Proximate composition,mineral contents,hydrogen cyanide and phytic acid of 5 cassava genotypes

Five cassava genotypes Rayong 5, Kaesetsart 50 (KU50), Rayong 2, Hanatee and KMUL 36-YOO2 (YOO2), were used in this study. Investigations showed that cassava contained 9.2–12.3% moisture, 1.2–1.8% crude protein, 0.1–0.8% crude lipid, 1.5–3.5% crude fibre, 1.3–2.8% ash, 80.1–86.3% carbohydrate, 1406–1465 kJ 100 g⁻¹ DM and 95–135 mg g⁻¹ of phytic acid. Mineral contents were 10.9–39.9, 15.2–32.3 and 9.3–54.1 mg g⁻¹ for Ca, Mg and P, respectively, and 221–328, 4.7–25.8, 1.41–4.25, 0.29–1.73 and 1.2–4.44 mg g⁻¹ for K, Na, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe, respectively. HCN content ranged from 8.33 to 28.8 mg HCN/kg dry weight basis. A linear relationship between Ca and P and carbohydrate and energy existed with correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.82, respectively. Phytate: total p ranged from 77% to 88% and a linear relationship existed between phytate and total p with a correlation coefficient of 0.975.     

Non-volatile taste components of several speciality mushrooms

Four speciality mushrooms are commercially available in Taiwan, including Dictyophora indusiata (basket stinkhorn), Grifola frondosa (maitake), Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane), and Tricholoma giganteum (white matsutake). Protein contents ranged from 14.6 to 22.3%. Carbohydrate contents were high in basket stinkhorn and white matsutake (67.0 and 70.1%) and low in maitake and lion's mane (58.8 and 57.2%, respectively). Contents of total soluble sugars showed two distinct levels, white matsutake (349 mg g⁻¹) and other mushrooms (153–188 mg g⁻¹). Total free amino acid contents ranged from 7.41 to 12.3 mg g⁻¹. Contents of monosodium glutamate-like components ranged from 0.68 to 1.09 mg g⁻¹. Contents of flavor 5′-nucleotides were high in white matsutake, moderate in basket stinkhorn, and low in lion's mane and maitake. In this study, the four speciality mushrooms, in addition to their characteristic appearances, were distinctly different in both their proximate compositions and their taste components.     

Non-volatile components of several medicinal mushrooms

Three species of medicinal mushrooms are commercially available in Taiwan, including Ling Chih (Ganoderma lucidum), Sung Shan Ling Chih (Ganoderma tsugae) and Yun Chih (Coriolus versicolor). The objective of this study was to examine the non-volatile components in these medicinal mushrooms, including their proximate compositions, soluble sugars, free amino acids and 5′-nucleotides. Ganoderma spp. contained 7.18–7.92% of proteins and Yun Chih contained 4.20%. Carbohydrate contents showed two different levels, Yun Chih (65.09%) and Ganoderma spp. (21.83–27.78%). The fiber contents were in the order of Sung Shan Ling Chih (65.29%), regular and antler Ling Chih (59.16 and 59.49%, respectively), and Yun Chih (23.24%). Yun Chih contained 20.21 mg g⁻¹ dry weight of total soluble sugars whereas Ganoderma spp. contained low amounts. Total free amino acid contents ranged from 4.25 to 14.04 mg g⁻¹. Contents of MSG-like components ranged from 0.17 to 0.50 mg g⁻¹ and sweet components ranged from 0.28 to 1.38 mg g⁻¹. The bitter components were predominantly present in these mushrooms. Contents of total and flavour 5′-nucleotides were high in Yun Chih and Ling Chih. The umami intensities were expected to be in the descending order of Ling Chih, Yun Chih, Sung Shan Ling Chih and antler Ling Chih.     

