Antimicrobial agent detection in ewes’ milk by the microbial inhibitor test brilliant black reduction test—BRT AiM®

The detection limits of 24 antimicrobial agents were determined in ewes’ milk by one commercially available version of brilliant black reduction test, BRT Inhibitor Test with prediffusion AiM^® (BRT AiM^®). For each drug, eight concentrations were tested on 20 milk samples from individual ewes. The detection limits of the BRT AIM^® method were determined by means of logistic regression models: 6 μg kg⁻¹ amoxycillin, 6 μg kg⁻¹ ampicillin, 51 μg kg⁻¹ cloxacillin, 2 μg kg⁻¹ penicillin “G”, 230 μg kg⁻¹ cefadroxil, 1330 μg kg⁻¹ cephalosporin “C”; 270 μg kg⁻¹ cephalexin, 92 μg kg⁻¹ cefoperazone, 120 μg kg⁻¹ ceftiofur, 69 μg kg⁻¹ cefuroxime, 6000 μg kg⁻¹ streptomycin, 1200 μg kg⁻¹ gentamycin, 3700 μg kg⁻¹ neomycin, 630 μg kg⁻¹ erythromycin, 120 μg kg⁻¹ tylosin, 390 μg kg⁻¹ doxycycline, 5500 μg kg⁻¹ oxytetracycline, 6200 μg kg⁻¹ tetracycline, 5400 μg kg⁻¹ sulfadiazine, 3200 μg kg⁻¹ sulfamethoxazole, 6500 μg kg⁻¹ sulfamethoxypyridazine, 6200 μg kg⁻¹ sulfaquinoxaline, 22000 μg kg⁻¹ chloramphenicol and 4100 μg kg⁻¹ trimethoprim. The BRT AiM^® method presents detection limits for β-lactam antibiotics that are similar to those obtained as Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) according to Regulation 2377/90 EEC as set out by the European Union. However, for other antimicrobial agents the estimated limits were higher than those of the EU-MRLs. It is therefore advisable to enhance the sensitivity of the method for the detection of the different antimicrobial groups or to develop a combined system of different microbiological inhibitor tests that would enable the detection of a greater number of antimicrobial agents.     

Flavanone glycosides in Brazilian orange juice

Authentic samples of oranges, frozen concentrated orange juice and pulp-wash, and retail samples of freshly squeezed orange juice and frozen concentrated orange juice have been collected in Brazil and analysed for the flavanone glycosides (FG) narirutin and hesperidin by reversed phase HPLC with UV detection at 280 nm. The juice from hand-squeezed fruit gave narirutin and hesperidin concentrations of 16–142 mg l⁻¹ and 104–537 mg l⁻¹, respectively. The ratio of hesperidin to narirutin showed varietal difference with Pera having the highest ratio (mean 8.4) and Baı́a the lowest (3.6). Frozen concentrated orange juice contained higher quantities of FG with narirutin ranging from 62 to 84 mg l⁻¹ and hesperidin from 531 to 690 mg l⁻¹ (after dilution to 12 °Brix). In frozen concentrated orange juice pulp-wash, the narirutin level ranged from 155 to 239 mg l⁻¹ and hesperidin from 1089 to 1200 mg l⁻¹. The analysis of 23 samples of freshly squeezed juice from the Brazilian market place showed that the FG content of most samples (9.1 to 94.8 and 105.8 to 586.6 mg l⁻¹, respectively, for narirutin and hesperidin) was similar to those found for authentic ones, indicating that these orange juices were not adulterated.     

Effects on Escherichia coli inactivation and quality attributes in apple juice treated by combinations of pulsed light and thermosonication

