Fresh Berries Research Articles

Determination of optimal technological conditions for the manufacture of semi-finished products from gooseberry fruit

The quality of pureed berries products is determined by many factors. The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal technological conditions for the manufacture of semi-finished products from gooseberries, providing for the use of equipment with a rotary machine (MAG‑50) and ensuring the required quality characteristics. The objects of research were semi-finished products from gooseberries. The manufacturing technology involved high-temperature processing or the use of the rotary machine MAG‑50. The research methods were standard. It has been found that in order to obtain products with the required quality characteristics, the duration of processing in MAG‑50 had the greatest influence. The optimal technological conditions for the manufacture of products in MAG‑50 have been determined: processing for 14–20 minutes at a temperature of 59–65°C of at least 72% of fresh berries or 58–65°C of at least 66% of quick-frozen ones. It has been established that the technology involving the use of rotary machine MAG‑50, compared with the high-temperature one, made it possible to obtain products with a lower content of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, molds (by 97.7 and 69.8%, respectively), better appearance characteristics (by 1.7%), color, texture and odor (by 2.3%), taste and aftertaste (by 3.6%). The state of the raw materials had the greatest impact on the content of yeast in semi-finished products — products made from fresh berries contained 48.7% more of them on average than products from quick-frozen ones. Compared with the Senator variety, gooseberry fruits of the Pink 2 variety made it possible to obtain products with a high content of soluble solids, sugars, minerals and ascorbic acid (by 18.2, 58.9, 7.7 and 61.8%, respectively), less titrated acids and dietary fibers (by 21.2 and 20.3%, respectively). The study demonstrates the potential of obtaining semi-finished products from gooseberries, regardless of their variety and condition by using the technology involving the use of MAG‑50.

Molecular Survey of Parasitic Contamination of Frozen Berries.

Berries represent healthy dietary options and contain bioactive compounds associated with a decreased risk of diseases. Despite representing healthy food choices, these products can be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, including parasites. Among foodborne parasites, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Echinococcus multilocularis are of significant public health importance and have been recently detected in fresh berries in Europe, including Italy. Berries can be purchased fresh or frozen, and it is worrying that even frozen berries could represent a risk for the consumer. In fact, several parasites can resist freezing temperatures and have been responsible for outbreaks of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of G. duodenalis, C. parvum, C. cayetanensis, T. gondii, and E. multilocularis in frozen berries with simplex and multiplex real-time PCR protocols. A total of 108 packages of mixed frozen berries were bought from supermarkets located in a south-eastern region of Italy. The samples were tested using two simplex real-time PCR protocols targeting C. parvum and G. duodenalis, respectively, and a multiplex real-time PCR targeting C. cayetanensis, T. gondii, and E. multilocularis. None of the investigated parasites were detected in the frozen berry samples tested. This research topic is still unexplored and of great current interest. These results represent a first attempt to investigate parasitic contamination of frozen berries sold on the Italian market, but further large-scale surveys are required.

Enhanced extraction of antioxidant phenolics: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gallic Acid, Syringic Acid, and Epicatechin from fresh berries and their waste using Ultra-Turrax and Ultrasonication

This study aimed to improve extraction of antioxidant phenolics from fresh berries and berries waste. A combination of Ultra-Turrax milling and ultrasonication, both efficient and eco-friendly techniques widely used in the extraction of bioactive compounds, produced the best extraction of quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, syringic acid and epicatechin. These methods, which rely on mechanical disruption and ultrasonic waves to enhance cell wall breakdown, allow for greater release of phenolic compounds while minimizing heat damage. Ultra-Turrax 14,000 r/min, 5 min combined with 1 h ultrasonication led to total phenolics and total flavonoids concentration of 42.29 mgGAE g−1dw, 21.85 mgRE g−1 for blueberry, 97.68 mgGAE g−1dw, 27.62 mgRE g−1 for raspberry and 44.28 mgGAE g−1dw, 16.5 mgRE g−1 for blackberry. In waste, 72.01 mgGAE g−1dw, 41.61 mgRE g−1 from blueberry, 101.18 mgGAE g−1dw, 19.76 mgRE g−1 from raspberry and 96.60 mgGAE g−1dw, 28.90 mgRE g−1 from blackberry were obtained. Syringic acid and epicatechin were the main recovered compounds with 1945 mg g−1dw and 2028 mg g−1dw from fresh raspberry and 884 mg g−1dw and 966 mg g−1dw from blackberry waste. Extracts from blueberry, raspberry and blackberry had antioxidant activities of 832.87, 2757.64 and 583.32 µM TE g−1 dw correspondingly. This study highlights an efficient extraction method that can support more sustainable practices in the food industry by maximizing the recovery of valuable phenolic compounds from both fresh berries and their processing waste.

