Applied Sciences

Research

17 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Sea Buckthorn or Rosehip Juices on the Physicochemical, Rheological, and Microbial Properties of Organic Goat or Cow Fermented Whey Beverages

by Maciej Bartoń, Robert Waraczewski and Bartosz G. Sołowiej

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031240 - 25 Jan 2025

Viewed by 839

Abstract

This study was focused on the production of fermented whey beverages (goat—sweet or sour whey, and cow—sweet or sour whey) enriched with organic fruit juices: sea buckthorn or rosehip. Our research included trials with unpasteurized whey and the combination of this whey with [...] Read more.

This study was focused on the production of fermented whey beverages (goat—sweet or sour whey, and cow—sweet or sour whey) enriched with organic fruit juices: sea buckthorn or rosehip. Our research included trials with unpasteurized whey and the combination of this whey with organic sea buckthorn and wild rosehip juices, fermented with lactic acid bacteria. Assessments of the physicochemical, rheological, and microbial properties of the above-mentioned beverages were conducted. Our findings indicated that the addition of organic fruit juices significantly improved the properties of the fermented whey beverages. Microbiological safety was ensured, with low levels of pathogenic microorganisms detected. The incorporation of organic cow’s and goat’s whey, combined with organic fruit juices, not only enhanced the health benefits but also diversified the available range of functional dairy products on the market. The additional goal of this study was to utilize liquid whey, commonly considered a waste in organic farms, and transform it into a valuable product, offering a wider variety of fermented beverages to consumers. This research also addresses the scale limitations of organic farms in whey processing and its potential transformation into functional products. By employing selected strains of lactic acid bacteria, we enhanced the health-promoting properties of the final products, potentially benefiting local producers by reducing waste and aligning with the European Green Deal standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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14 pages, 5843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of Chokeberry Pomace into Baked Products: Influence on the Quality of the Dough and the Muffins

by Anna Zbikowska, Piotr Lukasiak, Małgorzata Kowalska, Aleksandra Lukasiak, Mariola Kozłowska and Katarzyna Marciniak-Lukasiak

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9675; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219675 - 23 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 888

Abstract

The use of pomace in bakery products opens up new possibilities for the management of waste products from the fruit industry. Such activities are integral to the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy. In this research, the quality of dough and [...] Read more.

The use of pomace in bakery products opens up new possibilities for the management of waste products from the fruit industry. Such activities are integral to the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy. In this research, the quality of dough and final products was analyzed by replacing 10–50% of the typical flour (wheat, rice, and corn) with chokeberry pomace flour. The instrumental color measurements and the sensory analysis showed that the dough and the muffins made with the fruit flour were significantly different from the control samples. Flour substitutions of over 10%, while enriching muffins with chokeberry flour, led to a decrease in product quality (texture, dough rise, sensory quality), especially for muffins with gluten. The sensory study showed that a substitution of 10% of typical flour resulted in products acceptable to potential consumers, but a higher substitution reduced the overall quality. It was found that the use of chokeberry pomace in making muffins was limited and more feasible for gluten-free products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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16 pages, 1307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Impact of Reformulation of the Recipe Composition on the Quality of Instant Noodles

by Katarzyna Marciniak-Lukasiak, Ewelina Durajczyk, Aleksandra Lukasiak, Katarzyna Zbikowska, Piotr Lukasiak and Anna Zbikowska

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9362; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209362 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1467