Pulsed light (PL) and Thermosonication (TS) were applied alone or in combination using a continuous system to study their effect on Escherichia coli inactivation in apple juice. Selected quality attributes (pH, °Brix, colour (L, a, b, ΔE), non-enzymatic browning (NEBI) and antioxidant activity (TEAC)) were also evaluated pre- and post-processing. Two PL (360 μs, 3 Hz) treatments were selected and the juice exposed to energy dosages of 4.03 J/cm² (‘low’ (L)) and 5.1 J/cm² (‘high’ (H)) corresponding to 51.5 and 65.4 J/mL, respectively. The juice was also processed by TS (24 kHz, 100 μm) at 40 °C for 2.9 min (L) or 50 °C for 5 min (H), corresponding to 1456 and 2531 J/ml energy inputs, respectively. The effect of the resulting four energy levels and sequence (PL + TS and TS + PL) was studied. When the technologies were applied individually the maximum reduction achieved was 2.7 and 4.9 log CFU/mL (for TS (H) and PL (H) respectively), while most of the combined treatments achieved reductions in the vicinity of 6 log CFU/mL, showing an additive effect for both technologies when acting in combination, regardless of the sequence applied. All treatments significantly changed the colour of apple juice and the sequence in which the technologies were applied affected colour significantly (P < 0.05). The energy level applied did not affect any of the measured quality attributes.     

Degradation of various fruit juice anthocyanins by hydrogen peroxide

Degradation kinetics of anthocyanins was studied in sour cherry nectar, pomegranate and strawberry juices at high hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations (9.31–27.92 mmol l⁻¹) at 10–30 °C and in only sour cherry nectar at low H₂O₂ concentrations (0.23–2.33 mmol l⁻¹) at 20 °C. Degradation of anthocyanins followed the first-order reaction kinetics. Sour cherry anthocyanins were the most resistant to H₂O₂, followed by pomegranate and strawberry anthocyanins. Degradation of anthocyanins was also studied in sour cherry nectar and pomegranate juice in the presence of ascorbic acid at 60 and 80 mg l⁻¹ concentrations at 20 °C. At 80 mg level, ascorbic acid significantly accelerated the degradation of anthocyanins in sour cherry nectar at 4.65, 6.98 and 9.31 mmol l⁻¹ H₂O₂ concentrations. In contrast, ascorbic acid at both 60 and 80 mg levels protected the anthocyanins from degradation by H₂O₂ in pomegranate juice.     

Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of blueberry juice after high pressure processing

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of high pressure processing (HPP) at different pressure (200, 400 and 600 MPa) and treatment times (5, 9 and 15 min) on ascorbic acid, total phenolics, anthocyanin stability and total antioxidant capacity, were also studied at different physicochemical parameters such as pH, °Brix and color. HPP treatments resulted in more than 92% vitamin C retention at all treatment intensities. On the other hand, total phenolic content in the juice was increased, mainly after HPP at 200 MPa for all treatment times. The total and monomeric anthocyanin were similar or higher than the value estimated for the fresh juice being maximum at 400 MPa/15 min (16% increase). Antioxidant capacity values were not statistically different for treatments at 200 MPa for 5–15 min in comparison with fresh juice, however for 400 MPa/15 min and 600 MPa for all times (8–16% reduction), the lowest values were observed for total antioxidant capacity determined with TEAC method. No significant changes were observed in pH and °Brix. Color changes (a*, b*, L* and ΔE) were not visually noticeable for pressurized beverage for all pressures and times.     

UV-C irradiation as an alternative disinfection technique: Study of its effect on polyphenols and antioxidant activity of apple juice

Ultraviolet (UV-C) irradiation is a non-thermal disinfection method, effective against a range of bacteria and viruses, which is being considered as an alternative to pasteurization of fruit juices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of UV-C irradiation on the polyphenolic content and in-vitro total antioxidant activity of apple juice. UV irradiation doses ranging from 0 to 240 mJ·cm^− 2 were delivered to apple juice and polyphenols, sugars, in-vitro total antioxidant activity and total phenols were profiled. The results demonstrated that UV-C irradiation in apple juices at relevant commercial disinfection doses induced significant reduction in the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, and epicatechin (p < 0.05). The induced changes were relatively minor for the above mentioned polyphenols, except phloridzin (50% reduction) at 240 mJ·cm^− 2. Epicatechin concentrations were reduced significantly (p < 0.05), whereas increase in catechin concentration was observed with increase in UV-C exposure to 240 mJ·cm^− 2. There was a minor reduction in sugar (glucose and fructose) concentrations with increasing exposure levels from 0 to 40 mJ·cm^− 2 (p > 0.05). In contrast, a slight increase in sugar concentrations as increase in UV-C exposure after 40 mJ·cm^− 2 was observed. These changes were not significantly different from control. Total phenolic content was well retained regardless of the UV-C exposure for apple juice. In-vitro total antioxidant activity changed when UV-C exposure exceeded 40 mJ·cm^− 2, but remained unchanged at the maximum UV-C dose of 240 mJ·cm^− 2. These results suggested that UV-C irradiation could be an effective alternative to conventional thermal processing for production of high quality apple juice.Industrial RelevanceThis research paper provides scientific evidence of the potential for UV-C irradiation to achieve meaningful levels of disinfection while retaining important bioactive compounds (polyphenols) in apple juice. In-vitro antioxidant activity and individual polyphenols were well retained at commercially relevant doses of 40 mJ·cm^− 2. From a nutritional perspective, UV-C irradiation is an attractive food preservation technology and offers opportunities for horticultural and food processing industries to meet the growing demand from consumers for healthier food products. Therefore, UV-C irradiated foods could be sold at a premium price to their thermally-processed counterparts, as they have retained their fresh-like properties. This study would provide technical information relevant for commercialization of UV-C treatment of juices.     

