High Dietary Fiber Content Research Articles

Crop Biofortification of Finger Millet Through Agronomic Approaches to Enhance Bioactive Compounds for Human Health and Nutrition

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a gluten-free cereal crop widely grown in Africa and Asia, recognized for its rich bioactive compounds and health benefits. It contains high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins with potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, finger millet is a valuable source of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium, crucial for bone health, cognitive function, and body immune. Its high dietary fiber content aids gastrointestinal health, regulates blood sugar and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Finger millet is particularly high in essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein choice for vegetarians. Agronomic biofortification, which involves adding zinc, calcium, and iron to the soil and leaves of plants can increase the mineral content of the grain. This review investigates different approaches of agronomic biofortification of finger millet and explore the health and nutritional benefits of bioactive components with a focus on their role as a functional diet in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Agro-morphological genetic diversity assessment of Amaranthus genotypes from Ethiopia based on qualitative traits

Amaranths are a promising plant in the family of Amaranthaceae because of their nutritional and functional properties, such as their high antioxidant content and dietary fiber content. However, it's being disregarded for several reasons, such as ignorance, a lack of in-depth research, and the plant's long-term genetic growth in Ethiopia, among other factors. In the current work, we described the genetic diversity of 120 amaranth genotypes using qualitative criteria. The experiment, which was configured with an alpha lattice design and duplicated twice, was run for two seasons in 2020 and 2021. Twenty qualitative descriptors were looked for in the gathered data. Among the 20 qualitative variables that were assessed, the chi-square test result indicated the presence of prevailing phenotypic variation. The results of the agro-morphological characterization also revealed a significant amount of variance. The overall mean of the Shannon diversity indices (H') was 0.61. The indices for germination rate, leaf margin, prominence of leaf veins, and the existence of auxiliary inflorescence varied from 0.12 to 0.99. The estimated diversity indices showed more intra-regional diversity (0.66) than inter-regional diversity (0.34), demonstrating the existence of gene flow between growing regions. Shannon–Weaver Diversity Index, ranged from 0.00 for auxiliary inflorescence to 1.94 for leaf coloration, with an overall mean of 19 characters (95%) that were found to have high diversity (> 0.76) while auxiliary inflorescence was invariant. Except for auxiliary inflorescence, all qualitative features showed a lot of variation. Additionally, Amaranthus hybridus L. subsp. cruentus (L.) Theil recorded the greatest Shannon diversity index (0.47) while Amaranthus spinosus L. recorded the lowest (0.00). The hierarchical clustering grouped all the genotypes into three clusters. The first cluster included the most genotypes (58), followed by the second (47), and the third cluster contained the fewest (15). Principal component analysis showed that the first six principal components with eigenvalues greater than one contributed 72% of the variability among genotypes. The study unequivocally demonstrated that, even when the genotypes were grouped into a small number of clusters, there was still enough divergence within the clusters to demonstrate the genotypes of amaranth to have a high genetic diversity. These results indicate that there is substantial genetic diversity among Ethiopian amaranth genotypes, which should be safeguarded and may be utilized in breeding in the future.

The Glycemic Index of Gayam (Inocarpus fagifer Forst) Cookies as a High Dietary Fiber Food

The type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still one of the world's public health problems. It needs serious handling and prevention efforts in the nutritional aspect. The high prevalence of T2D is related to the low intake of dietary fiber. This type of food has a low glycemic index (GI). Gayam is a high-dietary fiber material that can be used for the manufacture of flour and as processed food material for the high-dietary fiber cookies. The objectives of this research were to study the GI evaluation of cookies from gayam flour. Cookies were tested for chemical composition, and glycemic index. The glycemic index evaluation test used 12 volunteers taken from the healthy group/nondiabetic, normal nutritional status (BMI: 18.5-22.9), and age 19-55 years. The results of this study indicate the dietary fiber content of gayam cookies was 4.57 g/100 g and included in the category of high dietary fiber food. The glycemic index of gayam cookies was 43 and the low glycemic index category. The obtained results show for the first time the potential of gayam cookies in hyperglycaemia management. The conclusion of this study was that gayam cookies has high dietary fiber content and low GI level. Gayam cookies can be used as an alternative snack to control blood glucose levels in the prevention of diabetes mellitus.

