Gac Fruit: Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition,and Options for Processing

Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng or Gac fruits are rich in nutrients, including carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamin E, polyphenol compounds, and flavonoids. Medicinal compounds are also found in the seeds, but the benefits of traditional preparations from these need to be clarified. The plant has the potential to be a high-value crop, particularly as parts of the fruit can be processed into nutrient supplements and/or natural orange and yellow colorants. However, the plant remains underutilized. There is limited information on its requirements in production, and the processing of health products from the fruits is a relatively new area of endeavor. The versatility of the fruit is highlighted through processing options outlined for fruit aril, seeds, pulp, and skin into powders and/or encapsulated oil products. These Gac fruit products will have the potential to be utilized in a range of foods such as pasteurized juice and milk beverages, glutinous rice, yogurt, pasta, and sauces.     

Effects of Tissue Culture and Mycorrhiza Applications in Organic Farming on Concentrations of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacities in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Rhizomes and Leaves

Tissue culture and mycorrhiza applications can provide disease‐free seedlings and enhanced nutrient absorption, respectively, for organic farming. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is rich in phytochemicals and has various health‐protective potentials. This study was aimed at determining effects of tissue culture and mycorrhiza applications alone or in combinations in organic farming on phytochemical contents (total phenolics and flavonoids [TP and TF, respectively], gingerol and shogaol homologues, phenolic acids, and carotenoids) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH [2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl] radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC), and iron‐chelating capacities [ICC]) in solvent‐extractable (Free) and cell‐wall‐matrix‐bound (Bound) fractions of ginger rhizome and Free fraction of the leaves in comparison with non‐organics. Concentrations of the phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities, except for carotenoids and ICC, were significantly higher in organic ginger rhizomes and leaves than in non‐organics regardless of the fractions and treatments (P < 0.05). Mycorrhiza application in organic farming significantly increased levels of TP, TF, gingerols, and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combined application of tissue culture and mycorrhiza significantly increased concentrations of TF and gingerols and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05), suggesting their synergistic effects. Considerable amounts of phenolics were found in the Bound fractions of the rhizomes. Six‐gingerol, ferulic acid, and lutein were predominant ones among gingerols, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, respectively, in ginger rhizomes. The results suggest that organic farming with mycorrhiza and tissue culture applications can increase concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in ginger rhizomes and leaves and therefore improve their health‐protective potentials.     

Chemical,biological and sensory evaluation of pasta products supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours

α‐Galactoside‐free lupin flour has been used to supplement durum wheat semolina flour in order to increase the nutritive value of pasta products. Supplemented pasta products had a shorter cooking time, higher cooking water absorption, cooking loss and protein loss in water than control pasta prepared with only semolina. Sensory evaluation of cooked pastas showed that products supplemented with 80 g kg^?1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Emir flour or with 100 g kg^?1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Troll flour showed the same acceptability by panellists as the semolina pasta. These levels of supplementation were selected for further studies. The cooked α‐galactoside‐free lupin/semolina pastas showed higher amounts of protein, dietary fibre, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and antioxidant capacity than control pasta and a reasonable level of vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂ and vitamin E. Biological assessment of cooked pastas indicated that the true protein digestibility did not change after the fortification of semolina but protein efficiency ratio increased sharply in the pasta supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours (2.07 and 1.92 for Emir and Troll lupin varieties, respectively) in comparison with the control pasta (1.11). It is concluded that the α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours are an adequate ingredient to improve the nutritional quality of pasta products without adding flatulent oligosaccharides. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Germinated Cajanus cajan seeds as ingredients in pasta products: Chemical,biological and sensory evaluation

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) seeds were germinated for 4 days at 20 °C in darkness in order to improve the nutritional quality of seeds. Germination brought about a sharp reduction of α-galactosides, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity (83%, 61% and 36%, respectively) and an increment of vitamin B₂ (145%), vitamin C (from negligible amounts to 14 mg/100 g d.m.), vitamin E (108%) and total antioxidant capacity (28%). These flours were used as ingredients to produce pasta products in a proportion of 5%, 8% and 10%. The supplemented pasta products had shorter cooking time and higher water absorption, cooking and protein losses in water than had control pasta (100% semolina). From sensory evaluation, fortified pasta generally had acceptability similar to control pasta. Cooked pasta with the highest level of substitution (semolina:germinated pigeon pea flour at 10%) was chemically and biologically evaluated and results showed that protein, fat, dietary fibre and mineral contents were improved. Fortified pasta provided more vitamin B₁, B₂, E and antioxidant capacity than did control pasta. Biological assessment of fortified, cooked pasta indicated that true TD and PER value increased by 12% and 64%, respectively, in comparison with control. The germinated pigeon pea flour can be an excellent ingredient to increase the nutritional value of semolina pasta without affecting the sensory properties.     

