Effects of refrigerated storage and processing technologies on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of ‘Marion’ and ‘Evergreen’ blackberries

The effects of refrigerated storage at 2 °C and 95% RH and processing treatments on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of ‘Marion’ and ‘Evergreen’ blackberries were investigated. During refrigerated storage, total phenolics (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanins (ACY), and radical scavenging activity (RSA) fluctuated in ‘Marion’, but TPC and ACY continuously declined in ‘Evergreen’. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) decreased by 20% and increased by 19% in ‘Evergreen’, respectively after 7-d refrigerated storage, while no changes (P > 0.05) in ‘Marion’ were observed. Compared with frozen samples, freeze-dried ‘Evergreen’ had higher TPC (21%), ACY (5.5%), and RSA (14%), while hot-air dried “Marion” had lower ACY (56%), ORAC (37%), and FRAP (27%) and hot-air dried ‘Evergreen’ had lower TPC (37%), ACY (84%), and RSA (13%). ORAC and FRAP in canned ‘Marion’ was 21-61% lower than that of frozen samples. Jam also had lower TPC and ACY (67-84%), RSA (˜80%), and ORAC and FRAP (65-77%) values than frozen ones in both varieties (P < 0.05). The 6-mo post-process room storage had little effect on the bioactive compounds of frozen and freeze dried samples, but reduced ACY in hot-air dried, canned, and jam samples, and antioxidant capacities of all samples (P < 0.05).     

Methyl jasmonate enhances antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in blackberries (Rubus sp.) and promotes antiproliferation of human cancer cells

The effects of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MJ) application on fruit quality, antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in blackberries (Rubus sp.) were determined. Anticancer activity against human lung A549 cells and HL-60 leukemia cells was also evaluated. Three blackberry cultivars (Chester Thornless, Hull Thornless and Triple Crown) were used in these experiments. Blackberries treated with MJ (0.01 and 0.1 mM) had higher soluble solids content, and lower titratable acids than untreated fruit as well as enhanced content of flavonoids and increased antioxidant capacity. Extracts of treated fruit showed enhanced inhibition of A549 cell and HL-60 cell proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HL-60 cells. Cultivar Hull Thornless had higher soluble solids and lower titratable acids compared to cv. Chester Thornless and Triple Crown. On the basis of fresh weight of fruit, Hull Thornless also had significantly higher anthocyanin, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antiproliferation activity than other two cultivars.     

Volatile compounds evolution of three table grapes with different flavour during and after maturation

Volatile compounds of three different flavour table-grapes, ‘Jingxiu’, ‘Bimeijia’ and ‘Jingya’, were investigated during and after maturation using SPME/GC–MS. All the alcohols and carbonyls, along with most of the C₆ compounds and terpenoids, were evident before veraison, while most of the esters were detected at or after veraison. C₆ compounds increased in the early period of maturation, and then decreased. Most alcohols and carbonyls tended to continuously decrease during ripening. Except for geraniol, terpenoids increased until maturation, then decreased. Some esters continued to increase after maturation. Principal component analysis showed that terpenoids and esters were the characteristic volatiles of ripe ‘Bimeijia’ and ‘Jingya’ grapes, respectively. ‘Bimeijia’ had the highest terpenoid content at maturity, while ‘Jingya’ continued to accumulate some esters after maturation. To achieve berries of full-bodied aroma, ‘Bimeijia’ should be harvested at maturity and ‘Jingya’ should have a delayed harvest. For the neutral grape ‘Jingxiu’, delayed harvest is recommended to reduce the ‘green’ odour.     

Parental family food choice motives and children’s food intake

Children’s food intakes are important for their health and it is their parents that mainly decide what foods are available at home. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between parental family food choice motives (FFCMs) and children’s intakes of ‘nutrient-dense’ and ‘energy-rich foods’. In 2008, Finnish children, aged 10-12 years, completed a 16-item food frequency questionnaire and their parents completed a 27-item questionnaire to assess the FFCMs. Matching data existed for 564 child-parent pairs. Principal component analysis was conducted. The following eight dimensions of FFCM were found: ‘health and natural content’, ‘ethical concerns’, ‘mood’, ‘convenience’, ‘price’, ‘sensory appeal’, ‘weight control’ and ‘familiarity’. The association between FFCM and children’s food intakes was analyzed by Spearman correlations and logistic regression corrected for gender, school class, gender of respondent parent, living with one parent and parental education. The results based on logistic regressions showed that the FFCMs ‘health and natural content’ and ‘sensory appeal’ were positively associated, ‘convenience’ was negatively associated with ‘nutrient-dense foods’ and ’ethical concern’ was negatively associated with ‘energy-rich foods’. Parents’ FFCMs should be considered when promoting healthy eating among children.     

