Phytochemicals and quality characteristics of candied paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage

In this study, we prepared candied paprika from various coloured fresh paprika and compared the changes in phytochemicals and quality for 42 days by analysing carotenoids, ascorbic acids and total phenolic content, and by assessing sensory and instrumental qualities. We identified five types of carotenoids from candied red paprika (CRP) and three from candied orange paprika (COP) and candied yellow paprika (CYP). At 0‐day storage, capsanthin and β‐carotene in CRP were quantitatively analysed to 26.96 μg g^?1 fw and 3.81 μg g^?1 fw, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene in COP were 9.35 μg g^?1 fw and 4.16 μg g^?1 fw, and lutein and β‐carotene in CYP were 0.27 μg 100 g^?1 fw and 0.70 μg 100 g^?1 fw, respectively. After 42‐days storage, CRP retained approximately 68.6% carotenoids, COP retained 40%, and CYP retained 33%. Ascorbic acid and total phenolic content decreased during storage as carotenoids did. However, rates of decrease were different in different coloured paprika, especially, ascorbic acid in COP and phenolic acid in CRP were considerably conserved for 42 days. Hardness, springiness and chewiness in all samples were significantly increased by 14‐days storage and maintained until 42‐days storage, and all the sensory parameters, including colour, appearance, odour, texture, paprika flavour and overall consumer preference showed no differences until 28 days.     

Comparison of lignans and phenolic acids in different varieties of germinated flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The study aimed to evaluate the biosynthesis and accumulation of lignans, phenolic acids and also the antioxidant activities in 15 varieties of flax sprouts. The differential contents of lignans (13.30–8987 μg g⁻¹) and phenolic acids (72.55–597.1 μg g⁻¹) among 15 varieties of flax sprouts were observed. The total antioxidant activities ranged from 147.2 to 332.8 μmol TE g⁻¹ in the flax sprouts. The expression levels of five genes in the lignin synthetic pathway were analysed using RT-qPCR, and the results showed dramatical differences among different flax sprouts. Relatively dispersed analysis was showed by principal component analysis (PCA), and 15 flax sprouts were grouped by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on their phenolic acids, lignan compounds, length, gene expression and antioxidants after germination, primarily in relation to variety specificity. Present results would be instructive guidance for bio-fortification breeding and functional foods innovation in flaxseeds.     

Polyphenolic composition,antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of wild and cultivated blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) pomace

The content of total polyphenolics, antioxidative capacity and antiproliferative activity were tested in wild and cultivated blackberry pomace. Wild blackberry pomace extract Tw2 showed the highest following contents: total polyphenolics (50.16 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw), flavonoids (7.73 mg Qc g⁻¹ dw), flavonols (6.63 mg Qc g⁻¹ dw) and total monomeric anthocyanins (13.40 mg Cy g⁻¹). Tw2 extract significantly inhibited free radicals: IC₅₀^DPPH = 127.76 μg mL⁻¹, IC₅₀^ABTS = 26.53 μg mL⁻¹ and IC₅₀ ^{˙ OH} = 168.62 μg mL⁻¹, and the growth of breast adenocarcinoma IC₅₀^MCF7 = 306.68 μg mL⁻¹ and cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell lines IC₅₀^HeLa = 315.49 μg mL⁻¹. Wild blackberry varieties had higher extraction yields, higher total polyphenolic contents and possessed stronger biological effects compared to cultivated blackberries (P < 0.05). All blackberry extracts showed high biological potential that could be attributed to high total polyphenols and flavonoids content and could be utilised as value-added functional food.     

Extrusion improved the physical and chemical properties of dietary fibre from bamboo shoot by-products

Bamboo shoot by-products are regarded as waste and environmental pollutant. This study aimed to improve the functional properties of dietary fibre from bamboo shoot by-products. After CO₂ extrusion, the particle size of CO₂-extruded bamboo fibre was 17.6% lower than that of the control, and its specific surface area was 2.85 times that of the control. The soluble dietary fibre content was significantly increased from 5.64 g/100 g to 11.05 g/100 g (P < 0.05), and the capacities for water holding, swelling and oil holding were remarkably improved. The cholesterol adsorption of CO₂-extruded bamboo fibre was increased from 96.54 μg g⁻¹ to 174.65 μg g⁻¹ (pH 7.0), and its nitrite ion adsorption capacity was increased from 503.33 μg g⁻¹ to 657.27 μg g⁻¹ (pH 2.0). In summary, the structural changes of bamboo fibre such as internal porosity, surface roughening and low crystallinity indicated that its functional properties were improved after CO₂ extrusion.     

