High Β-carotene Research Articles

Quantification of Carotenoids, α-Tocopherol, and Ascorbic Acid in Amber, Mulligan, and Laird's Large Cultivars of New Zealand Tamarillos (Solanum betaceum Cav.).

Amber (yellow), Laird’s Large (red) and Mulligan (purple–red) cultivars of New Zealand tamarillo fruit were separated into pulp (endo- and mesocarp) and peel (exocarp), and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for carotenoids, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid contents. Fresh Mulligan pulp had the highest content of β-carotene (0.9 mg/100 g), α-tocopherol (1.9 mg/100 g), and ascorbic acid (28 mg/100 g). Higher concentrations of β-carotene and ascorbic acid, and lower concentrations of α-tocopherol were detected in pulps compared with peels. Compared with standard serves of other fruit, tamarillo had the highest β-carotene (9–20% RDI (recommended dietary intake)/serve), high ascorbic acid (67–75% RDI/serve), and α-tocopherol (16–23% adequate intake/serve). All cultivars had diverse carotenoid profiles dominated by provitamin A carotenoids (β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin) and xanthophyll carotenoids (lutein; zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin). Favorable growth conditions (high light intensity and low temperature) may explain the higher antioxidant vitamin content in New Zealand tamarillos compared to those from other countries. Tamarillo peels may be used as natural food coloring agent to reduce waste and deliver sustainable production.

Genetic expression of fruit physico-chemical characters in bitter gourd inter-specific crosses

ABSTRACT Improvement of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) has been constrained by a lack of adequate information on genetic control of fruit characteristics. Generation mean analysis was employed to understand the nature of gene action involved in conditioning of the fruit physico-chemical characters length, diameter, weight, total chlorophyll, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid contents, utilizing two contrasting crosses involving botanical varieties of bitter gourd. In both crosses, dominance, additive, and most of the epistatic components, were significant indicating a complex nature of inheritance for all characters under study. The dominance × dominance interaction effect was larger than the additive × additive effect. Duplicate epistasis in both crosses indicated hindrance in advancement through selection. Most characters are under control of non-additive gene action, and the magnitude of additive component was lower than dominance × dominance component; selection for most characters might be difficult. Dominance estimates indicated there would be less likelihood of isolating genotypes with fruit of increased size and having high β-carotene content from the crosses involving small-fruited M. charantia var. muricata Willd. as a parent because small fruit exhibited dominance. There would be a possibility of isolating genotype with fruit having high ascorbic acid content in segregating generations of these cross combinations. Selection for improvement of fruit physico-chemical characters should be delayed to later generations of segregating populations in bitter gourd. The modified bulk method of selection is recommended, in which selection is performed after attaining homozygosity for maximum heterozygous loci.

Effect of Yellow Root Cassava, Orange Flesh Sweet Potato and Plantain Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leave on the Functional and Proximate Composition of Extruded Product

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a promising root crop due to its high β-carotene content which could help to reduce vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, it is a less utilized perishable crop. In order to use OFSP tubers, incorporation with other flours in processing and baked products can be considered. The aim of this study is to determine the functional properties of the composite flour, development of extruded snacks using locally fabricated extruder from flour of different blend ratio of OFSP, YRC, Plantain fortified with moringa leaves powder and to determine the proximate composition of the fresh of orange fleshed sweet potato, yellow root cassava, plantain, the flour and the extruded baked snacks.

Novel processing method for improved antioxidant and nutritional value of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst-Nicolson)

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst-Nicolson, commonly known as the Elephant foot yam, is a highly potential edible aroid of Araceae family. Fresh yams are difficult to store due to their perishable nature and deteriorate in quality during storage. Therefore, making processed products viz ., dry and fry cubes will be an alternative value added product with nutritional value. In this experiment, elephant foot yam corm cubes were stored to analyze the nutritional and antioxidant values at monthly intervals. The cv ., BCA-1 dry cubes (soaking in 2% salt followed by blanching) had the highest ascorbic acid and total phenol throughout the storage period. Highest β-carotene was observed in cv ., IGAM-1 dry cubes (2% alum) and fry cubes (2% alum) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The cv., BCA-1 had the highest starch in dry cubes (1.5% alum) and fry cubes (2% salt) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The protein and organoleptic values were the highest throughout the storage in cv ., BCA-1, both dry and fry cubes, were from soaking in 1.5% alum and blanching.

