Decrease In Titratable Acidity Research Articles

Optimizing deficit drip irrigation to improve yield,quality, and water productivity of apple in Loess Plateau of China

ContextDeficit drip irrigation is an advanced agricultural technology widely promoted and applied around the world to maintain/increase yield and quality while simultaneously minimizing water consumption. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the effects of deficit drip irrigation at different stages on apple yield, water productivity, and quality. ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the effects of deficit drip irrigation treatments (DDITs) on apple yield, quality, and water productivity (WP), and optimize the deficit drip irrigation strategy for apples in the Loess Plateau of China. Methodsa two-year field experiment was conducted with 17 irrigation treatments, including a control treatment (CK, full irrigation (FI)) and four DDITs (D15%, D30%, D45%, D60%) during the bud burst to leafing stage (I), flowering to fruit set stage (II), fruit expansion stage (III), and fruit maturation stage (IV). The optimal irrigation management was determined using the fuzzy Borda combined model, which was based on four different single evaluation models of the TOPSIS method, principal component analysis (PCA), grey correlation analysis (GCA), and membership function analysis (MFA). ResultsThe DDITs at stage IV decreased midday leaf water potential (Ψs) by 2.57–20.00% compared with CK, and the difference of Ψs between IV-D30%, IV-D45%, IV-D60%, and CK were significant in two years (P<0.05). DDITs at stages I, II, and IV improved fruit weight (FW), fruit shape index (FSI), and fruit firmness (FN), but did not significantly affect fruit water content (FWC). The DDITs at stages III and IV significantly enhanced total soluble solids (TSS), soluble sugars (SS), and vitamin C (Vc) in 2021 and 2022, but a notable decrease in titratable acidity (TA) was observed. ConclusionsDDITs at stage IV exhibited the highest comprehensive benefit of apple, followed by DDITs at stages I and II, and DDITs at stage III had the lowest values. The DDITs of D15%, D30%, CK, and D15% at stages I, II, III, and IV were identified as the optimal irrigation strategy to improve apple yield, quality, and WP. ImplicationsOur findings can guide the development of appropriate irrigation strategies for apple cultivation in Loess Plateau of China, promoting efficient and sustainable apple production.

Synergism of sonication and microwave on phytochemical and physicochemical capacity of sugarcane-mint blend juice

The sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) juice, a beverage with fascinating track record of health promoting potential, loaded with phenolics, flavonoids, the bioactives, is capable of high antioxidant activities. The mint is a reliable herbal plant, with loads of phytochemicals and hundreds of food applications. However, sugarcane juice added with mint is normally consumed without any processing and preservation. Therefore, it is important to employ green processing technologies on sugarcane-mint juice blend, in order to process and preserve this nutritional juice with optimum retention of bioactives. In the current study sugarcane-mint blend juice was developed to study the synergistic effect of sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude, 5, 10 and 15 min) and microwave (90 °C, 400 W, 120 s) on pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity of developed beverage, at 7 days interval, during 21 days of storage period. Increment in sonication time and advancement in storage days, both resulted in an increase in pH, and decrease in titratable acidity and TSS of blend juice. Sonication for 15 min along with microwave exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) results in terms of rise in TPC, TFC and antioxidant ability of blend juice, as compared to 10 and 5 min, sonication. Whereas, untreated juice samples exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less contents of TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity, which were further significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased during 21 days of storage. Our results highlighted the significance of synergism of sonication and microwave in improvement of physicochemical and phytochemical quality of sugarcane-mint blend juice.