Miniature handheld NIR sensor for the on-site non-destructive assessment of post-harvest quality and refrigerated storage behavior in plums

This study evaluated the feasibility of using a handheld micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) spectrometer working in the 1600–2400 nm range for the measurement of quality-related parameters (soluble solid content, firmness, variety and post-harvest storage duration under refrigeration) in intact plums. Spectroscopic measurements were also made for each fruit using a diode-array Vis–NIR spectrophotometer (400–1700 nm) for purposes of comparison. A total of 264 plums (Prunus salicina L.) cv. ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Golden Globe’, ‘Golden Japan’, ‘Fortune’, ‘Friar’ and ‘Santa Rosa’, received and stored at 0 °C and 95% RH for 9 days, were used to build calibration models using different spectral signal pre-treatments and the modified partial least squares regression method. The two NIR instruments evaluated provided good precision, although the diode-array instrument yielded slightly greater precision for soluble solid content; statistic values were r² = 0.73 and the standard error of cross validation (SECV) = 1.11% for calibration, and r² = 0.68 and the standard error of prediction (SEP) = 1.22% for validation. Firmness measurements were less precise in both instruments, though again slightly better in the diode-array instrument: r² = 0.64 and SECV = 1.77 N for calibration; and r² = 0.61 and SEP = 2.30 N for validation, respectively. The performance of the two instruments for classifying plums by variety and by refrigerated post-harvest storage duration (0, 6 and 9 days) was evaluated using partial least square-discriminant analysis. A total of 96.5 % of samples were correctly assigned to their variety, while 94.5 % of plums were correctly assigned to their refrigerated storage day. In general, promising results were obtained with both instruments, with similar levels of accuracy for the measurements for soluble solid content, variety and refrigerated storage duration; the prediction model developed using the diode-array spectrophotometer provided better results for firmness.     

Horticultural characteristics and chemical composition of advanced raspberry lines from Quebec and Ontario

Three advanced raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) lines from the University of Guelph breeding program (‘88-18’, ‘88-117’, ‘88-134’) and one advanced line from the Quebec fruit breeding program (‘SJR942-7’) were tested for their winter hardiness, fruit quality, horticultural characteristics and antioxidant activity compared to four commercially grown cultivars (‘Festival’, ‘Boyne’, ‘Nova’ and ‘Killarney’) recommended for Quebec. Lines ‘88-18’ from Guelph and ‘SJR942-7’ from Quebec had higher antioxidant activity, larger fruit size, better fruit quality and longer shelf life than all other lines and cultivars tested. The ellagic acid content of ‘SJR942-7’ was approximately two times higher than that of the commercial cultivars grown in Quebec.     

Analysis of sugars,organic acids and vitamin C contents of blackberry genotypes from Turkey

The paper reports the composition of some quality characteristics of five blackberry varieties (“C. Thornless”, “Bursa 2”, “Navaho”, “Jumbo” and “Loch Ness”). Main soluble sugar and acid contents of experimental varieties were separated, identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array spectrophotometric and refractive index detection, for organic acids, ascorbic acids and soluble sugars, respectively. According to the results, malic acid was detected as the main organic acid while citric acid was not detected in blackberry fruits. Ascorbic acid content was found very low quantity and also was not detected in all the cultivars. As for the sugars, fructose was found as the most abundant sugar and highly detected in “Navaho”. However, the highest total sugar/malic acid ratio was found in cv. C. Thornless.     