Analisis Kandungan Gizi Beras dari Beberapa Galur Padi Transgenik Pac Nagdong/Ir36

Rice that is generally consumed by Indonesian people is that does not have important nutrient such as β-carotene. Therefore, the way to supply β-carotene requirement in staple foods can be done through β-carotene biofortification by genetic engineering of the rice plant. PAC Nagdong/ IR36 is transgenic Golden Rice which can produce β-carotene. The research aimed to determine some nutritional content of PAC Nagdong/ IR36 rice lines that include carbohydrate, amylose, amylopectin, protein, lipid, and β-carotene content. Amylose was measured using the iodine colorimetric method, whereas the contents of amylopectin and carbohydrates were measured using the by difference method. Protein was measured using the Bradford method, lipid was measured using Proctor and Bowen method, while β-carotene content was measured using the colorimetric method. PAC Nagdong/ IR36 rice lines had carbohydrate content between 85,06-90,16%, amylose 12,94%- 20,81%, amylopectin 69,35- 76,17%, protein 7,76-8,52 µg/µl, lipid 0,65-0,90%, and β-carotene 231,61-920,52 µg/g. Carbohydrate, protein, and β-carotene in PAC Nagdong/ IR36 were higher than TN1 rice variety (control). This indicated that PAC Nagdong/ IR36 provided better nutrition. Amylose content of Nagdong/ IR36 PAC rice was low, which donated its potential to produce fluffier rice whereas high β-carotene content could be used as a source of β-carotene that is useful in overcoming vitamin A deficiency and beneficial for health including in preventing degenerative diseases.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Anti Nutrition Factors of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato, Yellow Root Cassava and Plantain Flour Blends Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leaves

Aim: The aim of this study is to produce flour from different blend ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato, yellow root cassava (YRC) and Plantain fortified with Moringa oleifera leaves powder and to determine the nutritional composition (vitamin and mineral) and phytochemical content of the composite flour.
 Introduction: Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a promising root crop due to its high β-carotene content which could help to reduce vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, it is a less utilized perishable crop. Therefore, in other to improve it utilization in processing and bakery products the incorporation with other flours should be considered. In order to use OFSP tubers, incorporation with other flours in processing and baked products can be considered.
 Study Design: The physicochemical analysis was carried out at the biochemistry laboratory of National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCR1) while part of the analysis was done at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan (IITA). Study lasted for 6 months.
 Methodology: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), yellow roots cassava (YRC) were all sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, while the plantain and Moringa oleifera leaves were gotten from Umuahia market and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (NRCRI) respectively. The samples were processed into flour and used to form a blend. The flour blend constitute of yellow root cassava, orange fleshed sweet potato and plantain which were fortified with Moringa oleifera leaves at constant portion of 5% while the YRC, OFSP and plantain were varied at different concentration of 65%, 70, 75, 80, 85, 95 and 5, 10, 95 and 5, 10, 15, 25 and 95% I.e. Sample A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H respectively.
 Results: The result obtained indicated among the mineral content determined that sample G which serves as the control with 95% Plantain and 5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder exhibited highest in calcium having 13.26 mg/100 g, magnesium 88.06 mg/100 g, potassium 287.70 mg/100 g and iron 2.69 mg/100 g as compared to other composite flour. The phytochemical content of sample F (95% YRC with 5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder) has the highest in alkaloid, tannin and hemagglutinin content as 4.22 mg/100 g 2.26 mg/100 g and 12.43 mg/100 g respectively. The result also indicated that increase in the YRC and decrease in the OFSP caused an appreciable increase in the Vitamin B1, B3 C and D content.
 Conclusion: The vitamins, mineral and phytochemical content of the products were enhanced and can be of nutritional benefit to the public.

