Total Sugar Content Research Articles

Full quantitative resource utilization of raw mustard waste through integrating a comprehensive approach for producing hydrogen and soil amendments

BackgroundPickled mustard, the largest cultivated vegetable in China, generates substantial waste annually, leading to significant environmental pollution due to challenges in timely disposal, leading to decomposition and sewage issues. Consequently, the imperative to address this concern centers on the reduction and comprehensive resource utilization of raw mustard waste (RMW). To achieve complete and quantitative resource utilization of RMW, this study employs novel technology integration for optimizing its higher-value applications.ResultsInitially, subcritical hydrothermal technology was applied for rapid decomposition, with subsequent ammonia nitrogen removal via zeolite. Thereafter, photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, were employed to maximize hydrogen and methane gas production using various fermentation enhancement agents. Subsequent solid-liquid separation yielded liquid fertilizer from the fermented liquid and soil amendment from solid fermentation remnants. Results indicate that the highest glucose yield (29.6 ± 0.14) was achieved at 165–173℃, with a total sugar content of 50.2 g/L and 64% glucose proportion. Optimal ammonia nitrogen removal occurred with 8 g/L zeolite and strain stable growth at 32℃, with the highest OD600 reaching 2.7. Several fermentation promoters, including FeSO4, Neutral red, Na2S, flavin mononucleotide, Nickel titanate, Nickel oxide, and Mixture C, were evaluated for hydrogen production. Notably, Mixture C resulted in the maximum hydrogen production (756 mL), a production rate of 14 mL/h, and a 5-day stable hydrogen production period. Composting experiments enhanced humic acid content and organic matter (OM) by 17% and 15%, respectively.ConclusionsThis innovative technology not only expedites RMW treatment and hydrogen yield but also substantially enriches soil fertility. Consequently, it offers a novel approach for low-carbon, zero-pollution RMW management. The study’s double outcomes extend to large-scale RMW treatment based on the aim of full quantitative resource utilization of RMW. Our method provides a valuable reference for waste management in similar perishable vegetable plantations.

Landscape and land use affect composition and nutritional values of bees’ food

Bees are primary pollinators across various terrestrial biomes and rely heavily on floral resources for sustenance. The composition of landscapes can influence bee foraging behavior, while human activities can directly affect both the composition and nutritional value of bee food. We aimed to assess how landscape structure and land use practices can impact the composition and nutritional value of food sources for two generalist social bee species, Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica. Food samples were collected from twenty-five colonies of A. mellifera and thirteen of S. postica to examine how food composition and nutritional value may vary based on the extent of human land use and the composition of landscapes surrounding beekeeping sites. The pollen composition and nutritional value of A. mellifera were influenced by both land use practices and landscape heterogeneity. The number of patches determined total sugar and lipid content. Landscape heterogeneity affected pollen composition in S. postica, primarily due to the number of patches, while total sugar was affected by landscape diversity. Pollen nutritional value in S. postica was linked to land use, mainly meadow and vegetation, which influenced total sugar and dry matter. S. postica showed a higher sensitivity to land use changes compared to A. mellifera, which was more affected by landscape heterogeneity. Assuring landscape heterogeneity by preserving remaining forest patches around apiaries and meliponaries is crucial. Thoughtful land use planning is essential to support beekeeping activities and ensure an adequate quantity and quality of bee food resources.

Biochemical, anatomical, and histochemical characterization of cachichín (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. & C.H. Thomps: Metteniusaceae) seeds exposed to different thermal treatments

