Nutritional composition and protein value of the baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almond from the Brazilian Savanna

BACKGROUND: The almond of the baru tree (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a native species of the Brazilian Savanna, is used in the gastronomy of the central western region of the country. There is relatively little information about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the baru almond, which was the motivation for this research. RESULTS: The baru almonds had high lipid (397–437 g kg^?1) and protein (238–281 g kg^?1) contents. There were differences in the amino acid score (AAS = 83–103%) and limiting amount of sulfur amino acids, depending on the origin of the almond. The protein value of the baru almond was higher than that of the peanut according to the relative net protein ratio (RNPR_Baru = 74%, RNPR_Peanut = 66%) and the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). The baru almond also had high iron (mean 48.1 mg kg^?1), zinc (mean 46.6 mg kg^?1) and dietary fibre (mean 115.8 g kg^?1) contents in relation to Dietary Reference Intakes. CONCLUSION: The baru almond has a high nutrient density and high content of quality protein. Furthermore, the lipid and protein contents and amino acid profile of the baru almond are representative of edible seeds and similar to those of true nuts. This almond can be used as a complementary source of protein and as an excellent option for a healthy diet. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Studies on the protein composition and baking quality of einkorn lines

White flours from 23 einkorn breeding lines (assortment 1) and wholemeal flours from 24 einkorn lines (assortment 2) were investigated for their qualitative and quantitative protein compositions by means of a combined extraction/HPLC procedure. The HPLC patterns of the gliadin fractions enabled the differentiation of most einkorn samples. The absence of a group of γ-gliadins at the beginning of the γ-gliadin elution region was unique for einkorn compared to all other wheat species. Differences in the patterns of γ-gliadins allowed the classification of einkorns into four groups; a further subdivision of these groups was possible by the number of ω5-gliadins and the different patterns of α-gliadins and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits. The total gluten protein (gliadins + glutenins) contents of einkorn flours were similar to or even higher than those of common wheat and spelt. Typical for einkorn flours was the extreme excess of gliadins over glutenins with ω5-gliadins being most abundant and high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits being extremely rare. Micro-tests on the mixing properties and baking performance of assortment 2 flours revealed remarkable differences. Dough development time was negatively correlated with the ratio of gliadins to glutenins and positively with the content of glutenins; bread volume was mainly dependent on the content of glutenins. In conclusion, the determination of the quantitative gluten protein compositions offers a reliable indication of the expected baking quality during the early stages of breeding.     

Carcass characteristics,meat quality and nutritional value of horsemeat: A review

Meat has exerted a crucial role in human evolution and is an important component of a healthy and well balanced diet due to its nutritional richness. The aim of the present review was to shed light on the nutritional composition of horsemeat and their benefits for human health. One of the reasons for such interest was the occurrence, in Europe several years ago, of dioxin, Bovine Encephalopathy and foot-and-mouth disease problems in farm animals. Therefore, consumers began to look for alternative red meats from other non-traditional species. There is no carcass classification system on horses designated to meat consumption. It would be advisable to standardize the equine meat market to reduce variations that may reflect differences in meat quality. The nutritional composition of horsemeat by comparison with pork, beef or poultry is characterized by low levels of fat and cholesterol (about 20% less), relatively high concentrations of n− 3 fatty acids and heme iron indicating that its consumption may be beneficial for health. Therefore, horsemeat may supplement the meat market with good quality products, although as in other dietary components moderation is advisable.     

The effect of modified atmospheres on the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)(Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and the quality of semi-dried dates

The saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis plays a major role in reducing the quality and volume of dried fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified atmospheres (MAs) enriched in CO₂ or N₂ at 25 °C and 35 °C on the adult and larval stages of O. surinamensis and dried date quality. The tested MAs containing 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% CO₂ and the MAs containing 97% and 98% N₂, with different exposure periods were performed in the laboratory at 25 °C or 35 °C ± 2 °C, 65% ± 5% r.h and photoperiod of 16 Light:8 Dark. The adults and larvae were found to be more susceptible to CO₂ or N₂ at 35 °C than those at 25 °C. Both adults and larvae reached 100% mortality after 4–6 days exposure to 20%–50% CO₂ at 25 °C and 3–5 days exposure to the same concentrations at 35 °C. The mortality reached 100% after 2–3 days when adults were exposed to 97% or 98% N₂ at 35 °C, but the larvae reached the complete mortality after 5 and 4 days exposure to 97% and 98% N₂, respectively, at 35 °C. The adult stage was more susceptible than the larval stage to MAs enriched in CO₂ or N₂. Also, the results showed that an MA containing 50% CO₂ and another containing 98% N₂ led to increased total carbohydrates, protein, fat, and ash in treated dates compared to control dates. MAs at high temperatures may be recommended to control O. surinamensis populations in dried date stores due to the advantage of a short duration treatment capable of killing larvae and adult stages of this insect, with positive effects on dried fruit quality.     