Appraisal of cutting-edge techniques for prolonging fresh berries shelf life: innovations in essential oil nanoemulsion-based edible coatings

The high susceptibility of berries to fungal contamination during the postharvest phase and increasing demand from consumers for a safe preservative have prompted the need for a potential substitute. In this context, beyond their conventional use as flavouring agents, essential oils have been investigated for their preservative actions in berries to supplant traditional synthetic preservatives. However, high volatility, poor environmental stability, intense organoleptic properties, and low aqueous solubility limit their use as natural preservatives. To circumvent this problem, nanoemulsion has evolved as a feasible strategy. Incorporating essential oil nanoemulsion into a biopolymer matrix of an edible coating ameliorates the postharvest deterioration of berries. Nanoemulsions improve the functional properties of essential oil-incorporated edible coatings by creating an effective barrier that improves antimicrobial properties, decreases water loss, reduces the rate of respiration and loss of firmness, and subsequently enhances the shelf life of berries. This paper summarizes how the physiological characteristics of fresh berries are affected by essential oil-based nanoemulsions integrated into edible coatings and recommends using these nanoemulsions to preserve berries.

Investigating the quality of extraction and quantification of bioactive compounds in berries through liquid chromatography and multivariate curve resolution

Berries are a rich source of natural antioxidant compounds, which are essential to profile, as they add to their nutritional value. However, the complexity of the matrix and the structural diversity of these compounds pose challenges in extraction and chromatographic separation. By relying on multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) ability to extract components from complex spectral mixtures, our study evaluates the contributions of various extraction techniques to interference, extractability, and quantifying different groups of overlapping compounds using liquid chromatography diode array detection (LC-DAD) data. Additionally, the combination of these methods extends its applicability to evaluate polyphenol degradation in stored berry smoothies, where evolving factor analysis (EFA) is also used to elucidate degradation products. Results indicate that among the extraction techniques, ultrasonication-assisted extraction employing 1% formic acid in methanol demonstrated superior extractability and selectivity for the different phenolic compound groups, compared with both pressurized liquid extraction and centrifugation of the fresh berry smoothie. Employing MCR-ALS on the LC-DAD data enabled reliable estimation of total amounts of compound classes with high spectral overlaps. Degradation studies revealed significant temperature-dependent effects on anthocyanins, with at least 50% degradation after 7 months of storage at room temperature, while refrigeration and freezing maintained fair stability for at least 12 months. The EFA model estimated phenolic derivatives as the main possible degradation products. These findings enhance the reliability of quantifying polyphenolic compounds and understanding their stability during the storage of berry products.Graphical abstract

Assessment of nutritional value and safety of soft drinks enriched with berries growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan in comparison with traditional drinks