Variability in the physicochemical,nutritional and antinutritional attributes of six Mucuna species

Six Mucuna species (M. pruriens, M. cochinchinensis, M. rajada, M. veracruz white, M. veracruz mottle and M. deeringeana) have been subjected to standard analytical techniques in order to evaluate their in physicochemical, nutritional and antinutritional properties.Physicochemical characterization indicated that M. veracruz white and M. veracruz mottle had the lowest hydration capacities and indices, and swelling capacities and indices.Proximate analysis showed that they had low moisture and ash contents (3.65–5.88% and 2.74–3.41%, respectively). The carbohydrate content was fairly high (43.7–49.7%). Starch constituted the dominant carbohydrate while some reducing and non-reducing sugars were also found in the seeds. The crude protein content in the seeds varied from 33.2% to 38.4%. In all, 18 amino acids were detected in the protein. M. pruriens had the highest total essential amino acids TEAA (555) mg g⁻¹ protein, while M. veracruz mottle had the lowest (500 mg g⁻¹ protein). Methionine and cysteine were the limiting amino acid in the seeds. Protein digestibilities of the seeds were high (81.3–85.5%). Results on the valuable nutritional minerals and trace elements indicated that potassium was the most abundant mineral present in the seeds (356–433 mg 100 g⁻¹). In addition, the seeds also had a high content of calcium and phosphorus.The antinutritional factors estimated in the seeds included total polyphenolic substances, protease inhibitor, saponins, phytic acid, l-dopa and flatulence sugars. The concentration of phenolic substances ranged from 4.34% to 7.75%, while the concentration of protease inhibitor, TIA, ranged from 18.5 to 23.1 mg g⁻¹ sample. Saponin concentration ranged from 0.52% to 3.01% while the phytic acid concentration in the seeds was between 1.23% and 2.56%. l-dopa concentration ranged from 3.87% to 7.12%. Out of the three flatulence sugars estimated in the seeds, verbascose showed the highest value.     

Quality changes in sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored in ice and at ambient temperature

The keeping times of sardines were 21–27 h (average 23 h) at ambient temperature (T_amb) and 8–11 days (average 9.5 days) in ice. The muscle pH increased from 6.15 to 6.85 atT_amband from 6.24 to 6.55 in ice. Trimethylamine–nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) accumulated rapidly atT_ambto reach 11.2 mg 100 g⁻¹of fish and 57.3 mg 100 g⁻¹of fish, respectively at spoilage. In ice, the rate was rapid for two trials (2.72 mg TMA-N 100 g⁻¹of fish per day and 5.20 mg TVB-N 100 g⁻¹of fish per day) and slow for three trials (0.21 mg TMA-N 100 g⁻¹of fish per day and 3.7 mg TVB-N 100 g⁻¹of fish per day). Likewise, the histamine development rate was rapid during one trial (5.4 per day atT_amband 0.313 per day in ice), slow (average rate 3.503 per day during four trials atT_amb, 0.305 per day during one trial in ice) and zero during the other three ice-trials. Bacteria multiplied rapidly atT_amb; psychrotrophs multiplied slowly, and represented 10–68% of mesophiles at rejection point.In ice, bacteria multiplied slowly after lag phases of up to 120 h, but reached levels of rejection similar to those observed forT_ambstorage, H₂S-producing bacteria represented 0.5–7% of the initial fish flora and 3–10.1% at rejection point. They grew with a shorter lag phase as was the situation with the total flora.     

Seed composition of non-industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties from four regions in northern Morocco

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds of two varieties cultivated in four different regions of northern Morocco. The content of protein, insoluble fibre, ash, total phenols and flavonoids was found to be 19.25%–24.18%, 26.40%–37.40%, 3.72%–5.39%, 134.57–199.90 mg 100g⁻¹ and 39.40–69.54 mg 100g⁻¹ respectively. Oil contents ranged from 26.42 to 35.19 g 100 g⁻¹ of seeds in the four collection sites with variable oxidative stability at 100°C from 9.73 to 15.42 h. Total tocopherol content was between 376.46 and 796.06 mg kg⁻¹ of oil, with a dominance of γ-tocopherol. Fatty acids consisted mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (87.30-88.96%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (48.26%–55.39%). Triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition analysis revealed the presence of 18 TAGs with an equivalent carbon number of 38–48. The composition of TAGs was predominated by LLL (14.34%–22.62%), OLL (12.77%–18.78%) and LLLn (12.32%–18.59%). Furthermore, the majority of the evaluated parameters were strongly influenced by the varietal factor, growing area and their interaction. The knowledge of this composition variability in seeds of non-industrial Cannabis sativa varieties cultivated in northern Morocco could be useful in new Cannabis variety breeding programmes potentially valuable as non-conventional oil in cosmetic and agro-industry.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of rosehip ethanol extracts in different test systems