Sensory, chemical and gas chromatographic evaluation of five raspberry cultivars

Five raspberry cultivars, ‘Chilcotin’, ‘Chilliwack’, ‘Meeker’, ‘Skeena’ and ‘Tulameen’, were evaluated for sensory attributes, and chemical and flavor volatile compounds. ‘Chilliwack’ and ‘Tulameen’ received high ratings in sweetness and overall impression with high soluble solids, total sugars and sugar:acid ratio. ‘Chilcotin’ rated low in overall impression and sweetness, and high in sourness and astringency, with low soluble solids, sugar:acid ratio and total sugars, and high titratable acidity. Principal factor analysis (PFA) of the sensory results separated the cultivars based on desirable (appearance, color, texture, aroma and sweetness) and less desirable (sourness, bitterness, astringency and off-flavor) attributes. Twenty-eight volatile compounds were analyzed by dynamic headspace and 18 identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), most of which were terpenes which included -pinene, sabinene, γ-terpinene, - and β-ionone and caryophyllene. Volatile compounds varied among cultivars, with benzaldehyde (11·1–31·8%), -pinene (4·0–11·5%), ethyl heptanoate (6·9–15·2%), β-myrcene (13·2–19·6%) and γ-terpinene (12·2–20·0%) as the predominant volatiles. Correlation analysis established no relationships between sensory and chemical data with volatile compounds.     

Investigation of bitterness in carrots (Daucus carota L.) based on quantitative chemical and sensory analyses

Bitterness is considered as an undesirable taste of carrots. Quantitative chemical analysis of potential bitter compounds of different carrot genotypes was combined with sensory analysis in order to identify key compounds likely to be responsible for the bitterness of carrots. Eight carrot genotypes (‘Bolero’, ‘Mello Yello’, ‘Nairobi’, ‘Tornado’, ‘Purple Haze’, ‘Line 1’, ‘Line 2’, and ‘Line 3’) representing extremes in sensory-perceived odour, flavour, and taste. Potential bitter compounds like polyacetylenes, isocoumarins and phenolic acids were quantified in the peel and the corresponding peeled carrot, and their contribution to bitterness in raw carrots was analysed by sensory profiling using multivariate data analysis. Falcarindiol and a di-caffeic acid derivative were highly related to bitterness in contrast to falcarinol and other potential bitter compounds. Falcarindiol and the di-caffeic acid derivative were primarily present in the peel whereas falcarinol was almost evenly distributed in the root. Investigation of bitterness revealed that high sugar content to some extent could mask the bitter perception of carrots. As falcarinol is the most bioactive of the carrot polyacetylenes the results of the present study indicate that there is a basis for improving the health effects of raw carrots without affecting sensory quality.     

Comparative study of primary and secondary metabolites in 11 cultivars of persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.)

Primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids) and secondary metabolites (phenolics and carotenoids) were quantified by HPLC in fully ripe fruit of 11 kaki cultivars: ‘Amankaki’, ‘Cal Fuyu’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Hana Fuyu’, ‘Jiro’, ‘O’Gosho’, ‘Tenjin O’Gosho’, ‘Thiene’, ‘Tipo’, ‘Tone Wase’ and ‘Triumph’. Amongst the analysed cultivars, ‘Tone Wase’ stands out as the richest in sugars, particularly glucose, and cultivars ‘Tipo’ and ‘Triumph’ contained the highest amounts of organic acids. Cultivars ‘O’Gosho’, ‘Cal Fuyu’ and ‘Hana Fuyu’ contained the least sugars and cultivar ‘Jiro’ the least organic acids. Amongst the individual phenolic compounds catechin and gallic acid were present in highest concentrations. The predominant carotenoid in both skin and pulp of ripe persimmon fruit was β-carotene, the highest content was measured in skin of cultivar ‘Hana Fuyu’, which also contained the highest level of total carotenoids. In persimmon pulp, much lower values for carotenoids were obtained, particularly in fruit of cultivar ‘Cal Fuyu’.     

Dessert and crab apple seeds as a promising and rich source of all four homologues of tocopherol (α, β, γ and δ)

Tocochromanols composition in apple seeds, obtained as a by-product during the fruit salad and juice production, of twelve varieties - seven crab apple (‘Kerr’, ‘Kuku’, ‘Quaker Beauty’, ‘Riku’, ‘Ritika’, ‘Ruti’ and K-8/9-24) and five dessert apples (‘Antej’, ‘Beforest’, ‘Kent’, ‘Sinap Orlovskij’ and ‘Zarja Alatau’) were studied. Tocopherols and tocotrienols were isolated using the micro-saponification method of high precision and accuracy and they were analysedanalysed by rapid RP-HPLC/FLD and RP-UPLC-ESI/MSⁿ. Four tocopherols, with predominance of homologues α and β, were detected in each tested sample. The seeds from two apple cultivars ‘Antej’ and ‘Beforest’ were characterized by unique and similar ratios of all four tocopherol homologues α:β:γ:δ (1.7:1.5:1.3:1.0 and 2.1:2.0:1.3:1.0, respectively). The concentration range of individual tocopherol homologues (α, β, γ and δ) in apple seeds were as follows: 17.22–25.79, 7.53–29.05, 0.61–13.82 and 0.16–10.79 mg/100 g dry weight basis (dwb), respectively. Moreover, three tocotrienols (α, β and γ) were identified in lesser amounts (0.02–0.74 mg/100 g dwb). Use of apple seeds to isolate tocopherol homologues can ensure better environmental sustainability and effective use of natural plant material.     