The effect of fat content on the rheology,microstructure and heat-induced functional characteristics of Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheeses with the different fat contents were made in triplicate and ripened at 4°C for 30 d and at 7°C for the remainder of the 180-d investigation period. The cheeses were designated: full-fat (FFC), 300 g kg⁻¹; reduced-fat (RFC), 219 g kg⁻¹; half-fat (HFC), 172 g kg⁻¹; and low-fat (LFC), 71.5 g kg⁻¹. A decrease in the fat content from 300 to ≤172 g kg⁻¹ resulted in significant (P<0.05) decreases in contents of moisture in non-fat substance and pH 4.6 soluble N (expressed as % total N), and increases in the contents of moisture, protein, intact casein and free amino acids. Reduction in fat content resulted in an increase in the volume fraction of the casein matrix and a decrease in the extent of fat globule clumping and coalescence. The mean values of fracture stress and firmness for the FFC were significantly lower than those of the RFC and HFC, which had similar values; the values for the LFC exceeded the limits of the test and were markedly higher than those of the other cheeses at all times. On baking the cheese, reduction in fat content resulted in significant increases in the mean melt time (time required for shred fusion) and apparent viscosity and a decrease in the mean flowability of the melted cheese. The stretchability of the FFC increased most rapidly and, at ∼15 and 30 d, attaining mean values which were significantly higher than those of the other cheeses. Thereafter the stretchability of the FFC decreased progressively to values that were significantly (i.e. at 150 d) or numerically (i.e., at 180 d) lower than those of the RFC and HFC. At ripening times ≥15 and ≤90 d, the stretchability of the LFC was significantly lower than that of the RFC, and significantly or numerically lower than the HFC.     

Macro- and microelement contents in fruiting bodies of wild mushrooms from the Notecka forest in west-central Poland

Fruiting bodies of wild mushrooms and forest soil samples were collected and analyzed for macro- (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and microelement (Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb) contents in pine stands of the Notecka Forest in west-central Poland. Elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in 160 samples of 8 fungal species and 15 underlying soil samples. Macro- and microelement contents in soil were low and characteristic of the poor and acidic sandy soils of the Polish lowlands not influenced by industrial pollution. In fruiting bodies, the highest mean concentration of macroelements (dry mass basis) was found for N (40.0 g kg⁻¹), followed by K (33.0 g kg⁻¹), P (5.4 g kg⁻¹), S (2.2 g kg⁻¹), Ca (1.0 g kg⁻¹) and Mg (0.7 g kg⁻¹). All macroelements (except for Ca) were concentrated in considerably higher levels in the fruiting bodies than in the forest soil. Nitrogen, P, K, S and Mg were preferably translocated into the cap rather than the stipes. Calcium, however, was often found in higher concentration in stipes than in caps. The mean microelement concentrations, across all tested fungi, were in the following order: Al > Zn > Fe > Mn > Pb > Cd. Microelements showed different distributions, depending on the part of the fruiting body. Some were more concentrated in the caps and some in stipes and distributions varied among species. Xerocomus badius is the most often harvested edible mushroom in the Notecka Forest. Pb and Cd distributions in fruiting bodies of this mushroom were evaluated in order to assess health risks to consumers. The estimated dietary exposures to Pb and Cd for consumers of this mushroom were in excess of guidelines on safe exposures.     