In-vitro antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract from Khla (Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb.) rhizome.

Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb. in Thai, namely “Khla,” is notably distributed in South and South-East Asia regions. In Thai traditional medicine, rhizome has a bland taste, and after decoction, it is used to reduce body heat and fever and treatment of skin diseases. Recently, the methanolic extract of rhizome had reported the hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activities in mice. Aims of this study were conducted to determine the nutritional value of rhizome and to evaluate α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities of ethanol extract from the rhizome (KE). The rhizome had a high content of dietary fiber and iron, while it was low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Thus, it can become an ingredient of a healthy diet. The total phenolic content of KE contained 229.8 ± 6.23 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. There was strongly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and comparable with the antidiabetic drug acarbose (IC50 = 0.10 ± 0.03 mg/mL). Therefore, KE was slightly inhibited by α-amylase (IC50 = 0.42 ± 0.05 mg/mL), when compared with acarbose (IC50 = 0.016 ± 0.001 mg/mL). Thus, the phytochemicals of different extracts are necessary to be identified. Therefore, the advance techniques were the limitation of our study.

Reformulation of gambang bread with additional pectin and coconut dregs powder as wheat flour and breadcrumb substitute

Gambang bread is a traditional no-yeast Indonesian bread characterized by its palm sugarlike brown colour, dense texture, and spice taste. Coconut dregs are high in dietary fiber but easy to spoil, so blanching is an effective way to prolong the coconut dregs' shelf life. This study investigated the effects of the blanching method and time on yield, water content, fat content, and dietary fiber content of coconut dregs powder. Moreover, the effects of coconut dregs powder substitution ratio and pectin concentration on the microstructure and physical characteristics of the bread (expansion volume and hardness) were studied. Hot water blanching produced coconut dregs powder with lower yield and fat content, as well as higher moisture and dietary fiber content than steam-blanched coconut dregs powder. Blanching time only affected dietary fiber content. 10 mins of blanching produced coconut dregs powder with higher dietary fiber content than 5 mins of blanching. Hot water blanching treatment for 10 mins was chosen as the best treatment. This treatment produced 43.12±0.64% coconut dregs powder. Moreover, the chemical characteristics of chosen coconut dregs powder were 5.40±0.01% water, 34.10±1.56% fat, 3.73±0.1% protein, 0.45±0.02% ash, 55.53±1.28% carbohydrate, and 73.90±0.02% dietary fiber. Higher substitution of coconut dregs powder increased hardness and decreased the expansion volume of gambang bread. Meanwhile, adding pectin significantly reduced the hardness of gambang bread. The best gambang bread was obtained from 10% substitution coconut dregs powder and 0.5% additional pectin. Bread microstructure showed that substituting coconut dregs disrupted the continuity gluten matrix more than control bread.

Millets: a nutritional powerhouse for ensuring food security.

Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resourcefor smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future.

Characterising cricket flour from Gryllus assimilis: an alternative source of nutrients for sustainability

SummaryA trend to study entomological options as food is turning the practice of entomophagy into a novel research field in search for sustainable and accessible sources of nutrients. In this work, cricket (Gryllus assimilis) was processed into flour (CF), and then extracted using different solvents to obtain oils and defatted flours. The repeatability of CF obtention, its nutritional profile, and some of its physicochemical properties were studied. Results showed repeatability with a 28% mass yield for CF production. The CF presented adequate amino acid, mineral, and fatty acid profiles, a high content of dietary fibre, and low available carbohydrates, thus being considered a suitable alternative for inclusion in healthy human diets. Using data obtained from the total nitrogen content, the amino acid profile, and the total dietary fibre determinations, the CF protein digestibility was estimated at 67.4%. Based on experimental data, a mean nitrogen‐to‐protein conversion factor of 5.76 was calculated for a G. assimilis meal. The study showed that nutritional cricket flour and derivatives can be obtained using non‐sophisticated methods.