Determination of the nutritional value,protein quality and safety of krill protein concentrate isolated using an isoelectric solubilization/precipitation technique

Despite its abundance, krill is not utilized for human consumption due to the lack of proper technology for protein recovery. The objectives of this study were to isolate krill protein concentrate (KPC) and to determine the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of KPC for human consumption. Proximate analysis of protein recovered by isoelectric solubilzation/precipitation indicated that KPC was composed of approximately 78% protein and 8% fat (dry weight). In vivo analysis of protein quality indicated that protein digestibility corrected for amino acid score and protein efficiency ratio was equal to casein. KPC safety was indicated by the absence of differences in clinical measures of kidney function compared to casein. Fatty acid analysis of KPC showed that approximately 27% were omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). Based on our study, KPC appears to be a promising protein source for human consumption with the advantage of being a rich source of ω-3 PUFAs.     

Nutrient composition and protein quality evaluation of eri silkworm (Samia ricinii) prepupae and pupae

Eri silkworm (Samia ricinii) is a traditional source of food in northeast India, where it is grown primarily for silk and food uses. Nutrient analysis showed that the proximate composition of eri silkworm prepupae and pupae grown on either castor or tapioca were comparable and it was a good source of protein (16 g%), fat (8 g%) and minerals. The amino acid scores of eri prepupae and pupae protein were 99 and 100, respectively, with leucine as the limiting amino acid in both cases. Net protein utilisation (NPU) of prepupae and pupae was 41 as compared to 62 in casein. Protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) was 86. The high protein content in the defatted eri silkworm meal (75%) with 44% total essential amino acids makes it an ideal candidate for preparing protein concentrate isolates with enhanced protein quality that can be used in animal nutrition.     

光核桃仁油和蛋白质同步提取工艺优化及油脂品质分析

以西藏光核桃为原料,采用水剂法提取结合酶法破乳技术分离其中的油脂和蛋白质,优化了光核桃仁油脂与蛋白质水剂法同步提取的工艺条件,并分析了油脂的主要理化指标及脂肪酸组成。结果表明:西藏光核桃仁油与蛋白质同步提取最优工艺为物料粒径150目、液料比8:1 (mL/g)、pH 10、浸提温度50℃、提取时间5h、搅拌速度80r/min,该工艺条件下核桃仁油提取率为(67.79±2.97)%,蛋白质提取率为(78.13±1.53)%。光核桃仁油脂具有优良的理化性质,并检测出12种脂肪酸组分,主要由顺式油酸(57.32%)、亚油酸(31.65%)、棕榈酸(6.49%)和硬脂酸(2.29%)组成,其中饱和脂肪酸7种,单不饱和脂肪酸3种,多不饱和脂肪酸2种;油脂以不饱和脂肪酸为主,相对百分含量为89.43%,其中多不饱和脂肪酸相对百分含量为31.76%,单不饱和脂肪酸相对百分含量为57.67%。     

Assessment of the nutritional quality of raw and extruded Pisum sativum L. var. laguna seeds

Pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Laguna) seeds were submitted to extrusion process at 129, 135 and 142 °C and modifications on the proximate composition and nutritional parameters were evaluated. Peas were a good source of protein (24 g/100 g), amino acids (sulphur amino acids were the limiting ones), dietary fibre (18 g/100 g), carbohydrates (53 g/100 g), energy (330 kcal/100 g), riboflavin and thiamine (0.1-0.2 mg/100 g). Pea seeds also contained non-nutritive compounds such as α-galactosides (4 g/100 g), phytic acid (0.4 g/100 g) and trypsin inhibitor activity (2 TIU/mg). Extrusion cooking caused a slight increase of protein and fat content, whilst it reduced dietary fibre, thiamine and α-galactosides, and led to negligible trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) levels. The protein quality of pea measured by biological indexes (net protein utilisation, net protein ratio, relative net protein ratio, true protein digestibility and biological value) was not affected by extrusion treatments. Protein quality measured by chemical indexes (chemical score and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score) decreased in processed peas. Among extruded peas, those processed at 135 °C presented the highest chemical indexes. Therefore, the aforementioned condition could be considered adequate for the manufacture of novel pea-derived products with high nutritive value.     

