Thermal and Rheological Properties of Dough and Bread as Affected by Various Cross‐linked Cornstarch Substitutions

Various kinds of cross‐linked cornstarches (CLCSs) were used to substitute for wheat flour (5 and 10%), and thermal and rheological properties of dough and bread were examined. The pastes of the substituted flours had lower gelatinization temperatures and higher viscosities than those of the control. The substitution with low‐swelling waxy CLCS (L‐CWCS) had higher paste consistency and lower transition enthalpy than those with high‐ or low‐swelling non‐waxy CLCS (H‐CNCS or L‐CNCS) or the control. The substitutions with L‐CNCS made harder doughs and higher firmness of breadcrumbs during storage than the others. The specific volumes of breads with cross‐linked cornstarch substitutions were slightly smaller than that of the control because of the lack of gluten. The firmness of bread substituted with L‐CWCS was softer than that with H‐ or L‐CNCS. In addition, the breads with H‐CNCS were softer than that with L‐CNCS. The results showed that the compression stress of dough was highly positively correlated with firmness of breads after storage for one and three days (r = 0.876, P < 0.01 and r = 0.809, P < 0.05, respectively). Also, significant positive correlations were detected between the transition enthalpy of dough and firmness of breads after storage for one and three days (r = 0.840, P < 0.05 and r = 0.853, P < 0.05, respectively), whereas no correlation between transition enthalpies of breadcrumbs and firmness of breads was observed.     

Effects of Vacuum Impregnation with Sucrose Solution on Mango Tissue

The influences of vacuum impregnation (VI) on the tissue of mango cubes during atmospheric immersion in sucrose solution were investigated. Results showed that VI effectively facilitated water loss (WL) and sugar gain (SG) during the 300min immersion process, with increases of 20.59% and 31.26%, respectively. A pectin solubilization/degradation phenomenon was observed in the immersion process. The intercellular space and cross section area in the VI‐treated mango tissue increased immediately after being released to atmospheric pressure. And it was noted that after experiencing shrinkage‐relaxation period twice in the 300 min immersion process, the size of VI‐treated mango cells recovered to the original level of fresh ones. Major variations in WL, protopectin content, water soluble pectin content, firmness and microstructure of mango cubes appeared within the first 60 min. In addition, the firmness of mango cubes was positively correlated with the protopectin content (P < 0.01), but negatively correlated with WL and the water soluble pectin content (P < 0.01), indicating that WL and degradation of protopectin contributed greatly to the loss of firmness.     

Starch properties as affected by sorghum grain chemistry

To determine the relationship between sorghum grain polyphenol content, grain structure, and starch properties, starch was isolated from 10 sorghum varieties using an alkali steep and wet‐milling procedure. SV2, a tannin‐free variety with white pericarp, gave a white starch. Varieties having red or white pericarp and higher polyphenol levels gave pink starches. Hunter colour values (L, a, b) of starches were not correlated with grain polyphenol content. Grain appearance in terms of pericarp colour, or presence or absence of pigmented testa, did not relate to the intense pink colouration of sorghum starches. Starch amylose content was significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.88, p < 0.001) to grain floury endosperm texture. Sorghum starches had higher peak viscosity (PV) in pasting than commercial maize starch. The time taken to reach peak viscosity from the initial viscosity rise was less for sorghum starches than maize starch. However, sorghum starches had a higher rate of shear thinning (R_st) than maize starch. There was a significant positive correlation between grain polyphenol content and starch PV (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Starch gel hardness was negatively correlated to pasting properties of R_st and paste breakdown (r = −0.78 and −0.77 respectively) at p < 0.01. Peak gelatinisation temperature (T_p) occurred over a narrow range from 66 to 69 °C. T_p was negatively correlated to the floury endosperm portion of the grain (r = −0.77) at p < 0.01. It is concluded that sorghum grain polyphenol content and grain characteristics influence its starch properties. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

STUDIES ON POSTHARVEST PHYSIOLOGY AND THE STORAGE TECHNOLOGY OF MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA L.)

Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Hongxiangya and Wacheng) was chosen to study the effect of postharvest biological characters in different storage conditions. The determining items included respiratory rate, total sugar, vitamin C (Vc) content, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). The results showed that both 8 and 11C were the better storage temperatures, and the storage life would last 50 days in this situation. The respiration rate increased quickly between the 16th to the 22nd days; the peak values were the 28th and 25th days at 8C for Hongxiangya and Wacheng, respectively. The flesh firmness decreased dramatically at 6 days after harvest. Total sugar content, Vc content, PPO and POD increased at first and then decreased. The color changed from green to yellow with the increase of carotenoids content. After treatment with thiabendozole and iprodione, the number of rot fruits was markedly lower than the other treatments. The best temperature is 11 and 14C for Hongxiangya and Wacheng, respectively. The rot rate is 6.77 and 8.33% with 1,000‐ppm iprodine treatment after 50‐days storage.     

Relationships between protein and other chemical composition and texture of tofu made from soybeans grown in different locations

Understanding quantitative relationships between protein and other chemical components in diverse soybean genotypes (lines) grown in different locations and the firmness of tofu can provide scientific insight for selecting soybean suitable for tofu making. Locations showed significant effects on seed components, including total protein, major storage proteins, subunits and polypeptides of the major storage proteins, and calcium, but not magnesium or phytic acid. Results showed that 11S content, but not 11S/7S ratio, was only correlated with filled tofu firmness when analyzed over all locations. A strong and positive correlation between firmness and A₃ polypeptide of the 11S protein content was found for both pressed tofu (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and filled tofu (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) over three locations (overall pooled data) and within most individual locations. The correlation of filled tofu firmness and A₃ polypeptide was significant for each of the three individual locations. However, the correlation of pressed tofu firmness and A₃ polypeptide content was significant at two of three locations. Mean calcium content was positively correlated with mean pressed and filled tofu firmness over all locations, but calcium was not correlated with pressed tofu firmness at any individual location, and only one location showed a significant correlation of calcium and filled tofu firmness. In addition, pressed tofu firmness was found to be negatively correlated with tofu yield. The findings that A₃ polypeptide's strong relationship with tofu firmness within certain locations may be used by the food industry to select proper soybean for manufacturing tofu and to facilitate tofu soybean breeding for tofu making.     

Quality and antioxidant capacity of fresh‐cut apple wedges enriched with honey by vacuum impregnation

The effect of vacuum impregnation (VI) of fresh‐cut apple wedges with honey, in presence and absence of a browning inhibitor on physicochemical, sensory and antioxidant properties over 7 days of storage at 2–4 °C was studied. Infusion of wedges with honey resulted in very little weight change indicating loss of internal water and ingress of honey carbohydrates into the wedges, hence the correlation coefficients with soluble solids content (r = ?0.91) and dry matter (r = ?0.77). Water infused samples showed the highest water uptake resulting in an increase in weight of 30%. Browning (P < 0.001) and firmness (P < 0.001) of apple wedges were the quality parameters most affected by VI. Samples dipped in browning inhibitor prior AS1 showed slightly better performance than undipped wedges with regard to browning and firmness. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were significantly (P < 0.001) lower for honey infused apple wedges.     

ClO2杀菌复合壳寡糖涂膜对鲜食糯玉米的保鲜效果

分别采用ClO2杀菌处理、壳寡糖（chitosan oligosaccharide,COS）涂膜处理以及ClO2杀菌复合COS涂膜（ClO2-COS）处理鲜食糯玉米,对比不同保鲜处理对鲜食糯玉米贮藏期间的抑菌情况、多酚含量、木质素含量、木质素积累速率、苯丙氨酸解氨酶活力、过氧化物酶活力的影响。结果发现：200 mg/L的ClO2杀菌复合15 mg/mL COS涂膜处理表现出良好的抑菌能力,贮藏35 d时霉菌和酵母菌总数为（2.30±0.12）（lg（CFU/g））,显著低于ClO2杀菌处理组（（3.78±0.16）（lg（CFU/g）））和COS涂膜处理组（（4.18±0.09）（lg（CFU/g）））（P＜0.05）;ClO2-COS处理能够降低木质素积累速率,降低多酚含量并使其基本保持较低水平;ClO2-COS处理可以抑制苯丙氨酸解氨酶活力过快上升,降低苯丙烷代谢水平,还能降低过氧化物酶活力,使其在贮藏期间一直保持较低水平,从而减少木质素积累。     

Maintenance of postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush (Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.) through hot CaCl2 dips

The effects of hot CaCl₂ dips on postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush were investigated. The vegetable was dipped in 0.5% or 1.0% (w/v) of CaCl₂ solutions at 40 °C for 30 s and the control was the untreated sample. Hot CaCl₂ dips significantly delayed the weight loss, maintained the overall quality and inhibited the wiltness (P < 0.05). Both hot CaCl₂ dips had no effect on the changes in lightness (L*) and delayed the decrease in greenness (‐a*) and total chlorophyll content and the increase in both yellowness (b*) and carotenoid content. Hot CaCl₂ dips enhanced total antioxidants, total phenolics content and both AsA‐POD and G‐POD activities from 38.6, 0.44, 15.2 and 22.4 at day 0 to 55.3, 0.55, 50.5 and 362.4 at day 8, respectively. Moreover, hot CaCl₂ dips also delayed the loss of DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid and CAT activity when compared to other treatments during storage. This study showed that hot CaCl₂ dip maintains postharvest quality and enhanced bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush during storage.     