Physiological and biochemical variations of naturally ripened mango (Mangifera Indica L.) with synthetic calcium carbide and ethylene

To meet the increasing consumer demands for fruits, the implementation of artificial ripening techniques using synthetic chemicals has become increasingly commonplace among less ethical fruit production companies in today’s global market. The objective of present work was to establish a difference in the physiological and biochemical and profiles of naturally ripened mangoes vs. those ripened by application of synthetic calcium carbide and ethylene. The application of calcium carbide at 10 g/kg mangoes resulted early ripening in 2 days, with a 3-day shelf life, as compared with 5 and 6 days, for mangoes ripened by ethylene and naturally, respectively. Higher levels of calcium carbide reduced moisture, fiber, protein and carbohydrates content and increased the ash content of mangoes, as compared to higher levels of ethylene, whereas in naturally ripened mangoes the content percentages were 80.21, 3.57, 3.05 6.27 and 4.74, respectively. Artificial ripening resulted in significant loss of ascorbic, citric and malic acid, as values were recorded 35.94, 2.12 and 0.63 mg/g, respectively, in mangoes ripened with 10 g/kg of calcium carbide. However, in naturally ripened mangoes the amounts of these acids were recorded significantly (p < 0.05) high as 52.29, 3.76 and 1.37 mg/g, respectively. There was an increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and reducing sugars, and a decrease in titratable acidity in calcium carbide (10 g/kg) treated mangoes. Elemental analyses revealed high levels of minerals in naturally ripened mangoes, with significant values of iron (0.45 mg/100 g), zinc (0.24 mg/100 g) and copper (0.17 mg/100 g). The organoleptic quality of the fruit decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as a result of the use of calcium carbide. Although use of artificial ripening techniques provides speedy ripening of mangoes, there are obvious limitations. Consequently, natural ripening should be promoted in order to have safer and more nutritious mangoes.

Changes in Physicochemical Characteristics, Peel Color, and Juice Attributes of ‘Moro’ Blood Orange Fruit Treated with Glycine Betaine and Methyl Salicylate during Cold Quarantine Storage

Cold quarantine storage is the practice of subjecting citrus fruit to low temperatures after harvesting to comply with stringent international phytosanitary standards for export, but fruit quality can be affected during storage. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of glycine betaine (GB) and/or methyl salicylate (MeSA) on physicochemical changes, chemical attributes of juice, and peel color of ‘Moro’ blood orange at cold quarantine storage (2 °C) for 60 days. Fruit were treated with GB (15 and 30 mM) by vacuum infiltration at 30 kPa for 8 min and vapor treatment of MeSA (100 µM) for 18 h as well as the combination of both GB concentrations with MeSA. The key findings of this research revealed that the combined treatment of 30 mM GB and 100 µM MeSA significantly mitigated weight and firmness losses in ‘Moro’ blood orange fruit during the cold quarantine period. Furthermore, there was a decrease in titratable acidity (TA) across all treatments, with the highest TA recorded for the 30 mM GB + 100 µM MeSA combination. Conversely, total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/TA ratio, and juice pH increased in all treatments, with the control treatment displaying the highest values. Regarding peel color parameters, which encompass L* (lightness), b*, hue angle (h°), chroma (C*), and a*, as well as the citrus color index (CCI), these exhibited characteristic changes during cold quarantine storage. However, the application of GB and MeSA, especially at the 30 mM GB + 100 µM MeSA level, noticeably delayed these peel color variations. Overall, GB and MeSA treatments offer significant advantages in preserving the physicochemical characteristics and chemical attributes of ‘Moro’ blood oranges during cold quarantine storage. These findings underscore the potential of GB and MeSA treatments for maintaining the quality of ‘Moro’ blood oranges during cold quarantine storage, with a noteworthy synergistic effect between MeSA and GB in preserving fruit quality.

Effects of postharvest chitosan and potassium sorbate coating on the storage quality and fungal community of fresh jujube