Adding value to hard date (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Compositional,functional and sensory characteristics of date jam

Second-grade dates (with a hard texture) from three potential Tunisian cultivars (Deglet Nour, Allig and Kentichi) showed the same sugar (∼73.30–89.55 g/100 g dry matter), fibre (∼7.95–18.83 g/100 g dry matter) and total phenolics (∼280.6–681.8 mg of GAE/100 g) content as dates of high quality. Deglet Nour and Kentichi varieties were characterised by a high content of sucrose and low reducing sugar content; contrary to Allig and the majority of other date varieties tested. This work intended to add value to these raw materials by using them in jam production. The corresponding jams were characterised in terms of chemical composition, physical (texture and water retention capacities) and sensory properties. Results showed a significant effect of the date variety on the composition and physical characteristics of date jams. Indeed, Allig jam was richer in reducing sugars and was characterised by its higher firmness and water retention capacity. To test the acceptability of these new products, we compared them with quince jam (the most consumed in Tunisia). Results showed that Allig and Kentichi jams presented a higher overall acceptability. However, quince and Deglet Nour jams did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05). Results from this work revealed essential information that could promote the commercialization of dzate jam.     

Chemical and nutritional characterisation of the Central Mediterranean Giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea): Influence of trophic and geographical factors on flesh quality

The Giant red shrimp (GRS, Aristaeomorpha foliacea) is a seafood product that is highly appreciated on the Italian market. This work aims at investigating whether a close relationship can be established amongst the area of origin, sex and the GRS quality. GRS samples caught in five Geographical Sub-Areas in the Central Mediterranean Sea, were analysed for their chemical and physical parameters. All the GRS samples had a good nutritional quality and those caught from Northern Tunisia, the Southern Ionian Sea and in the Crete areas showed the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n3 series, with high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Samples caught from Northern Tunisia and in the Crete areas also showed the best colour and lightness values, whilst those caught from Northern Tunisia and in the Southern Ionian Sea areas showed the highest flesh hardness values. The highest total carotenoids content was found in the GRS samples caught in the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea and Crete areas. Finally, the GRS composition indicates that this seafood is a good source of nutrients and natural antioxidants, with lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes, which may provide some health benefits to consumers.     

不同种源树番茄果实品质比较及综合分析

以7个不同种源树番茄果实为试材,对其单果重、横径、纵径、可溶性固形物、可滴定酸、可溶性糖、维生素C、总酚等指标进行测定和比较,利用相关性和主成分分析相结合的方法筛选出评价树番茄果实品质的6项核心指标,根据综合得分对7个不同种源树番茄进行排序,并进一步做系统聚类分析。结果表明,不同产地以及不同品种间树番茄果实的品质指标存在显著性差异(P<0.01),两者对其品质均有一定程度的影响,且产地因素的影响程度远大于品种因素;此外,同一品种间单果重、固酸比、糖酸比、总酚和类黄酮含量的变异系数均大于17%,果实横径的变异系数最小;不同品种间,其生物活性成分含量差异程度较大。经主成分分析提取出4个特征值大于1的公因子,累计方差贡献率为72.413%,主成分分析综合得分排名前3的是DH-1、DH-2、BS-2,得分最低的是LC-1;聚类分析将7个不同种源树番茄分为三类。综合分析结果显示DH-1、DH-2、BS-1外观和营养品质较好,可作为鲜食、食品加工原料进行推广,LC-1在风味上更具特色,可考虑作为调料品开发利用,而PE-1、XS-1其维生素C、总酚、黄酮等抗氧化物质含量较高,适合作为保健品的开...     

Impact of cowpea addition on the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score and other protein quality parameters of traditional African foods made from non-tannin and tannin sorghum

Protein malnutrition is a problem in Africa where sorghum is a staple foodstuff. Improvement in the protein quality of traditional African sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) foods through the addition of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), an indigenous African legume, was investigated. Two sorghum cultivars, a red, tannin-type (NS 5511) and a white tan-plant, non-tannin type (Orbit) were complemented with cowpea (70:30 ratio). Ugali (thick porridge), uji (fermented thin porridge) and injera (fermented flatbread) were prepared. The protein lysine scores of cowpea-complemented foods were about double the levels of sorghum-only foods. The in vitro protein digestibility of the foods increased by 13–62%. The increase in lysine and protein digestibility improvement resulted in three- and two-fold improvement in the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of NS 5511, and Orbit foods, respectively. Addition of cowpea to tannin, as well as non-tannin sorghum is a viable option for improving the protein quality of a wide range of traditional African foods.     

