Effect of different thermal treatments and freezing on the antioxidant constituents and activity of two Bahraini date cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Effect of several thermal treatments and freezing on the antioxidant properties of fresh dates of two cultivars (namely Khalas and Khunaizi) was investigated. Levels of phenolics, total flavonoids and anthocyanins were estimated. Antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and deoxyribose assays. Results indicate differential effects of the treatments on the phenolic constituents. Generally, mild treatments and freezing significantly increased the level of total phenolics in both cultivars by 80–180%. All treatments increased in the level of free phenolics in Khalas (between 10% and 540%). In khunaizi, the level of bound phenolic increased in all treatments (9–250%). The level of total flavonoids increased by almost all treatments in both cultivars (33–500%). Most treatments increased the FRAP value in khalas (up to 80%). Significant differences were noticed among the various treatments with regard to DPPH and OH radicals quenching capacities. Results may find applications in food science, food technology and nutrition.     

Evaluation of the chemical composition and colour in long‐life tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) dehydrated by combined drying methods

When tomatoes are submitted to treatments of drying, depending on the parameters and methods used, the concentration or degradation of nutrients can occur. The changes in the composition and colour were verified when different drying processes were used. Freeze drying, oven drying, the combination of both and also the effect of the pretreatment (blanching) using steam were studied. The fresh tomato composition was compared with the composition of dehydrated tomato powder. After dehydration, the moisture content reduced 78% from the total initial moisture. In addition, a nutrient concentration was observed with an increase of about 57% of citric acid content and 3% in the pH. The ash content also increased from 0.53% to 8% (15 times) and 60%, the carbohydrates from 3.94% to 60% (15 times) and the proteins were increased from 1% to 11% (10 times). The blanching resulted in different types of changes, such as greater stability for the proteins, carbohydrates, fat, lycopene and β‐carotene.     

Variation of the chemical composition of tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) according to resistance against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)

BACKGROUND: Tomato producers are looking for alternatives to protect their crops against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), including replacement of cultivars with other more resistant ones. Major chemical components, sugars, mineral composition, organic acids, lycopene, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids were determined in six tomato cultivars, three of them (Boludo, Dorothy and Tyna) resistant, and the other three (Daniela, Dominique and Thomas), non‐resistant against TYLCV. RESULTS: The Daniela cultivar showed the greatest difference with respect to the others, mostly due to the higher content of soluble solids. The major significant differences between the mean values according to the cultivar and resistance against the TYLCV were observed for total soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids. High coefficients of correlation were found between glucose and fructose, and among ferulic, caffeic and p‐coumaric acids. CONCLUSION: Linear discriminant analysis made it possible to differentiate tomato samples according to the cultivar. A clear varietal influence on the chemical composition was observed; however, resistance or non‐resistance against TYLCV does not seem to influence the chemical composition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

High hydrostatic pressure effect on chemical composition,color, phenolic acids and antioxidant capacity of Cape gooseberry pulp (Physalis peruviana L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 300, 400 and 500 MPa/1, 3 and 5 min on nutritional and antioxidant properties of Cape gooseberry pulp after immediate application and after 60 days of storage. Proximal analysis, color, phenolic acids content and antioxidant capacity were determined. When analyzing the immediate effect of different treatments, a clear influence of HHP was observed in all the components of the proximal analysis. Regarding color, none of the three chromatic parameters showed significant differences with control leading to a minimum ΔE at 300 MPa/3 min. Changes in bound and free phenolic acids were evidenced after treatments. The maximum levels of TPC as well as antioxidant capacity were observed at 500 MPa/5 min. By the end of storage, all treated samples discolored leading to ΔE = 14.9 at 500 MPa/5 min. The profile of free and bound phenolic acids presented differences compared to Day 0. The antioxidant capacity by means of ORAC increased for treatments above 300 MPa/5 min indicating the effectiveness of these treatments for the production of functional products based on gooseberry pulp. For treatments above 400 MPa/3 min, molds and yeasts were not detected.