Characterisation of antioxidant compounds in sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under organic and conventional growing systems

BACKGROUND: Sweet red bell pepper is one of the best sources of ascorbic acid and carotenoids as well as phenolic compounds important in the human diet. There have been some studies showing a higher level of bioactive compounds in organic bell pepper fruits compared with conventional fruits, but not all studies have been consistent in this respect. The levels of carotenoids and phenolics are very variable and may be affected by ripeness, genotype and cultivation. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study showed that an organic growing system affected the level of bioactive compounds (carotenoids and polyphenols) in sweet bell pepper fruits cultivated in Poland. Organic bell pepper fruits contained significantly more dry matter, vitamin C, total carotenoids, β‐carotene, α‐carotene, cis‐β‐carotene, total phenolic acids (as well as individual gallic and chlorogenic acids) and flavonoids (quercetin D ‐glucoside, quercetin and kaempferol) compared with conventional fruits. The bell pepper variety also affected the level of antioxidant compounds in fruits. CONCLUSION: Organic growing increased the level of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds and vitamin C in sweet bell pepper. The second significant factor affecting the antioxidant compound content of sweet bell pepper was variety. It would be necessary to continue this study as a long‐term experiment in order to eliminate the influence of seasonality. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Macromolecular–structural interactions and phytochemical constituents of therapeutic herbs in pasta altered the functional properties,cooking profile and in vitro starch and protein digestibility

The current investigation was focused on developing and assessing the influence of different herbs (Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri and Asparagus racemosus) on bio-functional and structural characteristics of semolina-based pasta. Pasta were enriched with 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% herbs and significant difference (P < 0.05) in functional properties of blends, cooking quality of pasta, bioactive profile and antioxidant potential, in vitro nutrient digestibility and colour profile were noted. Herbs-enriched pasta showed modified functional properties and enhanced bioactive constituents. Modification in structural and molecular structures of control and 5% herbs-incorporated pasta was shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared. Further, principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering were employed to authenticate the difference in the incorporation of herbs and observations. The results suggest that herbs could be served as potential food components in valorised products of cereals.     

Enrichment of fresh pasta with antioxidant extracts obtained from artichoke canning by‐products by ultrasound‐assisted technology and quality characterisation of the end product

This work is aimed at: (i) analysing the extracts obtained from canning by‐products of three artichoke cultivars (Opal, Capriccio and Catanese) for antioxidant parameters; (ii) comparing UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS profile, colour, textural properties and cooking performance of fresh pasta enriched of the most antioxidant extract, with control pasta. The concentrated Catanese cv. extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (1662 μmol Trolox equivalents L^?1) and the highest levels of luteolin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside compared to other cultivars. Fresh pasta enriched of Catanese extract showed higher (P < 0.05) phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (500 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 1324 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively) than control pasta (306 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 886 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively). The extract increased (P < 0.05) pasta brownness (from 19.93 to 23.34), and decreased yellowness (from 27.11 to 23.09), but did not alter textural and cooking parameters. So, pasta was a good vehicle to increase the antioxidant dietary intake.     

A Randomized,Controlled Trial Evaluating Polydextrose as a Fiber in a Wet and Dry Matrix on Glycemic Control

Functional fibers can help Americans increase their fiber intake by incorporating extracted or synthesized fibers into food products. The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently proposed that “added” fibers must demonstrate a physiological health benefit, such as glucose control, to be included on the Nutrition Facts label as a dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of polydextrose (PDX), a water‐soluble glucose polymer resistant to mammalian digestion, on postprandial glucose concentrations when added to relatively high moisture (beverage) versus low moisture (bar) food products. The study was designed as 2 parts with each being controlled, randomized, singe‐blinded, cross‐over trials. A total of 34 and 19 healthy subjects were asked to consume PDX in a beverage and bar, respectively. PDX was investigated at 0, 8, 12, and 16 g in the beverage and 0 and 12 g in the bar. Blood samples were collected before beverage/bar consumption and for 3 h thereafter to evaluate changes in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. The 12 g PDX condition had significant impact on both outcomes as glucose was significantly increased in both matrices (P > 0.05) and insulin was increased in bar form only (P > 0.05). PDX was well tolerated at all dosages and matrices investigated. PDX did not lower postprandial glucose or insulin in either matrix at the doses provided; therefore, data do not support reporting PDX as a dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label under the current proposed rule using glycemic control as the endpoint for physiological benefit.     