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate how adding whey protein and transglutaminase impacts the quality of fried instant noodles. This research focused on analyzing various quality characteristics of the noodles based on the type and quantity of additives used. In the study, the following [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate how adding whey protein and transglutaminase impacts the quality of fried instant noodles. This research focused on analyzing various quality characteristics of the noodles based on the type and quantity of additives used. In the study, the following samples were produced: a control sample without additives and samples with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% of whey protein added, and 1 and 2% of transglutaminase were applied to each sample with whey protein addition. The following features were determined: fat content, water content, hydration time, hardness, adhesiveness, firmness, colour, browning index and a sensory evaluation of the macarons. The addition of whey protein, either alone or in combination with transglutaminase, reduced the fat content and increased the water content. The lowest fat content was obtained for the sample containing 5% whey protein and 2% transglutaminase (15.13%). The water content was observed in the range 2.53–3.72%. The hydration time of the instant noodles obtained increased with the use of more additives, but did not exceed 5 min in any of the samples tested. The use of additives affected the colour parameters and improved the textural properties of the noodles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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17 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Processing and Storage of Very-Low-Sugar Apple Jams Prepared with Sugar Substitution by Steviol Glycosides on Chosen Physicochemical Attributes and Sensory and Microbiological Quality

by Marlena Pielak and Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8219; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188219 - 12 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

Consumers have become more aware of the impact of nutrition on health, paying attention to the composition and origin of food and looking for natural products. There is a trend towards a “healthy” diet with low-energy foods and a preference for healthier alternatives. [...] Read more.

Consumers have become more aware of the impact of nutrition on health, paying attention to the composition and origin of food and looking for natural products. There is a trend towards a “healthy” diet with low-energy foods and a preference for healthier alternatives. This study aimed to assess the technological quality and food safety of very-low-sugar apple jams with steviol glycosides substituting sugar in various quantities. Apple jam variants with SG substitution at concentrations of 30, 50, and 80% selected in preliminary studies were subjected to physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological analyses during storage for 3 and 6 months. The studied jams were sensorily acceptable, and no significant changes in the technological quality of the products were observed, apart from color darkening. The microbiological quality during storage for 3 and 6 months was also satisfactory. The use of a natural sweetener, steviol glycosides, in the production of apple jam was shown to be satisfactory. It resulted in a product with taste and odor similar to conventional jam but with a low energy value. This product is suitable for people with diabetes, people on a restrictive diet, or those who pay attention to a product’s natural features, in line with the clean-label trend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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17 pages, 3850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Sourdough Bread Made with Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Bacteria Addition

by Dorota Zielińska and Aleksandra Kostrzewska

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146155 - 15 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1753

Abstract

Bread is a staple in the diet of people around the world. A new solution is the addition of selected strains of bacteria to the sourdough to increase the quality of the obtained bread. In the presented research, seven bread samples were baked [...] Read more.

Bread is a staple in the diet of people around the world. A new solution is the addition of selected strains of bacteria to the sourdough to increase the quality of the obtained bread. In the presented research, seven bread samples were baked and analysed, which differed by the selected strain of bacteria of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species used in sourdough preparation. The bread was subjected to a 3-day ageing test. The structure of the products was analysed using the texture profile analysis (TPA) method on days 1 and 3 of storage. It was observed that the samples with the addition of selected L. plantarum bacterial strains underwent the process of staling much slower than the control sample. The analysis of the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in products after 1 and 3 days of storage was also performed. The obtained results indicate the highest survival rate of LAB in the control sample, i.e., the native microflora of baker’s starters, which was at 3.07 log CFU after one-day storage after baking. In the case of other samples, the viability of the bacteria was below 2.74 log CFU, which confirms a certain degree of thermostability of selected bacterial strains. The belonging of the isolated bacteria to the species L. plantarum was proven via genetic identification using the PCR method. A sensory analysis using the quantitative descriptive profile (QDP) method was also performed on the bread immediately after it was baked and cooled down. The analysis showed that the use of L. plantarum strains as starters did not significantly affect the aromatic and taste profiles of the samples compared to the control sample. The overall quality of the bread samples was high, above 6 units, with the control sample having the highest sensory quality of 7.5 units (on a scale of 0–10 units). The presented research suggests that it is possible to produce bread with bacteria that have health-promoting properties and good sensory quality, which enhances the textural features of the final product. Future research will focus on attempting to microencapsulate selected thermostable probiotic bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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15 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Application Possibilities of Dried Walnut Leaves (Juglans regia L.) in the Production of Wheat Bread

by Karolina Pycia, Agata Maria Pawłowska and Joanna Kaszuba

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3468; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083468 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349

Abstract

The main aim of this work was to assess the possibility of using dried walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.) in the production of wheat bread. In the developed recipe, wheat flour was partially replaced with dried and powdered walnut leaves (WLs) in [...] Read more.