Fresh jujube fruit are confronted with serious quality deterioration after harvest. This study explored the effects of chitosan and potassium sorbate coatings on the physicochemical quality and fungal community of jujube during cold storage. Microscopic observation showed that chitosan can uniformly distribute potassium sorbate on the surface of jujube. Chitosan coating inhibited the increase in respiration rate and total soluble solids and the decrease in titratable acidity and firmness. Jujube fruit treated with chitosan and potassium sorbate showed the lowest decay rate (2.67%) after 35 d of storage. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that the largest number of fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) was detected in jujube treated with chitosan and potassium sorbate, exhibiting higher Chao1, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. Treatment with chitosan or potassium sorbate alone reduced the relative abundance of Cladosporium in jujube fruit. Jujube treated with chitosan and potassium sorbate had the lowest total relative abundance of all potential pathogenic fungi (Cladosporium, Alternaria and Diaporthe). FUNGuild analysis showed that chitosan and potassium sorbate treatment could inhibit the relative abundance of plant pathogenic fungi. As a result, chitosan maintained the physicochemical properties of jujube by inhibiting the respiration rate, and the combination of chitosan and potassium sorbate reduced the decay rate of jujube by inhibiting pathogenic fungi. Therefore, chitosan and potassium sorbate coating is a promising approach to improve the storage quality and delay the decay of jujube fruit after harvest.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE TOFFEE WITH SWEETENERS AND DYE FROM WALNUT SEPTUM OR KERNEL’S PELLICLE

Reduction of “bad” carbohydrates in sweets is a complex issue, because carbohydrates provide important sensory, physical and textural properties of food. This research illustrated the possible use of the colorant Brown 7 (0.6...1.0%) in combination with sucralose and isomalt for alerting the functional quality of toffee candies. Sensory and physicochemical properties, microbiological indicators and color parameters were analyzed for four samples of toffee. The combination of sweetener with anti-crystallizer and Brown 7 significantly improves the color of toffees. It was established by HPLC that during thermal processing the Casuarictin from Brown 7 transforms into Ellagic acid. These transformations lead to an increase in the intensity of the brown color in the toffee. The addition of Brown 7 contributes to the decrease of titratable acidity from 0.28 ± 0.08 in the control to 0.21 ± 0.06 degrees of acidity in the sample which contain 1.0% dye. The chromatic parameters L*, a*, b* of the toffee sample with 0.6% Brown 7 content are the closest to the classic toffee parameters. Use of colorant in combination with sweetener illustrates a potential synergy of sensorial properties. This help to increase the intake of natural bioactive compounds and to decrease carbohydrates in sweets, promising health benefits.

Effects of Zein-Lecithin-EGCG nanoparticle coatings on postharvest quality and shelf life of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) has high nutritional and economic values. However, loquat easily rots at room temperature, resulting in the loss of commodity value. In this study, zein, lecithin, and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were used to prepare Zein-Lecithin-EGCG (Z-L/E) nanoparticles, and the effects of these nanoparticles on loquat quality were studied. EGCG addition affected the zeta potential values of the nanoparticles, which increased from −11.80 mV to −23.34 mV. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding formed among lecithin, zein, and EGCG. The Z-L/E nanoparticles showed great antioxidant activity with the DPPH radical scavenging rate of 84.76% and the ABTS radical scavenging rate of 80.95% for Z-L/E4:1 sample, and had good antibacterial ability by decreasing the growth rate of E. coli. The coating treatment with Z-L/E nanoparticles for loquats reduced the weight loss and the decay rate by 13.3% and 1.4%, respectively, during the storage at 25 °C for 22 days, and the decrease of titratable acidity (TA) and vitamin C (VC) content in loquats were also effectively delayed. The coating treatment with Z-L/E nanoparticles for loquats could significantly prolong the storage life of fruits and maintain the quality of fruits.

Comparison of Characterization of Cold Brew and Hot Brew Coffee Prepared at Various Roasting Degrees

This investigation is aimed at elucidating the effects of roasting degree and extraction method on coffee beverages prepared with beans from Asia. According to the results with the improvement of the roasting degree, a decrease in titratable acidity, total phenolic compounds, the concentrations of chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, and total antioxidant capacity was observed. Cold coffee beverages showed higher total sugar and trigonelline. The volatile components, such as pyridine, furan-2-yl-methyl acetate, 2-furanemethanol, and 5-methylfurfural, were also affected by roasting degree and extraction methods. Cold brew coffee exhibited higher intensities of enzymatic flavor and sweetness. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed a distinct difference in coffee characterization in roasting degree in cold coffee brews than in hot ones. The results indicate that roasting degree affects physicochemical and sensory properties more than extraction temperature. Additionally, there were significant differences in coffee characteristics between cold and hot brew coffee.