Background Cachichín (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. & C.H. Thomps: Metteniusaceae) is an arboreal species native to the Misantla mountain range, Veracruz, Mexico, whose fruit contains an edible seed with potential nutraceutical properties. Basic biochemical analyses have been performed, though the effects of thermal treatments on the concentration of vital molecules, the seed structure and the histochemistry have yet to be elicited. Herewith we determined the effect of different thermal treatments on the concentrations of total sugars; glucose and fructose; proteins; and amino acids; as well as the impact of such treatments on the anatomy and histochemistry of seeds. Methods Biochemical, anatomical, and histochemical characterizations of the cachichín seed were carried out in raw form (T1) and under three thermal treatments: boiled (T2), commercial toasting (T3), and controlled toasting (T4). The biochemical variables evaluated were total and reducing sugars, total proteins, and total amino acids. Observations of the seed structure were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while histochemical staining was carried out to identify starch, lipids, tannins, polysaccharides and proteins under compound light microscopy. Results Concentration of total sugars was reduced in boiled (T2) and commercial toasting (T3) seeds as compared to raw (T1) and controlled toasting (T4) seeds; boiled seeds (T3) displayed the lowest concentration of total sugars. An increase in the concentrations of glucose and fructose was observed in T4. As compared to T1, all other treatments did not change protein concentrations in the seed; the only significant difference observed was between T2 and T3, with commercial toasting displaying the highest mean for this variable. Amino acid concentrations decreased in T3 and T4 compared to T1, while in T2 the concentration of these molecules increased. The anatomic analysis of (T1) revealed a well-organized structure, compared to applied thermal treatments, where degradation of anatomical structures was observed. In general, the thermal treatments tested modified the concentrations and distribution of starch, lipids, tannins, polysaccharides and proteins as compared to raw seeds. The raw cachichín seed has a well-defined anatomical and cellular compartmental organization, while the application of the thermal treatments caused a loss of its structural organization and degradation of vital biomolecules. Conclusion The cachichín seed can be considered a good source of proteins and lipids. Thermal treatments can improve its organoleptic properties, though they negatively impact its nutritional value and anatomical structure. Among thermal treatments tested, the controlled toasting can maintain or even improve some nutraceutical properties with a few structural and biochemical modifications.

Formation of flavor compositions of vegetable casseroles using carbohydrate-fat fillers

The purpose of the research is to evaluate flavor compositions formed during the action of high temperatures on individual processes of the technological scheme for the production of vegetable semi-finished products and complex interaction in the structure of the finished product, taking into account the use of carbohydrate-protein fillers. The research presents some features of the flow of physicochemical reactions that make it possible to describe the dynamics of the interaction of nutrients in the formed binary compositions of carbohydrate-fat structures of plant systems in the process of temperature exposure. The methods used. To carry out the tests, the potentiometric method was used and the pH of each sample was determined using the Expert-001-3pH device. Determinations of sugars were carried out according to GOST 8756.13-87 using the permanganate method; dry substances according to GOST 31640-2012; organoleptic assessment according to GOST ISO 6658–2015. The objects: samples of semi-finished products containing 12, 24, 36% carrots and 4, 8, 12% onions. The results. It has been established that sauteing treatment promotes the formation of a complex of flavoring and aromatic substances, depending on the type of vegetables. With increasing intensity of processing, the concentration of carbohydrates in the sautes increases, as well as the amount of dry matter. It has been found that in all samples the amount of organic acids increases with increasing temperature, pH decreases in carrots from 6.0-6.3; 5.5-7.0 to 4.2-5.9, and onions from 5.5-6.1; 6.4-7.9 to 3.0-5.0. For clarity of experiments, graphs of the dependence of the processing intensity on the amount of dry substances, carbohydrates, tissue softening and the formation of the flavor and aromatic range have been presented. Conclusion. The experimental data and dependencies obtained will be useful when considering more complex processes of mass transfer, sucrose inversion, and destruction of protein-carotenoid complexes. The perception of raw carrots is complex: the balance between sweetness and bitterness, which are the main criteria for the sensory quality of carrots. It intensifies when sauteed. A richer sweet taste appears. This perception of sweetness is determined by the ratio: sugar and bitterness. It does not have a direct correlation with the total sugar content in samples with carrots and sautéed onions.

Sorbus spp. berries extraction in subcritical water: Bioactives recovery and antioxidant activity