Effect of crude palm oil consumption on the levels of plasma ß-carotene, malondialdehyde and xanthine oxidase activity of healthy housewives

Crude palm oil that contains high s-carotenecan be obtained from mesocarp extraction of Elaesisguneensis Jacq.In the body, the s-caroteneis converted to vitamin A that has antioxidant activity. Antioxidantscan inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by free radicals or singlet oxygen. It also inhibits the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the form of anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide through the xanthine oxidase mechanism.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of crude palm oil consumption on the plasma s-carotene and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as xanthine oxidase activityof healthy housewives. Twenty-two healthy housewives who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were involved in this study. Blood plasma samples were taken before and after consuming crude palm oil for two months as much as± 3.58 mL daily.The results showed that consumption of crude palm oil increased the plasma s-carotene levels of 16 people (72%),and decreased the plasma MDAlevels of 13 people (59%).Meanwhile, thexantin oxidase enzyme activity showed no significantly different (p>0.05). Crude palm oil can increase plasma s-carotene levels. It can be an alternative natural food source of provitamin A due to the high β-carotene content.

Amazonian Eryngium foetidum leaves exhibited very high contents of bioactive compounds and high singlet oxygen quenching capacity

ABSTRACT Phenolic compounds and carotenoids profile of Amazonian Eryngium foetidum leaves and the quenching ability of their hydrophilic extract against singlet oxygen (1O2) were determined. Chlorogenic acid (4327 μg/g, dry basis, d.b.) was the major phenolic compound in the leaves at very high concentrations, while lutein (205 μg/g, d.b.) and β-carotene (161 μg/g, d.b.) were the major carotenoids. The extract of E. foetidum leaves was able to scavenge DPPH● (91.6% at 5 mg/mL), ABTS●+ (15.77 μM Trolox equivalent/g extract) and it exhibited high efficiency to protect tryptophan against 1O2, with IC50 at 343 μg/mL and 78% of protection at the highest tested concentration (625 μg/mL). Therefore, E. foetidum leaves can be exploited as an accessible natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties to be used by the food or pharmaceutical industries.

Fruit quality assessment and characterization of melon genotypes

ABSTRACT Local melon germplasm are sources of natural variation with great potential, unfortunately, they are being replaced by hybrids and modern high-yielding disease-resistant/tolerant varieties. To recognize, and encourage re-use, local melon genotypes previously selected for resistance to Fusarium wilt disease, were evaluated for morphological, nutritional and biochemical traits. The evaluated melons expressed a wide range of phenotypes for morphological fruit characteristics, taste, and composition. Differences occurred between botanical groups and within the same group. The “Galaoui” genotype of reticulatus botanical group presented the highest β-carotene value (6.6 mg∙kg−1 FW) and the highest flavonoid content (45.45 mg CE∙kg−1 FW). The “Dziri” genotype of inodorus botanical group had the highest phenolic content (896.67 mg GAE∙kg−1 FW); genotype Rupa of cantalupensis group had the highest antioxidant activity value (14.61%). Genotype Asli of inodorus group had the highest vitamin C content (0.15 g/100mL fresh juice). These genotypes might be appropriate for breeding program to increase the functional properties of commercial varieties. Moreover, principal component analysis showed a great dispersion of melon genotypes. The hierarchical ascending classification indicated genotypes were sorted into four cluster groups based on fresh weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and β-carotene contents. The diversity identified in this study, especially from the four group types, showed that some Tunisian genotypes are featured with several morphological and biochemical characteristics, they had melon quality exceeding commercial hybrids, and could be further exploited as a promising material for the creation of new improved varieties.