Rosehip extracts of 18 samples representing six taxa in the genus Rosa were evaluated for antioxidant activities by use of different test systems. The ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the crude extracts ranged from 983.4 to 2187.1 µmol FRAP g⁻¹ dry matter and from 457.2 to 626.2 µmol TEAC g⁻¹ dry matter. The high antioxidant capacity was related to high contents of phytonutrients. The overall mean of antioxidants was 23.23 mg g⁻¹ total carotenoids and 76.26 mg g⁻¹ total phenolics. The phenolic component made a major contribution to the total antioxidant activities in both assays (overall mean was 90.5% and 75.7%), whereas the ascorbate made a minor contribution (8.6% and 16.9%) and the lipophilic component made an even smaller one (0.9% and 7.3%). However, the lipophilic component was the most effective when the comparison was based on the ratio of antioxidant activity to content of antioxidants. The crude extracts exhibited 50.9% (46.6–60.3%) inhibitory effect against the lipid peroxidation induced by 2,2′‐azobis(2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN) and 85.0% (80.1–90.2%) inhibition in 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane)hydrochloride (AAPH) assay at a concentration of 250 µg ml ⁻¹. Ascorbate acted as an antioxidant in both peroxy radical‐induced lipid peroxidations, but as a pro‐oxidant in the metal ion‐induced lipid peroxidation. The crude extracts showed a large inhibitory effect in the ferric ion‐induced lipid peroxidation and caused 83.7% inhibition at a concentration of 25 µg ml ⁻¹ dried rosehip powder. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Beta Vulgaris root as a natural food colouring in doughnut: Dough rheological properties and bioactive composition

In the present study, the influence of Beta vulgaris root powder (BVP) incorporated at 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% levels on the empirical and fundamental rheological characteristics; dough texture properties; nutritional and bioactive components in the doughnut were carried out. The addition of BVP, decreased the WAC (58.4%–51.2%), DDT (6.19–1.31 min), extensibility (148–95 mm), and springiness (4.56–3.24 N) and viscosity parameters to varying extent. The frequency sweep test indicated that both the dynamic moduli increased and G' was higher than G" at all levels indicating the solid elastic structure of the dough. The dimensional characteristics of the doughnuts indicated a decrease in volume (103.3–85 mL) and an increase in weight (35.8–46.7 g) and compression force (11.6–14.5 N). The sensory studies indicated that 10% BVP incorporated doughnut was highly acceptable with higher dietary fibre content. The higher retention of betacyanin (17.88 mg 100 g⁻¹), betaxanthin (12.9 mg 100 g⁻¹), betanin (6.61 mg 100 g⁻¹), TPC (25.74 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹), TFC (77.08 mg QE 100 g⁻¹) and TAC (28.76 mMTE 100 g⁻¹) was observed.     

Non-volatile flavour components of Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae Murrill are currently popular and used in the formulation of nutraceuticals and as functional foods. The non-volatile components in the form of mature and baby fruit bodies (Ling chih), mycelia and fermentation filtrate from submerged culture were studied. Mycelia and filtrate contained significantly higher moisture contents (10.3% and 19.8%) and higher contents of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, crude ash and crude protein. Four forms of G. tsugae contained from 7.65% to 10.1% dry weight of total soluble sugars and polyols. Total free amino acid contents ranged from 2.50 to 149 mg g⁻¹ dry weight and in the descending order of filtrate, mycelia, baby Ling chih and Ling chih. Contents of monosodium glutamate-like components ranged from 0.16 to 26.0 mg g⁻¹ whereas, contents of sweet components ranged from 0.50 to 24.6 mg g⁻¹. The bitter components were predominant. Contents of total and flavour 5^′-nucleotides were high in filtrate (5.48 and 3.10 mg g⁻¹, respectively). The umami intensities were expected to be in the descending order of filtrate, mycelia, baby Ling chih and Ling chih.     