The main aim of this work was to assess the possibility of using dried walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.) in the production of wheat bread. In the developed recipe, wheat flour was partially replaced with dried and powdered walnut leaves (WLs) in amounts of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%. Serving as a control sample was wheat bread without WLs. The bread was made using a single-phase method using yeast. As part of the research methodology, laboratory baking parameters (dough yield, total oven loss, bread yield), loaf volume and loaf specific volume were determined. Additionally, the colors of the dough, crust and bread crumb were determined in the CIE L*a*b* space. The crumb texture profile was assessed using the TPA test. Additionally, the antioxidant power and the total phenolic content of the dough and bread were tested. The consumer acceptability of the sensory features of the bread was also assessed. The test results were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. It was found that enriching the bread recipe with WLs had a significant impact on its quality. The control bread had the highest volume, and replacing wheat flour with dried leaves resulted in a significant reduction in volume, which was greater at higher WLs contents. Similarly, as the proportion of WLs in the recipe increased, a significant decrease in the brightness of both the dough and the crumb of the obtained bread was observed. A texture analysis showed that bread with a WLs content of 2.5% was the most different from the control bread and other tested breads. However, it was found that enriching bread with the unconventional addition of walnut leaves had a very good effect on its health benefits. The antioxidant activity and the content of total phenolics in the bread grew with the increase in the share of WLs in the recipe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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14 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Gluten-Free Bread Based on Maize and Buckwheat and Enriched with Aromatic Herbs and Spices

by Laura Ruiz-Aceituno, Natalia Casado, Emma Arriero-Romo, Sonia Morante-Zarcero, Almudena Lázaro and Isabel Sierra

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3348; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083348 - 16 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2268

Abstract

This work aimed to develop high-quality gluten-free bread based on maize and buckwheat with good palatability and texture properties. Different aromatic herbs and spices were incorporated as ingredients to evaluate whether their addition could influence the acceptability of consumers by improving the sensory [...] Read more.

This work aimed to develop high-quality gluten-free bread based on maize and buckwheat with good palatability and texture properties. Different aromatic herbs and spices were incorporated as ingredients to evaluate whether their addition could influence the acceptability of consumers by improving the sensory properties of the final product. The bread formulation was first optimized through a response surface methodology. Accordingly, high specific volume, high springiness, and low hardness provided the best theoretical bread quality. However, when developing the product, some sensory defects were detected. Therefore, the addition of other ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, and yeast) was tested. Finally, five different gluten-free bread with different combinations of aromatic herbs and spices were obtained. They were nutritionally characterized and subjected to sensory analysis by a panel of 140 consumers. The chemical composition of all bread was very similar, with only slight differences among them. Likewise, all of them received acceptable sensory scores (>5) from consumers, and some combinations of herbs and spices obtained scores higher than in the control bread (without herbs and spices). Overall, the gluten-free bread formulated with the combination of basil and oregano was the one that consumers significantly liked the most. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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16 pages, 4876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pulsed Electric Field on Oil Extraction Rate and Tocopherol in Peony Seeds

by Wei Xu, Jianfei Liu, Ye Tian, Junchi Liu and Zhengshi Chang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083299 - 14 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Peony seed oil, known for its high nutritional value and low production yield, has become a crucial component in high-quality health products. Consequently, enhancing the extraction efficiency of peony seed oil has become an industry objective. Pulse electric field (PEF) technology, as a [...] Read more.

