Chemical,Microbial and Sensory Properties of Candied-Pineapple and Cherry Cakes

The chemical, sensory and microbial qualities of candied-pineapple and cherry cakes were investigated. Both cake samples were also analyzed for chemical composition and microbial load before, during and after 56 days storage at room temperature. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the physico-chemical composition of the cherry cake and candied pineapple cake except for protein values of 9.00% and 8.63% respectively and magnesium content with values of 0.23% and 0.27% respectively. Sensory evaluation results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two samples with the exception of colour (7.84) for both samples and texture (7.84 and 7.80) for cherry and candied pineapple cakes, respectively. In terms of general acceptability, the candied-pineapple cake was most preferred (8.52). The microbial loads (bacterial and fungal) of the candied pineapple cake were lower than the cherry cake throughout the duration of the 56 days storage at room temperature. The highest bacterial load was recorded after the 28th day (148.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g) and (194.30 × 10⁵ cfu/g) for candied pineapple and cherry cakes respectively. The fungal load was also highest at 28th day of storage (14.33 × 10¹ cfu/g) and (12.67 × 10³ cfu/g) for candied pineapple and cherry cakes respectively. The total viable counts (TVC) were within acceptable limits for human consumption. Therefore, candied-pineapple can readily substitute cherry in fruit cake making in Nigeria.     

Assessment of the protein quality of fourteen soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars using amino acid analysis and two-dimensional electrophoresis

The protein quality of commercial soybeans varieties can be determined from their total protein content, their amino acid composition and from the ratio of glycinin to β-conglycinin, the major seed storage protein components. In this study 14 commercial soybean cultivars were assessed. There were significant differences in storage protein composition (P < 0.05) and in their valine, proline and phenylalanine contents (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). Mean protein values among these varieties ranged from 29.8% to 36.1%. The total amino acid nitrogen (AAN) ranged from 89.6 to 95.1 g AA/16 g of nitrogen, corresponding to nitrogen values from 16.5 to 17.9 g AAN/100 g protein. All varieties contained a good balance of essential amino acids (EAA₉), limited only in methionine. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic (2-DE) separations, led to the establishment of high-resolution proteome reference maps, enabling polypeptide chain identification and calculation of the ratio of the constituent glycinin and β-conglycinin storage proteins of soybean. This method enables the assessment of the genetic variability of the soybean cultivars, which can then be correlated with their protein quality and food processing properties. These three methods can be used as very effective tools for assisting plant breeders in their selection of high quality soybean varieties.     

Characteristics and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of protein extracts from pre-germinated black soybean [Glycine max (L.)] treated with high hydrostatic pressure

We investigated the influence of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and pre-germination on black soybean protein and peptide characteristics. Black soybean was germinated (2 or 4 d) and subjected to HHP (0.1–150 MPa; 24 h), followed by preparation of extracts and testing for anti-inflammatory activity. The highest soluble protein content (815.85 mg/g) was in soybeans subjected to HHP (100 MPa) after germination (4 d). Germination and HHP caused the degradation of high molecular weight proteins; we detected the highest content of < 3 and < 10 kDa peptides (60.46 and 88.47 mg) and free amino acids (65.70 mg) in extracts from pre-germinated soybeans that received HHP (150 MPa). Pre-germinated (4 d) soybean extracts treated with HHP (150 MPa) significantly inhibited LPS-induced expression of inflammatory markers, nitric oxide (25.01%), TNF-α (76.78%), IL-1β (58.99%), and IL-6 (84.48%) by RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that peptides derived from black soybeans subjected to HHP and pre-germination may mediate anti-inflammatory activity.     