Investigation of the retronasal flavour release during the consumption of coffee with additions of milk constituents by ‘Oral Breath Sampling’

The aim of this study was the investigation of the influence of milk proteins (casein and whey proteins) and milk fat on the release of flavour compounds from white coffee beverages in the oral cavity. For this reason a retronasal headspace technique for measurement of the after-flavour was adapted. A ‘Gas Sampler’ equipped with a mouthpiece was used as an ‘Oral Breath Sampler (OBS)’. Analyses were performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. It was noticed that the sampling at different hours resulted in different standard deviations. The flavour release is more constant in the morning (Variation coefficient from 3% to 28%; median: 10%) than in the afternoon (7–52%; median: 23%). The relationships between flavour release and some salivary parameters like salivation rate, buffer capability and protein content were also studied. The ‘Oral Breath Sampling’ was considered to be a valuable sampling method for the analysis of the retronasal aroma release from coffee beverages.     

Exploring the phytochemical content and the antioxidant potential of Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus

The physicochemical and phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant properties of the most important Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus [orange (Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Valencia’), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, cvs. ‘White Marsh’, ‘Star Ruby’, ‘Rio Red’) and an interspecific hybrid (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Mandora’)] were determined. ‘Valencia’ fruit exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content, as well as a higher antioxidant potency, followed by ‘Mandora’ fruit and the three grapefruit cultivars. HPLC indicated significant diversity on flavanones among the examined fruits, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polymethoxyflavones and a furocoumarin. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of ‘Valencia’ orange fruit as an excellent source of bioactive compounds. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thoroughly describing the phytochemical profile of ‘Mandora’ fruit, an interspecific hybrid cultivated in Cyprus.     

Comparative shelf life study of blackberry fruit in bio-based and petroleum-based containers under retail storage conditions

The shelf life of blackberries is relatively short, 2–3 days at 0 °C. Different marketing strategies like packaging can be used to retain blackberry quality during postharvest. This study compares the blackberry retail shelf life performance of different packaging materials, bio-based versus petroleum-based using the same packaging design. ‘Cancaska’ and ‘Chester’ blackberries were packaged in snap-fit closed packages made from oriented poly(lactic acid), OPLA, and oriented poly(styrene), OPS, and stored at 3 °C and 85% RH for three weeks. Both cultivars exhibited an increase in pH, weight loss, SSC to TA ratio, and fungal count, and a reduction in firmness, anthocyanin content, TA, and SSC during storage. The changes in TA, SSC, SSC to TA ratio, and weight loss significantly depended on the packaging material while no such effect was observed on firmness, anthocyanin content, pH and fungal growth. Both cultivars demonstrated better quality in the OPS container with less weight loss, and decrease in SSC and TA. Blackberries in both OPS and OPLA containers met the “US standard No 1” grade for commercialisation for more than 12 days at 3 °C.     

Preferences and determinants for organic, conventional and conventional-plus products – The case of occasional organic consumers

As a result of continuous growth in the organic market, organic food is increasingly available in conventional retail outlets, where organic products are placed alongside both conventional and so called conventional-plus products. Conventional-plus products are food products with particular attributes that also apply to organic products, such as ‘no artificial additives or flavours’. This overlap provokes the question whether conventional-plus products might compete with organic products.The aim of our study was to identify occasional organic consumers’ preferences and underlying determinants in relation to organic, conventional and conventional-plus milk, fruit yoghurt and apples in Germany and Switzerland. To achieve these objectives, we conducted purchase simulations combined with face-to-face interviews. The data were analysed using contingency tables and multinomial logit models.In the purchase simulations, a large proportion of consumers who usually buy conventional products switched to conventional-plus products. This indicates that conventional-plus products compete with conventional rather than with organic products. Consumer attitudes towards the attributes ‘from pasture-raised cows’, ‘no preventive use of antibiotics’, ‘no use of genetically modified organisms’, ‘organic production’, ‘domestic production’ and ‘higher price for higher quality’ determined their preferences for organic, conventional and conventional-plus products. Differences in attitudes between organic and conventional buyers were generally larger than those between conventional-plus and conventional buyers.     