Optimization of edible Alyssum homalocarpum seed gum-chitosan coating formulation to improve the postharvest storage potential and quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Edible coating based on Alyssum homalocarpum seed gum (AHSG) and chitosan for coating of fresh apricot was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The independent variables included concentrations of AHSG and chitosan in coating solution. The response variables studied were total soluble solid, weight loss, titratably acidity, pH, reducing sugar, moisture content, and firmness. Results indicated that RSM models were significantly (p < .05) qualified for all response variables, except for total soluble solid and titratable acidity. The regression models demonstrated R² ranging from .78 to .99. AHSG concentration influenced the weight loss, pH, and firmness, while chitosan concentration had an effect on pH and moisture content. This study showed that the coating can improve apricot firmness and stability in terms of weight loss, pH, and moisture content. The study suggested that a combination of AHSG 1.02% (w/w) and chitosan 0.33% (w/w) is the best one to achieve the desirable responses.     

Comparison between Size Exclusion Chromatography and Micro‐Batch Analyses of Corn Starches in DMSO using Light Scattering Detector

The molecular structure of corn starches different in amylose content (waxy, normal, and high‐amylose) was analyzed in 90% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution by refractive index (RI) and multi‐angle laser light scattering (MALLS) detectors. The starch sample solutions were measured either by medium‐pressure size exclusion chromatography (MPSEC) or by the micro‐batch mode. For waxy corn starch, the average molar mass (M_w) and radius of gyration (R_g) values were similar in both methods. However, for normal and high‐amylose corn starches, M_w measured by the micro‐batch mode was 2–4 times greater than that by the chromatographic method, although R_g values obtained from both methods were not very different. The M_w difference was the greater the higher the amylose content of starch.     

Influence of Galactooligosaccharides and Modified Waxy Maize Starch on Some Attributes of Yogurt

Abstract: This study examined the influence of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and modified waxy maize starch (MWMS) addition on the growth of starter cultures, and syneresis and firmness of low‐fat yogurt during storage for 28 d at 4 °C. The control yogurt (CY) was prepared without any prebiotics. Incorporation of 2.0% (w/v) GOS improved the growth of L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ATCC 11842 resulting in a shorter fermentation time. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in proteolysis in yogurt made with GOS (GOSY) as measured by absorbance value (0.728). Addition of GOS resulted in higher (P < 0.05) concentration of lactic and acetic acids in comparison with that of MWMSY and the CY up to day 14, thereafter, the product showed a decrease in lactic acid content in all 3 batches until the end of storage. The level of syneresis was the lowest (2.14%) in MWMSY as compared with that of GOSY (2.35%) and CY (2.53%). There was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) difference in the firmness among the 3 types of yogurt.     

Substitution of wheat starch with non-wheat starches and cross-linked waxy barley starch affects sensory properties and staling of Arabic bread

Substitution of starch from barley, corn, oat, potato, rice or sorghum for prime wheat starch in the formulation of Arabic bread resulted in breads with significantly (P < 0.05) different textural attributes from regular wheat bread except for barley starch. Substitution of waxy barley starch (957 g kg⁻¹ amylopectin) for wheat starch (279 g kg⁻¹ amylopectin) resulted in bread that was not significantly different from regular wheat bread when assessed in the fresh state. However, upon aging, the waxy barley starch-containing bread staled at a significantly (P < 0.05) faster rate than regular wheat bread. Breads made with waxy barley starch cross-linked with 50, 200 or 500 ppm phosphorus oxychloride showed higher enthalpy of melting (ΔH) upon aging and staled faster than the bread formulated with waxy barley starch. These findings suggest that amylopectin retrogradation is one of the determinants of Arabic bread staling and that cross-linking promotes recrystallisation of amylopectin, possibly by keeping the polymer chains in close proximity. The rate of staling in breads formulated with cross-linked waxy barley starch decreased with increasing levels of cross-linking, possibly owing to restrictions in the degree of starch swelling. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Melatonin-mediated postharvest quality and antioxidant properties of fresh fruits: A comprehensive meta-analysis

