Sensory,functional characteristics and in vitro digestibility of snacks supplemented with non-traditional ingredient raw and processed fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds were germinated, soaked and roasted and were evaluated for nutritional properties. Raw and processed fenugreek seeds were used to develop snack product. Snacks were examined for the sensorial, functional, antinutritional properties and in vitro digestibility. Using sensory analysis, 5% level of substitution of raw and processed fenugreek was accepted for the development of extruded snacks. Lateral expansion was highest for snacks prepared from processed fenugreek (163.0% to 206.1%) than raw fenugreek (162.5 to 168.7%), and vice versa for bulk density. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were highest for snacks prepared from germinated fenugreek (7.30% to 9.87% and 1.352 to 3.561 mg GAE g⁻¹ of sample) and lowest for snacks prepared from raw fenugreek (6.68% to 7.03% and 1.29 to 2.76 mg GAE g⁻¹ of sample). Not only extrusion but also processing such as soaking, roasting and germination reduced the antinutritional content of the snack product. Both in vitro digestibilities increased with extrusion cooking. In vitro digestibility was also found to be higher in snacks prepared from processed fenugreek than raw fenugreek. Therefore, development of such functional foods using processed fenugreek would raise the consumer demand and benefit the population by increasing the health status.     

Inulin and maltodextrin can replace fat in baked savoury legume snacks

A baked yellow split pea cracker was developed with fat replacement (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) using inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and maltodextrin. Effects of fat replacement on physical (water activity, moisture content, colour and hardness), nutritional properties and consumer acceptance (nine‐point hedonic rating) of snacks were investigated. Water activity (0.15–0.32) and moisture (1.28–3.16%) readings were consistent, and products were considered shelf stable. High levels of fat replacement (100%) were detrimental to snack colour and hardness. Snacks with 75% fat replacement using inulin and maltodextrin received similar mean overall acceptability scores (6.40 ± 1.36 and 6.26 ± 1.37, respectively) to the control and a similar commercial product. These snacks were eligible to claim that they were a ‘good source’ of protein (requirement; ≥10 g per serve) and an ‘excellent source’ of dietary fibre (requirement; ≥7 g per serve) while providing ‘reduced’ fat content (≤25% than reference food) based on the Australian Food Standards Code.     

Commercial quality, major bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity of 12 cultivars of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruits

BACKGROUND: Modern consumers are increasingly interested in their personal health and expect the food they purchase to be tasty and attractive while being safe and healthful. The aim of this study was to determine the commercial quality, characterise the antioxidant capacity and quantify the major bioactive compounds of 12 cultivars of loquat fruits in order to establish a database for utilising these germplasm resources. RESULTS: Of the 12 cultivars, ‘Guanyu’ produced the biggest fruits, while ‘Tianzhong’ and ‘Bingtangzhong’ had the highest soluble solids content but the lowest titratable acidity. ‘Taipinghong’ was reddest in colour. Sucrose, fructose, glucose and sorbitol were the major sugars in loquat fruits, with the highest total sugar content being observed in ‘Bingtangzhong’ and ‘Tianzhong’. Phenolics and flavonoids were the main bioactive compounds and were abundant in ‘Tianzhong’ and ‘Zhaozhong’. ‘Taipinghong’ had the highest total carotenoid content, while ‘Qingzhong’ had the highest vitamin C content. ‘Tianzhong’, ‘Bingtangzhong’ and ‘Ninghaibai’ showed higher antioxidant activity than the other cultivars, as measured by assays of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiozoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging and ferric‐reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). CONCLUSION: Commercial fruit quality, major bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity varied greatly among the 12 cultivars. ‘Bingtangzhong’ and ‘Tianzhong’ were the highest‐ranking cultivars based on their good commercial quality and high nutritional value. The loquat fruits with higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents also had clearly higher antioxidant capacities. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physicochemical,microbiological and sensory characteristics of snacks developed from broken rice grains and turmeric powder