Steam radish sprout (Raphanus sativus L.): active substances,antioxidant activities and non-targeted metabolomics analysis

Various active substances, antioxidant activities and primary differential metabolite profiles were investigated to assess the nutritional quality of radish sprouts steamed for 0–300 s. The levels of flavonoids, total phenolic content and isothiocyanate in radish sprouts decreased with increased steaming time, and DPPH radical scavenging activity levels and superoxide dismutase levels also exhibited a downward trend (P < 0.05). By contrast, total phenolic acid, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and reducing power levels exhibited significant increases in the early short-term steaming process (P < 0.05). Steaming for 30 s promoted the accumulation of vitamin B₂, whereas, steaming for 300 s promoted the accumulation of phospholipids and myristic acid to a greater extent than steaming for 30 s. Overall, there was a partial non-decreased nutritional indicator in short-term steaming of radish sprouts, and a longer steaming time positively affected the differential metabolites.     

Studying physiochemical changes in a new pasta product containing beef heart by vibrational spectroscopy

A new pasta product was developed by partially replacing durum wheat flour with beef heart to enhance its nutritional value. Physiochemical changes of the pasta were investigated by vibrational spectroscopy, namely Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. Relationships between pasta texture and the intensity of vibrational spectra were established. Lipid-protein complex formation, β-sheet arrangement, degree of polysaccharide polymerization, and cysteine thiol group were related to hardness and chewiness of pasta. The lipid portion and β-sheet structure were two significant parameters for explaining pasta adhesiveness, while pasta firmness might be related to β-sheet alignment and the polysaccharide network. Pasta cohesiveness might involve the α-helical structures and hydrogen bonding formation in the gluten network. However, no variable met the p < 0.1 significance level for inclusion into the model to explain pasta springiness. These results reveal that FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy could be employed to evaluate the physical chemistry of pasta and showed a potential use for quality assessment in pasta products.     

Effect of oil sources and vitamin E levels in the diet on the composition of fatty acids in rooster thigh and chest meat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different oil sources and dietary supplementation with vitamin E on the composition of fatty acids in rooster meat. Two hundred and forty 30‐week‐old White Leghorn roosters were distributed in a completely randomized factorial arrangement of 5 × 2, using five oil sources (sunflower, soybean, canola, linseed and fish) and two levels of antioxidant (30 and 400 mg vitamin E kg^?1 of diet). The intake of fish and canola oil in the diet reduced (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh meat. Amongst the unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, the fish and canola oil reduced (P < 0.05) the level of ω6 fatty acid, with a consequent decrease in the ratio ω6:ω3. The diet with fish oil increased (P < 0.05) the content of C22:6ω3 in the thigh meat. The use of linseed oil resulted in a significant reduction of the ratio of ω6:ω3 fatty acid in the thigh. The use of soybean oil in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, specifically in the content of ω6. The inclusion of vitamin E increased the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the chest meat, such as C18:3ω3, C20:5ω3 and C22:6ω3. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

An assessment of the protein quality and vitamin b content of commonly used fermented products of legumes and millets

Fermented products of legumes, Bengal gram dhal (Cicer arietinum) and green gram dhal (Phaseolus aureus), and millets, bajra (Pennisetum typhoideum), jowar (Sorghum vulgare) and ragi (Eleucine coracana), were analysed for protein quality and vitamin B content. Fermentation reduced total crude protein by 6-8 % in the legume products and 4-6% in the millet products of bajra and ragi. No reduction in crude protein was observed in fermented jowar products. Temperature of batters increased considerably on fermentation, while pH decreased. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) and the true digestibility (TD) of legume products were not altered by fermentation, the biological value (BV) and net protein utilisation, (NPU), of Bengal gram dhokla improved significantly (P<0.05). The TD of fermented jowar increased significantly (P < 0.05) but not that of ragi, bajra and the legume products. BV and NPU of both jowar and ragi products increased significantly on fermentation (P<0.05) but not that of bajra. The thiamin and riboflavin contents of both the legume and millet products increased with increase in fermentation time. Steaming and cooking after fermentation reduced the thiamin and riboflavin content. However, fermentation after cooking of millet batters increased the levels of both vitamins markedly.     