Nutritive value and antinutritional factors in different varieties of Sesbania seeds and their morphological fractions

Four different Sesbania seeds, S. aculeata, S. rostrata, S. sesban (accession 10865D) and S. sesban (accession 15019D), were analysed for their physicochemical properties, nutritive values and antinutritional factors (ANFs) in order to assess feasibility of use as an unconventional food resource. Seeds of both the accessions of S. sesban were smaller in size but their seed coat+endosperm fractions were higher (56–57%) than those of S. aculeata and S. rostrata (49–51%). S. rostrata had a lower hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index than other seeds. The crude protein content in different seeds ranged from 29.1 to 33.1%, crude lipid 4.7–6.0%, crude fibre 10.9–15.8%, total crude carbohydrates 44.6–47.4% and gross energy 19.2–20.0 kJ/g. Except for isoleucine, histidine and tryptophan, all other essential amino acids were deficient compared to the FAO/WHO reference pattern. The seed fractions showed similar amino acid pattern to that of whole seed with slightly higher values. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were the major fatty acids (FAs) and the total unsaturated and essential FAs ranged from 78.1 to 82.3% and 77.2 to 80.3%, respectively, with S. aculeata having the highest value. The ranges of starch fractions in different seeds were: total starch 17.5–20.4%, digestible starch 7.3–10.2% and resistant starch 10.2–11.2%. The soluble sugar contents ranged from 8.8 to 10.6%. The ranges of antinutritional factors in different seeds were: total phenols 2.96–5.95%, tannins 1.97–2.25%, condensed tannins 1.82–5.14%, phytic acid 1.89–2.37%, saponins 0.52–1.46%, trypsin inhibitors 5.25–14.0 (mg trypsin inhibited per gram of sample) and lectin activity 10.2–20.5 units. There was a wide variation in the ANFs contents of seed coat+endosperm, and cotyledons.     

Iron content and availability studies in some Sri Lankan rice varieties

Thirty‐eight rice varieties, grown in Low Country Wet Zone, during Yala (2006) and Maha (2006/2007) seasons were screened for stable high iron rice varieties and were statistically analysed. Iron contents ranged 1.89–3.73 mg 100 g^?1 and varied significantly (P < 0.05) with variety and season. Selected fifteen high iron rice varieties, at degree of polishing 8–10% were analysed for iron, zinc and phytate. High iron contents in endosperm were observed in Suduru Samba (0.47 mg 100 g^?1), Basmati 370 (0.37 mg 100 g^?1), Kalu Heenati (0.42 mg 100 g^?1), Rathu Heenati (0.44 mg 100 g^?1) and Sudu Heenati (0.37 mg 100 g^?1). Phytate contents of polished rice varieties ranged from 200–300 mg 100 g^?1. Large reduction in iron content (84.5–93.6%) was observed in polished rice while the reduction in phytate content (18.9–40.8%) was low. Percentage dialyzability of iron in selected endosperm high iron rice varieties ranged from 1.73 to 8.71. Dialysability of iron in cooked polished rice did not show a relation to the phytate content in raw rice.     

Comparative evaluation of non-toxic and toxic varieties of Jatropha curcas for chemical composition,digestibility, protein degradability and toxic factors