With the aim of developing a sustainable and efficient extraction of polyphenols-rich fraction from Sorbus spp., Microwave-Assisted Subcritical Water Extraction (MASWE) was selected as the technique of choice. Although Sorbus spp. berries are rich in nutraceutical compounds, they are generally underutilised. The extracts obtained contain caffeoylquinic acids (i.e. chlorogenic acids), flavonoids, and organic acids, all of which are active components with potential applications in innovative functional foods due to their potent antioxidant activity. To optimise the extraction protocol, different temperatures and different species of the above genus were studied to improve the recovery of the polyphenolic fractions and obtain products with potential high bioactivity. The best resulting sample was studied more in detail using different colorimetric assays (total content of polyphenols, flavonoids and sugars – TPC, 406.43 mgGAE/gext; TFC, 13.5 mgQE/gext; TSC, 454.1 mgGlu/gext), purification streams, and LC-MS analyses. However, the most remarkable property observed is the outstanding antioxidant activity of the extract (4.74 mmolTrolox.eq/gext). In order to obtain a refined product rich in bioactive compounds, a purification protocol was performed leading to a final TPC selectivity of about 87 % and 10.12 mmolTrolox.eq/gext. Qualitative LC-MS analyses helped to identify chlorogenic acids as predominant in the extract, along with methyl esters of sorbic acid.

Impact of Geographical Conditions on Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Different Extracts of Ajuga iva

In the present investigation, various cultivars of Ajuga iva were collected from different locations in Morocco in 2022. These cultivars were subjected to extraction using different solvents, namely water, ethanol and methanol, to obtain extracts from their aerial parts. The extracts were then analyzed to determine their total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total sugar content, hydrolysable tannin content, condensed tannin content and antioxidant activity. The results obtained from the analysis revealed the following quantities for the different parameters: The total phenolic content ranged from 226.04±8.47 to 22.59±2.43 mg GAE/g dw, the total flavonoid content ranged from 22.27±0.11 to 3.35±0.006 mg QE/g dw, the total sugar content ranged from 38.78±2.56 to 2.88±0.18 mg/g dw, the reducing sugar content ranged from 7.17±0.45 to 0.41±0.007 mg/g dw, the hydrolysable tannin content ranged from 12.25±0.017 to 0.75±0.15 mg TAE/g dw, the condensed tannin content ranged from 25.49±0.53 to 3.35±1.85 mg/g dw and the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 0.18±0.012 to 0.010±0.004 mg AAE/g dw. Furthermore, a principal component analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the different parameters. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and hydrolysable tannin content with the total antioxidant capacity. This suggests that these compounds contribute significantly to the antioxidant capacity of Ajuga iva. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that Ajuga iva contains substantial amounts of bioactive compounds and possesses a noteworthy antioxidant capacity. These results contribute to the understanding of the chemical composition and potential health benefits of Ajuga iva.

Karakteristik Kimia dan Sensori Fruit Leather Buah Kuini dan Umbi Bit

Chemical and sensory properties of kuini fruit and beetroot was studied by using Completely Randomized Design with five treatments and three replications. The treatments were kuini fruit and beetroot pulp combination, namely KB1 (90:10), KB2 (80:20), KB3 (70:30), KB4 (60:40), and KB5 (50:50). Moisture content, ash content, pH, crude fiber content, total sugar content, antioxidant activity, and sensory assessment (descriptive and hedonic) were observed on the fruit leather. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by using Anova and DNMRT at a α 0.05 level. The results showed that the combination of kuini fruit and beetroot in the fruit leather had a significant effect on moisture content, ash content, pH, crude fiber content, total sugar content, and sensory assessment of the fruit leather. The best treatment in this research was KB2 with characteristics of 9.75% moisture content, 0.84% ash content, 3.46 pH, 4.16% crude fiber content, 63.73% total sugar content, and 181.32 ppm IC50. The best treatment of fruit leather was dark red color, very flavorful kuini fruit, very sweet, and chewy texture that was preferred by panelists for an overall assessment.

A comparison of the nutritional quality of ready-to-cook meals and conventional home-cooked meals in Korea

In this study, the nutritional contents of ready-to-cook (RTC) meals distributed in Korea were compared to those of conventional home-cooked meals to evaluate the nutritional quality of RTC meals. A total of 42 samples of RTC meals were collected in 2021 and prepared according to the recipes provided in the meal packages. They were categorized into five groups and 23 types, which included four types of soup, six types of stew, four types of hot pot, four types of noodles, and five types of braised dishes. A total of 23 samples of home-cooked meals corresponding to individual types of RTC meals were prepared using recipes from the Korean food composition database. Both RTC and home-cooked meals shared similarities in the types and quantities of individual ingredients (grains, vegetables, meats/fishes, and sauces). No distinct differences were observed in the contents of energy, proximate components, total saturated fatty acids, total trans fatty acids, and Na between both meals. RTC meals exhibited a significantly higher total sugar content within the groups of stew and noodles and tended to show increased total sugar content within the groups of soup and hot pot when compared to that of home-cooked meals. When compared to the recommended World Health Organization daily intake, the Na content per serving in both home-cooked and RTC meals tended to be greater (17.1–167.3% of the daily intake value) than those of total saturated fatty acids, total trans fatty acids, and total sugars (0.8–49.7%, 0–20.0%, and 0–54.7%, respectively).