Use of applied air pressure to improve the baking properties of whey protein isolates in angel food cakes

Whey protein isolate (WPI) possesses limited application in angel food cake baking compared to liquid egg white (LEW). This study was conducted to determine whether applying air pressure in the oven during baking would improve the baking properties of WPI in angel food cakes. A special oven was designed for baking at oven air pressures up to 1.5 bar. Control angel food cakes were formulated with LEW (100/0) as its protein source and WPI-containing cakes were formulated with a mixture of 75 mL/100 mL LEW and 25 mL/100 mL WPI solution (75/25) or a mixture of 50 mL/100 mL LEW and 50 mL/100 mL WPI solution (50/50). Cakes were baked at atmospheric air pressure (AP) and at constant applied air pressure (CAP) or variable applied air pressure vs. baking time (VAP) to prevent overexpansion and collapse of WPI-containing cake batter. Cakes 75/25 and 50/50 baked at VAP exhibited improved physical, textural and sensory properties compared to those baked at AP or CAP conditions. Cakes 75/25 baked at VAP compared well with control angel food cakes baked at AP. Although 50/50 cakes baked at VAP were improved slightly over those baked at AP, none of them exhibited satisfactory properties. Therefore, additional research is needed to optimize baking conditions for cakes formulated with less than 75 mL/100 mL LEW.     

Protein quality and identification of the storage protein subunits of tofu and null soybean genotypes,using amino acid analysis,one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis,and tandem mass spectrometry

The protein quality of 11 null and 2 tofu soybean genotypes were determined from their total protein content, their amino acid composition, and their glycinin and β-conglycinin contents. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in their total storage proteins, and amino acid contents. Total protein among these genotypes ranged from 33 to 37%, with arginine being the third highest amino acid (7.4–10.9 g/100 g protein) followed by glutamic and aspartic acids. Methionine accounted for only 1.6–2.4 g/ 100 g of protein. All genotypes contained a good balance of essential amino acids (EAA₉), ranging from 43.5 to 47.3% of the total protein, limited only in methionine and possibly threonine and valine. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic (2-DE) reference maps, using narrow range immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips, revealed unique differences in the proteome, and subunit expression of glycinin and β-conglycinin, among these null genotypes, which can then be correlated with their protein quality. Out of a total of 111 basic (pH 6–11), and 223 acidic (pH 4–7) protein spots separated by 2-DE, 41 soybean storage protein spots were excised, and identified by liquid chromatography on-line with electro spray LCQ DecaXP tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). These methods will enable accurate evaluation of protein quality in soybeans, based on their protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score, assessment of the genetic variability of soybean genotypes, and serve as very effective tools for assisting plant breeders in their selection of high quality soybean varieties.     

Effect of Blending on the Composition and Acceptability of Blends of Unripe Banana and Pigeon Pea Flours

Proximate composition, amino acid profile, trace minerals, functional properties and organoleptic evaluation of blends of unripe banana and pigeon pea flours were studied. The proximate composition of the blends showed that addition of pigeon pea significantly (p < 0.05) increased the protein from 2.40 – 14.48 ± ^0.11. Similarly, the ash, fat and crude fibre increased while carbohydrate content significantly decreased from 79.86 – 55.00 ± ^0.47. The amino acid profile showed that addition of pigeon pea up to 37.5% levels resulted in increase in all amino acids evaluated. The blend amino acid status was adequate for adult nutrition when compared to the FAO recommendations. However the blend was found deficient in lysine, leucine, iso-leucine and phenylalanine when compared with the FAO recommendations for infants. Increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend also resulted in significant increases in potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Similarly, increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend significantly increased the gelation concentration and foaming capacities while the bulk density, water absorption and oil absorption capacities significantly (p > 0.05) decreased. The results showed that blending of pigeon pea with unripe plantain would produce meals of balanced nutrient densities for adults.     

Chewing activities and particle size of rumen digesta and feces of precision-fed dairy heifers fed different forage levels with increasing levels of distillers grains