Improved function of bamboo shoot fibre by high-speed shear dispersing combined with enzyme treatment

With the increase in global welfare, metabolic syndrome-related diseases seriously disrupt our quality of life. Balanced diet with low calories, low glycaemic index, and high dietary fibre such as bamboo shoot fibre is needed. Functional properties of dietary fibre can be improved by processing methods. Therefore, we compared the effect of three processing methods (high-speed shear dispersing, enzyme treatment and combined treatment) on the characteristics and functions of bamboo shoot fibres. Combined treatment resulted in high SDF content (10.15%), adsorption capacity of glucose (4.45–18.18 mmol g⁻¹), nitrite ion (505.49 μg g⁻¹ [pH 2.0]), and cholesterol (333.72 μg g⁻¹ [pH 2.0]). FTIR revealed that hydroxyl groups, sugar methylene and benzene rings of aromatic compounds existed in the treated bamboo shoots. The particle size (D₅₀) decreased from 383.90 to 30.65 μm. Honeycomb-like structure was also observed through SEM. Thus, proper processing of bamboo shoot fibres can improve their functions as food ingredients.     

Evaluation of antibacterial protein with antioxidant activity from Rahnella aquatilis L103 and its effect on beef during refrigerated storage

A strain, Rahnella aquatilis L103, which was isolated from the soil around the roots of mushrooms, produced antibacterial protein though fermentation. This protein has broad antibacterial spectrum towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The protein has a significant antioxidant capacity on scavenging ABTS^+· (82.5%, 120 μg mL⁻¹), DPPH^· (64.1%, 600 μg mL⁻¹) and OH^· (60.1%, 750 μg mL⁻¹) as well. The protein was considered to be safe within concentration of 150 μg mL⁻¹ as shown by MTT results and was applied to beef refrigerated preservation. The treatment group presented lower total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA), meanwhile, higher sensory score and longer shelf life (2 days) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the protein under safe concentration was beneficial to beef preservation.     

Hydration of casein micelles and caseinates: Implications for casein micelle structure

By studying the hydration of casein micelles using a variety of techniques, a distinction could be made between water that appeared bound by the protein (∼0.5 g g⁻¹ protein), water associated with the κ-casein brush (∼1.0 g g⁻¹ protein) and water entrapped in the casein micelles (∼1.8 g g⁻¹ protein), yielding a total micellar hydration of ∼3.3 g g⁻¹ protein, in line with casein micelle voluminosity derived from intrinsic viscosity measurements. For caseinate particles, however, the main contributor to intrinsic viscosity was not protein hydration but the non-spherical particle shape. These non-spherical particles in caseinate are likely to be naturally present as primary casein particles (PCP) in casein micelles. PCP could be used to build casein micelles by controlled introduction of micellar salts. Based on the findings of this study, casein micelles could be described as a porous network of non-spherical PCP linked by calcium phosphate nanoclusters.     

Cyanogenic,carotenoids and protein composition in leaves and roots across seven diverse population found in the world cassava germplasm collection at CIAT,Colombia

The objective of this study was to characterise the nutritional potential of leaves and identify a diversity centre with low cyanide and high nutrient content among 178 Latin American cassava genotypes. This field-based collection represents the seven diversity centres, held at The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT Palmira, Colombia) by the Cassava Program. The cyanide, all-trans-β-carotene and lutein concentrations in cassava leaves ranged from 346 to 7484 ppm dry basis (db), from 174–547 μg g⁻¹ db and 15–181 μg g⁻¹ db, respectively. Cassava leaves also showed significant levels of essential amino acids leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine and threonine, and average total protein content of 26.24 g 100 g⁻¹ db. Among seven diversity centres, South American rainforest group showed low cyanide and high carotene content in leaves. In addition, VEN77 and PAN51 genotypes stood out for having low cyanide in leaves and roots and high carotene in leaves. This genetic diversity can be used to select high potential progenitors for breeding purposes.     