The study used modified formulations of traditional drinks to enrich them with several nutrients and microelements. Berries selected for the study, namely: dogwood, pomegranate, persimmon, blueberry, and raspberry, demonstrated high antioxidant activity and rich vitamin composition. The study revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of traditional Azerbaijani drinks when enriched with berry extracts. The antioxidant activity of arrowroot increased by 20 mg GAE/100 ml after dogwood enrichment. Sherbet showed an increase in activity of 22.5 mg GAE/100 ml with the addition of raspberries. Tea enriched with persimmon increased its antioxidant activity by 125%. The pomegranate-enriched compote increased its activity by 24 mg GAE/100 ml. Blueberry pekmez showed average results, although due to the high level of nutritional properties of blueberries, it was also a promising research object. The study also analysed the selected berries, further evaluating potential changes in the vitamin composition, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic properties of the beverages after adding the berries. The most significant improvement in taste, aroma, colour and texture of the drinks was observed in persimmon extract-enriched tea and blueberry pekmez, which received the highest scores for all parameters after enrichment. The antioxidant activity of the drinks also increased significantly after adding berry extracts. The microbiological and chemical risks associated with the use of fresh berries and the proposed measures to ensure the safety of beverages helped to shape the further vector of research in this area

Inactivation of murine norovirus and hepatitis A virus on various frozen fruits using pulsed light

The frozen fruit sector has experienced significant growth due to improved product quality as well as the advantage of long-term preservation. However, freezing alone does not eliminate foodborne viruses, a major public health concern and considerable economic burden. One promising disinfecting treatment is pulsed light, shown previously to inactivate hepatitis A virus (HAV) and murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) on the surface of fresh berries. Viral loads were reduced by 1–2 log, with minor visual quality deterioration observed. In this study, an FDA-compliant pulsed light treatment (11.52 J/cm2) was applied to frozen fruits and berries. Infectious MNV-1 and HAV titers were reduced by 1–2 log on most frozen fruits. A noteworthy finding was that reductions of both viruses on cranberries exceeded 3.5 log cycles. Although pulsed light caused a measurable rise in temperature on the product surface, no visible physical changes (e.g., color) were observed, and the fruit pieces were still frozen after treatment. Although the reduction of infectious titer by pulsed light alone was not large (1–2 log), considering the low amount of virus typically found on fruit, it may be beneficial in the frozen fruit sector. It would be easy to combine with other treatments, and synergic interactions might increase virus inactivation.

Gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) inhibited dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy associating with AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway

With the increasing trend of global aging, sarcopenia has become a significant public health issue. Goji berry, also known as “Gou qi zi” in China, is a traditional Chinese herb that can enhance the structure and function of muscles and bones. Otherwise, previous excellent publications illustrated that plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles can exert good bioactive functions in different aging or disease models. Thus, we issued the hypothesis that Gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) may also have the ability to improve skeletal muscle health, though the effect and its mechanism need to be explored. Hence, we have extracted GqDNVs from fresh berries of Lycium barbarum L. (goji) and found that the contents of GqDNVs are rich in saccharides and lipids. Based on the pathway annotations and predictions in non-targeted metabolome analysis, GqDNVs are tightly associated with the pathways in metabolism. In muscle atrophy model mice, intramuscular injection of GqDNVs improves the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle, grip strength and the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway expression. After separately inhibiting AMPK or PGC1α in C2C12 cells with dexamethasone administration, we have found that the activated AMPK plays the chief role in improving cell proliferation induced by GqDNVs. Furthermore, the energy-targeted metabolome analysis in the quadriceps muscle demonstrates that the GqDNVs up-regulate the metabolism of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, autophagy and oxidative phosphorylation process, which indicates the activation of muscle regeneration. Besides, the Spearman rank analysis shows close associations between the quality and function of skeletal muscle, metabolites and expression levels of AMPK and SIRT1. In this study, we provide a new founding that GqDNVs can improve the quality and function of skeletal muscle accompanying the activated AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway. Therefore, GqDNVs have the effect of anti-aging skeletal muscle as a potential adjuvant or complementary method or idea in future therapy and research.Graphical

Alternaria in berry: Effects on its quality, pathogenic mechanisms and potential control strategies