Four varieties of Jatropha curcas which originated from Nicaragua (Cape Verde and Nicaragua toxic varieties cultivated in Managua), Nigeria (a wild variety from Ife; toxicity unknown) and Mexico (a wild non-toxic variety collected from Papantla) were studied. The average seed weight was 0.69, 0.86, 0.53 and 0.65 g for Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Ife-Nigeria and non-toxic Mexico varieties, respectively. The kernel to shell ratio in seeds was relatively similar (62.7:37.3 for both Cape Verde and Nicaraguan, 60:40 for Ife-Nigerian and 63.5:36.5 for non-toxic Mexican). The shell of the seeds composed mainly of fiber (>83% neutral detergent fiber) and very little crude protein (CP < 6%). The kernels were rich in CP (22.2–27.7%) and lipid (53.9–58.5%). The meal (defatted kernels) had a CP content of 57.3, 61.9, 56.1 and 64.4% for Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Ife-Nigeria and non-toxic Mexico varieties, respectively, and about 90% of this CP was true protein. The pepsin insoluble nitrogen was from 5.5 to 7%. The amino acid composition of meals from Cape Verde, Nicaragua and non-toxic Mexico varieties was similar. The levels of essential amino acids except lysine were higher than that for the FAO reference protein. The meal from the toxic variety (Cape Verde) did not have any anti-fermentative activity on rumen microbes. The estimated digestible organic matter (DOM) and metabolizable energy (ME) for the shells were low (26.2–27.1% and 2.4–2.8 MJ kg⁻¹), whereas these values for Jatropha meals were 77.3–78.4% and 10.7–10.9MJ kg⁻¹. For commercially available (heat-treated) soyabean meal, DOM and ME were 87.9% and 13.3MJ kg⁻¹, respectively. The in-vitro rumen degradable nitrogen (% of total nitrogen) for meals from Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Ife-Nigeria and non-toxic Mexico varieties was 43.3, 37.7, 38.7 and 28.9, respectively, and for the soyabean meal it was 80.9%. Tannins, cyanogens, glucosinolates and amylase inhibitors were not detected in meals of any of the four varieties. A small amount of tannins were present in shells (2.0–2.9% as tannic acid equivalent). High levels of trypsin inhibitor activity (18.4–26.5 mg trypsin inhibited g⁻¹), lectin (51–102; inverse of the minimum amount in mg ml⁻¹ of the assay which produced haemagglutination in presence of 10 mM Mn²⁺) and phytate (7.2–10.1%) were observed in the meals. The concentrations of phorbol esters in kernels of Cape Verde, Nicaragua and Ife-Nigeria varieties were 2.70, 2.17 and 2.30mg g⁻¹, whereas kernels of non-toxic Mexican had a very low level (O.11 mg g⁻¹) of phorbol esters.     

Chemical composition and potential of some underutilized tropical biomass. I: fluted pumpkin (telfairia occidentalis)

The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis have been subjected to standard chemical analysis to evaluate their properties. Proximate analysis indicated a low moisture content (6.30 ± 0.50%). The ash content was slightly higher than the range recommended for compounding of animal feed (3.44 ± 0.06%). The carbohydrate content was low (16.5 ± 0.12%). Starch, however, constituted the dominant carbohydrate (62.5 ± 0.48), while three sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose were detected in the seed. The crude protein in the seed was high (16.0 ± 0.03%), a value which compared favourably with high protein seeds and nuts. In all, 16 amino acids were detected in the protein. Glutamic acid showed the highest concentration (16.4 g 100 g⁻¹), while lysine showed the lowest (2.6 g 100 g⁻¹). The brown oil extracted from the seed (yield 48.6 ± 0.94) had the following physicochemical properties; acid value, 3.05 ± 0.80 g, saponification value 166 ± 1.34 mg/KOH g⁻¹, free fatty acids, 0.3 g and peroxide value 3.02 ± 0.07 mg Eq kg⁻¹. The iodine value (80.1 ± 0.10)g 100 g⁻¹ indicated a preponderance of unsaturated fatty acid. Four fatty acids were detected whilst unsaturated acids constituted 61.3 g. Triglyceride was the dominant lipid species while hydrocarbons, waxes, sterols and sterol esters and higher alcohols, were detected in the unsaponifable matter. Results of nutritionally valuable mineral elements indicated that potassium occurred at the highest concentration.     