Peony seed oil, known for its high nutritional value and low production yield, has become a crucial component in high-quality health products. Consequently, enhancing the extraction efficiency of peony seed oil has become an industry objective. Pulse electric field (PEF) technology, as a non-thermal extraction method, has shown promising advancements in improving plant oil yield by enhancing cell permeability. In this study, we designed a static parallel plate PEF treatment unit to process peony seed particles. By manipulating pulse voltage parameters, we investigated the effects of particle size and PEF strength on the oil yield. We also analyzed and evaluated tocopherol in the oil before and after treatment. The results demonstrated that PEF significantly increased the oil yield. Both treated and control groups exhibited gradually increased oil yields with decreasing particle size until reaching saturation at a certain particle size. Increasing voltage frequency did not have a significant impact on the oil yield; however, increasing voltage amplitude resulted in an optimal point for maximum oil yield. Analysis of oil composition indicated that PEF appropriately increased tocopherol content. These findings provide a foundation for further optimization of PEF parameters to assist in extracting peony seed oil and facilitate its industrial application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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19 pages, 1477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Baking Properties of Rye Flour Based on the Polysaccharide Content and Properties

by Sylwia Stępniewska, Grażyna Cacak-Pietrzak, Anna Szafrańska, Ewa Ostrowska-Ligęza, Agnieszka Salamon and Hanna Kowalska

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072772 - 26 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the baking quality of rye flour in terms of the content and properties of its polysaccharides, i.e., starch and pentosans. The study materials were low- and high-extract rye flours produced in industrial mills from the rye grain of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the baking quality of rye flour in terms of the content and properties of its polysaccharides, i.e., starch and pentosans. The study materials were low- and high-extract rye flours produced in industrial mills from the rye grain of two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). The results of the starch content, falling number, amylograph properties, DSC test, content of pentosans, swelling curve test, and laboratory baking test were determined. It was found that the type of flour had a greater impact on the baking quality of rye flour than the year of its production. Research has shown that the most frequently used parameters, such as the falling number and the maximum viscosity of starch paste, are not good indicators for assessing the baking value of currently produced rye flours. From the parameters used for evaluating the properties of the starch–amylolytic complex, the initial and onset temperatures for starch gelatinization were the best indicators for evaluating the baking quality of rye flour. This study revealed a significant correlation between the pentosan content (total, water soluble, and insoluble), swelling curve parameters and quality parameters of rye bread, such as the specific bread volume, bread crumb moisture, and bread crumb hardness. Assessment of the baking value of rye flour based only on the evaluated properties of the starch–amylolytic complex is currently not sufficient to determine the baking quality of rye flour and predict the quality of rye bread. This study on the baking quality of rye flour should be extended to include the assessment of the dough properties related to the pentosan content and the enzymes that degrade these components. It was shown that the properties of rye dough related to the content of pentosan can be characterized based on the swelling curve test as a method that, together with the initial and onset starch gelatinization temperatures, allows better assessment of the baking quality of the commercial rye flour and its suitability for the good-quality rye bread production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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18 pages, 3714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection of the Processing Method for Green Banana Chips from Barraganete and Dominico Varieties Using Multivariate Techniques

by Liliana M. Chamorro-Hernandez, Erick P. Herrera-Granda and Carlos Rivas-Rosero

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2682; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072682 - 22 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2754

Abstract

Due to their contribution to human health, healthy snacks have garnered the attention of the scientific community and the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of frying and baking processing methods for producing green banana chips using two varieties: [...] Read more.