The Influence of the Addition of Hemp Press Cake Flour on the Properties of Bovine and Ovine Yoghurts

Hemp press cake flour (HPCF) is a by-product of hemp oil production rich in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, oleochemicals, and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the addition of HPCF to bovine and ovine plain yoghurts at concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% could change the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of the yoghurts, focusing on the improvement of quality and antioxidant activity, and the issue of food by-products and their utilisation. The results showed that the addition of HPCF to yoghurts significantly affected their properties, including an increase in pH and decrease in titratable acidity, change in colour to darker, reddish or yellowish hue, and a rise in total polyphenols and antioxidant activity during storage. Yoghurts fortified with 4% and 6% HPCF exhibited the best sensory properties, thus maintaining viable starter counts in the yoghurts during the study period. There were no statistically significant differences between the control yoghurts and the samples with 4% added HPCF in terms of overall sensory score while maintaining viable starter counts during the seven-day storage. These results suggest that the addition of HPCF to yoghurts can improve product quality and create functional products and may have potential in sustainable food waste management.

Improvement of the Physico-Chemical Properties, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Compounds of Pomegranate Fruit cv. ‘Wonderful’ Using Integrated Fertilization

This study comprised of five different integrated fertilizers of calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2 with ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 ratios (0%:100%, 10%:90%, 20%:80%, 30%:70%, and 40%:60%) to enhance the physico-chemical properties, and the antioxidant and nutritional compounds of pomegranate fruits cv. ‘Wonderful’. The results discovered that the application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 in different ratios significantly affected all measured parameters. Among integrated fertilizers, the 30%:70% combination showed an increment of 10.8% in fruit weight, 2.9% in fruit length, 11.8% in fruit volume, and 7.0% in fruit diameter. Similarly, total soluble solids, vitamin C, anthocyanin, total sugars, and reduced sugars, were also increased by 11.2%, 14.6%, 20.2%, 7.4%, and 5.2%, respectively. Likewise, values of both color variations from green to red (a*) and from blue to yellow (b*), and chroma, were also increased by 13.8%, 16.6%, and 14.4%, respectively. Moreover, the application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 at a ratio of 40%:60% showed 25.1% decrease in titratable acidity, and 45.4% and 27.0% increase in maturity index and peel luminosity, respectively. Additionally, the 30%:70% combination showed an increment of 30.9% in total phenolic content, 70.5% in total tannin content, and 43.6% in total flavonoid content. Additionally, it showed 25.8% and 1.7% decrease in pH and moisture content, respectively. Moreover, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni in fruit increased by different increments by application of the 30%:70% with an increasing range of 28% to 175%. A non-reducing sugar increase was observed at an application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 at a ratio of 20%:80% by 47.0%. The findings of this study suggest that using calcium nitrate with ammonium sulphate at a ratio of 30%:70%, using the fertigation approach during the growth season, could be a safe, natural, and novel method for the pomegranate cv. ‘Wonderful’ to improve fruit quality, and its amount of antioxidants—specifically, phenolics, vitamin C, anthocyanin, and fruit minerals—with health benefits at harvest.

Effect of Pretreatments and Solar Tunnel Dryer Zone on Drying Characteristics and Stability of Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Slices.