Evaluation of oscillatory and shear strain behaviour for thermo-rheological plasticisation of non-ripened cheese curd: Effect of water,protein, and fat

Non-ripened cheese curd with different dry matter (34.5–47.0 g 100 g⁻¹), protein (13.4–30.4 g 100 g⁻¹), and fat (0.5–25.9 g 100 g⁻¹) contents were produced from pre-acidified milk (citric acid, pH 5.8) with different fat-to-protein ratios (0, 0.18, 0.33, 0.79, 1.60) and different curd cooking times (15 min, 30 min, 85 min). From small angle oscillatory temperature sweep and large strain capillary rheology shear experiments it was deduced that the protein content increases and fat decreases maximal loss tangent and storage modulus. This is discussed in relation to suggested changes in casein micelle voluminosity with temperature. A critical shear stress above which the flow behaviour changes from regular to melt fracture behaviour was observed. This is explained by shear jamming and the frequency dependency of the sol–gel transition.     

Physicochemical characterisation and oxidative stability of refined hoki oil,unrefined hoki oil and unrefined tuna oil

Physicochemical characterisation and oxidative stability of refined hoki oil, unrefined hoki oil and unrefined tuna oil were carried out in the present study. Tuna oil contains a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.57%) than the hoki oils (28.79–30.13%), which have higher percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids (45.02–47.16%). All oils showed a good ratio of n‐3 to n‐6 fatty acid (7.01–8.10). Cholesterol contents in the unrefined hoki (5149.40 μg g^?1) and tuna (2045.48 μg g^?1) oils were higher than the refined hoki oil (1411.27 μg g^?1). Tuna has a higher concentration of natural α‐tocopherol (752.49 μg g^?1) but lower concentration of vitamin A (110.99 μg g^?1) than unrefined hoki oil (151.44 μg g^?1 and 997.60 μg g^?1, respectively). Higher percentages of unsaponifiable matter were found in the hoki oils (4.90–7.24%) compared with the tuna oil (0.56%). The hoki oils appear more yellow than the tuna oil, which is darker by comparison. Moisture, p‐anisidine value and free fatty acid contents in the hoki oils were lower than the tuna oil. Other indicators of oxidative stability showed that the hoki oils were more stable than the tuna oil.     

Comparison of nutritional value and microbiological status of new imported fish species on the German market

Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, other nutritional values and spoilage indicators were examined in the muscle meat of five species: barramundi (Lates calcarifer) from various origins, tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) of different qualities, cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and leather jacket (Aluterus monoceros) from the Pacific Ocean and Patagonian grenadier (Macruronus magellanicus) from South America. Lowest lipid contents (0.4% and 0.8%) were found in leather jacket and cobia. Leather jacket fillets had lowest protein (16.2%) and highest sodium chloride content (4.9%). Concentrations of ∑EPA + DHA were 0.1 g 100 g^?1 for tilapia and leather jacket, 0.2 g 100 g^?1 for barramundi and cobia and 0.7 g 100 g^?1 for Patagonian grenadier. Barramundi and tilapia were characterised by high taurine content (215 and 276 mg 100 g^?1 ww.), and cobia had only low levels (41 mg 100 g^?1 ww.). Iodine contents were low and selenium levels varied between 303 and 570 μg kg^?1 ww. No sign of spoilage was detected.     

Effect of pretreatments and retort process on characteristics and sensory quality of edible bird’s nest beverage

Edible bird ’ s nest (EBN) flakes were pretreated using sodium alginate (AG) in the presence of different divalent cross-linking agents before retorting at different temperatures (118 and 121 °C). Protein was the dominant component (58.61 g 100 g⁻¹, wet weight basis), followed by carbohydrate (24.38 g 100 g⁻¹, wet weight basis). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) showed the interaction between 1.0 g 100 mL⁻¹ AG with protein as induced by cross-linking agents including 0.5 g 100 mL⁻¹ calcium chloride, 1.0 g 100 mL⁻¹ calcium lactate or 1.0 g 100 mL⁻¹ magnesium chloride. Those alginate gels formed in beverage (EBNB) could withstand retorting at both temperatures. All pretreated EBN yielded EBNB with higher hedonic liking scores than control and non-retort process. Pretreatment of ENB using 1.0 g 100 mL⁻¹ AG and 1.0 g 100 mL⁻¹ calcium lactate before retorting at 121 °C rendered safe ready-to-drink EBNB with high hedonic liking score of all attributes.     