Comparative transcriptomic insights into the domestication of Pleurotus abieticola for coniferous cultivation.

Introduction: Pleurotus abieticola, a promising edible fungus in the Pleurotaceae family, especially its ability to utilize coniferous substrate, holds significant potential for commercial cultivation. However, few reports on the adaptation of P. abieticola to coniferous substrate from the perspective of omics. Methods: This study explores the biological characteristics, domestication process, and nutritional composition of P. abieticola, along with its adaptability to coniferous substrates using transcriptomics. We assessed biological characteristics, optimizing mycelial growth on agar medium with varied carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature, and pH. Additionally, the optimization process extended to fruiting bodies, where impact on the differentiation were evaluated under varying light conditions. Fruiting body nutrient composition was analyzed per the Chinese National Food Safety Standard. Transcriptome sequencing focused on P. abieticola mycelial colonized coniferous and broadleaved substrates. Results and Discussion: The optimal conditions for mycelial growth were identified: dextrin (carbon source), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (nitrogen source), 25°C (temperature), and pH 7.0. White light promoted fruiting body growth and differentiation. Larch substrate exhibited superior yield (190g) and biological efficiency (38.0%) compared to oak (131g, 26.2%) and spruce (166g, 33.2%). P. abieticola showcased high dietary fiber, protein, and total sugar content, low fat, and sufficient microelements. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant key genes involved in lignocellulose degradation, stress-resistant metabolism, and endocytosis metabolism, underscoring their pivotal for coniferous adaptation. This study offers valuable insights for the commercial development and strain breeding of P. abieticola, efficiently leveraging conifer resources. The findings underscore its potential as a valuable source for food, medicinal products, and biotechnological applications.

Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers.

There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Influence of different baking temperatures of red kojic rice on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and functional components of red starter wine.

To improve the quality of red starter wine, this study explored the effects of baking red kojic rice at varying temperatures on the physicochemical characteristics of red starter wine. Baking was predicated on understanding crucial enzyme activities and starch granule structure of red kojic rice at 75, 95, and 105 °C, leading to the production of three red starter wine variants (BHQW1, BHQW2, and BHQW3). The results revealed an increased alcohol (increase 0.50%), total sugar (increase 0.14 g L-1 ), and total acid (increase 0.54 g L-1 ) content in red starter wine fermented using baked red kojic rice compared with the control group (wine fermented with unbaked rice, HQW). Furthermore, both the 105 °C baked red kojic rice and its resulting BHQW3 demonstrated significantly higher red color values than HQW (increase 2.03 U g-1 and 0.15 U mL-1 respectively). The highest lovastatin content was presented in red kojic rice baked at 105 °C and its corresponding fermented wine (1420.63 ± 507.9 μg g-1 and 3368.87 ± 228.16 μg L-1 respectively). Additionally, BHQW groups displayed higher total flavonoids and phenols content than HQW. Regarding antioxidant capacity, all BHQW groups showed stronger overall antioxidant capacity than HQW. The determination of volatile components revealed the highest content of volatile compounds in BHQW2 (2621.19 ± 548.24 μg L-1 ) and significantly higher volatile esters in BHQW1 (254.46 ± 16.63 μg L-1 ). Moreover, 16 volatile compounds were identified only in BHQW groups, including isoamyl caprylate, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde. Our findings suggested that the baking technique of red kojic rice could enhance the quality of red starter wine through enhancing antioxidant properties, increasing functional components, and enriching volatile flavor compounds, thus providing a foundation for new techniques in red starter wine production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inter seasonal validation of non-contact NIR spectroscopy for measurement of total soluble solids in high tunnel strawberries