AbstractIn recent years, the production and demand of berries in the world have gradually increased, but the infection of fungal pathogens has become one of the important factors restricting the production and sales of fresh berries. It has been found that Alternaria can cause a variety of plant diseases and fruit rot worldwide. This review introduces the effect of Alternaria infection on berry quality, including physical, chemical and physiological aspects, and discusses the possible infection mechanisms. In addition, Alternaria produces toxins during infections and seriously threatens the safety of berries and consumer health. Therefore, the prevention and control measures of Alternaria are systematically summarized. This review provides the basis for further optimization of postharvest preservation technology and fruit quality, to prolong the shelf life of berries. We can realistically expect to control plant diseases with increasing efficiency, which is conducive to improving the quality and safety of postharvest berry fruits.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Gray Mold Away

Most consumers dispose of rotten food without a second thought; however, they also throw away a dynamic group of plant pathogens that can be utilized for inquiry-driven investigations into host/pathogen interactions. Botrytis cinerea is a common necrotrophic fungus that can infect most plants but causes substantial losses to the grape and fresh berry industries. Because most store-bought strawberries eventually succumb to this pathogen (due to the presence of spores from the field or packing facility), they are a dependable source of fungal inoculum to test novel hypotheses about the nature of disease. Across the produce aisle, apples are a diverse, well-characterized, and susceptible host population that enables students to construct individualized experiments about the nature of disease with adequate replication for meaningful analysis. This experimental protocol will outline how to conduct an infection assay with B. cinerea and commercially available apple varieties for students to develop their own experiments, inoculate their own plants, and analyze their own data to answer important questions about how pathogens cause disease.

Production and biochemical characterization of freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed berries

Production of freeze-dried juice semi-finished products is a promising direction in the technology of processing blueberries. This direction allows complex problem solving regarding seasonality of berry processing with optimization of logistics costs, extension of the geography of sources of raw material supply while preserving high sensory properties of a freeze-dried product. The main advantages of such a product are characteristics determining properties of fresh berries, including taste, color, aroma, nutritional and biological value. The aim of the study was the development of technological solutions to produce freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed blueberry pulp, as well as determination of its biochemical characteristics. Chemical (titrimetric and gravimetric) methods and modern physico-chemical methods (HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry, potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods) were used in the work. As a result of the performed investigations, parameters have been determined for the process of freeze-drying of native blueberry juice: freeze-drying temperature of –23 ±2 °С and pressure of 70–80 Pa, secondary drying at a temperature of 38–40 °С. Duration of the freeze-drying process was 16 hours until reaching the final moisture of 4%. It is shown that freeze-dried juice preserves all quality attributes of the native juice: taste, color and aroma. The native and freeze-dried blueberry juice was characterized by the chemical composition. The profile of flavonoids, anthocyans, phenolic and organic acids, composition of sugars, vitamins and minerals were studied. It has been established that the chosen parameters of freeze-drying ensure preservation of biologically active and minor substances at a level of no less than 77% of the initial content in the native juice. High preservation was demonstrated for quercetin and resveratrol. Losses were 9.6% for epicatechin, 13.7–23.0% for phenolic acids, and 14–22% for vitamins. As a result of juice processing by freeze-drying, an increase was noticed for the content of delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside by 20–35%. The proportion of cyanidin-3-galactoside + delphinidin-3-arabinoside decreased by 65% and that of delphinidin-3-galactoside by 2.85 times. A decrease in the content of macro-elements (up to 6.0%) was established in the freeze-dried juice; more noticeable losses were recorded for micro-elements (up to 14.8%). The results obtained show prospects of using the technology and chosen regimes of freeze-drying in production of freezedried blueberry juice. This technology combines a possibility of producing a manufacturable berry ingredient with maximum preservation of natural biologically active and minor components of berries for using in products of healthy nutrition.