Due to their contribution to human health, healthy snacks have garnered the attention of the scientific community and the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of frying and baking processing methods for producing green banana chips using two varieties: Barraganete and Dominico. The aim was to identify a treatment geared toward producing healthy snacks. Initially, the physicochemical properties of the raw materials were analyzed, revealing significant differences in starch, fat, fiber, and protein content. Subsequently, the bananas were processed into baked and fried chips. Multivariate statistical techniques such as ANCOVA, MANOVA, and post-hoc tests were applied to examine the influence of initial characteristics and detect variations attributable to the cooking method. The main findings show that the initial protein level had a significant covariate effect on the final content in the chips. The Dominico variety generally proved more suitable for making baked chips, retaining higher percentages of protein, starch, and fiber and lower fat content than Barraganete. Baked chips showed significantly lower sodium and fat values than fried ones when differentiated by processing method. The “Dominico + Baked” treatment emerged as the superior alternative, with favorable levels of protein and starch and low levels of sodium and fat, positioning it as the most suitable for producing a healthy snack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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13 pages, 1661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Plant-Based Structuring Ingredients on Physicochemical Properties of Whey Ice Creams

by Marta Tomczyńska-Mleko, Artur Mykhalevych, Victoria Sapiga, Galyna Polishchuk, Konrad Terpiłowski, Stanisław Mleko, Bartosz G. Sołowiej and Salvador Pérez-Huertas

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062465 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The dairy industry is actively seeking new applications for various types of whey. One promising direction is the development of nutritious ice cream, using a blend of different whey proteins. However, the production of whey ice cream is hindered by the occurrence of [...] Read more.

The dairy industry is actively seeking new applications for various types of whey. One promising direction is the development of nutritious ice cream, using a blend of different whey proteins. However, the production of whey ice cream is hindered by the occurrence of quality issues, primarily stemming from a low content of solids, particularly fat and protein. The development of natural components with distinctive technological attributes, such as the ability to bind excess moisture, enhance foaming properties, and replicate the taste of milk fat, is of significant relevance in food science. In this work, we investigated the influence of plant-based structuring ingredients on the viscoelastic characteristics of whey-based ice creams. Notably, mixes such as 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 0.75% oat β-glucan, 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 0.5% yeast β-glucan, and 0.4% Vianoks C45 + 3% whey protein complex + 10% vegetable purée from table beet have been proven to be effective stabilizing compositions. However, attempts to combine the whey protein complex with other types of vegetable purées like zucchini and broccoli did not yield satisfactory results. It has also been found that β-glucan from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and κ-carrageenan, a component of the Vianoks C45 stabilization system, forms a robust gel within the system. Analysis of the aqueous phase in whey-based ice creams revealed a consistent correlation between water activity, surface tension, and rheological behavior. Finally, the ice creams that exhibited the best viscoelastic characteristics also had the best sensory attributes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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14 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Innovative Bars Enriched with Aronia melanocarpa By-Product Powder

by Bogdan Constantin Bratosin, Gheorghe-Adrian Martău, Călina Ciont, Floricuța Ranga, Elemér Simon, Katalin Szabo, Sorina Darjan, Bernadette-Emőke Teleky and Dan Cristian Vodnar

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062338 - 11 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

In a quest to meet the rising demand for nutrient-rich products, this study delves into the realm of innovative bars enriched with Aronia melanocarpa by-product powder. By repurposing waste material from fruit pressing, the research unveils a sustainable approach to enhancing the health [...] Read more.

In a quest to meet the rising demand for nutrient-rich products, this study delves into the realm of innovative bars enriched with Aronia melanocarpa by-product powder. By repurposing waste material from fruit pressing, the research unveils a sustainable approach to enhancing the health profile of food products. Two variants of bars were used: one as a control and the other enriched with freeze-dried aronia by-product powder. Both bars had similar nutrient content, containing approximately 10% fibre, 12.20% protein, 20.51% fat, and 429–430 kcal calories. The investigation showcases a remarkable 61% increase in antioxidant activity in bars enriched with freeze-dried aronia powder compared to traditional bars. In vitro digestion tests demonstrated enhanced nutrient release in aronia powder-enriched bars. Moreover, a 70-day storage analysis demonstrated the microbiological stability of the bars, which is essential for their commercial viability (final total viable cell count 4.41 log₁₀ CFU/g). Also, total fungi-yeast and moulds increased to 4.17 ± 0.131 log₁₀ CFU/g for aronia bars and to 3.91 ± 0.107 log₁₀ CFU/g for control bars after 70 days of storage. This collaborative research effort not only sheds light on the nutritional and physico–chemical characteristics of the innovative bars but also propels the development of functional food products with heightened antioxidant content and bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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16 pages, 3232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Peruvian Flours via NIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