Determination of menaquinone production by Lactococcus spp. and propionibacteria in cheese

Two genera of lactic acid bacteria are principally known to produce menaquinones in cheese: Lactococcus spp. in semi-hard cheese such as Vacherin Fribourgeois and Raclette, and propionibacteria in Swiss-type cheese such as Emmental. Menaquinone (MK) content of several cheese loaves was analysed to determine the impact of sampling site, ripening time and cultures used during cheese making. With Lactococcus spp., in Vacherin and in Raclette, the principal menaquinone was MK-9 (median = 149 μg kg⁻¹ and median = 167 μg kg⁻¹) followed by MK-8 (median = 70 μg kg⁻¹ and median = 66 μg kg⁻¹). In Emmental cheese, the principal menaquinone was MK-4 (median = 48 μg kg⁻¹) in young cheese and MK-9(4H) (median = 468 μg kg⁻¹) in cheese older than 90 days. The only difference in sampling site was found in Raclette for MK-9. In Vacherin, MK-8, MK-9 and total contents of menaquinones were significantly different according to the strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris used.     

Evaluation of various Bacillus coagulans isolates for the production of high purity L-lactic acid using defatted rice bran hydrolysates

Defatted rice bran (DRB) constitutes an abundant by-product stream, generated during rice milling and subsequent bran oil extraction. Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch and protein content in DRB was optimised in terms of solid loading. Among the four solid loadings evaluated (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%), the hydrolysate derived from 20% solids resulted in the highest concentration of glucose (82.3 g L⁻¹) and free amino nitrogen (234.8 mg L⁻¹). The fermentability of the hydrolysate was evaluated via screening of sixteen isolates. All the strains were able to grow and produce high purity L-lactic acid, utilising the DRB as sole carbon and nutrient source. Among the studied strains, the Bacillus coagulans A107 isolate presented the most promising results in terms of final lactic acid concentration (75.9 g L⁻¹), yield (0.90 g g⁻¹) and productivity (2.7 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹). The results of this study indicate that DRB could be employed as an inexpensive, alternative substrate for L-lactic acid production.     

Semiochemical modulation of host preference of Callosobruchus maculatus on legume seeds

Host preference of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) on seeds of three legume cultivars, Ife-brown and black-eyed cowpeas [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)], and soybean (Glycine max L.), was investigated. Mated female C. maculatus showed high (90–95%) attraction to the three legume cultivars in Y-tube bioassays. However, the weevils discriminated among the cultivars in four-choice tests and showed greater attraction to Ife-brown cowpea (50%) than to soybean (30%) and black-eyed cowpea (15%). Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAD) and GC–MS analyses of the headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the legume seeds identified 2-ethyl hexanol as the principal EAD active component. Emission of 2-ethyl hexanol was two-fold greater in Ife-brown cowpea (∼0.54 μg g⁻¹ seeds) compared with black-eyed cowpea (∼0.23 μg g⁻¹ seeds) and soybean (∼0.21 μg g⁻¹ seeds). Synthetic 2-ethyl hexanol attracted 68% of female C. maculatus at 0.01 μg dose in Y-tube bioassays. These results demonstrated that host preference in C. maculatus is odor-mediated, and identified 2-ethyl hexanol as a potential attractant for C. maculatus.     

Antioxidant potential of extracts from peels and stems of yellow-fleshed and white cassava varieties

This study focused on the exploration of the potentials of extracting antioxidants from peels and stems of yellow-fleshed and white cassava varieties. The effect of particle size (0.2 and 0.5 mm) and variety on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was assessed. The peels of the yellow-fleshed cassava variety with a particle size of 0.2 mm showed the highest phenolic content with 681.5 GAE mg 100 g⁻¹ and antioxidant activity of 19% and 425 μM TE g⁻¹ dry matter using DPPH and FRAP assays respectively. The stems of the white cassava with a particle size of 0.2 mm exhibited high phenolic content (442.4 GAE mg 100 g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity of 12.8% and 234 μM TE g⁻¹, better than the stem of the yellow-fleshed cassava. These results indicate that phenolic and antioxidant extractions were influenced by variety, the plant parts and particle size for the antioxidant assays.     