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 differing forage to concentrate ratios (F:C) and various levels of corn dry distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) replacing canola meal in precision-fed dairy heifer rations on chewing behavior, rumen pH and fill, and particle size of rumen contents and feces. A split plot design with F:C as whole plot and DDGS inclusion level as subplot was administered in a 4-period 4 × 4 Latin square. Eight rumen-cannulated Holstein heifers (12.5 ± 0.5 mo of age and 344 ± 15 kg of body weight, respectively) housed in individual stalls were allocated to F:C 50:50 (low forage) or 75:25 [high forage (HF); dry matter basis] and to a sequence of DDGS level (0, 7, 14, and 21%; dry matter basis). Forage was a mix of 50% corn silage and 50% grass hay (dry matter basis). Diets were fed once daily and formulated to provide equal amounts of nutrients and body weight gain. No differences were found for rumen pH between dietary treatments. Time spent eating tended to be longer for HF and was not affected by DDGS inclusion rate. Ruminating time did not differ by F:C, but linearly increased as DDGS increased (422 to 450 ± 21 min/d). Total chewing time tended to be longer for HF and to increase linearly as DDGS increased (553 to 579 ± 33 min/d). Wet rumen digesta weight and volume were greater for HF. Geometric mean particle length of rumen contents was greater for HF 2 h prefeeding when analyzed with solubles (particles <0.15 mm). Proportion of rumen solubles decreased as DDGS increased 5 h postfeeding. Fecal geometric mean particle length and proportion of particles >1.18 mm increased with increasing levels of DDGS and did not change with F:C. Total chewing time increased by the addition of DDGS and higher F:C. Heifers can compensate for lower physically effective neutral detergent fiber by modifying their chewing behavior. Rumen pH was never at a level that could induce acidosis, and lower eating time at lower F:C was somewhat compensated by time spent ruminating per unit of physically effective neutral detergent fiber intake. Dry distillers grains with solubles, when used in dairy heifer rations as a replacement for canola meal, yielded similar rumen digestion traits.     

Effects of flaxseed oil concentration on the performance of a soy protein isolate-based emulsion-type film

Biodegradable edible films have the potential to either replace or reduce the amount of synthetic packaging utilized by the food industry. The overall goal of this research was to investigate the effect of flax seed oil concentration (1–10%) on the mechanical, moisture barrier and swelling properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) (5.0% w/w SPI, 40% w/w glycerol) emulsion-based films. Film forming solutions showed a bimodal oil droplet distribution with peak sizes occurring at < 10 and ~ 100 μm. As the oil content increased, the size distribution shifted towards smaller droplet sizes. An equal size ratio was noted at the 5.0% oil content level. All film forming solutions were pseudoplastic in nature, where viscosity increased from 18 to 58 mPa (at 1 s^− 1) as a function of oil content (3% to 10%). Tensile strength of formed films reached a maximum at 5.35 MPa at the 5% w/w oil level, whereas tensile elongation increased from 11.3% to 22.2% with increasing oil content. Puncture strength and deformation, as well as water vapour permeability was relatively independent of the oil content. Moisture content and swelling properties of formed films were found to both decrease from 22.8% to 18.7%, and from 3114% to 1209%, respectively as the oil content was raised from 1 to 10%, and films became darker, redder and more yellow in colour as the percentage of flax seed oil increased.     

Quality comparison of carrot juices processed by high-pressure processing and high-temperature short-time processing

The effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) at 550 MPa for 6 min and of high-temperature short-time (HTST) processing at 110 °C for 8.6 s on carrot juice were evaluated. After HPP and HTST, the total plate count (TPC) was found to significantly decrease by 4.30 and 4.88 log₁₀ CFU/mL, respectively, and yeasts and molds (Y&M) were completely inactive. HPP-treated juice showed higher carotenoids, polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, viscosity, turbidity, and lower browning degrees (BDs) than HTST-treated juice, while HTST-treated juice contained higher polyacetylenes. HPP provided a more fresh-like quality and exhibited better aroma, taste, and overall acceptability. During 20 days of storage at 4 °C, both HPP- and HTST-treated juices were microbiologically safe (i.e., TPC < 2.4 log₁₀ CFU/mL, and Y&M were not detected), and their antioxidant capacities decreased linearly due to a decrease in carotenoid and polyphenol contents. The two juices did not precipitate any solids when their particle sizes decreased, and their viscosity increased; however, their organoleptic properties deteriorated as storage time increased.Industrial RelevanceThis study was intended to develop fresher and more stable carrot juice, which is not available on the market now. Acid blanching for a proper time was proved as an effective process in preventing juice serum isolation phenomenon of HPP juice, which is more likely to be accepted by consumers. HPP-treated juice had an advantage in nutritional and organoleptic properties than HTST-treated juice. This study provided a comprehensive technical support for novel application of HPP in carrot juice processing.     

