Nitrate Analysis in Meats; Comparison of Two Methods

A high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) was compared to cadmium reduction-Griess (Cd-Griess). Nitrate and nitrite were measured in fresh and cured meats. Nitrate levels by HPLC ranged from 6.2 to 26.7 nmol/g in fresh meats and from 124 to 3018 nmol/g in cured meats. Nitrate contents by HPLC were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those by Cd-Griess. Small amounts of nitrite (0–7.3 nmol/g) were detected in fresh meat samples by Cd-Griess. Results were similar to those used by the National Academy of Sciences to estimate human exposure to nitrate from fresh meats. Results from HPLC methods may provide more accurate estimates of human exposure to nitrate and nitrite.     

Carotenoid Profile,Total Phenolic Content,and Antioxidant Activity of Carrots

Carotenoid profile, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of carrot cultivars from three different locations in Turkey were determined during two consecutive years. The major carotenoids determined in carrots were β-carotene (41.60–71.2 mg/kg FW) and α-carotene (13.44–30.11 mg/kg FW). The total phenolic contents of carrots ranged from 114–306 mg catechin/kg FW. The antioxidant activity in carrots determined by the TEAC assay varied between 25.9 and 86.6 μmol TE/100 g FW. There was considerable variation in carotenoid contents between locations and years among cultivars. Significant differences were found between the two consecutive years in total phenolic contents except for only one cultivar. The level of antioxidant activity in carrots varied significantly over the years.     

Changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations over 24 h for sweet basil and scallions

Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined for sweet basil and scallions over 24 h to determine if time of sampling or harvest impacts concentrations in raw vegetables. Also, nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined separately for various edible parts of these plants. Basil had significant changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations over a 24 h period. Nitrate was correlated to changes in light intensity with a 3 h lag time. The highest nitrate concentrations in basil (2777 ppm) occurred around 3 h after the light intensity peaked and had low values (165–574 ppm) during the dark period. The scallion nitrate and nitrite concentrations were always low but nitrate showed a peak a few hours before sunrise. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations in some raw vegetables may be reduced by harvesting at the best time of day for each type of plant. Nitrate concentrations were different in the edible plant parts tested.     

Effect of Freezing, Thawing, Drying, and Cooking on Carotene Retention in Carrots, Broccoli and Spinach

Effects of freezing, thawing, cooking and drying on carotene retention of carrots, broccoli and spinach were evaluated. Relative differences in carotene retention among these vegetables were compared. Dehydration, regardless of drying method, significantly reduced carotene in these vegetables. Carotene contents of fresh, vacuum and microwave dried samples for carrots, broccoli and spinach were 989, 459, 368; 106, 43, 40; and 455, 325, 314 μg/g, respectively. Lag time after thawing decreased mean carotene of vegetables significantly in a quadratic manner. Degradation of carotene was severe 6 hr after thawing, Cooking did not affect carotene and cooked samples contained 2.0, 2.9, and 1.2 times more carotene than the respective dehydrated vegetables. Destruction of carotene was relatively lower when initial concentrations were low.     

蔬菜中亚硝酸盐和硝酸盐检测技术研究进展

硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐广泛存在于人们的生活中,人体外源性硝酸盐的摄入大多来自蔬菜。硝酸盐对人体没有直接危害,但它可以在人体内的酶和微生物的作用下转化为有毒的亚硝酸盐,使血液的输氧能力下降,导致高铁血红高蛋白症。蔬菜在人们的日常膳食中占据重要的地位,检测蔬菜中的硝酸盐含量具有重要的现实意义。本研究对蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的检测技术进展进行了概述和比较,以期为蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的检测及快速检测技术的发展提供基础参考。     

Nitrate and nitrite levels in commonly consumed vegetables in Hong Kong

Levels of nitrate and nitrite in 73 different vegetables, a total of 708 individual samples grouped into leafy, legumes, root and tuber, and fruiting vegetables, which are traded mainly in Hong Kong, were measured. Where available, five samples of each vegetable type were purchased from different commercial outlets during the winter of 2008 and summer of 2009. Levels of nitrate and nitrite were determined by ion chromatography and flow injection analysis, respectively. Nitrate and nitrite levels of all samples ranged <4–6300 and <0.8–9.0 mg?kg^?1, respectively. Nitrate concentrations for the different groups, in descending order, were leafy?>?root and tuber?>?fruiting and legume vegetables. More than 80% of vegetables had mean nitrate concentrations less than 2000?mg?kg^?1, but mean nitrate concentrations of three types of leafy vegetables, namely Chinese spinach, Shanghai cabbage and Chinese white cabbage, were >3500?mg?kg^?1. On the other hand, nitrite concentrations were generally low –?<1?mg?kg^?1 on average. Nitrate in vegetables (i.e. Chinese flowering cabbage, Chinese spinach and celery) can be reduced significantly (12–31%) after blanching for 1–3?min, but not after soaking.     