Validation of analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector and their levels in alcoholic beverages

This study aimed to establish an analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds (α‐DCs) including glyoxal, methylglyoxal and diacetyl, to determine the content of α‐DCs in 101 various alcoholic beverages using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC‐NPD) and to perform exposure assessment. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for α‐DCs were 0.05–0.22 and 0.15–0.70 μg g^?1, respectively. The accuracy and precision were validated in five matrices. The raspberry fruit wine had the highest value at 139.74 μg g^?1 total α‐DCs. The lowest α‐DC concentration among the beverages was detected in rice wine (Makgeolli) at 1.59 μg g^?1. The levels of α‐DCs in various samples were detected as follows: 1.59–56.68 μg g^?1 in rice wine (Makgeolli), 2.73–16.77 μg g^?1 in beer, 8.22–139.74 μg g^?1 in fruit wine and 8.17–91.56 μg g^?1 in rice wine (Cheongju). The estimated daily intake of α‐DCs in the intake‐only group and population group was calculated as 4.22–97.94 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1 and 0.28–7.13 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1, respectively.     

Antioxidant profiling of native and modified cereal brans

Bran is detached from cereals during roller-milling operations and considered as a byproduct of milling. Bran carries phenolics and antioxidants in appreciable quantities which can be heightened by modification. In the present project, four cereals were under study that is, wheat, barley, millet and sorghum. Bran was separated from cereal grains and was subjected to size reduction that is, fine (1 mm) and coarse (2 mm) and enzymatic modification by using xylanase and cellulase. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids through HPLC. TPC and TFC were recorded highest in xylanase-treated millet bran (0.304 mg GAE g⁻¹ and 211.42 μg g⁻¹ QE respectively). In vitro antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and FRAP was found to be highest in coarse millet bran (89.51% inhibition) and native sorghum bran (722.52 μMFeSO4 g⁻¹) respectively. Phytic acid was observed highest in xylanase-treated barley bran (5.80 g per 100 g).     

Microbiological assay with Bacillus licheniformis for the easy detection of quinolones in milk

This paper proposes a microbiological method in microtitre plates for the detection of residues of quinolones in milk. The method uses spores of Bacillus licheniformis in culture medium with a redox combination of indicators and gives a response time of 5.5 h. This method detects 92 μg L⁻¹ of ciprofloxacin, 63 μg L⁻¹ of danofloxacin, 109 μg L⁻¹ of enrofloxacin, 101 μg L⁻¹ of marbofloxacin and 109 μg L⁻¹ of sarafloxacin in milk. Therefore, the assay is easy to develop and to use in laboratory, allowing analysis of large numbers of samples at low cost. Due to its good sensitivity to quinolones, this assay can be used as a complementary test of commercial microbiological methods and thereby improve food security.     

Impact of lecithin incorporation on gel properties of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi

Gelling characteristics of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi functionalised by lecithin at different concentrations were investigated. Lecithin at ≤1 g 100 g⁻¹ had no impact on breaking force and deformation (P > 0.05). Expressible drip tended to decrease with increasing lecithin level up to 1 g 100 g⁻¹. Lecithin at 1–3 g 100 g⁻¹ improved the whiteness (P < 0.05). Jointed clusters were formed in the gel microstructure with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin. Gel without and with 1 g 100 g⁻¹ lecithin had the same texture profile and likeness scores (texture, odour and flavour) (P > 0.05). Peroxide value, TBARS content and rancid odour score of gels were changed considerably during refrigerated storage (4 °C/polyethylene bag) for 15 days but lower values of all indices were noticeable in gel with lecithin. Therefore, lecithin at 1 g 100 g⁻¹ was the optimum concentration for stabilising the texture, improving the water holding capacity, whitening the colour and retarding the lipid oxidation of bigeye snapper surimi gel.