In-vitro mineral binding capacity of five fiber sources and their insoluble components for magnesium and calcium1

In-vitro binding of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) by total dietary fiber, hemicellulose A (HCL A), lignocellulose (LCL), cellulose (CL), and lignin (L) fractions isolated from rice bran (RB), wheat bran (WB), oat fiber (OF), apple fiber (AF) and tomato fiber (TF) was evaluated. At pH 6.8, significant amounts of Ca were bound by whole fibers, ranging from 800 μg g⁻¹ for RB to 10 097 μg g⁻¹ for TF. Mg bound by whole fibers varied from 496 μg g⁻¹ for OF to 2177 μg g⁻¹ for WB. Re-acid washing (pH<2.0) released 95–99% of the Ca and Mg bound to the fibers. Fibers with the highest endogenous Ca and Mg concentrations bound significantly (P<0.05) the highest amounts of the minerals studied. The Ca bound by HCL A varied from 9753 μg g⁻¹ for RB to 11 337 mg g⁻¹ for TF, whereas Mg bound varied from 1151 μg g⁻¹ for OF to 5626  μg g⁻¹ for TF hemicellulose fractions, respectively. Among the fiber components, Mg binding decreased in the order HCL A>LCL>L>CL, whereas Ca bound was in the order HCL A>LCL>CL>L. A relatively strong correlation was observed between the combined effects of protein content, hemicellulose, and lignin vs total Ca and Mg bound. 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved     

Sweetness and aroma perceptions in dairy desserts varying in sucrose and aroma levels and in textural agent

Sweetness–aroma interactions were investigated in model dairy desserts varying in sucrose concentration, aroma concentration and in textural characteristics using different textural agents (κ-, ι-, λ-carrageenans and an equal-mix of the three). Overall intensities of sweetness and aroma perceptions were evaluated by sensory analysis and apparent partition coefficients of aroma compounds were measured by static headspace—GC.Sweetness–aroma interaction was characterised by a non-reciprocal relationship. Concentration of aroma had no impact on sweetness intensity, whatever be the sucrose concentration or textural characteristics of desserts, whereas varying texture or sucrose concentration modified aroma intensity. However, effects on aroma assessment were effective only when aroma concentration was the highest. In this condition, use of λ-carrageenan or increasing sucrose concentration from 25 to 50 g kg⁻¹ enhanced aroma intensity, but no extra enhancement was observed when sucrose concentration was 100 g kg⁻¹. As the air–dessert partition coefficient remained constant, impact of textural characteristics and sweetness variation on aroma perception did not result from physico-chemical interaction.     

Production of volatile aroma compounds by kefir starter cultures

Production of carbonyl compounds by single-strain cultures, kefir starter (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus HP1+Lb. helveticus MP12+Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis C15+Streptococcus thermophilus T15+Saccharomyces cerevisiae A13) and kefir grains during fermentation and storage of kefir was studied. The content of carbonyl compounds produced by kefir starter was greater than that produced by kefir grains. The maximum acetaldehyde concentration (18.3 μg g⁻¹) in kefir with starter culture was mainly due to the metabolic activity of Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus HP1 isolated from kefir grains. The highest diacetyl production activity was recorded in the starter culture (1.87 μg g⁻¹) and the single-strain culture St. thermophilus T15 (1.62 μg g⁻¹), followed by Lb. helveticus MP12 (0.85 μg g⁻¹) and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis C15 (0.42 μg g⁻¹). The lactobacilli Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus HP1 and Lb. helveticus MP12 produced acetone, which was not found in the cocci cultures. The presence of 2-butanone was related to the production ability of Lb. helveticus MP12. In comparison, Lc. lactis subsp. lactis C15 synthesized ethyl acetate more actively than the other single-strain cultures included in the starter. S. cerevisiae A13 produced ethanol and CO₂ in amounts (3975 μg g⁻¹; 1.80 g L⁻¹) that lent cultured kefir distinctive flavour and aroma characteristic of authentic kefir.     