Nitrate and nitrite in vegetables from areas affected by war-time operations in Croatia

To evaluate nitrate and nitrite contents in cabbage and potatoes, the most consumed vegetables in Croatia, and to examine if war-time operations in Croatia affected nitrate and nitrite levels in vegetables, potatoes and cabbage cultivated in the war region (East Slavonia) and out of war regions were analyzed. Data showed that nitrate contents were higher in the samples from the war region (32% and 24% in potatoes and cabbage, respectively) but differences were not statistically significant. The nitrate levels found in potato samples (196 mg NaNO₃/kg fresh weight (FW) and cabbage samples (911 mg NaNO₃/kg FW) were comparable with levels reported for other countries. The nitrite contents in potatoes (321 μg NaNO₂/kg FW) and cabbage (173 μg NaNO₂/kg FW) were lower than the contents reported for most other countries. Further examinations of nitrate and nitrite concentrations in vegetables in Croatia as well as examinations of the influence of war-time operations on accumulation of these toxic contaminants are necessary.     

Dietary Plant Sterols Supplementation Increases In Vivo Nitrite and Nitrate Production in Healthy Adults: A Randomized,Controlled Study

A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled and crossover study was conducted to simultaneously measure the effects, 3 h after consumption and after 4‐wk daily exposure to plant sterols‐enriched food product, on in vivo nitrite and nitrate production in healthy adults. Eighteen healthy participants (67% female, 35.3 [mean] ± 9.5 [SD] years, mean body mass index 22.8 kg/m²) received 2 soy milk (20 g) treatments daily: placebo and one containing 2.0 g free plant sterols equivalent of their palmityl esters (β‐sitosterol, 55%; campesterol, 29%; and stigmasterol, 23%). Nitrite and nitrate concentrations were measured in the blood plasma and urine, using stable isotope‐labeled gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. L‐arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in blood serum were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassays. Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in blood plasma (nitrite 5.83 ± 0.50 vs. 4.52 ± 0.27; nitrate 15.78 ± 0.96 vs. 13.43 ± 0.81 μmol/L) and urine (nitrite 1.12 ± 0.22 vs. 0.92 ± 0.36, nitrate 12.23 ± 1.15 vs. 9.71 ± 2.04 μmol/L) were significantly elevated after 4‐wk plant sterols supplementation Placebo and 3‐h treatments did not affect the blood plasma and urinary concentrations of nitrite and nitrate. Circulating levels of L‐arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine were unchanged in the placebo and treatment arms. Total plant sterols, β‐Sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol concentrations were significantly elevated after 4‐wk treatments compared to the placebo and 3‐h treatments. Blood plasma nitrite and nitrate concentrations correlated significantly with the plasma total and specific plant sterol concentrations. Our results suggest that dietary plant sterols, in the combination used, can upregulate nitrite, and nitrate production in vivo.     

蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐检测方法的研究进展

硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐主要通过蔬菜食用进入人体,亚硝酸盐是一种有毒物质,人食用后会在体内产生致癌性 的亚硝胺。光谱法、色谱法、快速检测法是目前检测蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的主要方法。本文在对上述方法进行 介绍并比较的基础上,对蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐检测方法的研究进展进行了概述与展望。     

NITRATE AND NITRITE CONTAMINATION IN VEGETABLES IN CHINA

This paper reviews recent studies of nitrate and nitrite contamination in Chinese vegetables. Nitrate and nitrite contamination is very serious and increases the amount of nitrogenous fertilizer applications. Factors influencing nitrate and nitrite contamination in vegetables are analyzed and discussed.     

NITRATE AND NITRITE CONTAMINATION IN VEGETABLES IN CHINA

This paper reviews recent studies of nitrate and nitrite contamination in Chinese vegetables. Nitrate and nitrite contamination is very serious and increases the amount of nitrogenous fertilizer applications. Factors influencing nitrate and nitrite contamination in vegetables are analyzed and discussed.     