Bread Making Potential of Composite Flour of Wheat-Acha (Digitaria exilis staph) Enriched with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) Flour

Bread-making potentials of composite flours containing 90% wheat and 10% acha enriched with 0-15% cowpea flour were investigated. Proximate composition and functional properties of the blends were studied using AOAC standard methods. Bread loaves were prepared from the blends using the straight dough method and evaluated for loaf height, loaf volume, loaf weight and sensory characteristics. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in level of cowpea flour addition, but moisture content was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the blends. Functional properties, with exception of bulk density and swelling capacity, were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the blends. Average loaf height and loaf volume decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased cowpea flour but loaf weight showed opposite trend with significant (p < 0.05) differences as cowpea flour increased. However, the addition of cowpea flour significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the loaf specific volume but all enriched samples were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Bread samples from composited blends were rated lower than bread from all wheat bread. Bread loaves from enriched composite flour with up to 10% cowpea flour were acceptable to the panelists.     

Incorporation of bovine dry blood plasma into biscuit flour for the production of pasta

Spray-dried blood plasma (DBP) (10.9 g/100 g [w/w] nitrogen) was added to medium-protein biscuit flour (1.4 g/100 g N) during pasta manufacture. High-protein durum semolina (2.0 g/100 g N) was used to produce the control pasta. Sensory data indicated that the addition of DBP produced pasta with significantly better colour intensity and acceptability, aroma intensity, flavour intensity, textural strength, texture acceptability, aftertaste intensity, aftertaste acceptability, and overall acceptability. The DBP/biscuit flour formulation that gave the optimum balance between pasta protein content and organoleptic acceptability contained 2.2 g/100 g DBP. A higher content of DBP resulted in increased protein levels, but these pasta formulations were less acceptable organoleptically.     

Effects of a black rice extract (Oryza sativa L. indica) on cholesterol levels and plasma lipid parameters in Wistar Kyoto rats

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an anthocyanin pigmented rice (e.g. black rice) to mitigate the onset of hypercholesterolemia in rats-fed atherogenic diets. Male Wistar (n = 10/group) rats were fed with atherogenic diets containing 0.5% cholesterol in the presence and in the absence of bile salt (e.g. 0.05% cholic acid) along with a standardized black rice extract (BRE) (e.g. 3%, w/w). All animals were individually housed in stainless steel cages and fed with the experimental diets during a 12-h period for 10 weeks. Body weights of rats were measured every week of the experiment. After 10 weeks fed on experimental diets, rats were sacrificed and plasma total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured immediately. The total cholesterol (TC) content in the liver, heart and aorta, and the concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) were measured after lipid extraction using Folch method. Rats fed with 0.5% cholesterol containing diets which also included bile salt exhibited a considerably more severe hypercholesterolemia than counterparts fed diets containing only 0.5% cholesterol. The inclusion of the BRE in diets significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TC, LDL–TC and TAG in plasma of rats-fed control diets that either contained or were absent in bile salt (p < 0.05). There were no differences in HDL-level. Liver crude lipids and total cholesterol levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in experimental groups relative to the control group in both experiments. Thus, supplementation of atherogenic experimental diets with BRE effectively decreased lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. In lieu of the mixture of bioactive components present in BRE, it is possible that more than one mechanism underlying this reduction in lipids is involved.     

Effects of Urea and Isoacids on in vitro Fermentation of Diets Containing Formaldehyde-Treated or Untreated Soybean Meal

Effects on microbial fermentation were determined when buffer containing urea, branched-chain volatile fatty acids, a combination of these infusates or buffer only was infused into fermenters fed diets containing soybean meal treated with .3% formaldehyde or untreated. Fermentations were conducted at a solids retention time of 16 h and a liquid dilution rate of 12%/h. When buffer only was infused, the diet containing formaldehyde-treated soybean meal depressed digestibilities of NDF and ADF and fat-free organic matter compared with diets containing untreated soybean meal. In cultures fed treated soybean meal, digestibilities were partially restored by either infusion of urea or branched-chain acids and were increased to control levels by the combined infusates. Nitrogen digestion (35 vs. 69%) and microbial protein production (1.27 vs. 1.60 g/d) were depressed in fermenters fed the treated soybean meal, and neither was improved by the infusions. The data suggest microbial growth 5 have been impaired by a wide ratio of nonstructural carbohydrate to degradable protein when the formaldehyde-treated protein was fed.     

