temperature long time (60 °C/40 min–LTLT)) blanching on vitamin C stability in broccoli florets and stalks was also investigated. Heat inactivation of enzymes prior to matrix disruption resulted in higher vitamin C values mainly in L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) form, while lack of enzyme inactivation resulted in high vitamin C losses resulting from conversion of L-AA to dehydroascorbic acid. Various treatments and their sequence of application influenced vitamin C stability as follows: (i) crushing prior to blanching reduced vitamin C stability and (ii) in the absence of heating, acidification increased vitamin C stability (iii) blanching prior to crushing resulted in higher vitamin C retention, with HTST blanching retaining more vitamin C than LTLT blanching.     

The retention and recovery of amino acids from pork longissimus muscle following cooking to either 60 °C or 75 °C

Samples of pork longissimus muscle (n = 16) cooked to either 60 °C or 75 °C in a water bath for 90 min were assessed for amino acid composition. Recovery of protein in the cooked meat plus the cooking juice was > 93% and was slightly higher at 60 °C (P = 0.031), but retention in the meat was only 89% and 82% for the lower and higher temperatures (P < 0.0001). Individual amino acids varied in recovery and retention with retention being particularly low for taurine and histidine. The balance of indispensable amino acids was less than ideal, with leucine and valine being the limiting amino acids by about 30% for both raw and cooked pork. Cooking had no detrimental effect on amino acid balance. Some examples of small effects of genotype and sex on amino acid composition of pork were shown.     

Contribution of low‐molecular‐weight antioxidants to the antioxidant capacity of raw and processed lentil seeds

In this study four cultivars of lentil originating from Spain were examined: cv Paula, cv Agueda, cv Almar and cv Alcor. Since consumption of these seeds after heat treatment and as sprouts has been popularised, the impact of cooking (up to 30 min) and germination process (in dark, at 25°C, for up to 4 days) on peroxyl radical‐trapping capacity (PRTC) and Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the processed seeds was addressed. Also, changes in the content of low‐molecular‐weight antioxidants (LMWA) and soluble proteins in the course of cooking and germination were studied. The analyzed LMWA were: total phenolics, tocopherols (α‐T, β‐T, γ‐T, δ‐T( reduced glutathione, and L ‐ascorbic acid. On the basis of the results obtained, the contribution of LMWA and soluble proteins to the PRTC and TEAC of raw, cooked, and germinated lentil seeds was calculated by multiple mean values for the content of investigated compounds and their relative potential with respect to Trolox. The results showed a very high molar percentage contribution of phenolic compounds and low contribution of tocopherols, glutathione, soluble proteins, and ascorbate (only in germinated seeds) to the total TEAC and total PRTC calculated as a sum of data provided for phosphate‐buffered and 80% methanolic extracts of raw and processed lentil seeds.     

The effect of phytic acid on oxidative stability of raw and cooked meat

The effects of phytic acid addition (0.1, 1 and 5 mM) to pork and beef homogenates on TBARS and metmyoglobin levels in raw meat, and TBARS and heme iron contents in cooked meat during 3 days of storage at 4 °C were investigated. Also, the role of inositol as a potential synergist of IP₆ (phytic acid) was examined. IP₆ effectively decreased the TBARS accumulation in raw and cooked meat homogenates. The metmyoglobin formation was inhibited in raw beef by phytic acid in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of IP₆ was more pronounced in cooked meat than in raw and in cooked beef homogenates more than pork. Inositol did not enhance antioxidant action of phytic acid in minced meat.     