by Milton Martínez-Julca, Renny Nazario-Naveda, Moises Gallozzo-Cárdenas, Segundo Rojas-Flores, Hector Chinchay-Espino, Amilu Alvarez-Escobedo and Emzon Murga-Torres

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11534; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011534 - 21 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1698

Abstract

Nowadays, nutritional foods have a great impact on healthy diets. In particular, maca, oatmeal, broad bean, soybean, and algarrobo are widely used in different ways in the daily diets of many people due to their nutritional components. However, many of these foods share [...] Read more.

Nowadays, nutritional foods have a great impact on healthy diets. In particular, maca, oatmeal, broad bean, soybean, and algarrobo are widely used in different ways in the daily diets of many people due to their nutritional components. However, many of these foods share certain physical similarities with others of lower quality, making it difficult to identify them with certainty. Few studies have been conducted to find any differences using practical techniques with minimal preparation and in short durations. In this work, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) were used to classify and distinguish samples based on their chemical properties. The spectral data were pretreated to further highlight the differences among the samples determined via PCA. The results indicate that the raw spectral data of all the samples had similar patterns, and their respective PCA analysis results could not be used to differentiate them. However, pretreated data differentiated the foods in separate clusters according to score plots. The main difference was a C-O band that corresponded to a vibration mode at 4644 cm⁻¹ associated with protein content. PCA combined with spectral analysis can be used to differentiate and classify foods using small samples through the chemical properties on their surfaces. This study contributes new knowledge toward the more precise identification of foods, even if they are combined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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Review

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19 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Compounds, Composition and Potential Applications of Avocado Agro-Industrial Residues: A Review

by Alejandra Féliz-Jiménez and Ramon Sanchez-Rosario

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 10070; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142110070 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3018

Abstract

In recent years, the global production and industrialization of avocados has led to the generation of large numbers of peel, seeds, and leaf by-products with significant environmental implications. Current efforts, including the Sustainable Development Goals, aim towards the development of sustainable operations through [...] Read more.

In recent years, the global production and industrialization of avocados has led to the generation of large numbers of peel, seeds, and leaf by-products with significant environmental implications. Current efforts, including the Sustainable Development Goals, aim towards the development of sustainable operations through the valorization of waste. Previous research has focused on studying the rich chemical composition of these avocado by-products. Current studies are working on the isolation of polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and other bioactive compounds found in avocado peel, seeds and leaves for applications in nutraceutical products in the food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. The inclusion of these extracts in industrial matrices often requires stabilization technologies such as encapsulation emulsions to ensure the delivery and bioactivity of these target compounds. This review will discuss the global production volumes of avocado and its by-products as well as the potential inclusion in various industries based on their chemical compositions. Additionally, this work addresses the various applications that have been previously proposed for the wastes and their extracts. This review also covers the stabilization techniques previously employed in avocado extract treatment, their applications, and the current challenges and opportunities associated with avocado by-products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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18 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advanced Technologies in Food Processing—Development Perspective

by Patrycja Gazda and Paweł Glibowski

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093617 - 24 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6455

Abstract

Research into innovative techniques in food technology is developing dynamically. This is indicated by the significant increase in the number of scientific studies in this field. The aim of this work was to provide a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the available scientific evidence [...] Read more.