Effects of Applied Process on the In Vitro Digestibility and Resistant Starch Content of Pasta Products

Resistant starch (RS) included in pasta can have auspicious health benefits and functional properties. The resistance of starch, however, can be greatly influenced by the applied food preparation process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of two different resistant starches on the digestibility of pasta and to predict the impact of the conventional pasta processing (extrusion under standard conditions, 120 bars, 40°C; drying in an air-drying room at 35–40°C and cooking until the optimum cooking time) on the quality of different resistant starch included in products by using an in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis method. Results showed that the applied, conventional pasta extrusion step had only a small effect on the liberated glucose level and did not influence the RS content significantly. The cooking in contrast caused an increased digestibility and the lost of resistance of all pasta products. The digestibility was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the case of raw and dried samples compared to the cooked pastas. It can be concluded that the resistant starches used in the samples are heat sensitive and their properties change radically during the pasta preparation, mainly during cooking.     

Effect of ginger-enriched pasta on acceptability and satiety

Ginger is attributed with beneficial bioactivities. The aims of this study were to analyse the bioactive compounds in commercial ginger powders and assess acceptability and satiety responses to ginger-enriched wheat pasta in healthy human volunteers. Powders were extracted with methanol and extracts analysed by HPLC-UV/LC-MS. Results indicated that 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol and 10-shogaol were the principal bioactive components. The liking of pasta enriched with 1%, 3% and 5% (w/w) ginger powder was evaluated for four sensory attributes and overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale. All pasta products were generally liked to a similar extent to the control, with the exception of the liking for colour of the pasta with 5% ginger (P < 0.02). Ten healthy subjects consumed two samples of equal weight: control and ginger-enriched pasta (3%), on two occasions. Subjective feelings of satiety were assessed pre-consumption, immediately after and for 2 h post-consumption using a 7-point intensity scale analysed using Rasch modelling. Results show that the ginger pasta sample had a similar satiety response compared to the control pasta up to 2 h after consumption. In conclusion, ginger-enriched pasta is generally accepted by consumers, but does not lead to higher satiety compared to the control.     

Influence of Drying Conditions on Volatile Compounds of Pasta

The effect of drying temperatures on the profile of volatile compounds of pasta was studied. The solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry allowed to identify 72 volatile compounds in the samples of not-dried, low-temperature-dried (LT-dried), high-temperature-dried (HT-dried), and wrongly very-high-temperature-dried (WVHT-dried) pastas. The samples of not-dried pasta contained alcohols, aldehydes, short-chain ketones, esters, furans, and some sulfur compounds. In the LT-dried pasta, the volatile aldehydes derived from lipid oxidation were more abundant than in HT-dried pasta. HT-dried pasta showed higher levels of furan and furan derivatives (especially 2-furanmethanol), derived from the Maillard reaction, than LT-dried pasta (p?<?0.05). Pyrazines arose from WVHT treatment. Significant differences were observed also for the color indices when comparing pasta subjected to LT and HT drying (p?<?0.001). Several volatile Maillard reaction products were significantly correlated (p?<?0.05 and p?<?0.01) to a* and 100???L*. The ratio aldehydes/furans allowed distinguishing in a significant way the treatments, independently from the lot characteristics.     

Effect of lipid oxidation and frozen storage on muscle proteins of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

The effect of storage on the lipids and proteins in Atlantic mackerel stored for up to 24 months at ?20 and ?30 °C was studied. Traditional methods including the peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and a reverse phase HPLC method were used to determine the primary and secondary lipid oxidation products. All tests showed an increase in lipid oxidation products with storage time and at a higher storage temperature of ?20 °C compared with samples stored at ?30 °C. Antioxidants had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on the inhibition of lipid oxidation, as shown by the reduction in peroxide value and hydroxides, and malondialdehyde formation. Similarly, deterioration of protein structure and functionality in mackerel stored for 3, 6, 12 and 24 months was greater at ?20 than ?30 °C. ATPase activity in the myosin extract of Atlantic mackerel showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) with progressive frozen storage. Protein solubility in high salt concentration (0.6 M NaCl) decreased (P < 0.01) during storage at both ?20 and ?30 °C but was greater at ?20 °C. Interestingly, antioxidants BHT, vitamin C and vitamin E protected the proteins against complete loss of ATPase activity and protein solubility to a significant level (P < 0.01) for up to 1 year at ?20 °C compared with samples stored without antioxidants. This study confirms the deleterious effect of lipid oxidation products on protein structure and function in frozen fatty fish. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combined Effect of Drying Time and Slice Thickness on the Solar Drying of Okra