The effect of sorghum type and processing on the antioxidant properties of African sorghum-based foods

This work determined the effect of sorghum type and different processing technologies of traditional African sorghum foods on total phenols, tannin content and antioxidant activity. The products were prepared by fermentation, conventional and extrusion cooking of whole and decorticated ground grain. The tannin sorghum types, had higher ABTS and DPPH antioxidant activities, compared to the types without tannins. Antioxidant activity was significantly correlated with total phenols and tannins (r > 0.95). Decortication, reduced antioxidant activity of both tannin and non-tannin sorghum by 82–83% due to the removal of the pericarp and the testa, which decreased phenols. Processing, generally decreased antioxidant activity, however, conventionally cooked porridges had higher antioxidant activity than the extrusion cooked products. The retention of antioxidant activity, particularly in fermented and unfermented porridges, means that whole tannin sorghum can be processed into foods with potential health benefits.     

Antioxidative activity of carnosine in gamma irradiated ground beef and beef patties

The activity of carnosine as a natural antioxidant in gamma irradiated ground beef and beef patties was studied. Samples of ground beef, in the absence and presence of 0.5% or 1.0% carnosine, as well as raw and cooked beef patties prepared with 1.5% salt (NaCl), in the absence and presence of 0.5% or 1.0% carnosine, were gamma irradiated at doses of 0, 2, and 4 kGy. The extent of oxidation in irradiated and non-irradiated samples of ground beef and raw beef patties was then determined during refrigerated (4 ± 1 °C) and frozen (−18 °C) storage, while determined for cooked beef patties during refrigerated storage only. Moreover, the determination of metmyoglobin (MetMb) accumulation and sensory evaluation for the visual color were carried out for samples of ground beef and raw patties. The results indicated that salt or salt and cooking accelerated the oxidative processes and significantly increased the peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the prepared non-irradiated samples. However, salt slowed down the accumulation of MetMb in raw patties. Irradiation treatments and storage in the absence of carnosine significantly (P < 0.05) increased the PV and TBARS in samples, at higher rates in salted or salted and cooked beef. Moreover, irradiation and storage significantly (P < 0.05) increased the formation of MetMb in ground beef and raw patties in the absence of carnosine. Addition of carnosine significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the oxidative processes and MetMb formation (proportionally to the used concentration) in samples post-irradiation and during storage. Furthermore, carnosine exerted significant efficacy in maintaining an acceptable visual red color post-irradiation and during storage of ground beef and raw patties. These results demonstrate that carnosine can be successfully used as a natural antioxidant to increase the oxidative stability in gamma irradiated raw and cooked meat products.     

Determination of acrylamide in roasted chestnuts and chestnut-based foods by isotope dilution HPLC-MS/MS

A collaboratively trial tested isotope dilution liquid chromatographic method with positive electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of acrylamide in bakery ware and potato products has been extended to the determination of acrylamide in roasted chestnuts and chestnut-based foods. As chestnuts have a similar composition to potatoes, considerable amounts of acrylamide can be expected, especially in roasted chestnut products. This paper presents the concentrations of acrylamide in 31 different chestnut samples (fresh, roasted, flour, cooked, glazed) that were collected in nine European countries during 2005/2006. The influence of the roasting time on the acrylamide content was also experimentally investigated. A test portion was extracted after homogenisation with water and isotopically labelled acrylamide was added. The extract was centrifuged and the supernatant was cleaned-up in two consecutive solid phase extraction steps. The final extract was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). An HPLC column based on graphitised carbon was applied for chromatographic separation. Acrylamide concentrations in purchased roasted chestnuts were in the range of <8–1278 μg/kg whereas only low amounts (<4–159 μg/kg) were found in chestnut products. However, the median acrylamide content of the commercial roasted chestnut samples was 90 μg/kg. The influence of the roasting time on the acrylamide content in roasted chestnuts was evaluated too. As with roasted and fried potato products, the roasting time has a significant influence on the acrylamide formation. Therefore, the consumers might be exposed to significant amounts of acrylamide by eating roasted chestnuts, especially when a batch remains in the roasting vessel for too long time.     