Research into innovative techniques in food technology is developing dynamically. This is indicated by the significant increase in the number of scientific studies in this field. The aim of this work was to provide a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the available scientific evidence on new techniques used in food that not only increase efficiency but also enable the creation of products with desirable sensory and nutritional characteristics. Research on techniques including cold plasma, high-pressure processing, ultrasound, pulsed electric fields, sous vide, and microwave heating aims to provide innovative methods of food processing, in the context of meeting growing consumer expectations and optimizing production processes in the food industry. Compared to traditional food processing methods, innovative techniques can provide more efficient solutions in the processing of products. Research on alternative non-thermal methods in food technology suggests their possible benefits, including enhancing sensory and nutritional quality, minimizing environmental impact, and increasing production efficiency, which are a significant challenge in the modern food industry. Despite the many benefits, it is worthwhile to continue research to further improve modern food technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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29 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insight into the Impact of Food Processing and Culinary Preparations on the Stability and Content of Plant Alkaloids Considered as Natural Food Contaminants

by Natalia Casado, Gema Casado-Hidalgo, Lorena González-Gómez, Sonia Morante-Zarcero and Isabel Sierra

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031704 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4727

Abstract

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids and opium alkaloids are natural plant toxins that have recently gained special interest in food safety due to their concerning occurrence in many foods and feeds. Although a legislation for these alkaloids has recently been established, the concentration levels [...] Read more.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids and opium alkaloids are natural plant toxins that have recently gained special interest in food safety due to their concerning occurrence in many foods and feeds. Although a legislation for these alkaloids has recently been established, the concentration levels of these toxins in food exceed in many cases the maximum limit established by the competent authorities. Moreover, these regulations only establish maximum limits of these compounds for certain raw materials, but processed products are generally not considered. However, it is important to correctly assess the potential health risk of these alkaloids through the diet. Accordingly, this review aims to provide insight into these alkaloids and give an overview on how food processing and culinary preparation can influence their content and stability. For this purpose, the most relevant works that address the effect of heat treatment, fermentation, infusion preparation (transfer rate) and other treatments (milling, washing and soaking) on these natural toxins are reviewed. To date, this research field has been scarcely studied and many of the results published are contradictory, so it is not always possible to establish conclusive findings. In many cases, this is due to a lack of experimental design and exhaustive control of the different variables that may affect these treatments and preparations. Likewise, considering the transformation of these alkaloids into toxic degradation products it is also of high interest. Therefore, further studies are needed to delve deeper into the stability of these toxins and to understand how their content may be affected by the transformation of contaminated raw materials into processed products, so that the risk exposure of the population to these alkaloids through diet can be determined more precisely. Hence, this topic constitutes a research line of great interest for future works with many challenges to be resolved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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15 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Nutritional Analysis of Plant-Based Meat: Current Advances and Future Potential

by Padma Ishwarya Shankaran and Priyanka Kumari

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4154; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104154 - 14 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4455

Abstract

This perspective article delves into the current state of the art pertaining to the nutritional aspects of plant-based meat and identifies future opportunities for improvement in this line of research. A comparative overview of the macro- and micronutrients of plant-based meat products vis-à-vis [...] Read more.

This perspective article delves into the current state of the art pertaining to the nutritional aspects of plant-based meat and identifies future opportunities for improvement in this line of research. A comparative overview of the macro- and micronutrients of plant-based meat products vis-à-vis conventional animal meat is presented in the initial section. This article explains the differences in their nutritional profiles, highlighting the advantages (equivalent protein content, low saturated fat, source of dietary fiber) and challenges (incomplete amino acid profile, anti-nutrients, and low bioavailability of nutrients) of plant-based alternatives. Emphasis has been placed on the health challenges posed by anti-nutrients in plant-based meat and the role of phytase as a promising solution for mitigating these concerns. The latter sections of this article highlight the ability of phytase enzymes to cause a substantial reduction in phytic acid content and improve the absorption of iron and zinc from the food matrix while not affecting the textural attributes of end products. By deliberating on these critical factors, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the nutritional aspects of plant-based meat and the scientific strategies to mitigate the nutritional challenges currently associated with this category of alternative protein products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Food Quality)

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