At postharvest, fruits have a short shelf life. Recently, there has been much literature on the effects of melatonin on the postharvest quality of horticultural crops. However, reports of various findings comprise mixed claims and product-specific conclusions. Therefore, a meta-analysis systematically dissects the comprehensive effect on several fruits. In this meta-analysis, standard mean difference (SMD) was adopted using a random-effect model. The study used 36 articles and isolated 24 indicator parameters of postharvest quality and antioxidant properties based on the inclusion criteria. As exhibited in the forest plot, melatonin reduced chilling injury, weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene content (SMD −0.90, 95% CI [−1.14, −0.65]; I² = 81%; p < .00001). Similarly, the application of melatonin significantly suppressed electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, lipoxygenase, and polyphenol oxidase (SMD −0.89, 95% CI [−1.09, −0.69]; I² = 70%; p < .00001). In addition, exogenous melatonin application induced endogenous melatonin content, phenolic content, and flavonoid and anthocyanin contents (SMD 1.15, 95% CI [0.91, 1.39]; I² = 71%; p = .01). Moreover, melatonin treatment enhanced antioxidant activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyse) (SMD 1.37, 95% CI [1.03, 1.71]; I² = 86%; p < .00001). Thus, in the whole study, the overall effect was significantly high in treated fruit (p < .0001), and the overall heterogeneity was above (I²) > 70%. In addition, the funnel plot showed symmetry in the most selected studies. To sum up, the result gives a further understanding of melatonin's capabilities in reducing postharvest losses and maintaining the quality of fresh fruits.     

Chitosan and postharvest decay of fresh fruit: Meta-analysis of disease control and antimicrobial and eliciting activities

Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of regular consumption of fresh fruit in their diet. Since fresh fruit are highly sensitive to postharvest decay, several investigations focused on the study natural compounds alternative to synthetic fungicides, to extend their shelf life. A long list of studies reported the effectiveness of the natural biopolymer chitosan in control of postharvest diseases of fresh fruit. However, these findings remain controversial, with many mixed claims in the literature. In this work, we used random-effects meta-analysis to investigate the effects of 1% chitosan on (a) postharvest decay incidence; (b) mycelium growth of fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium spp., Colletotrichum spp. and Alternaria spp.; and (c) phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Chitosan significantly reduced postharvest disease incidence (mean difference [MD], −30.22; p < 0.00001) and in vitro mycelium growth (MD, −54.32; p  < 0.00001). For host defense responses, there were significantly increased activities of β-1,3-glucanase (MD, 115.06; p = 0.003) and chitinase (MD, 75.95; p < 0.0002). This systematic review contributes to confirm the multiple mechanisms of mechanisms of action of chitosan, which has unique properties in the natural compound panorama. Chitosan thus represents a model plant protection biopolymer for sustainable control of postharvest decay of fresh fruit.     

1-MCP suppresses ethylene biosynthesis and delays softening of 'Hami' melon during storage at ambient temperature

BACKGROUND: ‘Hami’ melon is susceptible to softening during postharvest storage at ambient temperature, which enhances postharvest deterioration and limits transportation and storage. To look for a method of softening control, the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on regulating postharvest softening of ‘Hami’ melon fruit was investigated. RESULTS: 1‐MCP treatment at 1 µL L^?1 significantly reduced ethylene production and maintained higher levels of fruit firmness. It also markedly inhibited the accumulation of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and maintained lower activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase. In addition, 1‐MCP treatment reduced the activities of fruit‐softening enzymes such as pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase, endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase and β‐galactosidase. CONCLUSION: 1‐MCP was effective in suppressing ethylene production and delaying fruit softening in ‘Hami’ melon by decreasing the activities of ethylene biosynthesis enzymes and inhibiting fruit‐softening enzymes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Phenolics and in-vitro degradability of protein and fibre in West African Browse

Relationships among soluble phenolics, soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidins (PAC), lignin, N, neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), and in-vitro degradability of protein and NDF were determined in 72 West African fodder trees and shrubs. Species were collected in the semi-arid (Niger), sub-humid (Nigeria) and humid/sub-humid (Benin) zones. Variation among species in chemical composition and in-vitro degradability of protein and NDF was large. Zones did not differ in mean content of phenolic compounds. Protein degradability was negatively correlated with soluble phenolics (r = ?0.34, P < 0.01) and soluble PAC (r = ?0.47, P < 0.001). NDF was positively correlated with soluble PAC (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), insoluble PAC (r = 0.28, P < 0.05) and lignin (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). NDF degradability was negatively correlated with soluble PAC (r = ?0.40, P < 0.001) and lignin (r = ?0.59, P < 0.001). Chemical composition and in-vitro degradability along with field observations can provide useful criteria for determining the nutritive value of browse species.     