Exploring the urban consumers’ experience and the influencing factors in berry-picking activities in China

ABSTRACT Berries hold a unique appeal, stemming from their natural aspect and the embedded cultural ecosystem services they can offer. While extensive studies have examined rural berry collectors, there is a gap of research on the engagement of urban consumers in berry-picking activities, particularly in emerging markets. This study addresses this gap by investigating the experience, consumer motivations, and other influential factors of urban consumers engaging in berry-picking activities in selected municipalities in China. Drawing on in-depth interviews with urban consumers involved in berry-picking and the thematic analysis, this research revealed three berry-picking patterns, including wild picking, pure commercial picking (U-pick), commercial picking with extra services (Pick and Plus). It identified key factors influencing urban consumer experience, namely consumer motivations, social media marketing, convenience, and service capability. It explored the challenges confronting individual berry farmers. The results highlighted the cultural and social significance of berry-picking activities, as well as the service potential of fresh berries as territorial products to bridge urban-rural divides. The research contributes up-to-date insights to the broader discourse on the cultural and provisioning ecosystem services offered by berries, shedding light on the intricate interplay among urban consumers, fresh berries, rural berry farmers and other relevant stakeholders.

Classification of grape seed residues from distillation industries in Europe according to the polyphenol composition highlights the influence of variety, geographical origin and color

Grape seed residues represent the raw material to produce several value-added products including polyphenol-rich extracts with nutritional and health attributes. Although the impact of variety and environmental conditions on the polyphenol composition in fresh berries is recognized, no data are available regarding grape seed residues. The chemical composition of grape seed residues from wine distilleries in France, Spain and Italy was characterized by mass spectrometry. Forty-two metabolites were identified belonging to non-galloylated and galloylated procyanidins as well as amino acids. Polyphenol concentrations in the red varieties originated from Champagne or Veneto were twice higher than in white varieties from the Loire Valley. The chemical profiles of grape seed residues were mainly classified according to the color variety with galloylated procyanidins as biomarkers of white varieties and non-galloylated procyanidins as biomarkers of red ones. The present approach might assist the selection of grape seed residues as quality raw materials for the production of polyphenol-rich extracts.

Effects of Simulated Digestion on the Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Dehydrated Bignay [Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng

Bigna y is a Philippine indigenous berry rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. This can be dehydrated and used as a functional ingredient, but dehydration followed by digestion results to changes in the bioactive compounds modifying their bioaccessibility. Most bioaccessibility studies are on different fresh berries and fruits while very limited on dried or processed fruits. Thus, this study investigated the effect of simulated digestion on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of freeze dried, oven dried, and spray dried bignay as well as cookies with added dehydrated bignay. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays were determined. The TPC, TFC, TAC, and antioxidant activity of the dehydrated bignay and cookies showed significant differences (p≤ 0.05) at the end of each digestion stage. Among the dehydrated samples, the freeze dried bignay had the highest TPC, TFC, TAC and antioxidant activity after the gastric and intestinal stages resulting in a bioaccessibility of 66.39 % for TPC, 78.93 % for TFC, and 70.43 % for TAC along with a bioaccessibility of 81.45 % for DPPH, 82.28 % for FRAP, and 75.64 % for ABTS. Furthermore, the cookies with the added freeze dried bignay had the highest TPC, TFC, TAC and antioxidant activity at the end of both gastric and intestinal stages. This resulted in a bioaccessibility of 48.85 % for TPC, 47.26 % for TFC, 33.16 % for TAC, 62.60 % for DPPH, 64.39 % for FRAP, and 36.39 % for ABTS. Simulated digestion favored the release of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, although the contents were lower than that obtained before the simulated digestion. The total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity were better preserved by freeze drying followed by oven drying and least by spray drying.