Freeze concentration of must in a pilot plant falling film cryoconcentrator

The standard methods of producing concentrated grape must are vacuum evaporation and reverse osmosis. Concentration by freezing is the system that comes closest to the ideal objective of separating water from the food product without affecting the other components. This article examines the process for freeze concentration of white must from Macabeo variety grapes.The pilot plant equipment designed at the Technical University of Catalonia is based on freezing the water content of fluids in direct contact with a cold surface. Different parameters were studied to allow tracking of the process: evolution of soluble solids and the ice production. Freeze concentration tests with forty five litters of must were made at an initial concentration of 16.4 °Brix. A final concentration of 29.5 °Brix was obtained. An average rate of 1.38 °Brix/h was obtained working at flow rates of 0.8 L/s. The ice production ranged from 1.32 to 1.05 g?m^? 2?s^? 1 as the concentration of the must increased.Industrial relevanceSometimes the must has low contents in sugars. The freeze concentration can achieve the appropriate level of concentration in some favorable conditions without losses of aroma and sensorial properties. With this purpose INCAVI (Catalonian Institute of vineyard and wine) provided 100 L of grape juice for the test presented in this article. In this work has been applied this technology to concentrate must (grape juice) obtaining promising results.     

Effect of a combination of electrodialysis with bipolar membranes and mild heat treatment on the browning and opalescence stability of cloudy apple juice

The purpose of this work was to develop a process enabling the quick inactivation of the polyphenol oxidase and pectin methylesterase enzymes, which are present in cloudy or unclarified apple juice; These enzymes are respectively responsible for enzymatic browning and opalescence instability. In order to fulfill this objective, acidification of the apple juice to pH 2.0 was conducted by electrodialysis (bipolar–anionic membranes) followed by mild heat treatment at temperature of 40, 45 and 50 °C for a duration of 0–60 min. Then, juice pH was readjusted to its initial value by electrodialysis with bipolar–anionic membranes. It was shown that a mild heat treatment at 45 °C for 5 min performed on the acidified juice represents an appropriate condition to quickly inactivate the enzymes. Furthermore, the organoleptic properties of the juice after treatment were found to be preserved and the adjusted juice (pH readjusted to its initial value) shows a better color than an untreated apple juice. Opalescence of the adjusted juice was also more stable than for an untreated cloudy apple juice, when stored at 4 °C for 3 months.     

Processing of clear and turbid grape juice by a continuous flow UV system

The inactivation of inoculated (S. cerevisiae) and spoilage microorganisms, i.e. yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), in clear and turbid grape juice was investigated using a pilot scale UV system. The biodosimetry method was used for UV dose prediction in a continuous flow UV reactor. Weibull model was applied for fitting the inactivation data. The flow rates (774, 820 ml/min) in this system were very close to the ones used in fruit juice processing. S. cerevisiae in clear juice was reduced by 3.39 ± 0.04 at 65.50 mJ/cm² of UV dose. 1.54 ± 0.04 and 1.64 ± 0.03 log CFU/ml reductions were obtained for spoilage yeasts and LAB in turbid juice at UV dose of 78.56 and 67.97 mJ/cm², respectively. The soluble solids (°Brix) and pH of grape juice samples were not affected by UV-C treatment (p > 0.05). Although the color parameters slightly were changed after irradiation, the color of PCGJ and FSTGJ did not show visual difference compared to the untreated samples.Industrial relevanceUV light has a potential to reduce the levels of microbial contamination in liquid foods. Although grape juice has many beneficial health effects, it has a fairly short shelf life. Therefore, pasteurization is required. But the thermal pasteurization has some undesired effects on the juice quality. Consumer demands for high quality fruit juice with fresh-like characteristics have markedly expanded in recent years. In the current study, the microbial inactivation efficiency of a pilot scale UV system for non-thermal treatment of clear and turbid grape juice was evaluated under conservative conditions. Most of the physicochemical properties of grape juice samples were not significantly affected from UV-C treatment (p > 0.05). This would be a major advantage in the processing of nutritious juice products.     

Supercritical carbon dioxide-treated blood orange juice as a new product in the fresh fruit juice market