The effect of slice thickness and drying time on colour, viscosity, microbial load, moisture, crude fibre, vitamin C and ash contents of okra (Hibiscus esculentus) during solar drying was studied using three slice thicknesses (5·0 mm, 10·0 mm, 15·0 mm) obtained from a survey and five drying times (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h). The results showed that slice thickness had a significant effect (P<0·01) on moisture, crude fibre and ash contents but not on vitamin C content, viscosity, colour and microbial load. However, the effect of drying time was highly significant (P<0·01) on all the parameters determined. The combined effects of slice thickness and drying time were observed to be highly significant (P<0·05) on ash, crude fibre and moisture contents, viscosity and microbial load but had no significant effect (P<0·05) on colour and vitamin C content. There was a strong correlation between moisture content and ash (R=-0·926), crude fibre (R=-0·94), vitamin C contents (R=0·928) and viscosity (R=-0·963) in all samples during drying. The study showed that a slice thickness of 10·0 mm and a drying time of 48 h was suitable for the solar drying of okra. © 1997 SCI.     

Influence of semolina replacement with salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) powder on the physicochemical attributes of fresh pasta

This study evaluated the influence of the incorporation of salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) fish powder (SFP) into pasta production and the effect on pasta physicochemical attributes. Four replacement levels were tested (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) together with a control pasta (100% semolina). The effects on the chemical composition, physical properties (optimal cooking time, cooking loss, water absorption index, swelling index and colour and textural properties (firmness and extensibility) were analysed. The results demonstrated that pasta with SFP had increased protein (12.88–23.40%), lipid (0.46–7.20%), ash (0.39–0.57%) and energy (122.26–161.08 kcal) contents (P < 0.05), increased cooking time (6.30–8.30 min) and cooking loss (4.28–8.02%) compared with semolina control pasta. However, all pasta samples were in the acceptable range (8 g/100 g) for cooking loss. The addition of SFP resulted in significantly decreased swelling index (2.29–1.95), water absorption (105.46–81.62%) and firmness (3.13–1.16 N) (P < 0.05) whilst increasing resistance to uniaxial extension of pasta. Colour parameters indicated comparable brightness between the samples and higher redness values for enriched pasta. Thus, pasta fortified with SFP has the potential to be a technological alternative for the food industry to provide protein-enriched pasta.     

Evaluation of Quality and Digestibility Characteristics of Resistant Starch-Enriched Pasta

Resistant starches (RS) can be used in food industry to enhance the dietary fiber content of different cereal based products such as pasta and bread. The aim of present study was to develop and evaluate the physical and functional properties of starch-based products enriched with RS. The in vitro enzymatic digestibility, cooking properties, and viscometric characteristics (using rapid visco analyzer = RVA) of the pasta products were determined. The results showed that the addition of resistant starches (RS-s) influenced the quality of both the raw and cooked pastas. Enzymatic digestibility and five RVA parameters (peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, setback, and final viscosity) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in pasta products with added RS. Cooking quality characteristics were unaffected by RS addition. The results also indicated that interactions between RS-s and other flour components may influence the in vitro digestibility of pasta products. According to the sensory evaluation of products, RS-s did not alter the sensory properties of pastas. However, the type of flour had significant effect on the sensory preference.     

Degradation of carotenoids in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) slices as influenced by microwave vacuum drying

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of microwave vacuum drying on carotenoids in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) slices. Carotenoids were measured using the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography technique. It was shown that compared with hot air drying, microwave vacuum drying inhibited color changes and significantly (p < 0.05) improved total carotenoid retention (89.1%) in pumpkin slices. During the microwave vacuum drying process, microwave power had an important effect on total carotenoid and all-trans carotenoids. As microwave power increased, the total carotenoid content significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the levels of individual carotenoids, including all-trans-α-carotene, all-trans-β-carotene, and all-trans-lutein, generally decreased. However, there was an overall upward trend for the levels of 13-cis-β-carotene, 15-cis-β-carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene, and 9-cis-α-carotene. The trans carotenoid quality of the finished products was improved within a certain range of vacuum levels. In addition to the degradation induced by microwave energy, isomerization was considered to be responsible for the loss of all-trans carotenoids. These results indicated that inappropriate drying methods and conditions might result in high losses of all-trans carotenoids in pumpkins.