Dynamics of radioactive contamination of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) in the forests of Zhytomyr Polissia (Ukraine) since the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident

The article presents results of study of levels of radioactive soil contamination and 137Cs activity concentration in the aboveground part of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) phytomass and berries on permanent experimental plots in different years since the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident (forest site type conditions — moist fairly infertile pine site type (B3), soils — soddy-podzolic sandy-loam on fluvioglacial sands). The research was conducted at the Poliskyi Branch of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky over the years 1998–2021, utilized methods generally accepted in forest science and radioecology were used. Results were processed using statistical analysis. To substantiate the research, an official reporting data from forestry enterprises of the Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr regions were used. An analytical review of the state of research on this problem revealed that at the last 10–15 years there were no scientific publications on the study of 137Cs contamination of lingonberry. It was demonstrated that there was significant reduction in the density of radioactive soil contamination and 137Cs activity concentration in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass and berries in the forests of the research region over the observation period. It was found that the main part of the total 137Cs activity is currently located in the upper (10 cm) layer of the mineral part of the soil — 74.7% where root systems of herbaceous and dwarf-shrub species are concentrated in forest ecosystems. It was established that a considerable content of the radionuclide is retained in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass even with low density of radioactive soil contamination. It was found that in 1998, at relatively low value of soil 137Cs contamination density (49±5.6 kBq∙m–2), specific activity of 137Cs in aboveground phytomass of lingonberry was 8043±511 Bq∙kg–1, while in 2021 (value of soil 137Cs contamination density 22±0.3 kBq∙m–2) — 1046±182 Bq∙kg–1. The values of radionuclide transfer coefficients in 1998 were quite significant and varied within wide range: in the air-dry aboveground phytomass from 33.4 to 164.1 m2∙kg–1∙10–3 and in the fresh berries, from 9.5 to 26.0 m2∙kg–1∙10–3. Dependencies between density of radioactive soil contamination and the content of 137Cs in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass and berries were calculated, which can be applied in the practice of their harvesting. It was found that lingonberry belongs to the group of plants characterized by the high content of 137Cs in the aboveground vegetative phytomass. Harvesting of lingonberry leaves for the production of medicinal products should be restricted in all areas contaminated with 137Cs. Lingonberry fresh berries can be harvested in areas with a radioactive soil contamination density up to 74 kBq∙m–2.

Methods of Blackberry Propagation in vitro Condition

Blackberry, one of the most important fruit species belonging to the Rosaceae family, can be grown in different environments due to having wide adaptation ability. Although it originated in Europe, today most of the common cultivars have North American origin. Also, expansion of its production last 25 years especially in Europe and the USA, the blackberry has become the fourth berry in the fresh berry market after strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Blackberry fruits are rich in vitamins, polyphenols, minerals, and antioxidants, especially gallic acid and routine. Many studies have proven that high nutritional composition has a positive effect on human health in preventing various diseases. It has an important place in the fresh and processed market. Frozen fruits can be used processed such as an ice cream, juice, jam, marmalade, cake, and sweet products. Blackberry breeding studies have been ongoing for over 100 years to increase yield and fruit quality, thornless cane, to improve disease insect resistance, and cane management and primocane fruiting. In vitro propagation is an alternative method to introduce new cultivars quickly into the market and to provide disease-free planting material compared with traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to summarize blackberry propagation methods in vitro conditions.

The difference of flavonol glycosides in cultivated and wild sea buckthorn berries in China

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is well-known for its high content of flavonol glycosides (FGs), yet accurately determining the quantity of these nutrients present in the berries remains a challenge due to the significant variability of these nutrients and lack of reference standards. In this study, flavonol glycosides in sea buckthorn berries were identified and quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography Q-exactive high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE HRMS). The results showed that the total content of flavonol glycosides ranged from 39.5 to 240.2 mg/100 g fresh berries. The wild berries from Sichuan had remarkably high contents and unique profiles of flavonol glycosides. The main flavonol glycosides in all of the samples were isorhamnetin glycosides and quercetin glycosides, the predominant flavonol glycosides were different between different samples. The sPLS-DA statistical analysis indicated that cultivated and wild sea buckthorn can be distinguished based on their distinct composition and content of flavonol glycosides. The HCA clustered 16 high expression levels of FGs, which were revealed in a wild sample obtained from Sichuan.