Drying fruits and vegetables can be achieved using different drying methods based on the crop's economic value and the technology's affordability. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, where sunlight intensity and duration are high, it is recommended to use solar drying methods. A solar tunnel dryer is one of the methods commonly used to produce dried fruits and vegetables. It is necessary to determine the drying kinetics at different dryer zones and select a suitable drying kinetics model to overcome the limitation. In addition, pretreatment methods are commonly recommended to improve the quality of the dried product. This work aimed to determine the drying kinetics of pumpkin slices at different zones of drier and pretreatment effect on product quality. Three zones of drier and four pretreatments were employed in the two-factor factorial experiment. Seven thin layer kinetic models were evaluated. pH, TSS, TA, moisture content (MC), and water activity (aw) were determined for quality evaluation. Recorded data showed that the temperature in the tunnel increased from zone I to III with a decrease in RH. Results showed a higher drying constant (K) and effective diffusivity (Deff); drier zone III > II > I. Pretreatments also showed a significant effect on K and Deff. Regardless of pretreatment types, two-term exponential and diffusion models are better fitted for zones I and II/III, respectively. With pretreatments and drier zones, the TSS value increases from zones I to III but with a decrease in titratable acidity, moisture content, and water activity. From the result, it can be concluded that different drying rates are observed in different zones. However, a better quality of pumpkin powder was observed in drier zone II for pumpkin slices pretreated with a 2% salt solution. It is recommended to create a drying medium that resembles zone II or better to use the recommended kinetic models to predict the drying time for each zone for a better quality product by avoiding under- or over-drying of slices.

Application of Design of Experiments to the Analysis of Fruit Juice Deacidification Using Electrodialysis with Monopolar Membranes.

Despite the beneficial health effects of fruit juices, the high content of organic acids and low pH of some of them limit their consumption. The aim of this work was to study the deacidification of fruit juices using electrodialysis (ED) with monopolar membranes. Aqueous solutions of citric acid were used in ED deacidification experiments following a factorial design with citric acid concentration and electric current varying in the ranges of 5–25 g/L and 0.5–1 A, respectively. The design runs were characterized by a constant Faraday efficiency of 0.37 ± 0.03, suggesting that the triple-charged citrate ion (Cit3−) carried the electric charge through the anionic membranes. During deacidification, the pH increased in agreement with the decreasing concentration of the acid. Deacidification of pineapple juice or pineapple juice enriched with 20 g/L of citric acid using ED led to similar values of the Faraday efficiency, confirming that Cit3− is the main ion migrating through the anionic membrane. However, the decrease in titratable acidity during ED treatment was accompanied by a decrease in pH. Such behavior, already reported, was explained by considering proton generation during the transformation of the single (H2Cit−) and double-charged (HCit2−) citrate ions into the triple-charged ion (Cit3−) when entering the anionic membrane.

Effects of using cationic exchange for reducing pH on the composition and quality of sparkling wine (Cava)

Climate change is affecting vine and grape physiology and consequently wine composition, causing a decrease in titratable acidity and an increase in ethanol content and pH. These effects are especially problematic in sparkling wines that need higher acidity to maintain an adequate freshness. Therefore, the wine industry is currently using certain procedures for reducing wine pH, among which cation exchange stands out as it is probably the most widely used. To study the influence of cation exchange treatment on the composition and quality of sparkling wines, a grape juice of Macabeo (pH 3.21 and titratable acidity 5.70 g of tartaric acid/L) after settling was treated to obtain a very acidic grape juice (pH 1.9 and titratable acidity 8.70 g of tartaric acid/L). The original grape juice was then blended in different proportions (0-45 %) with a treated grape juice. These different grape juices were used for obtaining their corresponding base wines which in turn were used for elaborating their corresponding sparkling wines using the traditional method. The cation exchange treatment reduced the pH from 3.15 (Control) to 2.87 (45 % of treatment) and increased the titratable acidity from 4.61 (Control) to 7.69 (45 % of treatment). No significant effects were observed on the concentration of any of the protein or polysaccharide fractions and the foaming properties of the base wine or young sparkling wines were not affected; however, cation exchange caused a decrease in foamability and persistence of the foam in older sparkling wines, especially when the proportion of treated grape juice was higher. A trained panel only found clear sensory differences in the acidity of the sparkling wines without the rest of the attributes being affected by the treatment.

Macabeo (Viura) grape response to climate variability in areas located at different elevations in the Rioja Designation of Origin.

