Non-dairy probiotic products

There is evidence documenting the beneficial health effects of probiotic microorganisms. Also, many studies have reported that the best matrices to deliver probiotic are dairy fermented products. However, recently several raw materials have been extensively investigated to determine if they are suitable substrates to produce novel non-dairy probiotic microorganisms, and it has been found that traditional fermented foods may contain viable probiotic microorganisms. Numerous such examples can be found in the text. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the utilization of probiotics in new and traditional non-dairy products with probiotic potential. It was found that while cereals have been extensively investigated to develop new probiotic foods; further research about the probiotic beneficial effects of traditional fermented products is needed.     

Use of coatings of candelilla wax for the preservation of limes

Aqueous emulsions containing 10, 15 and 20% of candelilla wax (CW) were used for coating limes. The best preservation was got with 15% CW. Fruits treated with emulsions of different pH—6.50, 9.20 and 9.80—showed no reduction in the weight loss. The coatings of deresinised CW presented a non-beneficial effect. Limes coated with commercial wax lost slightly less weight than those with 15% CW. In all cases, citrus fruits were stored at room temperature. Changes of pH, acidity and ascorbic acid during storage were very similar with commercial or CW emulsions.