Extraction, isolation, and standardization of anthocyanin from Vaccinium myrtillus to evaluate their potential in glaucoma

In order to preserve the structural integrity and bioactivity of anthocyanins while improving their extraction, identification, and isolation from Vaccinium myrtillus berries is the goal of this study. The following three goals were pursued: · Creating effective extraction procedures, · Using cutting-edge chromatographic techniques for identification, and · Isolating certain anthocyanin chemicals for possible bioactivity research. Three extraction techniques (A, B, and C) were contrasted with a fresh berry control for Objective 1. The maximum anthocyanin production (14.2 mg/g) and antioxidant activity (90%) were produced by Method C, which can be attributable to the high concentration of Petunidin-3-glucoside (55%). Method A produced anthocyanins with a concentration of 12.5 mg/g, predominantly made up of cyanidin-3-glucoside (45%), compared to Method B's 9.8 mg/g, primarily made up of delphinidin-3-glucoside (30%). The structural integrity of each approach was kept to a satisfactory level, as shown by the absorbance tests. Objective 2 was to identify anthocyanins using sophisticated chromatographic methods. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (5.21 min, 12500), Delphinidin-3-glucoside (7.46 min, 9800), and Petunidin-3-glucoside (9.83 min, 14200) were measured for retention times and peak areas. Anthocyanin molecules were identified using purification methods to work towards Objective 3. Three fractions were collected, and the anthocyanin chemicals in each fraction were identified: Fraction 1, 2.5 mg, 95% purity of Cyanidin-3-glucoside; Fraction 2, 1.8 mg, 90% purity of Delphinidin-3-glucoside; and Fraction 3, 3.2 mg, 92% purity of Petunidin-3-glucoside. Analysing UV-Vis spectra showed the purity, and chromatographic retention durations matched benchmark values. Further confirmation of chemical identities was obtained by mass spectrometry and NMR investigations, with detected peaks matching recognised references. This thorough investigation contributes to our understanding of how to extract and characterise anthocyanins from V. myrtillus berries. The findings demonstrate that Method C is a better extraction technique, producing high anthocyanin content while maintaining bioactivity.

Effects of Freeze-Drying on Sensory Characteristics and Nutrient Composition in Black Currant and Sea Buckthorn Berries

Fresh berries contain numerous components that can undergo complex changes during the drying process. This study aims to investigate the effect of freeze-drying on the sensory and chemical properties of black currant and sea buckthorn berries. Freeze-drying was performed at a shelf temperature of 35–55 °C with a step of 5 °C and durations of 18, 20, 22, and 24 h. Comparing the final freeze-dried berries with their fresh counterparts, it was observed that at a shelf temperature of 50 °C and a drying time of 18 to 20 h, there was a minimal loss in the content of vitamins, organic acids, and carbohydrates. However, based on organoleptic evaluations, the best results were achieved after drying for 20 h. Furthermore, the preservation of citric and malic acids in black currant berries, along with citric, tartaric acids, and sucrose in sea buckthorn berries, was only at 45.6% when the freeze-drying time was extended to 22 h. Considering the physical and chemical properties of listed freeze-dried berries, the optimal parameters were identified as a shelf temperature of 50 °C and a drying time of 20 h. The findings from this study serve as a foundation for selecting appropriate freeze-drying parameters for various types of berries.

Berries as Foods: Processing, Products, and Health Implications.

Berries are highly regarded as flavorful and healthy fruits that may prevent or delay some chronic diseases attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Berries are low in calories and harbor diverse bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamins. This review delves into the main characteristics of fresh berries and berry products as foods and the technologies associated with their production. The main effects of processing operations and related variables on bioactive components and antioxidants are described. This review critically discusses why some health claims based on in vitro antioxidant data and clinical studies and intervention trials are difficult to assess. The review suggests that the beneficial health effects of berries are derived from a multifactorial combination of complex mixtures of abundant phenolic components, antioxidants, and their metabolites acting synergistically or additively with other nutrients like fibers and vitamins and possibly by modulating the gut microbiota.