Development of dark chocolate with inulin and sweetened with stevia extract obtained by pressurized hot water

Because of its taste, texture, and aroma, chocolate is consumed as a way to generate pleasant sensations. Due to its high caloric density, moderate consumption is recommended. Seeking to offer the benefits of this product to a more selective public, the aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and sensory properties of a sugar-free dark chocolate added with inulin and sweetened with stevia extract obtained by pressurized hot water, which was compared with a commercial dark chocolate and accompanied by a sensory analysis of the samples. A completely randomized statistical experimental design was used to compare the properties of the alternative and commercial chocolates. The treatments were carried out in triplicate and the results obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance with 95 % confidence level. The results showed that the treatment of stevia leaves with hot pressurized water allowed an extraction of 41.51 g of steviol glycosides for rebaudioside A and 6.76 g for stevioside per 100 g of leaves subjected to processing. The chemical analysis of the alternative and commercial chocolates indicated that the fat and total dietary fiber contents showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dark chocolates, unlike the other components. Moisture, ash, fat, and protein contents were slightly higher in the two types of chocolate, and carbohydrate content was 4.1 % lower than in the commercial chocolate. Both products had 0 % added sugars and high dietary fiber content (> 37 %), and there was a reduction of 100 kcal/100 g compared to the commercial brand. Consumer sensory evaluation showed a higher level of liking (p < 0.05) for the elaborated chocolate with respect to the commercial product in attributes such as appearance, color, and texture. These findings suggest the use of stevia extracts obtained by pressurized hot water as a non-caloric sweetener for healthy, alternative dark chocolates suitable for people with diabetes.

Black and Red Currant Pomaces as Raw Materials to Create Smoothies with In Vitro Health-Promoting Potential.

Pomace is a by-product resulting from the pressing of fruits and vegetables into juices, and it is typically treated as waste. Interestingly, pomace contains minimal amounts of protein and fat but is characterized by its high polyphenol and dietary fiber contents, which may have health benefits for human physiology. Therefore, they are a potentially attractive raw material for the food industry, but to our knowledge, no smoothies with their addition have been prepared and described so far. Consequently, products derived from apple juice, incorporating different doses of fresh (6% and 12%) and dried (3% and 6%) black or red currant pomace, were formulated, and their physical properties, chemical composition, bioactive compound content, and health-promoting potential (in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity) were evaluated. Additionally, the products underwent sensory assessment by consumers. The fortified beverages exhibited different physical characteristics and chemical compositions than apple juice. All smoothies were characterized by higher concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonols, and procyanidin polymers compared to the base product. Moreover, 75% of them exhibited a significantly elevated phenolic acid content as well as a higher concentration of flavan-3-ols. The majority of fresh smoothies exhibited significantly higher in vitro antioxidant capacities and increased in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects compared to the base product. The highest ABTS activity was recorded in the variant with 6% dried black currant pomace. In turn, the smoothie with 3% dried red currant pomace had the most effective FRAP effect and, together with the product containing 12% fresh black currant pomace, ORAC antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition also. The introduction of 6% dried red currant pomace led to the creation of a beverage that most effectively inhibited α-glucosidase. The study showed that the application of various types of pomace, mainly that of black currant, into apple juice enables the development of new functional products with sensory attributes that are favorably evaluated by consumers.

Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Ssammoo added with Natural Food Colorants

In this study, the color of ssammoo was to created in an addition of gardenia powder(GPR), citron powder(CPR), strawberry powder(SPR), and actinidia arguta powder(APR), respectivery. Ssammoo was collected on the 0<sup>th</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 7<sup>th</sup>, and 14<sup>th</sup> days of stored at 5℃. The pH of the control group and ssammoo with the actinidia arguta powder was significantly lowered over time(<i>p</i><.001). The acidity was significantly decreased in the case of ssammoo with actinidia arguta powder(<i>p</i><.05). The sugar content of all ssammoos increased due to osmotic pressure as the ripening period increased. The L value was the highest in the control group and increased over time(<i>p</i><.001). The a and b value were the highest in ssammoo with gardenia powder(<i>p</i><.001). The ΔE increased until the 7th day of storage and then decreased, suggesting that there would be a change in color value of all ssammoos after the 7<sup>th</sup> day of storage. The total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in ssammoo with gardenia powder. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was highest in ssammoo with strawberry powder. This study intended to contribute to increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits with high dietary fiber content by developing colored salted and pickled foods.

Exploring the Potential of the Mixture of Alginate and Aqueous Plant Extracts as Functional Drinks for Diabetics

Diabetes, which affects millions of people every year, has led to a functional food development for diabetics. This study aimed to explore the potential of functional drinks made of a mixture of alginate and aqueous plant extracts to treat diabetics. Samples studied, were 1% alginate solution (alginate drink), aqueous plant extracts, and functional drinks consisting of a mixture of alginate-plant extracts. Those functional drinks were made from okra aqueous extract, moringa leaf aqueous extract, bay leaf aqueous extract, and guava leaf aqueous extract, each of which was mixed with alginate. The samples were analyzed for qualitative phytochemical content, dietary fiber content, total phenolic content, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and antioxidant capability. The phytochemical content of functional drinks showed differences in color intensity and types of phytochemicals. Saponins were identified in all the drinks. The high phenolic and dietary fiber content was shown by a drink of alginate - moringa leaf extract mixture. High alpha glucoside inhibitors and antioxidant activity were shown by drinks prepared from a mixture of alginate-bay leaf extract and a mixture of alginate-guava leaf extract. Overall, drinks from a mixture of alginate-bay leaf extract and a mixture of alginate-guava leaf extract had the potential to be used to treat diabetes.

Use of Integral Forage Palm Flour as an Innovative Ingredient in New Fettuccine-Type Pasta: Thermomechanical and Technological Properties, and Sensory Acceptance.

Dehydrated integral forage palm cladode flour (FPF) presents a promising nutritional and functional approach to enriching fettuccine-type pasta. This study investigated the use of microwave-dehydrated FPF (at 810 W) as a partial wheat flour substitute (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) in fresh and dry fettuccine-type pasta. The thermomechanical properties of flour blends and the technological and sensory attributes of the resulting pasta were evaluated. FPF displayed a high protein (15.80%), mineral (15.13%), dietary fiber (67.35%), and total soluble phenolic compound (251 mg EAG·100 g-1) content. While water absorption (~58%) and dough stability remained consistent across formulations, a decrease in maximum torque during heating was observed (p < 0.05). Fettuccine-type pasta containing 10% FPF exhibited an acceptable optimal cooking time, solid loss, weight gain, and textural properties for both fresh and dry pasta. Sensory evaluation revealed acceptability above 63% for pasta with 10% FPF, with a slight preference for the fresh version. Fresh pasta flavored with garlic and extra virgin olive oil (garlic and oil pasta) achieved a sensory acceptance rate of 79.67%. These findings demonstrate the potential of FPF for fettuccine-type pasta production, contributing desirable technological characteristics and achieving acceptable sensory profiles.