Traditional green leafy vegetables as underutilised sources of micronutrients in a rural farming community in south-west Nigeria I: estimation of vitamin C, carotenoids and mineral contents

Objective: To determine the micronutrient composition of fresh and boiled traditional green leafy vegetables (TGLVs). Design: Sixteen TGLVs categorised into cultivated and uncultivated vegetables were analysed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid [AA] and dehydroascorbate [DHAA]), β-carotene, lutein and minerals. Results: Basella alba had the highest AA (72 mg/100 g) content; Vernonia amygdalina (unwashed), had the highest β-carotene and lutein concentrations (14.1 and 29.0 mg/100 g, respectively); Amaranthus hybridus had the highest AA (43 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (9.3 mg/100 g) content, for cultivated sp. Celosia argentea had the highest Fe content; Zn content of all the vegetables was low, 0.4–2.6 mg/100 g. Cooking resulted in significant losses in AA content in all the samples, 19% in B. alba to 100% in Crassocephalum crepidioides. Carotenoid losses were observed in 10 samples and six samples had increased values of β-carotene (12% to 183%) and lutein (64% to double). Conclusion: Traditional green leafy vegetables studied were found to be rich in the micronutrients of interest, especially in carotenoids. Boiling of leafy vegetables, as traditionally done, led to considerable losses of the micronutrients. The micronutrient content of uncultivated leafy vegetables compared well with commonly cultivated species.

Morphology and Structure of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with High Concentrations of β-Carotene.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing up to 37.5 wt % all-trans β-carotene in the lipid phase are potential water-dispersible food colorants. SLNs have been made by hot-melt high-pressure homogenization with fully hydrogenated sunflower oil and with polysorbate 80 and sunflower lecithin as stabilizers. Atomic force microscopy revealed the SLNs had thin platelet structures most likely derived from the triglyceride crystal β-form, as detected by X-ray diffraction. No indications of crystalline β-carotene were detected. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed the extensive isomerization of β-carotene into more than 10 cis isomers, suggesting that it is present as an amorphous mixture. The high β-carotene loadings did not affect the triglyceride crystal structure and the morphology of the SLNs. It is suggested the SLNs consist of a platelet core of crystalline triglyceride surrounded by an amorphous β-carotene-containing layer. The layered structure is suggested to affect the coloring power of the SLNs at β-carotene loadings above 15 wt % of the lipid phase.

Preconception serum lipids and lipophilic micronutrient levels are associated with live birth rates after IVF.

Is a mixture of preconception serum lipids and lipophilic micronutrients associated with clinical pregnancy and live births? In this prospective cohort study, blood serum was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval for 180 women undergoing IVF at an academic reproductive health centre. Concentrations of lipids (phospholipids, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides) and lipophilic micronutrients (α-, δ-, and γ-tocopherols, retinol, β- and α-carotenes, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and lycopene) were determined using diagnostic reagent kits and high-performance liquid chromatography. Poisson regression was used with robust variance estimation to evaluate changes in Z-scores for the mixture of serum lipid and lipophilic micronutrient concentrations as predictors of embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth, adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), race, smoking status, infertility diagnosis, ovarian stimulation protocol and other measured lipid and lipophilic micronutrient concentrations. Each SD higher serum triglyceride concentration was associated with a lower chance of live birth (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.90) whereas a 1 SD higher serum α-tocopherol concentration, as part of a mixture of serum lipids and lipophilic micronutrients, was associated with a higher likelihood for a live birth (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.36). Serum β-carotene concentrations were associated with live birth in a non-linear fashion; low β-carotene was associated with a lower chance of live birth and high β-carotene with a higher chance of live birth. Although components of a mixture of lipids and lipophilic micronutrients were associated with live birth outcomes after IVF, a larger investigation is necessary to fully evaluate the potential clinical implications.