Nutritional and commercial quality of the striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina, from the Adriatic sea

Nutritional quality parameters (proximate and mineral composition, contents of glycogen, fatty acids, cholesterol, plant sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenes) and ecophysiological and commercial quality indicators (Condition Index, percent content of meat and intervalvar fluid) of the striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina, from the central Adriatic coast of Italy were studied at seasonal intervals over a 1-year period. Contents of protein (8.55–10.7 g/100 g), total lipid (0.73–1.59 g/100 g), glycogen (2.25–4.96 g/100 g) and non-protein nitrogen (0.54–0.78 g/100 g) varied significantly during the year, reaching the highest values in winter, in coincidence with a peak of Condition Index. Gas chromatography of total lipids showed high percentages of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (33.7–41.9% of total fatty acids), in particular eicosapentaenoic (8.16–20.0% of total fatty acids) and docosahexaenoic acids (12.5–20.3% of total fatty acids) and low levels of total n − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3.61–7.87% of total fatty acids). HPLC analysis of the unsaponifiable lipids showed low levels of cholesterol, the dominant sterol (28.3–34.2 mg/ 100 g), and variable amounts of plant sterols (stigmasterol + campesterol, β-sitosterol, fucosterol + brassicasterol), α-tocopherol and carotenes.     

Effect of gender on the meat quality characteristics and chemical composition of kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), an African antelope species

The kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), one of Africa’s most majestic antelope species, shows a strong sexual dimorphism. The male reaches a larger size (≈250 kg live weight) than the female (≈180 kg live weight). Kudu occur throughout the savannah regions in central Africa, south of the equatorial forests, through East Africa to Ethiopia, Sudan and Chad down to the Eastern Cape (South Africa). Kudu are predominantly browsers, but will occasionally graze. Within South Africa, this species is hunted regularly for local consumption, and Kudu meat is also a regular item in most restaurants that serve game meat and is also frequently exported. However, very little data has been published pertaining to the muscle chemical composition and other quality attributes of its meat. In the present investigation, the proximate, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral chemical compositions of the Longissimus dorsi et lumborum muscle of 18 animals are presented, and the effect of gender thereupon tested by means of standard student’s t-tests. Kudu meat has a high protein and a low fat content. Only two of the longer chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:3n−6 and C20:5n−3) differed between the females and males, the latter having a higher concentration each time. Of the kudu muscle’s fatty acids, 37% were saturated, 22% monounsaturated and 41% polyunsaturated. The mean PUFA to SFA ratio (1.12) was well above the recommended 0.45 prescribed by the British Department of Health. The n−6:n−3 PUFA ratio (2.34) was also well below the British Department of Health’s recommended figure of four. Histidine and valine had significantly higher levels in female kudu meat than in male kudu meat. Phosphorus was present at the highest concentrations in both female and male animals. Overall, the chemical composition of kudu meat is not significantly effected by gender.     

Studies on protein and its high‐molecular‐weight subunit composition in relation to chapati‐making quality of Indian wheat cultivars

In order to predict the suitability of wheat for chapati making, 15 Indian wheat cultivars were studied for various protein characteristics in relation to chapati‐making quality. The cultivars varied considerably in their protein characteristics and chapati‐making potential. Results clearly indicated that both quantitative and qualitative characteristics of proteins influenced the chapati‐making potential of cultivars. Puffed height, the important qualitative parameter of chapati, was positively correlated with protein content (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), gluten content (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) sedimentation value (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) and Glu‐1 quality scores of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) subunits (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). Overall quality score of chapati was positively correlated with gluten content (r = 0.64, p < 0.01), SDS sedimentation value (r = 0.60, p < 0.05) and Glu‐1 score (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). HMW subunit composition varied considerably among cultivars. Cultivars having 5 + 10 subunits at the Glu‐1D chromosome, a protein content of about 130 g kg^?1 and SDS sedimentation value around 75 ml yielded excellent chapatis, while those having 2 + 12 subunits, a protein content of about 115 g kg^?1 and SDS sedimentation value around 55 ml resulted in poor chapatis. Interestingly, the presence of the 1BL/1RS chromosome in cultivars had no adverse effect on chapati quality. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of pork lard content on the chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of a typical fermented meat product (Pitina) obtained from Alpagota sheep