冷藏对蔬菜中亚硝酸盐及硝酸盐含量的影响

目的 探索冰箱冷藏(4℃)条件下蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐含量随时间的变化,对冷藏食品的安全性进行评价.方法 分别采用重氮偶合分光光度法和麝香草酚分光光度法对生菜、菠菜、油麦菜及苦苣4种常用蔬菜在冷藏条件下其亚硝酸盐及硝酸盐的含量变化进行测定.结果 1～4d内,生菜、苦苣中的亚硝酸盐含量随着时间的延长逐渐增加;菠菜、油麦菜中亚硝酸盐含量分别在第2天和第3天达到最大,之后逐渐降低,而菠菜中亚硝酸盐含量在第4天又出现上升趋势.4种蔬菜中亚硝酸盐含量4d中最大值仅为0.419 4 mg/kg(生菜),均＜4 mg/kg的限量值.苦苣和油麦菜中硝酸盐含量在1～4d内逐渐上升.菠菜中硝酸盐含量第2天达到418.48 mg/kg,之后又降低至20.83 mg/kg.生菜中硝酸盐含量在第3天达到最大值317.26 mg/kg,之后逐渐下降,但均在安全范围内(432 mg/kg).结论 在4℃下冷藏4d后,4种常见蔬菜均可安全食用.可见,冷藏能有效减缓亚硝酸盐和硝酸盐含量的升高.     

Histological Changes in High-Pressure-Frozen Carrots

Histological changes in carrots frozen using a computer-programmed high pressure pilot unit for food processing were examined by light microscope. When raw carrots were frozen at 50 MPa, – 15°C; 100 MPa, –15°C; 150 MPa, –25°C; 200 MPa, –28°C, they were extremely damaged due to volume expansion by the formation of ice I. Conversely, carrots pressurized at 100 MPa, – 10°C (between liquid phase and ice I) and 200 MPa at –20°C (liquid phase) were not damaged because they were frozen rapidly during pressure reduction. They were not damaged even after pressurizing-then-immersing in LN₂. Carrots frozen at 240 MPa, –28°C and at 280 MPa, –25°C, were also not damaged, although ice III formed. The structure of carrots frozen at 400 MPa, –20°C (ice V) was comparatively intact. When carrots were preheated at 60°C for 30 min and frozen at 100 MPa, –15°C or at 400 MPa, –20°C, damage was reduced further.     

Quality Maintenance of "Ready-to-eat" Shredded Carrots by Gamma Irradiation

Shredded carrots were either chlorinated, rinsed, and spin-dried as in industrial processes, or irradiated (2 kGy), replacing the three steps. Several factors defining the quality of minimally processed vegetables were monitored during storage at 10°. Atmospheres inside micro-porous plastic bags stabilized at 7–15% O₂ and 10–15% CO₂. Sugar levels in tissues were twice as high in irradiated samples as in chlorinated ones. Irradiation also prevented losses of orange color and carotenes. Growth of aerobic mesophilic and lactic microflora was strongly inhibited by irradiation. Sensory analysis demonstrated preferences for irradiated vegetables. Irradiation, avoiding three potential denaturing steps preserved “ready-to-eat” shredded carrots with better quality than those prepared by conventional industrial processes.     

Nitrate and nitrite contents of some fresh and processed Egyptian vegetables

The nitrate and nitrite contents of sixteen fresh vegetables, widely consumed in Egypt, were determined. The highest values of nitrate were observed in leafy vegetables, followed by root vegetables and then pulses. Of the leafy vegetables, spinach, roquette and chard contained the highest concentration of nitrate. Nitrite concentrations were detected at low levels in a few samples, while the others were free of nitrite.Cooking had the effect of lowering the levels of nitrate in all types of fresh vegetables studied; no nitrite was formed during cooking.Storage of frozen vegetables for six months decreased the levels of nitrate, while nitrite was formed at low levels after storage for three or four months.     

晋南野菜和蔬菜硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和维生素C含量分析

目的对山西南部的10种野菜和4种常食用蔬菜的硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和维生素C含量进行测定。方法硝酸盐含量测定采用镉柱法;亚硝酸盐含量测定采用盐酸萘基乙二胺法;维生素C含量测定采用2,6-二氯酚靛酚滴定法。结果苜蓿、黄瓜和西红柿的硝酸盐含量低于轻度污染水平,亚硝酸盐含量低于亚硝酸盐含量的限量标准,维生素C的含量较低,属于一级蔬菜,可以安全生食;马齿苋、荠菜、蒲公英的硝酸盐含量低于中度污染水平,亚硝酸盐含量低于或相当于亚硝酸盐含量的限量标准,维生素C的含量高或较高,属于二级蔬菜,不宜生食,可盐渍和熟食;苣荬菜、车前草、苦菜、胡萝卜的硝酸盐含量过高,低于重度污染水平,不宜生食和盐渍,可以熟食;藜菜、菠菜、白蒿、地肤的硝酸盐含量高于1234mg/kg,属于高度污染水平,亚硝酸盐含量超过或相当于亚硝酸盐含量限量标准,维生素C的含量高或极高,不宜食用或限量食用。结论大多数供试野菜的各个指标含量均高于栽培蔬菜。     