The work described here deals with the effectiveness of using high-pressure carbon dioxide treatment (HPCD) to stabilise freshly squeezed blood orange juice. Technical planning of a continuous high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide pilot system, suitable for development on an industrial scale, was carried out in our lab. To determine the optimal operating conditions (temperature, pressure, and CO₂/juice ratio), three different experimental trials were carried out. The first trial was conducted at 230 bar, 36 ± 1 °C, 5.08 L/h juice flow rate, and 3.91 L/h CO₂ flow rate, corresponding to a g_CO2/g_juice ratio of 0.770. The second trial utilised the same conditions except that the operative pressure was reduced (130 bar). The third trial was carried out at 130 bar, 36 ± 1 °C, 5.08 L/h juice flow rate, 1.96 L/h CO₂ flow rate, corresponding to a 0.385 g_CO2/g_juice ratio. The effects of processing were evaluated by determining physicochemical, antioxidant, and microbiological parameters of the treated juices. In addition, once the best operative parameters had been determined, physicochemical, antioxidant, microbiological and sensory evaluation of fresh blood orange juice stabilised by HPCD treatment was carried out during refrigerated storage of juices at 4 ± 1 °C for thirty days. The results showed that HPCD treatment cannot be considered as an alternative to traditional thermal methods but as a new mild technology for producing a stabilised blood orange juice with a shelf-life of 20 days.Industrial relevanceBlood oranges are the main cultivated varieties of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck in Italy. Freshly squeezed blood orange juice exert a high antiradical and antioxidant activity, due to its rich phenolic profile, but its preservation is usually assured by thermal treatment which affects its nutritional and sensory value. In this study we proposed a “milder” continuous HPCD process suitable for implementation on an industrial scale. The HPCD stabilised juice retains its physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties and could be placed within a new retail framework, namely, that of fresh juices with a shelf-life of 20 days.     

“Ice” juice from apples obtained by pressing at subzero temperatures of apples pretreated by pulsed electric fields

The impact of apple pretreatment by pulsed electric field (PEF) on juice extraction using the freezing-assisted pressing was studied. Apple discs were PEF pretreated at electric field strength of E = 800 V/cm and then air blast frozen inside the freezer (− 40 °C). Then, pressing experiments in a laboratory-pressing chamber (2–5 bars) were started at sub-zero temperature (− 5 °C). Time evolution of juice yield and its nutritional qualities were compared for PEF and untreated apple samples. High improvements of juice yield were obtained for freeze-thawed (FT) and PEF + FT samples. The combination of PEF + pressing (5 bar) at sub-zero temperature gave optimum results for juice extraction with high levels of carbohydrates, and antioxidant bioactive compounds. At fixed value of extraction yield, Y, PEF pretreatment improved nutritional parameters. E.g., at Y = 0.6, an increase in °Brix (by ≈ 1.27), carbohydrates (by ≈ 1.42), total phenolic compounds (by ≈ 1.16), flavonoids (by ≈ 1.09) and antioxidant capacity (by ≈ 1.29) was observed after PEF pretreatment.Industrial relevancePressing constitutes one of the most commonly used technologies at industrial scale to obtain fruit juices. However, during the pressing some undesirable chemical, physical and biological changes may occur in juices, thus reducing their nutritional and sensorial properties. For instance, the use of freezing-assisted pressing is a promising technique for the production of juice concentrates rich in sugars and other solids as the low temperature operation prevents undesirable modifications. But this method is rather expensive and requires strong control of the quality of “ice” juices, their sensory and compositional profiles. Thus, there is an increased search for obtaining new efficient methodologies for producing high quality juices. In this line, PEF-assisted pressing has been shown as a useful technology to increase juice yield. Therefore, the combination of PEF-assisted “ice” juice extraction by pressing of fruits at subzero temperatures may be a useful tool to improve the extraction yield of juices, thus improving their nutritional, physicochemical and sensorial properties.Keywords: “Ice” juice, Apple, Pulsed electric fields, Freezing-assisted pressing     

Comparative study on cloudy apple juice qualities from apple slices treated by high pressure carbon dioxide and mild heat

Qualities of cloudy apple juices from apple slices treated by high pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) and mild heat (MH) were evaluated. Temperatures were from 25 to 65 °C, time 20 min, and pressure 20 MPa. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was completely inactivated by HPCD and its minimal residual activity (RA) by MH at 65 °C was 38.6%. RA of pectin methylesterase (PME) with HPCD was significantly lower than MH and its minimum was 18%. L value of cloudy apple juice from HPCD-treated apple slices was significantly greater than that from MH-treated apple slices, however, b value, browning degree (BD) and turbidity were lower. And no differences in a value, total soluble solids, pH and conductivity were observed. After 7-day storage at 4 °C, HPCD caused no BD alteration but a significant turbidity loss. MH increased BD at 55 and 65 °C, and led to turbidity loss from 35 to 65 °C. The turbidity was not well related to RA of PME.Industrial relevanceCloudy apple juice is one of the popular fruit juices, and it requires strict processing treatment conditions to protect its quality, especially to prevent enzymatic browning and cloud loss. HPCD is one promising novel non-thermal technique and is likely to replace or partially substitute thermal processes. This study analyzed the effect of HPCD as a pretreatment means on qualities of cloudy apple juice, including inactivating enzymes which are crucial to quality control. Available data provided in this study will benefit the fruit juice industry.     