Acid hydrolysis and fermentation of brewer's spent grain to produce xylitol

The hemicellulosic fraction of brewer's spent grain (BSG) was hydrolysed with diluted acid under different conditions of liquid/solid ratio (8–12 g g⁻¹), sulfuric acid concentration (100–140 mg g⁻¹ dry matter) and reaction time (17–37 min) in order to produce a liquor with a large amount of xylose and good fermentability to produce xylitol. Results showed that all the evaluated reaction conditions were able to hydrolyse xylan and arabinan with efficiencies higher than 85.8 and 95.7% respectively, and even under the mildest reaction condition a considerable amount (92.7%) of the hemicellulosic fraction could be extracted. The hydrolysates presented different fermentabilities when used as fermentation media for xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii yeast, owing to the differences in their composition. Based on statistical analysis, the best condition for BSG acid hydrolysis was the use of a liquid/solid ratio of 8 g g⁻¹, 100 mg H₂SO₄ g⁻¹ dry matter and a reaction time of 17 min. Under this condition a high extraction efficiency of hemicellulosic sugars (92.7%) and good fermentation results (Y_P/S = 0.70 g g⁻¹ and Q_P = 0.45 g dm⁻³ h⁻¹) were attained. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rapid reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantification of L-Dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), non-methylated and methylated tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds from Mucuna beans

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for the extraction and quantitative determination of L-Dopa, L-3-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 1-methyl-3-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds has been developed. All the three compounds, L-Dopa, CDTHIQ and MCDTHIQ in the white variety of whole (4.96 g 100 g⁻¹, 130.3 and 116.8 mg 100 g⁻¹) and dehulled (5.21 g 100 g⁻¹, 138.3 and 125.9 mg 100 g⁻¹) seeds have been found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher than the black variety, respectively. The method makes use of a reversed-phase system with a C₁₈-bonded column and yields quantitative recovery of all the three compounds, L-Dopa (101.8%), CDTHIQ (98.2%) and MCDTHIQ (94.5%). This procedure is superior to other analytical techniques currently available because of its simplicity with regard to sample preparation, the sensitivity and rapidity of the method.     

A survey of microbial levels for incoming raw beef,environmental sources,and ground beef in a red meat processing plant

A microbial survey was performed for a midwestern red meat processing plant that produces retail cuts and ground beef. Samples were obtained from incoming ingredients, beef during processing, finished product, food contact and environmental surfaces, and the air. Aerobic plate count (APC), coliform count (CC), andEscherichia colicount (ECC) were determined for each sample. Product samples (25 g) were taken from beef carcasses, boxed beef, and ground beef. Swab samples (10 cm²) were obtained from food surfaces, food contact surfaces, floors, and walls. All samples were plated on aerobic plate count Petrifilm (for APC) andE. coliPetrifilm (for CC and ECC). Average log₁₀APC for product samples ranged from 3 cfu g⁻¹for retail cuts to nearly 7 cfu g⁻¹for boxed beef and the brisket and flank areas of beef carcasses. Average log₈APC for ground beef samples was 4.6 cfu g⁻¹. Average log₁₀CC for product samples ranged from 1.4–2.3 cfu g⁻¹. Highest CC was usually obtained from the brisket area of the beef carcass. Average log₁₀ECC ranged from <1–2 cfu g⁻¹and ECC was usually highest in finished ground beef. Average surface counts for log₁₀APC ranged from <1 cfu cm⁻²on sanitized processing equipment to 5 cfu cm⁻²on processing floors. Coliforms andE. coliwere rarely recovered from food contact surfaces or from food surfaces. Airborne log₁₀APC was generally low (0.6 cfu m⁻³), except for the carcass receiving area where counts were 2.4 cfu m⁻³. The most important factor contributing to source and level of microbial contamination for ground beef and retail cuts was from incoming raw materials obtained from different suppliers of beef. Microbial testing for beef products and the environment is an important tool for identifying and monitoring potential hazards as part of HACCP and GMP program development.     