The aim of the present study was to develop extruded snacks from broken rice grains (BRG) and turmeric powder (TP). Different levels of substitution of BRG by TP (0%, 2%, 4%, 8% and 10% w/w) were used. Snacks were processed in a single-screw extruder with three heating zones (41, 61 and 84 °C, respectively), using a helicoidal grooved extrusion sleeve, a 4 mm (diameter) matrix, 3:1 screw compression ratio, screw rotation of 3600 ×  g and a feed rate of 335 g min⁻¹. Snacks were evaluated for their physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics; as well as for the chemical composition, phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the selected savoury snack formulation. The selected snack, with the physical characteristics closest to the traditional corn product, was obtained with 6% substitution of BRG by TP and was constituted by 7.76% protein, 4.78% lipid, 5.84% dietary fibre, 75.3% available carbohydrates, and 174.75 mg gallic acid equivalent per100 g and 6.52% of DPPH• scavenging capacity. The selected snack was shown to be feasible, once TP is an ingredient that aggregates sensory (colour and taste), nutritional (dietary fibres and total energy value) and functional (antioxidants) values to the BRG-based snack, being an alternative for the production of gluten-free snacks.     

Apple pomace as a potential ingredient for the development of new functional foods

Extruded snacks and baked scones were formulated with increasing levels (0–30%) of apple pomace (AP). The incorporation of up to 20% of AP in extruded snacks and in baked scones does not change significantly (P < 0.05) the proximate composition of the final products, except for the content of starch of baked scones. At this level of incorporation, the fibre content, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and β‐carotene/linoleic acid system) increased when compared to the products to which no AP was added. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin were the major phenolic compounds found in the products. Loss of phenolic compounds during heat treatment occurred; however, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of final products was not affected.     

The effect of postharvest ripening on strawberry bioactive composition and antioxidant potential

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the antioxidant activity of strawberry fruit (cv. Camarosa) upon postharvest ripening at room temperature (20 °C) and to correlate them with qualitative attributes. RESULTS: ‘Camarosa’ fruit retained an appreciable postharvest performance for up to 1 day shelf life; thereafter substantial quality deterioration was observed. An increased phenolic content, mainly attributed to hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins, was monitored after 3 days maintenance at 20 °C. The chromatographic fingerprint of athocyanins showed that pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside was the major anthocyanin, which increased with the increase of shelf life period, while cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and pelargonidin‐3‐rutinoside were found at lower concentrations. The potent radical scavenging activity, evaluated with four in vitro assays, showed a higher antioxidant capacity after 3 and 1 days of shelf life. In addition, the antioxidant effect of strawberry fruit extracts on lipid substrates and on an emulsion system showed a significant inhibition in the formation of conjugated diene hyperoxides. Interestingly, no direct correlation between the phytochemical profile and the quality attributes exist. CONCLUSION: ‘Camarosa’ fruit had acceptable quality attributes for fresh consumption and at the same time a high phytochemical content up to 1 day shelf life. The over‐ripe fruit continued to be an excellent reservoir of natural antioxidants, pointing to its potential use as food antioxidant and nutritional supplement. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of pulse flours on the physiochemical characteristics and sensory acceptance of baked crackers

Pulse flours offer nutritional alternatives to wheat flour in the production of baked snacks due to their high protein and fibre levels and low glycaemic index. In this study, broad‐bean (Vicia faba), yellow‐pea and green‐pea (Pisum sativum) flours were each blended with wheat flour at 40% in the formulation of chemically leavened crackers. The effects of flour type and baking time on the physiochemical properties, sensory acceptability, nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of the crackers were observed in comparison with 100% wheat crackers. Broad‐bean crackers had the highest protein content and antioxidant activity (13 g per 100 g DM and 38.8 mgAAE per 100 g DM, respectively). Yellow‐pea crackers had the highest fibre content (12 g per 100 g DM). Physical dimensions and colour attributes were significantly affected by pulse‐flour substitution. Yellow‐pea and broad‐bean crackers were significantly preferred by consumers compared to the control, demonstrating the potential application of these flours to improve the eating quality and nutritional profile of crackers.     