A quantitative study on the phenolic compound,tocopherol and fatty acid contents of monovarietal virgin olive oils produced in the southeast region of Brazil

Consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO) is highly recommended due to its human health benefits. Brazil is now beginning to experimentally produce VOO, and there are no data on its chemical profile. The aim of this work was to determine the phenolic compound, tocopherol and fatty acid contents of 17 monovarietal VOOs produced from olive varieties cultivated in the southeast region of Brazil during two crop years. The chemical composition of Brazilian VOO resembles that found in the literature for well-established VOOs. The analyzed compounds comprised palmitic acid (6–12%), stearic acid (1.6–2.2%), oleic acid (70–84%), linoleic acid (3.2–11.7%), α-linolenic acid (0.6–1.4%), tyrosol (NQ–155 mg kg^− 1), (+)-pinoresinol (2.9–23 mg kg^− 1), hydroxytyrosol (ND–38 mg kg^− 1), luteolin (ND–2.2 mg kg^− 1), α-tocopherol (29–233 mg kg^− 1), β-tocopherol (ND–9.6 mg kg^− 1), and γ-tocopherol (ND—19 mg kg^− 1). There was a significant difference in the contents of almost all of the analyzed compounds between the two crop years. Principal component analysis demonstrated that some varieties can be differentiated from one another by chemical composition. The results indicated that some Brazilian monovarietal VOOs are promising and that further studies will help to improve the quality of Brazilian VOO.     

Effect of ohmic heating on texture,microbial load,and cadmium and lead content of Chilean blue mussel (Mytilus chilensis)

The effect of ohmic heating (OH) on the texture, microbial load, and cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content was evaluated in Chilean blue mussel (Mytilus chilensis) at shucking and subsequent canning. Mussel samples were processed by OH and blanching (BLAN) at 50 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 1 °C for shucking and then canning at 115 °C for 20 min. The Cd and Pb content in fresh mussels was 2.47 ± 0.18 μg g^− 1 and 5.26 ± 0.55 μg g^− 1 dry weight (dw). The greatest reduction in Cd content was reached at 90 ± 1 °C by OH with 1.67 ± 0.06 μg g^− 1 (dw) and 1.69 ± 0.08 μg g^− 1 (dw) by BLAN. At the same temperature, the Pb content was reduced to 4.18 ± 0.24 μg g^− 1 dw for OH and 4.14 ± 0.30 μg g^− 1 dw for BLAN. The cutting strength of fresh samples (21.35 ± 2.44 N) significantly decreased in samples processed by OH (15.65 ± 1.36 N) at 90 ± 1 °C compared with BLAN samples (20.41 ± 3.16 N) at the same temperature. The initial mean count for mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae was 3.8 log cfu/g and 2.5 log cfu/g, respectively. The mesophilic aerobic microorganism count was reduced by 1.7 logarithmical units, while Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced to undetectable levels by OH at 90 ± 1 °C.Industrial relevanceHigh temperature short time (HTST) processes rely on rapid convection heat transfer and are thus well suited to liquid foods. But, they are, however, limited in application to particulates since, for particles more than a couple of millimeters thick, the processing time is insufficient for heat to transfer to the center to give sterility. Ohmic heating is an emerging technology and very promising in food industries. It is a thermal process in which heat is generated internally in food and acts as a resistance to the flow of alternating electric current. This type of treatment prevents overheating by producing less deterioration in food components. It is a rapid procedure that allows food to conserve its natural properties; microorganisms and enzymes are also inactivated. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the effect of Ohmic heating on mechanical properties, microbial load, Cd and Pb content in the opening and subsequent canning of Chilean blue mussel (Mytilus chilensis). This information could be used for the seafood industries in order to improve thermal heating processes in mussels.