BACKGROUNDThis research aims to analyse the influence of climatic conditions on phenology and grape composition of Macabeo, which is one of the white varieties authorized in Rioja DOCa. Phenological dates for flowers separated and harvest, and grape composition were evaluated for the period 2008–2020 in five plots, located at different elevations (457–650 m a.s.l.). Grape parameters were related to temperature and water deficit recorded along the growing cycle.RESULTSHigh variability in the weather conditions were recorded during the period analysed, with differences in the average growing season maximum temperature of up to 2.5 °C among years and about 2 °C among locations. Differences in the average growing season precipitation of about 200 mm among years and up to 60 mm among locations were recorded. That high variability could explain the differences in grape composition observed among years and among zones. The lowest sugar contents were recorded at the highest elevation, while acidity in that area was the highest. Although the relationship was only significant in one plot, probable volumetric alcoholic degree increased with increasing maximum temperature. Titratable acidity and malic acid decreased with increasing maximum temperature, the change being higher in the plots located at the highest elevation. Both titratable acidity and malic acid were significantly affected by water deficits recorded during the growing season, and in particular that recorded after floowering.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that under warmer scenarios a decrease in titratable acidity and in malic acid might be expected for this variety, but with differences among zones located at different elevations. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The Combined Effect of Hot Water Treatment and Chitosan Coating on Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent) Fruits to Control Postharvest Deterioration and Increase Fruit Quality

The synergistic effect of dipping in 55 °C for 5 min of hot water (HW) and 1% chitosan coating during the storage of mango at 13 ± 0.5 °C and 85%–90% relative humidity for 28 days was investigated. The combined treatment significantly suppressed the fruit decay percentage compared with both the single treatment and the control. In addition, the specific activities of key plant defense-related enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), markedly increased. The increase occurred in the pulp of the fruits treated with the combined treatment compared to those treated with HW or chitosan alone. While the control fruits showed the lowest values, the combination of pre-storage HW treatment and chitosan coating maintained higher values of flesh hue angle (h°), vitamin C content, membrane stability index (MSI) percentage, as well as lower weight loss compared with the untreated mango fruits. The combined treatment and chitosan treatment alone delayed fruit ripening by keeping fruit firmness, lessening the continuous increase of total soluble solids (TSS), and slowing the decrease in titratable acidity (TA). The results showed that the combined application of HW treatment and chitosan coating can be used as an effective strategy to suppress postharvest decay and improve the quality of mango fruits.

Changes in quality parameters of orange juice deacidified by ion exchange resins

In this study, the effectiveness of five different ion exchange resins (Amberlite-IRA96,-FPA51,-FPA53,-FPA54 and Lewatit-S4528) in reducing the acidity of Valencia orange juice and effects on juice quality were determined. The greatest decrease in titratable acidity (65%) and increase (23%) in pH were determined in the juices deacidified using Amberlite-FPA51. The greatest color change (ΔE*=4.89) was identified by treatment of Lewatit-S4528. Ascorbic acid contents were decreased between 12 and 28% by deacidification. Changes ((-4.43)–(+8.18)%) in the carotenoid contents were also assessed in juices treated with different resins. The changes in amount of hydroxycinnamic, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanones, flavonol and flavone were determined. The largest decrease (ca.28%) in total phenolics was observed with Amberlite-FPA54. The most abundant organic acids in juices were citric acid followed by quinic, malic, ascorbic, tartaric, succinic and oxalic acid, which were decreased after deacidification. Lowest color change and highest carotenoid content were obtained with Amberlite-FPA54.

Microfluidization-Driven Changes in Some Physicochemical Characteristics, Metal/Mineral Composition, and Sensory Attributes of Sugarcane Juice

This work evaluated the effect of microfluidization at different pressure (50, 100, 150, and 200 MPa)-cycle (1, 3, 5, 7) combinations on the physicochemical (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and electrical conductivity), sensory, and metal/mineral composition of sugarcane juice which was previously unexplored. Juice extracted from blanched sugarcane stems (var Co 0238) was microfluidized, and the analysis for different parameters was conducted using standard protocols. The mineral/metal composition was determined using ICP-OES following a wet digestion method. Results showed that TSS decreased from 18.88 °Brix to a range of 10.15–15.7 °Brix with the former (lower value) being due to the release of insoluble matter after microfluidization which was further solubilised at higher processing cycles (as in the latter). The pH did not vary significantly as compared to control and was in the range of 5.2–5.7. However, a decrease in titratable acidity (0.1–0.26%) was found as compared to control (0.26%). The electrical conductivity of microfluidized sugarcane juice varied from 4.45 to 5.12 mS as compared to 4.95 mS for control. Metal/mineral analysis showed rich reserves of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium in sugarcane juice which degraded after microfluidization perhaps due to filtration effect caused by the micropore in the interaction chamber of the microfluidizer. The sensory score showed acceptability of the juice after microfluidization (overall acceptability ∼7).