Chemical composition,antinutritional factors and effect of cooking on nutritional quality of rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb; Ohwi and Ohashi)]

The mature seeds of four cultivars of rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb; Ohwi and Ohashi)] were analysed for some nutritional and antinutritional factors. The cultivars showed little variation in their chemical composition. On a dry matter basis, the percentage of crude protein varied from 16.9 to 18; crude fat 0.46 to 0.52, crude fibre 6.3 to 7.5, total soluble sugar 4.9 to 5.6, starch 52.2 to 55 and ash 4.2 to 4.4. The amounts (mg/100 g) of calcium ranged from 280 to 325, sodium 43 to 52, potassium 171 to 210, phosphorus 216 to 275 and iron 6 to 7, respectively. The cultivars had trypsin inhibiting activities (TIA) of 2456 to 2534 TIU g⁻¹ phytic acid 1976 to 2170 mg per 100 g and tannins 513 to 572 mg per 100 g, respectively. Two cooking treatments, namely, 15 min pressure cooking (15 MPC) and 50 min boiling (50 MB) showed a considerable decrease in antinutritional factors.     

Protein,amino acid,ash and mineral contents in Brassica spp. grown in Northwest Spain

The protein, amino acid, ash, and mineral composition of different Brassica spp. grown in several areas of Galicia (Northwest Spain) were studied. The highest protein values were observed in Galega kales (crude protein: 29.66 g per 100 g) and turnip greens and turnip tops (27.74–31.46 g per 100 g), whereas the leaves showed higher protein contents than the stems. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid present (14.53% in turnip greens to 18.45% in white cabbage). Other amino acids such as arginine, aspartic acid, lysine, alanine and glycine were also observed in higher quantities. The stems contained the same amino acid as the leaves but at a lower level. Furthermore, differences in amino acid contents were observed among varieties. The proportion of essential amino acids was high (41% in leaves of turnip top to 47% in external leaves of oxheart cabbage). The studied varieties are also a good source of some minerals, which include as main element potassium (27.24–37.57 mg g^?1 in whole plants), followed by calcium (4.27–17.48 mg g^?1 in whole plants) and magnesium (1.62–2.92 mg g^?1 in whole plants). Significant differences among varieties and edible portions were found concerning ash and mineral contents.     

Cyanogenic,carotenoids and protein composition in leaves and roots across seven diverse population found in the world cassava germplasm collection at CIAT,Colombia

The objective of this study was to characterise the nutritional potential of leaves and identify a diversity centre with low cyanide and high nutrient content among 178 Latin American cassava genotypes. This field-based collection represents the seven diversity centres, held at The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT Palmira, Colombia) by the Cassava Program. The cyanide, all-trans-β-carotene and lutein concentrations in cassava leaves ranged from 346 to 7484 ppm dry basis (db), from 174–547 μg g⁻¹ db and 15–181 μg g⁻¹ db, respectively. Cassava leaves also showed significant levels of essential amino acids leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine and threonine, and average total protein content of 26.24 g 100 g⁻¹ db. Among seven diversity centres, South American rainforest group showed low cyanide and high carotene content in leaves. In addition, VEN77 and PAN51 genotypes stood out for having low cyanide in leaves and roots and high carotene in leaves. This genetic diversity can be used to select high potential progenitors for breeding purposes.     

An integrated sustainable approach for the development of Kyoho skin functional tea

Kyoho (Vitis labruscana) skin is one of the valuable and eco-friendly agricultural waste and a potential source of phenolic compounds. Therefore, we attempted to develop Kyoho skin functional tea and evaluated its nutritional-functional properties as affected by drying temperatures (30, 40, 50 and 60 °C). Kyoho skin functional tea reported negligible protein (0.02 mg g⁻¹), fat (0.04–0.19%) and calories (0.36–0.70 cal g⁻¹). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 0.25 to 0.56 mg GAE mL⁻¹ and 0.03 to 0.19 mg QE mL⁻¹, respectively. Kyoho skin functional tea showed functional properties including antioxidant activity (63.33–79.78%) and anthocyanins (0.25–0.34 mg per 100 mL). The sensory evaluation of Kyoho skin functional tea (dried at 40 °C) rated as acceptable (>6) with attractive colour (>6). Overall, these findings recommended the possibility of using Kyoho skin to develop functional teas, which may strengthen the global beverage industries.