Effect of Dietary Concentrate on In Situ Dry Matter and Nitrogen Disappearance of a Variety of Feedstuffs

Two ruminally cannulated steers were fed 80 or 40% concentrate diets at 1.7% of body weight (dry matter) in a crossover design. Eighteen feedstuffs (eight protein supplements, six energy feeds, and four roughages) were incubated ruminally for 4, 12, and 24 h and dry matter and nitrogen disappearance were measured. For protein supplements, correlations between soluble nitrogen (.15 N sodium chloride) and nitrogen disappearance at 4, 12, and 24 h were .82, .94, and .87. Dry matter disappearance and nitrogen disappearance for all substrates were related at 4, 12, and 24 h (correlation coefficients of .59, .80, and .57). Generally, disappearance of dry matter and nitrogen were greater for the 40 than for the 80% concentrate diet for soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and linseed meal at 12 and 24 h of incubation. Nitrogen residues at 24 h agreed reasonably well with in vivo estimates of ruminal protein escape, except for feeds such as meat meal and corn gluten meal. Predictions of ruminal protein escape were calculated based on in situ nitrogen disappearance by two equations that illustrate potential effects of feed intake and dietary concentrate.     

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Instant Kunun-Zaki Flour Blends from Sorghum and Mango Mesocarp Flours

Instant Kunun-zaki, a fermented non-alcoholic sorghum beverage, was prepared by mixing different per cent blend ratios of unmalted sorghum flour: mango mesocarp flour (90:0, 75:15, 70:20, 65:25, and 60:30) with 10% malted sorghum. Proximate compositions, chemical and functional properties of the blends were analyzed. Addition of mango mesocarp flour significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the ash (1.31 to 1.75%), crude fibre (2.57 to 3.39%) and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the energy content (368.21 to 354.67 kcal/100 g) of the blends. The β-carotene content also increased from 95.65 to 139.13 μg/100 g with increased mango mesocarp flour. Hygroscopicity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 6.10 to 10.28% while viscosity of the blends decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 1715 to 1195.46 cP. Mango mesocarp flour addition increased the ash, crude fibre and introduced β-carotene into the product.     

Enzymatic extraction of protein from toasted and not toasted soybean meal

The soybean is one import font of vegetable protein, that contains whole the essential amino acids to the human organism. The enzymatic process is a alternative for the protein extraction and offer advantages. In this work, two commercial proteases, Alcalase and Flavourzyme, are used to extract protein from toasted and not toasted degreased soybean meal. The tests (duplicate) are carried out in 40 °C, initial pH of 7,0, enzyme concentration of 1% (protein/protein) and times from 1 up to 24 hours. At the end of the hydrolysis the suspension pH is measured and again corrected for 7,0.     

Effect of Honey as Partial Sugar Substitute on Pasting Properties,Consumer Preference and Shelf Stability of Cassava-Wheat Composite Bread

The effect of partial substitution of sugar with liquid honey on the pasting properties of cooked dough made from cassava-wheat composite (10:90) flour as well as the sensory preference and shelf stability of its bread was investigated. Sucrose (S) in the bread recipe formulation was substituted with honey (H) at levels 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%, respectively to give 6 treatments, namely 0H:100S, 10H:90S, 20H:80S, 30H:70S, 40H:60S and 50H:50S. Amylograph pasting properties of the dried crumbs were determined using standard analytical procedures. Fresh bread samples were subjected to sensory evaluation and fungal count during storage (6 days). Peak, final and setback viscosities of bread crumb decreased (32.29 to 25.33, 58.54 to 43.00 and 30.96 to 23.66 RVU), respectively as the level of honey inclusion increased. Honey substitution levels used did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect aroma and texture of the bread samples but composite bread with 20% level of honey substitution was most preferred in terms of colour while composite bread with 30% level of honey substitution was most acceptable in terms of taste and overall acceptability. Fungal count in stored honey-cassava-wheat bread varied significantly (p < 0.05) from 0.6 to 4.0 × 10², 1.0 to 6.9 × 10², 2.2 to 57.0 × 10², 32.0 to 135.7 × 10², 34.0 to 140.0 × 10² and 42.0 to 159.3 × 10²) cfu/ml from day 1 to day 6, respectively. From the study, it was concluded that substitution of sugar with honey in dough formulations significantly (p < 0.05) affects dough pasting properties, improves acceptability of the composite bread and reduces staling rate.     