Autonomous field robots are being developed for picking of fruit, where each fruit needs to be individually graded and handled. There is therefore a need for rapid and non-destructive sensing to measure critical fruit quality parameters. In this article we report how total soluble solids (TSS), a measure for total sugar content, can be measured in strawberries in the field by non-contact near-infrared (NIR) interaction spectroscopy. A specially designed prototype system working in the wavelength range 760–1080 nm was tested for this purpose. This novel instrument was compared with a commercial handheld NIR reflection instrument working in the range 900–1600 nm. The instruments were calibrated in the lab using data collected from 200 strawberries of two varieties and tested in a strawberry field on 50 berries in 2022 and 100 berries in 2023. Both systems performed well during calibration with root mean square errors of cross validation for TSS around 0.49 % and 0.57 %, for interaction and reflection, respectively. For prediction of TSS in new berries in 2023, the interaction system was superior, with a prediction error of 1.0 % versus 8.1 % for the reflection system, most likely because interaction probes deeper into the berries. The results suggest that interaction measurements of average TSS are more robust and would most likely require less calibration maintenance compared to reflection measurements. The non-contact feature is important since it reduces the spread of diseases and physical damage to the berries.

Non-destructive and destructive physical measurements as indicators of sugar and organic acid contents in strawberry fruit during ripening

Strawberry fruit is appreciated by consumers for its characteristic taste, which can be attributed to the balance between sugars and organic acids content, but strawberries are also a rich source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This study focuses on the suitability of different physical parameters, such as ripening index (IAD), firmness and total soluble solids content, as indicators of the content of sugars and organic acids during ripening. Five ripening stages were defined - green, white, ripe red, fully ripe dark red and overripe stage at five different cultivars. As the fruit ripened, the content of ascorbic acid, sugars and sugar/acid ratio increased and the organic acids content decreased, but the changes varied among cultivars. The ripening index (IAD) strongly correlated with the total sugar content (r = -0.72), total organic acids content (r = 0.70) and sugar/acid ratio (r = -0.82). Additionally, firmness correlated well with the content of sugars and organic acids. On the other hand, TSS showed a weaker correlation with the total sugar content (r = 0.38). Although, both the ripening index (IAD) and firmness showed strong correlations with sugars and organic acids content and can help distinguish unripe fruit from ripe fruit, the use of these parameters for distinguishing between different of ripe fruit (from early ripe to overripe) can be limited only to certain cultivars.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic bacterium Bacillus altitudinis GS-16 against tea anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

As one of the main pathogens causing tea anthracnose disease, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has brought immeasurable impact on the sustainable development of agriculture. Given the adverse effects of chemical pesticides to the environment and human health, biological control has been a focus of the research on this pathogen. Bacillus altitudinis GS-16, which was isolated from healthy tea leaves, had exhibited strong antagonistic activity against tea anthracnose disease. The antifungal mechanism of the endophytic bacterium GS-16 against C. gloeosporioides 1-F was determined by dual-culture assays, pot experiments, cell membrane permeability, cellular contents, cell metabolism, and the activities of the key defense enzymes. We investigated the possible mechanism of strain GS-16 inhibiting 1-F. In vitro, the dual-culture assays revealed that strain GS-16 had significant antagonistic activity (92.03%) against 1-F and broad-spectrum antifungal activity in all tested plant pathogens. In pot experiments, the disease index decreased to 6.12 after treatment with GS-16, indicating that strain GS-16 had a good biocontrol effect against tea anthracnose disease (89.06%). When the PE extract of GS-16 treated mycelial of 1-F, the mycelial appeared deformities, distortions, and swelling by SEM observations. Besides that, compared with the negative control, the contents of nucleic acids, protein, and total soluble sugar of GS-16 group were increased significantly, indicating that the PE extract of GS-16 could cause damage to integrity of 1-F. We also found that GS-16 obviously destroyed cellular metabolism and the normal synthesis of cellular contents. Additionally, treatment with GS-16 induced plant resistance by increasing the activities of the key defense enzymes PPO, SOD, CAT, PAL, and POD. We concluded that GS-16 could damage cell permeability and integrity, destroy the normal synthesis of cellular contents, and induce plant resistance, which contributed to its antagonistic activity. These findings indicated that strain GS-16 could be used as an efficient microorganism for tea anthracnose disease caused by C. gloeosporioides.