The aim was to investigate the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of Pitina, a typical fermented meat product and evaluate the effect of two levels of pork lard content (Low Fat, LF, 10% vs. High Fat, HF, 30%) on its attributes. HF attained lower pH than LF Pitina, which reached lower water activity. LAB comprised the major flora with substantial counts of micrococci, enterococci and mould and yeast. Gram negative Enterobacteria were recovered as coliforms and faecal coliforms. Listeria monocytogenes was also isolated. The lard level influenced the count of micrococci and some sensory attributes. LF attained higher scores for both hardness and cohesiveness and differed from HF in having a more marked odour of ewe and smoke and sweeter taste. HF had a more pronounced odour and taste of garlic and mould than LF.     

Effect of temperature and time during steam treatment on the protein quality of full-fat soybeans from different origins

Soybeans (Glycine max) of Argentinian and Chinese origin were steam-processed at 102°C, 118°C and 136°C for various durations with the use of a laboratory-scale steam toaster. Samples of raw and processed soybeans were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), protein dispersibility index (PDI) and reactive lysine content. Chinese raw soybeans showed higher levels of CP, TIA and PDI, and a lower level of reactive lysine than Argentinian raw soybeans (366 vs 357 g kg⁻¹, 20.6 vs 15.2 mg g⁻¹, 87.6 vs 85.6% and 17.4 vs 19.4 g kg⁻¹, respectively). Both the TIA and PDI of the two soybean samples were decreased following a logarithmic pattern with the lengthening of the heating time when beans were steam heated at various temperatures. The reduction rates for TIA and PDI, however, were different between the two origins of soybeans. Chinese soybeans required a longer time or a higher temperature to reduce their TIA to a safe level in comparison with Argentinian soybeans. In the case that the beans were heated at 136°C, the difference in PDI between Chinese and Argentinian soybeans was smaller. It is concluded that the two soybeans origins need different processing conditions to improve their protein properties. © 1998 SCI.     

19种不同产地核桃的营养成分及脂肪酸的分析比较研究

采用国家标准法,对广西和云南地区产的19种核桃样品进行果品质量、水分、灰分、总蛋白质、总脂肪、脂肪酸等各成分的含量进行测定分析。19种核桃样品的理化成分分析表明水分、灰分、蛋白质的含量均与其文献报道和国标规定的范围相符;除南丹中堡外,各品种的脂肪酸含量均大于65%,凤山顶猫最高。样品间出仁率的差异较为明显,凤山顶猫和云新核桃的总出油率最高。凤山顶猫的不饱和脂肪酸含量最高,金城紫的单一不饱和脂肪酸含量最高,云新核桃的多价不饱和脂肪最高。以核桃全果换算分析可知,不饱和脂肪酸含量在前三的品种为月里巴峨、凤山顶猫和云新;多价不饱和脂肪酸前三为云新、南丹中堡和凤山顶猫。ω6/ω3最低的前三位的样品为娘青、漾杂光明和龙佳。无论从核桃仁的脂肪酸含量分析排位,或核桃全果的脂肪酸含量分析排位,或是以ω6/ω3结合脂肪酸类型进行分析,均可作为筛选优良核桃品种的依据,可为广西和云南产核桃品种的筛选研究提供参考。     

谷氨酰胺转氨酶对挤压糙米粉面团蛋白特性和面条品质的影响

将挤压糙米粉(EBR)与小麦粉以1∶1(m/m)的比例混合制成面条,研究了谷氨酰胺转氨酶(TG)添加量(0.5%、1.0%和1.5%)对面条性质的影响。结果表明,TG添加后,面条中游离巯基含量减少,SDS-PAGE条带显示面条中形成了大分子质量的聚集体。随着TG的添加,面条最佳蒸煮时间增加,干物质损失率降低,吸水率升高。添加量为1.0%时,面条最佳蒸煮时间和吸水率达到最大值,蒸煮损失率达到最小值。TG添加量为0.5%时,面条的硬度、耐咀性、回复性和剪切力最大。扫描电镜结果显示,TG的添加明显增强了面条内部结构的连接与聚合,面条内部变得更加紧实,连续性增强。TG添加量为0.5%~1.0%时,挤压糙米粉面条质构品质和蒸煮品质较好。