The potential of mango, papaya, and melon seed dietary fibre extracts for functional food

Fruit seeds were previously discarded as waste, which could lead to an environmental burden. In this research, dietary fibre (DF) was extracted from mango, papaya, and honeydew seeds, and the optimum extraction conditions were determined. Analyses revealed that all DF extracts exhibit low moisture, fat, ash, and protein contents and present high amounts of total sugar, starch, and total DF. Mango seed DF extract produced the highest amounts of starch (28.68 g/100 g dry extract) and total sugar (41.77 g/100 g dry extract) whilst honeydew seed dietary fibre extract (HSDFE) revealed the highest total DF content (81.96 g/100 g dry extract). A great difference in the ratio of insoluble DF to soluble DF contents was found in papaya seed DF extract and HSDFE. Besides slightly acidic and low bulk density, all DF extracts were yellowish and showed high waterholding (WHC), water swelling (WSC), and oil-holding capacities (OHC). Results indicated all three DF extracts have good physicochemical and functional properties. However, honeydew seed had the best potential functional food due to its low-fat content and bulk density, high insoluble DF and total DF content, nearly neutral pH, and excellent WSC, OHC, emulsion ability (EA), and emulsion stability (ES).

Health-Promoting Properties and the Use of Fruit Pomace in the Food Industry-A Review.

Fruit pomace, a by-product of the fruit industry, includes the skins, seeds, and pulp most commonly left behind after juice extraction. It is produced in large quantities: apple residues alone generate approximately 4 million tons of waste annually, which is a serious problem for the processing industry but also creates opportunities for various applications. Due to, among other properties, their high content of dietary fiber and polyphenolic compounds, fruit residues are used to design food with functional features, improving the nutritional value and health-promoting, technological, and sensory properties of food products. This article presents the health-promoting (antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial) properties of fruit pomace. Moreover, the possibilities of their use in the food industry are characterized, with particular emphasis on bread, sweet snack products, and extruded snacks. Attention is paid to the impact of waste products from the fruit industry on the nutritional value and technological and sensory characteristics of these products. Fruit pomace is a valuable by-product whose use in the food industry can provide a sustainable solution for waste management and contribute to the development of functional food products with targeted health-promoting properties.

Optimizing Soaking and Boiling Time in the Development of Tempeh-like Products from Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Tempeh is a fermented soybean food with high nutritional value, culinary versatility, and palatability. Its popularity is rising because it aligns with the trend towards sustainable and healthy plant-based diets. However, consumers have exhibited a strong preference for local ingredients over soy. Faba bean is a promising raw material in Scandinavia due to its high protein, dietary fiber, and phytochemical content. In this study, we evaluated the effects of soaking media (vinegar, water and sodium bicarbonate with or without lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) on boiling time and physicochemical properties of faba bean-based tempeh. We demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate, with and without LAB, significantly reduces the boiling time of faba beans (7–8 min), while beans soaked in vinegar and water with and without LAB require longer boiling times for tempeh production (&gt;16 min). Texture analysis has revealed notable variations among the samples, with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) observed across the majority of the measured attributes. Our study has demonstrated that faba beans are suitable for tempeh production and expand the sources of possible raw materials. However, further studies are needed to investigate consumers’ preferences and expectations towards faba bean-based tempeh.

Flaxseed: A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Health Benefits

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a nutritional powerhouse rich in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), lignans (especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), and dietary fiber. These bioactive components possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties, suggesting potential health benefits for humans and animals. This review explores the effects of flaxseed consumption or its isolated bioactive ingredients on various health conditions. We delve into existing research on the potential impact of flaxseed on cardiovascular health, cancer, gut health, brain function, and hormonal balance in menopausal women. The review highlights the unique composition of flaxseed, including its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (over 70% of total oil), protein (20–30%), and dietary fibre (28%). Flaxseed also has the highest lignan concentration among plant sources. This distinct chemical profile positions flaxseed as a promising candidate for exploring its preventive and functional properties. The review emphasises the well-established safety of flaxseed under proper storage and processing conditions.

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds.