Evaluation of acetic acid treatment of fresh-cut water chestnuts using gray-correlation analysis based on the variation-coefficient weight.

The demand for fresh-cut water chestnuts, a convenient and nutritive vegetable, is increasing in market. However, the slicing of water chestnuts can cause mechanical damage to tissue, which results in quality deterioration. We aimed to select the optimal treatment through a comprehensive comparison of the preservation effect of acetic acid, which could prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut water chestnuts and improve their storage quality. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted using the gray-correlation method based on the variation-coefficient weight to observe the treatment of 0, 2 and 5% acetic acid. Their effects on color, weight loss rate, and the content of ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, soluble protein, and free amino acid were determined. The color, weight loss rate, and nutritional content of fresh-cut chestnuts varied under different processing and storage times. When stored for more than 4 days, the b* value, and the content of total sugar and soluble protein in CK were higher than those in 2% or 5% acetic acid, but the weight loss rate, and the content of ascorbic acid and free amino acid in CK were less than those in acetic acid treatments. Considering various indicators, it was difficult to determine which treatment to choose for fresh-cut water chestnut preservation. The gray-correlation analysis results indicated that when stored for 8, 12, or 16 days, the gray-correlation degree of 5% acetic acid was the highest, while that of the control was the lowest. It could be directly concluded by the gray-correlation degree that when the storage time exceeded 4 days, acetic acid could be used to improve storage quality, and 5% acetic acid had a better preservation effect than 2%. Fresh-cut water chestnuts can be stored for 4 days without the need for acetic acid treatment. These findings could provide information and comprehensive evaluation methods for the preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The next step is to evaluate the preservation effect of acetic acid by measuring its effects on other indicators of fresh-cut water chestnuts (e.g., flavonoids, and microorganisms), providing ideas for the research of preservatives.

Incorporation of Spirulina platensis in Edible Coating for Shelf-Life Extension of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Umagna Variety

Tomatoes are a widely consumed fruit due to their rich nutritional profile and can command high market prices, exemplified by varieties like Umagna. Nevertheless, tomatoes are prone to damage. A viable solution involves applying an edible coating derived from Spirulina platensis. This study aims to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis at different concentration on longevity of Umagna tomatoes during storage depending on the component of edible coating. Employing experimental techniques with descriptive analysis, the research underwent processing via regression and ANOVA tests. Findings demonstrated a connection between Spirulina platensis concentration and parameters such as respiration rate, weight loss, color changes, and shelf life. However, ANOVA results indicated no significant impact on factors like hardness, TAT content, water content, vitamin C content, or total sugar content (F < Fcrit). Notably, tomatoes coated with 0.5% Spirulina platensis displayed the most favorable outcomes, preserving attributes such as reduced respiration and weight loss, while maintaining hardness, TAT content, water content, vitamin C content, and total sugar content. A concentration of 0.5% Spirulina platensis extended the tomatoes’ shelf life to 52 days.

Determination of prebiotic properties of rice bran extract.

This research investigated and compared the prebiotic properties of a rice bran extract obtained through commercial xylanase extraction in comparison with water extraction. Prebiotic properties were evaluated by probiotic growth stimulation (Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and gastrointestinal pathogen inhibition (Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli). The rice bran extract obtained with xylanase (RB1) displayed significantly higher total polysaccharide and total reducing sugar contents than those obtained with water (RB2; p<0.05). After extraction for 30 min, RB1 exhibited the highest total polysaccharide and total reducing sugar contents. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis revealed that RB1 primarily contained xylose, while RB2 contained less glucose and lacked other sugar derivatives. RB1 proved effective in stimulating the growth of L. casei and L. plantarum, surpassing even inulin (a commercial prebiotic). Furthermore, it demonstrated a high potential for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic B. cereus and E. coli, comparable to inulin. In contrast, RB2 exhibited lower inhibitory capacity against B. cereus and E. coli.