替代亚硝酸盐生产安全腌肉制品的研究现状

硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐在腌肉制品加工中同时起着发色、抑菌、抗氧化和提高风味的作用,但硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐与肉中的二级胺反应会形成致癌物质N-亚硝胺,所以寻求一种更加安全有效的硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐替代方式,在实际生产中具有重要意义。本文就无硝腌肉制品在亚硝酸盐发色作用、抑菌作用和抗氧化作用的替代物方面开展的研究工作进行综述,提出了天然腌制的概念,重点介绍目前国内外利用蔬菜替代亚硝酸盐的方法,包括将蔬菜粉(或汁)中的硝酸盐用硝酸盐还原菌转化为亚硝酸盐后加入腌肉制品中(先发酵法)和将蔬菜粉(或汁)加入肉馅中再发酵(后发酵法)两种生产方式,并对目前的研究现状、进展、存在问题及今后发展方向进行了论述,以期为生产安全腌肉制品提供借鉴。     

鲜姜、煮姜、泡姜中VC、硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐的含量测定

目的:测定姜经不同处理后VC、硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的含量,以评价不同处理方法对营养成分VC和有害成分硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐的破坏情况。方法:通过紫外吸收分光光度计测得的特定波长下的吸收值来计算所测成分的含量。结果:生姜经煮沸15min后,VC的含量为2.30mg/100g,只有鲜姜中测得的VC的20.65%,而泡姜中VC的含量达5.86mg/100g,为鲜姜中的52.60%;鲜姜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的含量分别为39338.5mg/100g和0.3046mg/100g,煮姜和泡姜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的含量都很低。     

HPCE法同时检测果蔬及肉制品中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐含量

为了能够同时、快速检测果蔬及肉制品中的硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐,利用高效毛细管电泳对其进行检测,重点研究检测条件的筛选和干扰离子的排除。使用内径50?μm、总长40?cm、有效长度30?cm的毛细管柱,在214?nm条件下,采用毛细管区带电泳-直接紫外法,研究分离缓冲液的pH值、浓度、电渗流改性剂十六烷基三甲基溴化铵的添加量、排除Cl－干扰方式以及分离电压对分离效果的影响,同时进行方法学检验,以确定其回收率、线性、检出限和精密度。结果表明：对于含盐量500?mmol/L以下的样品在6?min内NO3－和NO2－能够达到很好分离,该方法的加标回收率在81.82%～100.91%之间,线性范围较宽,相关系数均在0.99以上,检出限分别为0.69?μg/mL和0.50?μg/mL,精密度均不高于3.2%,具有简便、快速、准确、环保等优点,也为生产中快速监控硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐残留量提供了科学依据。     

Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Sous-Vide-Processed Carrots and Brussels Sprouts

Physical properties, microbiological quality and volatile compounds of sous-vide-processed carrots and Brussels sprouts were analysed after 1, 5 and 10 days of refrigerated storage. Similar analyses were performed on raw and steamed carrots and Brussels sprout for comparison. Sous-vide carrots were firmer than steamed and firmness increased during storage. Similar values of colour indices were obtained for both steamed and sous-vide carrots, which also showed an increase of redness and colour saturation during storage. Aerobic and anaerobic counts of raw carrots were significantly reduced both by steaming and sous-vide procedures at values lower than 1 log cfu/g; these values were maintained until the end of storage. Among volatiles, terpenes were better preserved in sous-vide than steamed carrots, but all volatile fractions were significantly affected during storage. Steamed Brussels sprouts were softer and greener than sous-vide-processed ones, but softening and loss of green of the latter increased under vacuum storage. Microbiological counts of raw products were more efficiently reduced by sous-vide procedures than steaming. Higher amounts of nitriles and terpenes were shown in sous-vide vegetables in comparison to steamed, whereas thiocyanates and isothiocyanates occurred in lower quantities. Volatiles were not affected during 5 days of storage.