Changes in the Biochemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Apples Stored in Controlled Atmosphere Conditions

Apples are an important component of the diet and are used in the food industry in the production of food products and beverages. The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the biochemical composition and physicochemical properties of apples stored in a controlled atmosphere. We studied the biochemical composition (sugars, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, and titratable acidity) and physicochemical properties (color coordinates, peel, and flesh firmness) in the apple samples before placing them in the controlled atmosphere chambers and at the end of the experiment 8 months later. The total content of sugars and soluble solids was found to increase in the samples of apples stored in I to VIII conditions. The study showed a decrease in titratable acidity in apple samples of all cultivars stored in I to VIII conditions. The values of C*, L*, a*, and b* co-ordinates of apple colors were evaluated. Apple samples stored in VI conditions were the lightest color, and their lightness was close to that of fresh fruit. The firmness of apple peel samples of the ‘Sampion’ cultivar stored in I and III–VI conditions increased. The study is valuable and proves that, under the studied conditions, it is possible to extend the time of the provision of apples to the consumers with minimal changes in their chemical composition and nutritional value.

Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity in Canned Eels: Effect of Processing and Filling Medium.

The effect of canning and the use of different filling media (sunflower oil, olive oil, and spiced olive oil) on oxidation parameters (acidity, peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) index), antioxidant capacity, and total phenol and vitamin E contents in eels was studied. A preliminary frying treatment caused a decrease in titratable acidity and an increase in TBARS, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin E in the eel muscle. During sterilization, TBARS also increased significantly. The magnitude of the changes depended on the filling medium. Storage also had a significant effect on oxidation parameters in eel muscle and in filling media. After one year of storage, the sunflower oil and canned eels packed in this oil presented higher antioxidant capacity and vitamin E content than olive oil, spiced olive oil, or canned eels packed in these oils. However, the total phenol contents were higher when olive oil or spiced olive oil were used as filling media. Despite the losses, the results show that the canning process and subsequent storage preserved a great part of the antioxidant capacity and vitamin E content of the filling medium, which is of interest to the consumer. Both sunflower oil and olive oil as filling media are of great nutritional interest.

Spatial and temporal variability of cv. Tempranillo response within the Toro DO (Spain) and projected changes under climate change

This work aimed to analyse the spatial and temporal variability of the response of Tempranillo variety within the Toro Designation of Origin (DO) and the potential changes under climate change scenarios. The research included the analysis of phenology (bud break, bloom, veraison and maturity) and grape composition at harvest recorded in plots located at seven locations in the DO, at elevations between 667 and 779 m above the sea level (a.s.l.). Changes in phenology and composition were projected for 2050 and 2070 under two emission scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), considering the predicted changes in climate variables using an ensemble of models. Variations in the phenological timing of up to 28 days for bud break, bloom and veraison and up to 30 days for maturity were recorded during the period analysed and titratable acidity varied between 4 and 8 gL-1. The variability in phenology and grape acidity was mainly driven by temperature and available water in different periods between phenological stages, although the effect of soil properties was also confirmed. Under warmer conditions, an advance of all phenological phases was projected (up to 6, 6, 8 and 12 days by 2050 under the RCP4.5 scenario and near double under the RCP8.5 scenario). In addition, a decrease in titratable acidity is projected (about 1.1 and 1.4 gL-1 by 2050, respectively, under the RCP4.5 and the RCP8.5 scenario and up to 2.0 gL-1 by 2070 under the warmest scenario). The results were in agreement with the variability observed in years with contrasting weather conditions.