Physical and nutritional properties of extruded products based on whole grain with the addition of wild legumes (Vicia lutea subsp. lutea var. hirta and Vicia sativa subsp. sativa)

Flour blends based on whole corn and rice with two added wild legumes at 15% level of cereal replacement were extruded to produce whole grain snacks. Extrusion temperature was 175 °C, and the moisture content was adjusted to 14%. The extruded products were evaluated for their physical, chemical and nutritional properties. Results showed that the addition of legumes produces a decrease in expansion in rice‐containing samples and an increase in solubility in corn‐containing samples. With only 15% of legume added to cereal, a significant increase in protein content and quality was obtained. An increase in fibre, polyphenol, iron and zinc content was also obtained. Protein digestibility was in the range of 81.8–85.3%. Mineral availability ranged from 6.4 to 16.3% for iron and 10–16.3% for zinc. The performance of each mixture during extrusion and the physical properties of the extruded products were considered to be similar to those expected for snack‐type products and described in the literature.     

Ready‐to‐eat snack products: the role of extrusion technology in developing consumer acceptable and nutritious snacks

Consumer appeal for ready‐to‐eat (RTE) products is forecast to grow rapidly over the next 5 years as consumers demand convenient snacks with exciting sensory and textural properties. Extrusion technology has been used extensively in the production of cereal RTE snacks due to its ease of operation and ability to produce a variety of textures and shapes which appeal to consumers. Many of the existing RTE products are relatively high in sugar and salt, thus being regarded as energy dense but nutritionally poor foods. However, there exists a potential to manipulate the nutritional status of extruded RTEs by altering the digestion potentials of starch and protein, and by the incorporation of bioactive components such as dietary fibre. The review article explores some of the recent research in this field and illustrates opportunities by which the global food industry could react to consumers' requirements for healthful RTE snack products in the coming years.     

Impact of dietary fibre‐enriched ready‐to‐eat extruded snacks on the postprandial glycaemic response of non‐diabetic patients

Food intervention is a financially sensible way for prevention and treatment of diabetes. Extruded snack foods are considered high glycaemic products. Our previous research illustrated that postprandial glycaemic responses to snacks are manipulated by altering dietary fibre and starch contents. The current research assessed the effect of psyllium and oat bran on postprandial glycaemia and in vitro digestibility. Addition of psyllium fibre to extruded snack products significantly reduced both the in vitro and in vivo glycaemic responses of products compared to a control snack product recipe. Oat bran inclusion reduced in vitro starch digestibility but not in vivo glycaemic response. The inclusion of oat bran into the snack products appeared to extend the glycaemic response of individuals compared to the control snack, suggesting a possibility of prolonging glucose release and potentially affecting satiety responses. The positive effect in attenuating glucose response means that psyllium fibre could be a target for inclusion by the snack food industry to effectively manipulate postprandial glucose response of individuals.     

Gluten‐Free Snacks Using Plantain–Chickpea and Maize Blend: Chemical Composition,Starch Digestibility,and Predicted Glycemic Index

An increase in celiac consumers has caused an increasing interest to develop good quality gluten‐free food products with high nutritional value. Snack foods are consumed worldwide and have become a normal part of the eating habits of the celiac population making them a target to improve their nutritive value. Extrusion and deep‐frying of unripe plantain, chickpea, and maize flours blends produced gluten‐free snacks with high dietary fiber contents (13.7–18.2 g/100 g) and low predicted glycemic index (28 to 35). The gluten‐free snacks presented lower fat content (12.7 to 13.6 g/100 g) than those reported in similar commercial snacks. The snack with the highest unripe plantain flour showed higher slowly digestible starch (11.6 and 13.4 g/100 g) than its counterpart with the highest chickpea flour level (6 g/100 g). The overall acceptability of the gluten‐free snacks was similar to that chili‐flavored commercial snack. It was possible to develop gluten‐free snacks with high dietary fiber content and low predicted glycemic index with the blend of the 3 flours, and these gluten‐free snacks may also be useful as an alternative to reduce excess weight and obesity problems in the general population and celiac community.     