Biochemical Characterisation and Sensory Evaluation of Differently Coloured and Shaped Tomato Cultivars

Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, colour, sugar, volatiles, ascorbic acid and carotenoid (β-carotene and lycopene) contents of differently coloured and shaped tomato cultivars (cvs) grown in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Turkey were determined, along with a sensory evaluation. Tomato cultivars of two different types (cherry and beefsteak) and four different colours (red, yellow, orange and brown) were analysed. All plants were simultaneously grown in the same field and subjected to identical horticultural practices to minimise the effects of environmental conditions and to maximise those related to genotype. The red cherry cultivar had the highest lycopene content, while the orange beefsteak cultivar had the highest β-carotene content. The highest antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and hardness scores were found in cherry-type tomatoes, except the yellow one. The red cherry cultivar had the highest sugar content. Red and brown cherry cultivars were also significant in terms of their high carotenoid and sugar contents, along with a high antioxidant activity. The brown cherry cultivar had the highest total phenol content. The highest quantities of 2-hexenal, 3-hexen-1-ol, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were detected in red cultivars. The brown cherry cultivar had the highest sweetness, typical aroma and hardness scores, while the yellow beefsteak cultivars the lowest sweetness typical aroma scores. In terms of sensory parameters, red and brown cultivars scored higher than yellow and orange ones.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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FTIR-DRIFTS-based prediction of β-carotene, α-tocopherol and l-ascorbic acid in mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit pulp

Mango fruits contain substantial vitamins and dietary fibre. Vitamins vary among and within fruits depending on cultivar type and ripening stage. Conventional techniques of vitamins analysis are based on High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, which are costly and laborious. This study evaluated the potential of Fourier transform infrared-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-DRIFTS) technique in predicting β-carotene, α-tocopherol and l-ascorbic acid in pulps of four mango cultivar types (‘Apple’, ‘Kent’, ‘Ngowe’, and ‘Tommy Atkins’). Combination of ran dom forest (RF) and first derivative spectra developed the predictive models. Factorial ANOVA examined the interaction effect of cultivar type, site (‘Thika’, ‘Embu’ and ‘Machakos), and fruit canopy position (sun exposed/within crown) on β-carotene, α-tocopherol and l-ascorbic acid contents. RF Models gave R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 2.27, RPD = 0.72 for β-carotene; R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.26, RPD = 0.30 for α-tocopherol and R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 0.51, RPD = 1.96 for l-ascorbic acid. Generally cultivar type affected vitamin C, F (3, 282) = 7.812, p < 0.05. Apple and Tommy Atkins had higher mean vitamins than Ngowe and Kent. In Machakos, within canopy fruits had higher β-carotene than sun-exposed fruits, F (5, 257) = 2.328, p = 0.043. However, interactions between fruit position, site and cultivar did not affect α-tocopherol and vitamin C. In Thika, Tommy Atkins at fully ripe stage had higher vitamin C than at intermediate maturity stage, F (2, 143) = 7.328, p = 0.01. These results show that FTIR-DRIFTS spectroscopy is a high-throughput method that can be used to predict mango fruit vitamins of in a large data set.

Provitamin A Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Ascorbic Acid and Minerals in Indigenous Leafy Vegetables from Tanzania

The essential micronutrients in indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) could substantially contribute to the micronutrient supply in rural communities in Tanzania, but concentrations differ between species. Provitamin A carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, minerals, and phytate were analysed in 13 different species using HPLC-, ICP-OES, and photometric techniques. Eight of the 13 ILVs, including Amaranthus ssp. and Sesamum angustifolium, had high β-carotene concentrations (2.91–4.84 mg/100 g fresh weight), which could provide ≥50% of vitamin A’s recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Six ILVs including Cleome hirta and Sonchus luxurians had high iron contents (34.5–60.4 mg/100 g, >50% RNI); Amaranthus ssp. represented the ILV with high calcium, magnesium and zinc contents (85%, 207% and 21% of RNI per 100 g); Cleome hirta and Cleome gynandra had high ascorbic acid contents (>15 mg/100 g, 34–35% of RNI), while Sesamum angustifolium was the only ILV with a high tocopherol content (7.34 mg α-TE/100 g). The highest phytate concentration was found in Amaranthus ssp., which could negatively affect its role as a very good source of minerals. Results indicate that the analysed ILVs could make a substantial contribution to the vitamin A and iron supply in the diets of rural Tanzanian populations.