Provitamin A and Ascorbic Acid Content of Fresh Pepper Cultivars (Capsicum annuum) and Processed Jalapeños

Alpha and beta carotene, provitamin A activity, dehydroascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid and total ascorbic acid content of “jalapeño,”“bell,” long green/red “chile,”“serrano” and “yellow wax” peppers (Cupsicum annuum L.) at green and red stages of maturity were determined by HPLC. Effects of thermal processing on vitamin A and C retention in “jalapeno” peppers was also determined. Provitamin A activity ranged from 27.3 to 501.9 Retinol Equivalents (RE/100g). Ascorbic acid concentration ranged from 76.1 to 243.1 (mg/100g). Provitamin A activity and ascorbic acid content increased with maturity in all cultivars. Thermal processing of “jalapeño” cultivars resulted in a 25% decrease of total provitamin A activity and a 75% decrease in total ascrobic acid.     

Effects of Vitamin E and Organic Selenium on Oxidative Stability of ω-3 Enriched Dark Chicken Meat during Cooking

ABSTRACT: The influence of vitamin E and selenomethionine (SeMet) on lipid oxidation in frozen–raw and cooked ω-3 enriched dark chicken meat was evaluated. Feed was supplemented with 2 levels of vitamin E (250 and 50 IU/kg of feed) and selenium (0.1 mg of sodium selenite/kg of feed and 0.3 mg of SeMet/kg of feed). An extruded linseed product was used as the α-linolenic acid source. Fatty acid (FA) profile, oxysterols, and thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARs) were analyzed in frozen–raw, boiled, pan-fried, and roasted meat. After 6 mo of storage, oxysterols in frozen–raw meat remained stable with either high or low levels of dietary antioxidants. During cooking, high levels of vitamin E reduced oxysterol formation, whereas high levels of SeMet were inconsistent and even increased oxysterols during roasting. TBARs in frozen–raw meat stored for 6 mo were inhibited by high levels of either antioxidant. Conversely, no protective effect during cooking was observed at this time of storage. After 12 mo at −30 °C no antioxidant protection was observed.     

Evaluation of the effects of selected plant-derived nutraceuticals on the quality and shelf-life stability of raw and cooked pork sausages

The effect of lutein (200 μg/g meat), sesamol (250 μg/g meat), ellagic acid (300 μg/g meat) and olive leaf extract (200 μg/g meat) on total viable counts (TVC), pH, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARs), colour stability, texture and sensory evaluation of fresh and cooked pork sausages stored in aerobic or modified atmosphere packs (MAP) was investigated. Addition of sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract reduced (P < 0.001) lipid oxidation in all packaged raw and cooked pork sausages. Antioxidant potency followed the order: sesamol 250 > ellagic acid 300 > olive leaf extract 200 > lutein 200 for both raw and cooked pork sausages. Addition of sesamol increased (P < 0.001) WHC on days 2 and 12 of MAP storage. Meat addition of lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract had no detrimental effect on pH, cooking losses, TVCs, tenderness, juiciness, texture or product flavour. Lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract were effective as natural functional ingredients in suppressing lipid oxidation and have the potential to be incorporated into functional raw and cooked pork sausages.     

Antioxidant activity in meat treated with oregano and sage essential oils

The antioxidant activity of meat treated (homogenized) with oregano and sage essential oils, during meat storage, was determined using the following assays: a thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, a diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and a crocin assay. Porcine and bovine ground meat samples were divided into three experimental treatments, namely: control (no antioxidant), oregano (oregano essential oil 3% w/w) and sage (sage essential oil 3% w/w). Subsequently, the samples from each treatment were stored at 4 °C, in the raw and cooked (at 85 °C for 30 min) state, and the antioxidant activity was determined after 1, 4, 8 and 12 days of storage. The results showed that the essential oil treatments significantly reduced the oxidation, while the heat treatment and storage time significantly affected the antioxidant activity of the meat. The role of antioxidants appeared to be much more important in cooked meat than raw and the meat proteins greatly affected the antioxidant activity.