梅花果实品质及抑菌、抗氧化活性分析

为揭示不同品种梅花果实的品质及抑菌、抗氧化活性差异,从抗寒梅花中筛选果实品质优良的品种,为抗寒花果兼用梅的选育以及梅花果实综合利用提供依据。对8 个品种梅花果实的品质（外观品质和食用品质）性状、抑菌和抗氧化活性进行评价,利用高效液相色谱-质谱联用技术对酚类化合物进行分离和检测,对果实品质性状与抑菌和抗氧化活性进行相关性分析。结果表明：不同品种梅花果实的品质性状差异显著,‘淡丰后’、‘粉靥丰后’、‘武藏野’和‘飞绿萼’等级评价较高;‘丰后’、‘武藏野’、‘飞绿萼’总酚和总黄酮含量较高,从3 个品种中都分离出儿茶素、迷迭香酸、圣草酚、丁香酸、芦丁5 种酚类化合物,梅花果实的抑菌和抗氧化活性与总酚和总黄酮含量存在相关关系。‘武藏野’和‘飞绿萼’是优良的抗寒花果兼用梅,果实品质性状较优,可以作为天然抗氧化剂或功能性食品进行开发利用。     

Physico‐chemical and antioxidant properties of extrudates developed from honey and barley

Barley flour and honey, being concentrated source of nutrients, were used to develop extruded product using twin‐screw extruder. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of honey (5–25%), moisture content (17–21%) temperature (120–160 °C) and screw speed (180–220 rpm) on product responses. The variation in moisture content and die temperature affected the physicochemical properties of extrudate but screw speed had significant effect only on hardness. It was established that with increase in honey levels from 5% to 20%, there was increase in antioxidant activity (up to 106.9%), total phenolic content (up to 90.2%) and total flavonoid content (up to 89.2%) in interaction with other extrusion cooking variables. The optimal condition corresponds to honey content of 18.86%, feed moisture of 18%, die temperature of 148.62 °C and screw speed of 209.99 rpm. The results suggest that honey can be extruded with barley flour into a healthful snack food.     

Antioxidant capacity,arabinoxylans content and in vitro glycaemic index of cereal-based snacks incorporated with brewer's spent grain

Extruded snacks and breadsticks were formulated with increasing levels of brewer's spent grain (BSG). The phenolic content increased by 4 and 7 fold with BSG addition in extrudates (40 g/100 g) and in breadsticks (35 g/100 g), respectively. Consequently, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP) also increased despite a recorded loss of phenolic compounds in extruded snacks. Arabinoxylans content increased up to 20 and 25 g of BSG addition/100 g of formulated extruded snacks and breadsticks, respectively. Further addition of BSG did not improve the content of arabinoxylans due to the possible formation of polysaccharide–protein complexes. Medium GI breadsticks were obtained with 35 g of BSG incorporation/100 g formulation. Phenolic content, arabinoxylans content and antioxidant capacity increased in the final products with BSG addition while the glycaemic response decreased. BSG can be incorporated as an ingredient in the formulation of extruded snacks and breadsticks generating products richer in antioxidants and fibre and with low GI.     

Monomeric phenolics in different parts of high‐acid apple (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf): a promising source of antioxidants for application in nutraceuticals

The high‐acid apple (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf) possessing deep red peel and light red flesh is widely distributed in China. To determine if a useful apple variety is being ignored, the monomeric phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of peel, flesh, pomace, whole fruit and juice were evaluated. The results were compared to those of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples. The high‐acid apple possessing the highest total phenolic and anthocyanin contents among three apple varieties contained the most chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, p‐coumaric acid and caffeic acid. The extraction yields of phenolics (64%) and anthocyanins (89%) from the high‐acid apple to juice were the highest. The high‐acid apple possessing the greatest antioxidant activity had the strongest antihaemolysis activity, indicating that it could be used to produce juice and value‐added ingredient to assist in the prevention of chronic disease.     

Effect of chlorophyll removal and particle size upon the nutritional and technological properties of powdered by‐products from artichoke (Cynara scolymus,L.) industrial canning

In this study, the effect of the particle‐size fractionation (Ø < 0.212 mm and 0.212 mm < Ø < 0.991 mm) and chlorophyll extraction on the nutritional and technological properties of the powdered artichoke ingredient was evaluated. The contents of minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates and dietary fibre together with the content in bioactive compounds such as inulin and phenolics were determined. Other properties such as water‐ and oil‐holding capacities, water activity and antioxidant capacity were measured. The ingredient with chlorophyll and the lowest particle size presented the highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (8.4 mg of vitamin C equivalents per 100 g of dry matter) and water‐ and oil‐holding capacities. The removal of chlorophyll increased the oil‐holding capacity (from 59.7% to 94.6%), which was much higher than in the coarse ingredient (34%), but has a deleterious effect reducing the antioxidant capacity and the inulin content. The ingredients also showed high dietary fibre (22.5–33%), inulin (9–16%) and mineral (7.5–7.8%) contents. Although the ingredient with chlorophyll and smaller particle size had the higher antioxidant capacity, the removal of chlorophyll improved the technological properties to be used as food ingredient without affecting significantly to the nutritional value.     