Lipid nanoparticles with fats or oils containing β-carotene: Storage stability and in vitro digestibility kinetics.

The aim of this work was to study the formation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with low (corn and olive oil) or high temperature melting lipids (cocoa butter and hydrogenated coconut oil). Moreover, their β-carotene stability and in vitro digestibility kinetics was evaluated. Submicron LNPs (d43 ≈ 570-780 nm) were stabilized with Tween 80 at a surfactant-to-oil ratio (SOR) of 0.1. It was reduced below 200 nm at an SOR of 1. The β-carotene retention at 25 °C was not related to the lipid type but rather to the particle size, being lower in samples with smaller particle sizes. Cocoa butter LNPs presented an equally complete digestion as corn oil LNPs and a high β-carotene bioaccessibility, which was related to the high degree of micellarization of monoacylglycerols. This work evidences the potential of LNPs to protect lipophilic bioactive compounds with a high digestibility and bioaccessibility.

Effects of Dietary β-Carotene on the Melanization Response and Growth Rate of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Animals rely on carotenoids as fundamental precursors for hormones and antioxidants, and animals must acquire carotenoids from their diet. Previous research has shown that insects often absorb carotenoids in amounts proportional to those in their diet, and that carotenoids play key roles in multitrophic interactions. The consumption of diets that provide high levels of antioxidant compounds is associated with high levels of immune responses; however, it is unknown whether individual carotenoids directly influence immune response. Here, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of the carotenoid β-carotene on melanization, a measure of immune response, and growth rate of Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To fulfill the objective, a low, medium, and high concentration of β-carotene, representing the range found in typical host plants, were mixed in an artificial diet, and immune response and growth rate were assessed in fifth instar larvae. Immune response was induced by injection of chromatography beads in to the abdomen of the larvae, and percent melanization was measured after injection. Melanization was greatest when larvae were reared on high β-carotene diets. Mass was measured at 5 and 10 d to assess growth rate. Larvae reared on high β-carotene diets initially gained little mass, but after 10 d larvae reared on no and high β-carotene diets were larger than those reared on other diets. This research has shown that β-carotene has the potential to influence the immune response and growth rate of T. ni.

Fortification of Rice Grain with Gac Aril (Momordica Conchinchinensis) Using Vacuum Impregnation Technique

The objective of this research was to improve functional property of rice by fortification with gac aril using vacuum impregnation (VI) process. Effects of rice variety, preparation method and VI condition on gac aril fortified rice quality were investigated. Sao Hai (SH) and Khaw Dok Mali 105 (KDML 105) were prepared to achieve polished and unpolished rice. The samples were impregnated with 30% gac aril solution under VI condition (vacuum pressure 500 mmHg), 0% gac solution was used as a control. After drying, the samples were analyzed for physicochemical property i.e. texture, color L*, a* and b*, total fiber, lycopene, β-carotene and total phenolic (TPC) content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) as well as sensory quality (9-point hedonic scale). The results showed that both varieties of unpolished rice had higher hardness and darker colour than polished samples. Unpolished SH impregnated with gac aril showed the highest content of β-carotene (22.10±0.83 mg/g), lycopene (8.38±0.11 µg/g), and TPC (0.24±0.03 mg GAE/g) while antioxidant activity of all gac aril fortified samples were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) (DPPH value ranged 1.39-1.72 mmol TE/ g) and higher than control. However, sensory evaluation showed that gac fortified unpolished KDML 105 had the highest score of the overall acceptability. Based on all properties, unpolished KDML 105 was chosen for studying the suitable VI condition in further step. Unpolished KDML 105 was soaked in 30% gac aril solution under different vacuum pressures (0, 300 and 500 mmHg) and pressurizing techniques (single and pulse pressure). The dried samples were analyzed and it was found that the high vacuum pressure at 500 mmHg and pulse pressure gave the highest β-carotene (41.41 ± 4.53 mg/g), lycopene (25.07 ±1.74 µg/g) and TPC (0.21±0.03 mg GAE/g) content and DPPH value (2.91±0.90 mmol TE/ g), while physical properties, texture and sensory were not significantly different (p&gt;95%). In addition, glycemic index (GI) of rice after VI process was decreased from 84.24 to 72.04. Finally, it can be concluded that non-polishing process, high vacuum pressure and pulse pressurizing are the suitable condition to prepare gac aril fortified rice. The health benefits of rice are improved with high antioxidant activity and lower GI.