Diversification of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) as a Jam Product on Different Ratios of Carrageenan as a Thickening Agent

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is a fruit with good nutritional content for health, despite this, its processing as a functional food product such as jam as a practical form of diversification products, is still lacking. On the other hand, carrageenan is a thickening agent that is often used in the food industry besides pectin. The aims of this study were to examine (1) the effect of Tamarillo and carrageenan ratios on the Tamarillo jam and (2) the chemical and sensory characteristics of the Tamarillo jam. Four ratios of the Tamarillo and carrageenan were tested e.g. 100%:0%; 97.5%:2.5%; 95%:5%; and 92.5%:7.5%. Method used was a Completely Randomized Design. Observed data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Least Significant Difference test. Results of the recent study show that the use of different ratios of the Tamarillo and carrageenan affected the chemical and sensory characteristics of Tamarillo jam such as total sugar content, pH, color, aroma, taste, and spread ability. The best ratio for Tamarillo jam was 97.5% Tamarillo: 2.5% carrageenan which resulted in sugar content of 19.81% and pH of 4.04%, sensory parameters for color of 4.19, aroma of 3.40, flavor of 3.52, and spread ability of 3.65.

Effect of Growing Regions on Discrimination of Turkish-Style Black Table Olives from Gemlik Cultivar.

Gemlik is a cultivar that grows in a distinct region of Turkiye and is ideal for brine fermentation of brine black table olives. Bursa Protected Designated Origin (PDO) and Izmir non-PDO Gemlik table olives have high levels of oleic acid (74%), total phenol (190 mg/kg), and dry matter (57%), while being low in linoleic acid (8%). The pH values and salt contents were observed to be in the range of 4.1 to 4.3 and 3.9% to 4.8%, respectively. During the fermentation of Gemlik table olives, a mass transfer occurred, resulting in a reduction in reducing sugar and total sugar contents as well as an increase in the salt content of the olives. Despite the reduction of phenolic content in both Gemlik PDO and non-PDO table olives, their antioxidant capacity remains high after fermentation. The oil content, antioxidant activity, phenolic contents, palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic acids were all found to be significant variables in distinguishing between Gemlik PDO and non-PDO table olives using PLS-DA analysis. There is a statistically significant correlation between the phenolic content and oleic (0.588) and linoleic (-0.659) acids (p < 0.05). Bursa PDO and Izmir non-PDO exhibit enhanced nutritional quality and antioxidant activity, unequivocally differentiating them from Hatay and Mersin non-PDO Gemlik table olives with 98% accuracy through discriminant analysis (p < 0.05). PLS-DA and DA can effectively identify variations in the quality of Turkish-style black table olives preserved in brine, originating from PDO and non-PDO growing areas.

Efficient conversion of tea residue nutrients: Screening and proliferation of edible fungi

Despite lignocellulose hindering the extraction of intracellular components, tea residue can serve as an excellent substrate for fungal fermentation owing to their lignocellulose-degrading abilities. Thus, the fermentation efficiencies of Lentinus edodes, Lentinus sajor-caju (Fr.), Flammulina filiformis, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and Monascus kaoliang B6 were evaluated using tea residue as a medium. P. pulmonarius and L. sajor-caju (Fr.) exhibited the fastest growth rates, with colony radii of 33.1 and 28.5 mm, respectively. M. kaoliang B6 demonstrated substantial degradation abilities for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with decolorization radii of 12.2, 0.9, and 8.5 mm, respectively. After a 9-days liquid fermentation, M. kaoliang B6 achieved the highest conversion efficiency at 27.8%, attributed to its high cellulase (191 U∙mL−1) and lignin peroxidase (36.9 U∙L−1) activities. P. pulmonarius and L. sajor-caju (Fr.) showed lower conversion rates of 8.6% and 3.8%, despite having high hemicellulase activities (67.1 and 70.9 U∙mL−1). Fermentation by M. kaoliang B6 resulted in a reduction of protein and total sugar content in the tea residue by 174 and 192 mg g−1, by which the mycelium's protein and total sugar content increased by 73 and 188 mg g−1. Co-fermentation of these three strains had little effect on the improvement of conversion efficiency, which might owe to the antagonistic interactions among the strains. Generally, utilizing tea residue for edible fungi fermentation is a sustainable process for bio-waste treatment, enabling efficient nutrient conversion under mild conditions without adding chemicals.