Comparative study of improved vs. traditional apple cultivars and their aptitude to be minimally processed as ‘ready to eat’ apple wedges

The development of fresh-cut apple products requires the reconsideration of cultivar selection because different characteristics are required compared with those characteristics for the fresh market. The aim of this work was to evaluate four improved cultivars (‘Modì’, ‘Ariane’, ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ and ‘Pink Lady’) and to compare these cultivars with traditional cultivars (‘Golden Smoothee’ and ‘Granny Smith’). Cultivars were evaluated according to physicochemical parameters and nutritional, enzymatic, and sensory aspects. Next, the cultivars were peeled, cut, treated with different antioxidant treatments, packaged in polypropylene trays and stored at 4 °C. After seven days of storage, physicochemical parameters and visual assessment were determined. As whole apples, the improved cultivars were notable for their sensory characteristics. Moreover, two of them (‘Modì’ and ‘Ariane’) presented the highest amount of total phenols and vitamin C, respectively. After processing and storage, certain of the improved cultivars presented better aptitude for minimal processing. For instance, ‘Modì’ showed high suitability, and ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ was notable for its sensory quality after seven days of refrigerated storage. Among antioxidant treatments that were assayed, 40 g/L NatureSeal^® demonstrated the best results in terms of physicochemical parameters, visual assessment and sensory quality.     

Improved loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cultivars: Variation of phenolics and antioxidative potential

Leaves and fruits (peel and flesh) of six improved cultivars (‘Mizuho’, ‘Néctar de Cristal’, ‘Mizauto’, ‘Mizumo’, ‘Centenária’ and ‘NE-3’) of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) were studied for their phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. The analysis by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS allowed the identification of 18 compounds (8 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and 10 flavonoid glycosides). The quantification of the identified compounds revealed distinct profiles amongst the three analysed materials. Loquat leaves exhibited the lowest amounts of phenolics. 3- And 5-caffeoylquinic, and 5-feruloylquinic acids were the major compounds. Generally, ‘Mizauto’ cultivar presented the highest phenolic content. All loquat materials exhibited DDPH scavenging capacity, in a concentration-dependent manner, the leaves being the most active one. This effect seems to be related to the flavonoid content.     

‘Liking’, ‘Buying’, ‘Choosing’ and ‘Take Away’ preference tests for varying degrees of hedonic disparity

Paired preference tests of liking require consumers to specify which of two foods are preferred or whether there is no preference. For ‘Buying’ preference tests, consumers specify which of two foods they are more likely to buy or whether they might buy either or neither. For ‘Choosing’ preference tests, consumers specify which of two foods they are more likely to choose when offered both, or whether they might choose both or neither. The first test is designed to predict greater degrees of liking, the second to predict buying behavior and the third to predict choice behavior. Yet, test results may not necessarily predict ‘real life’ behavior once consumers have left the testing situation; the ‘test’ preferences may not be ‘operational’. To validate the predictive ability of such tests, consumer behavior should be monitored for several months. Another approach is to allow consumers to take away some of the foods used in the test and observe what they take away. Consumers of potato chips were required to taste chips whose flavor and appearance were obviously different. A first group (N = 107) were given ‘Liking’, ‘Buying’ and ‘Choosing’ preference tests for two palatable types of chip. After the test, out of sight of the experimenter, consumers were presented with two rows of plain plastic ‘snack’ bags, filled with the chips used in the test. They could take away either two bags of the same type of chip (a ‘Take Away’ preference) or one of each type (no ‘Take Away’ preference) or take neither (rejection). They were also subtly questioned regarding whether they were going to consume the chips themselves or were going to share them with friends. A second group (N = 103) repeated the experiment. However, for these consumers, one type of chip was unpalatable. In general, ‘Buying’ preferences corresponded more to ‘Take Away’ preferences while ‘Liking’ and ‘Choosing’ preferences showed little correspondence. For the palatable chips, the preferences were spread more evenly than for the case where one type of chip was undesirable. In this latter case, approximately 50% of consumers were consistent over all tests in choosing the palatable chip. This might suggest operational preferences. ‘Take Away’ preferences suggested low predictability for paired preference tests of liking, choosing and buying. ‘Take Away’ preferences are not a substitute for monitoring consumer behavior for several months but they are a step in the right direction.