Mixed fruit juices from Cerrado

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimize a mixed juice made from Brazilian Cerrado fruits (cagaita, mangaba and marolo).Design/methodology/approachThe juices were evaluated by rheological, physical, physicochemical, nutritional and sensory acceptance analyses. The mixture design is a widely used tool for product optimization, allowing the determination of factors, combinations and levels that provide best responses.FindingsThe results show that using mangaba pulp negatively contributed to juice acceptance, but resulted in the highest ascorbic acid content. The treatments produced using cagaita and marolo pulps presented a greater acceptance by consumers, and contributed to higher antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds content. The juice prepared with a mixture of equivalent quantities of the three fruits had the highest β-carotene and lycopene contents.Practical implicationsThis research has shown that different fruit combinations can improve sensory and nutritional characteristics, adding value to the final product.Social implicationsThe processing of mixed juices could increase population access to the nutrients present in Brazilian Cerrado fruits, given that they are seasonal and perishable fruits.Originality/valueIn recent years, there has been an increase in the development of new food products based on Cerrado native fruits, however information on the chemical and nutritional characteristics, rheological behavior, and sensory attributes of the derivative products are still limited, resulting in a lack of scientific investments in this area. In addition, it is necessary to optimize the developed products to offer the consumer a unique product, combining the characteristics of two or more fruits, which adds value to the final product.

Crossability among Five Cassava (Manihot Esculenta CRANTZ) Varieties

Controlled crosses were carried out to determine crossability among five selected cassava varieties in terms of seed set per cross and influence of maternal inheritance on seed set in cassava. The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. Three yellow root varieties (IITA-TMS-I011412, IITA-TMS-I011368 and IITA-TMS-I070539) selected for their high β-carotene content and two white root varieties (IITA-TMS-I30752 and COB-7-25) selected for their high dry matter content and acceptable plant architecture among subsistence farmers were crossed in a reciprocal diallel design with no selfing. Fourteen hybrid populations were developed and data obtained were analyzed using T-Test and simple linear correlation. The result showed that genotype and maternal inheritance influenced seed setting in cassava. The cross IITA-TMS-I011368 x IITA-TMS-I011412 gave the highest seed set percentage (57.1) and the two parents were the best female and male parents, respectively. This was followed by IITA-TMS-I30752 x IITA-TMS-I011412 (39.8%), IITA-TMS-I011368 x IITA-TMS-I070539 (26.5%), IITA-TMS-I070539 x IITA-TMS-I011412 (24.9%) and IITA-TMS-I30752 x IITA-TMS-I011368 (24.1%). Reciprocal differences were observed for crosses between IITA-TMS-I30752 and IITA-TMS-I011412; IITA-TMS-I011412 and IITA-TMS-I011368; IITA-TMS-I011412 and COB-7-25 which suggests that seed setting in cassava is influenced by cytoplasmic genes which are transmitted exclusively by the maternal parent. The best female and male parents (IITA-TMS-I011368 and IITA-TMS-I011412) in terms of percentage seed set in this study are good candidates as parents to generate large populationsin breeding for high carotene content in cassava.