Acceptability of Noodles Produced from Blends of Wheat,Acha and Soybean Composite Flours

Acha (Digitaria exilis) and soybean (Glycine max) were processed into flours and used to substitute wheat flour (Titicum aestivm) as a composite flour at different proportions of 100:0:0 (Wheat); 75:25:25 (Wheat: Acha: Soybean); 75:25 (Wheat: Acha); 75:25 (Wheat: Soybean) and 50:50 (Acha: soybean). The formulated blends were used to produce noodles. The noodles were subjected to proximate analysis, functional properties and sensory evaluation using commercial instant noodles as control. The results revealed that the protein, moisture, ash and fat contents were higher in the formulated samples than in the control. Sample AS (50% Acha and 50% Soybean) had 26.47% protein and was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the control (8.97%). The protein and fat contents increased while carbohydrate decreased with increase in soybean addition to the blend. The functional properties showed that water absorption capacity increased with increase in wheat blend. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the formulated samples in their swelling index and wettability. The result of the sensory evaluation based on a nine point hedonic scale showed that generally apart from the control, noodles from 100% wheat and wheat noodles supplemented with soybean up to 25% were acceptable to the panelists.     

Fish Meal or Cottonseed Meal as Supplemental Protein for Growing Holstein Steers

Twenty-three Holstein steers of 195 kg mean live weight were individually fed a complete mixed diet composed primarily of ground corn grain with either 140 g cottonseed meal or 90 g cottonseed meal plus 30 g menhaden fish meal/kg diet as the source of supplemental protein. Thirteen steers were slaughtered at 454 kg and 10 at 544 kg live weight. Steers slaughtered at 544 kg gained weight more slowly with consequent 18.2% increase in dry matter required per unit gain compared with steers slaughtered at 454 kg live weight. Steers fed the fish meal diet gained 1.34 kg/d and consumed 7.36 kg dry matter daily while steers fed the cottonseed meal diet gained 1.17 kg/d and consumed 7.40 kg dry matter daily. Dry matter consumed per unit gain was 12.6% less for steers fed fish meal diet than for steers fed cottonseed meal diet.     

Cold plasma treatment for fresh-cut melon stabilization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gas plasma treatment on fresh-cut melon stability during controlled storage. Plasma treatments of 15 + 15 and 30 + 30 min were conducted on fresh cut melon using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) generator. Samples were packed and stored for 4 days at 10 °C and evaluated for qualitative, metabolic and microbiological indexes. Qualitative parameters of fresh-cut melon (titratable acidity, soluble solid content, dry matter, colour, texture) were only weakly affected by plasma treatment. Peroxidase (POD) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activities were slightly inhibited by the treatment up to respectively about 17 and 7%. Tissue metabolic heat production decreased proportionally to the treatment duration, while a partial conversion to anaerobic metabolism was observed. Microbial results showed that a significant increase in microbial shelf-life was achieved following the 15 + 15 min plasma treatment due to a delayed growth of spoilage mesophilic and psychrotrophic microflora.Industrial relevanceThe demand for fresh-cut products characterized by high qualitative and nutritional values and an acceptable shelf-life has promoted the research for non-thermal treatments.Fresh-cut melon is considered to be highly perishable and potentially hazardous food because it can support the growth of spoilage microflora and several pathogens.Cold plasma has shown its potentiality as an antimicrobial treatment and has been tested on different food products, but the impact on product quality and metabolism is still scarcely known.The results obtained in this study contributed to deepen the knowledge on the effect of plasma treatment on microbial, qualitative and metabolic aspects of fresh-cut melon.