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

Technological aspects and requirements to raw materials for increasing the nutritional value of glaze

Glaze, giving confectionery products an aesthetically attractive appearance, provides the possibility of prolonging their shelf life. The main raw components of the glaze are sugar and fat, which determines its high caloric content. Modern trends dictate the need to create confectionery products enriched with essential nutrients found in vegetables, berries and fruits. The introduction of finely ground additives in the form of fruit and vegetable powder into the glaze formulation may entail changes in the rheological and crystallization properties of the glaze. The aim of the research is to develop technological methods of fruit and vegetable confectionery glaze production with increased content of dietary fibers and reduced amount of added sugar, as well as to establish requirements for fruit and vegetable powders as raw materials used in the production of confectionery glaze. The objects of the research were industrial samples of fruit and vegetable powders from raspberry, apple, carrot and beet, as well as samples of confectionery glaze produced in laboratory conditions. Common and special research methods were used in the work. The technological acceptability of using fruit and vegetable powders in the production of confectionery glaze according to their physical and chemical parameters has been determined. The yield stress of the glaze increased as the content of fruit and vegetable powder increased from 3 to 15% to varying degrees depending on its fat-absorbing capacity. The crystallization characteristic of the glaze changed: the solidification temperature decreased by 1-2 °C, the crystallization duration increased by 27-40% compared to the control sample. The nomenclature is substantiated and numerical values of quality criteria of fruit and vegetable powders to ensure technological properties of glaze are given. The influence of step-by-step introduction of surfactants on the value of yield stress of confectionery glazes with fruit and vegetable powders is shown. The technology of fruit and vegetable confectionery glaze with a high content of dietary fiber (9 g/100 g) and with a reduced amount of added sugar has been developed.

Physical Treatments Modified the Functionality of Carrot Pomace.

This study addressed the critical issue of food waste, particularly focusing on carrot pomace, a by-product of carrot juice production, and its potential reutilization. Carrot pomace, characterized by high dietary fiber content, presents a sustainable opportunity to enhance the functional properties of food products. The effects of physical pretreatments-high shearing (HS), hydraulic pressing (HP), and their combination (HSHP)-alongside two drying methods (freeze-drying and dehydration) on the functional, chemical, and physical properties of carrot pomace were explored. The results indicated significant enhancements in water-holding capacity, fat-binding capacity, and swelling capacity, particularly with freeze-drying. Freeze-dried pomace retained up to 33% more carotenoids and demonstrated an increase of up to 22% in water-holding capacity compared to dehydrated samples. Freeze-dried pomace demonstrated an increase of up to 194% in fat-binding capacity compared to dehydrated samples. Furthermore, HSHP pretreatment notably increased the swelling capacity of both freeze-dried (54%) and dehydrated pomace (35%) compared to pomace without pretreatments. Freeze-drying can enhance the functional properties of dried carrot pomace and preserve more carotenoids. This presents an innovative way for vegetable juice processors to repurpose their processing by-products as functional food ingredients, which can help reduce food waste and improve the dietary fiber content and sustainability of food products.

Deciphering the genetic architecture of β-glucan content in oats (Avena sativa L.) through QTL mapping

Oat is a cereal grain grown for human and animal nutrition. It is known for its high dietary fibre content, phytochemicals, and nutritional value. The primary component of oat fibre is β-glucan, a group of polysaccharides comprising mixed-linkage (1,3) (1,4)-D-glucose units. The β-glucan concentrations of oat cultivars usually range from 3 to 6% and are considered a polygenic trait controlled by multiple genes with additive effects. The primary goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for β-glucan content. Two contrasting parents for β-glucan content, OL10 (5.8%) and OL11 (0.8%), were selected from 91 germplasm lines, and an F2:4 mapping population was generated for QTL mapping. Five genotypes with the highest levels of β-glucan content were observed. The QTLs affecting β-glucan content were identified using QTL cartographer, employing single marker analysis (SMA) and composite interval mapping (CIM). Two putative QTL regions were identified, one on linkage group (LG) 1 and the other on LG 4, with LOD (logarithm of the odds) scores of 3.7 and 4.3, respectively, explaining 31 and 33% of the phenotypic variation. The information generated is important in identifying the genomic regions responsible for β-glucan content in oats.