Quality and storage stability of extruded puffed corn-fish snacks during 6-month storage at ambient temperature

BACKGROUND: Cereal‐based snacks are usually low in protein and other nutrients. Increased health awareness of consumers has led the food industry to develop fortified snacks with functional ingredients. Three types of extruded corn‐fish snacks, containing 150 g kg^?1 carp mince and 150 g kg^?1 trout mince, 30 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried saithe protein and a regular corn snack (control). were produced to study quality changes and storage stability of the products during 6‐month storage at 27 ± 2 °C. RESULTS: All products had the same level of water activity and proximate composition except for protein. Fortified snacks had a protein content of 93–98 g kg^?1, compared with 65 g kg^?1 in the control. A significant increase was observed for peroxide value during storage (0.0 to 2.8 meq kg^?1). Scores for attributes describing oxidation and off odors and flavors increased after 5–6 months' storage but attributes describing puffed corn snack odor and flavor did not change during storage of any of the products. CONCLUSION: Extrusion of corn grits with fish flesh/fish protein can be used to produce high‐protein products that would be an option to provide nutrient snacks for consumers and to increase fish consumption. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

The potential of extruded chickpea,corn and bovine lung for malnutrition programs

Highly acceptable snack products were obtained by extrusion cooking of admixed defatted chickpea, corn and bovine lung flours. These snacks had high quality protein content and provided 30–40% of the iron RDA for children. A nutritional protein assay of pure chickpea and lung/chickpea mixed snacks revealed that they presented similar NPRs. The final product obtained, a chickpea/bovine lung/corn snack, reduced to acceptable levels the prevalence of anaemia among the population of young children in crèches of a poor Brazilian region. Sensory analysis showed a high acceptability for these snacks that was comparable to commercial brands. The present work shows that it is possible to produce a highly acceptable snack of high nutritional quality that can be useful in nutritional programs against anaemia and malnutrition.     

Effect of storage period on physiochemical,total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of bran enriched snacks

The objective of this investigation was to compare total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of various types of cereal brans enriched snack as affected by storage conditions. Extruded snacks were prepared by the addition of cereal brans (wheat, oat and rice) singly and in combination (w:r:o::2:1.5:1.5) to rice flour at 10, 20 and 30 % bran supplementation. The content of total phenolics in the extracts (conventional and microwave assisted extraction) was determined spectrometrically according to the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as gallic acid equivalents. Radical scavenging capacity measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) methods was studied. The effect of the storage on antioxidant content and capacity showed that total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of bran enriched snacks decreased during storage at ambient temperature. However, a little increase in moisture content, water activity and free fatty acid was observed in six of month’s storage period.     

Phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of Polish honeys

The phenolic components of honeys have great participation in their nutritional value and antioxidant activity. Moreover, phenolic components are promising markers for the determination of botanical and geographical origin of honey. The purpose of the present work was to study the antioxidant activity and profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids of honeys of various origins. The total phenolic content of honeys varied from 4.46 to 15.04 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of product and the total phenolic acid content determined chromatographically varied from 201.05 to 2089.08 μg per 100 g of product. Buckwheat honey exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and contained the highest total phenolic amount, whereas rape honey exhibited the lowest values in this respect. Moreover, the buckwheat honey contained the highest amount of phenolic acids. There were significant linear correlations between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of honey extracts in the reaction with DPPH^? (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS^{? +} (2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)) free radicals. In most samples, p‐coumaric acid was the dominant phenolic acid (39.1–677.2 μg per 100 g). The honeys also contained considerable amount of gallic acid (6.0–913.8 μg per 100 g). Among flavonoids naringenin was predominant in the most studied honey samples.