Steeping‐induced physicochemical changes of milled waxy rice and their relation to the quality of yukwa (an oil‐puffed waxy rice snack)

The influence of water‐steeping periods (0 to 15 days, 25 °C) on the physicochemical properties of raw waxy rice in relation to the yukwa quality was investigated. The moisture contents in waxy rice and reducing sugar in its steeping medium were increased, while contents of protein and minerals of raw waxy rice were decreased in proportion to the water‐steeping duration. With longer steeping periods, swelling power, solubility and peak viscosity were increased, while grain hardness was decreased with apparent kernel structural change. Depending on the water‐steeping duration of raw waxy rice, the hardness decreased from 26.0 to 1.8 g, and the expansion ratio of yukwa increased from 762 to 1539%. Correlations between the physicochemical properties and yukwa quality indicated that variables having the most positive influential on expansion ratio were reducing sugar (γ = 0.961, P < 0.01) and peak viscosity (γ = 0.897, P < 0.01), and those for hardness of yukwa were crude protein (γ = 0.875, P < 0.01) and hardness (γ = 0.887, P < 0.01) of the steeped waxy rice. It is suggested that steeping‐induced physicochemical changes of raw waxy rice had a significant influence on the final quality of yukwa in terms of hardness and expansion ratio. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lignin Impact on Fibre Degradation: 1—Quinone Methide Intermediates Formedfrom Lignin DuringIn VitroFermentation ofCorn Stover*

Experiments were conducted to determine whether formation of quinone methide intermediates from lignin occurs during ruminal fermentation of corn stover, as indicated by nucleophilic addition reaction with sulphur-containing reducing agents. Corn stover leaf and stem fractions harvested at full maturity were incubated in buffered ruminal fluid without reducing agents or with (NH₄)₂SO₄ (S-control), Na₂S.9H₂O, cysteine-HCl (cysHCl), or cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O; and in only buffer with or without cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O. Mixed reducing agents (cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O) enhanced ( P< 0.001) in vitro fibre degradation after 48 h, tended to increase solubilisation of fibre ( P =0.07) and dry matter ( P =0.06) in buffer alone, and elevated ( P< 0.001) S-content of residual fibre. In vitro incorporation of S into the undegraded fibre was determined for corn stover fractions of varying lignin compositions that were harvested at two maturities (early dent and full maturity) in 2 years. Extent of fibre degradation was correlated with extent of S-incorporation ( r =-0.54, P< 0.001), and with lignin methoxyl content ( r =-0.84, P< 0.001). The negative association of lignin methoxyl content with digestibility is explained by the relative likelihood of quinone methide intermediate formation from guaiacyl and syringyl units in lignin.     

Effect of Extrusion on Physicochemical Properties,Digestibility, and Phenolic Profiles of Grit Fractions Obtained from Dry Milling of Normal and Waxy Corn

Extrusion behavior of grits obtained from 3 successive reductions of dry milling of 2 normal corn types and 1 waxy corn was studied at different extrusion temperatures (ET). The grit from each reduction stage (RS) showed the presence of base‐hydrolyzed bound protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, and the concentrations of these decreased after acid hydrolysis and that of gallic acid increased. African tall grit from all RSs showed the highest average specific mechanical energy (SME) and torque, while waxy corn grit had the lowest. Corn extrudates showed an increase in water solubility index (WSI) and a decrease in water absorption index (WAI), as well as in expansion ratio (ER) with an increase in ET. Extrudates from each corn type showed an increase in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and a decrease in slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch with an increase in ET. Most of the phenolics were present in bound form in extrudates, and quercetin, and catechin observed in grit were not present in extrudates. Frying of extrudates showed lower L^* and higher a^* and b^* when compared to color parameters of raw extrudates. Lower expansion of fried extrudates from waxy corn than those from other corn types may be related to its higher protein and fat contents and to lower amylose content.