Organoleptic Characteristics Research Articles

MUTU ORGANOLEPTIK DAN KOMPOSISI GIZI SOSIS TETELAN IKAN TUNA (Thunnus sp)

Tuna swallow contains high protein but has the disadvantage of smelling fishy. Tuna swallow is usually sold cheaply and is underutilized, while its potential is quite large. Therefore it is necessary to diversify processed fishery products to increase the utilization or added value of tuna fish, one of which is the manufacture of fish sausages. The purpose of this study was to determine the organoleptic quality and nutritional composition of tuna fish sausage (Thunnus sp).The study used an experimental method with three different concentrations of tuna fillet meat to obtain the physical form and good quality content of tuna fish sausage based on organoleptic test results and nutritional content test results using the proximate analysis method. Based on the results of the research on the best organoleptic quality, there was treatment A1 with an appearance value of 7.6, smell of 7.1, taste of 7.4 and texture of 7.0. While the best proximate value or nutritional composition is found in A3 with a value of 19.9% ​​protein content, 1.4% fat content, 7.2% carbohydrate content, 70.4% water content and 0.8% ash content.

Utility of dairy microbiome as a tool for authentication and traceability.

Milk microbiome contributes substantially to the formation of specific organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of dairy products. The assessment of the composition and abundance of milk microbiota is a challenging task strongly influenced by many environmental factors. Specific dairy products may be designated by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labeling, which however, occasionally fail to differentiate them according to specific quality characteristics, which are defined by different microbiota-driven reactions. Combining the above limitations, the scope of the present study, was to summarize the existing information toward three main issues. First, to assess the influence level of the diet type and grazing to rumen-GI tract, mammary gland, and udder microbiome formation in ruminants. Second, to discuss the factors affecting milk microbiota, as well as the effect of the endo-mammary route on milk microbial taxa. Lastly, to evaluate "milk microbiome" as a tool for product differentiation, according to origin, which will contribute to a more robust PDO and PGI labeling. Although the limitations are still a matter of fact (especially considering the sample collection, process, evaluation, and avoidance of its contamination), significant progress has been made, regarding the identification of the factors affecting dairy products' microbiota and its core composition. In conclusion, although so far not totally efficient in dairy products molecular identification, with the progress in soil, water, plant, and animal host's microbiota assembly's characterization, microbiomics could provide a powerful tool for authentication and traceability of dairy products.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal shampoo

The main objective of these study is to evaluate and formulate herbal shampoo. Shampoo are one of the cosmetic products used in daily life. Synthetic preservatives and detergents have sometimes been the cause of adverse effects among consumers. A more radical approach in reducing the synthetic ingredients is by incorporating natural ingredients whose functionality is comparable with their synthetic ingredients. The ingredients used in formulation of Herbal Shampoo are Ficus Religiosa leaves (Powder), Hibiscus Leaves (Powder), Reetha (Powder), Shikakai (Powder), Aloevera, then prepared by mixing with each other and evaluated for its organoleptic and physio-chemical characteristics and performance tests in terms of wetting time test, pH, solid contents, surface tension, dirt dispersion, foam Stability, and Viscosity was performed. The combination of several such ingredient of herbal origin has made it possible to secure highly effective dry powder shampoo. The formulation at laboratory scale was done and evaluated for number of parameters to ensure its safety and efficacy The Formulated Herbal Shampoo was clear and good appealing. It demonstrated good froth stability, detergency, good cleansing, small bubble size, low surface strain, and execution of good conditioning property. The physicochemical evaluation of the formulated shampoo showed ideal results. However, to improve its quality, product performance, and safety, further development was required.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cultivar and Location on the Interaction of Lentil Seed Characteristics with Optimal Cooking Time

The most important product of the lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik) is the seeds. The main seed characteristics are their size, color, and the cooking time required to make them edible. Cultivar, location of cultivation, and their interaction are the primary factors of raw or cooked seed characteristics. The study examined the impact of five different lentil cultivars (Dimitra, Elpida, Thessalia, Samos, and 03-24L), as influenced by the cultivation environment in four different zones or nine different locations in Central-Northern Greece, on cooking time. The optimal cooking time (OCT) was calculated by cooking the seeds for 0–60 min to determine the percentage of cooked seeds using the penetration test. OCT was associated with the characteristics of both raw (mass of 1000 seeds, external color, and the percentage of mature/immature seeds) and cooked (color and organoleptic characteristics of the cooking media as well as mass increase and hardness and organoleptic characteristics of the seeds) seeds for 30 min. Depending on location, each cultivar had a different mass of 1000 seeds; Elpida had the highest mass (63.9 g), and Dimitra had the lowest (33.1 g). This was linked to OCT, which was among the highest (57.5 min) for Elpida, lowest (49 min) for Dimitra, and intermediate for Thessalia, Samos, or 03-24L. The average OCT was 55.9 min for all samples. The seed from the five locations with the shortest OCT was considered appropriate for human consumption. Two locations yielded seeds with intermediate OCT, while the other two produced the highest OCT; these were recommended for processing or propagation. In this study, the cultivar factor had a greater effect on raw seed characteristics, while the location factor had a greater effect on cooked seed characteristics and OCT than either the location, the cultivar factor, or the cultivar x location interaction.

Assessment of the toxicity and hazard of a chelating agent based on a mixture of di- and triammonium salts of nitrilotriacetic acid in water and atmospheric air

Introduction. The article evaluates the toxicity and danger of a chelating agent based on a mixture of di- and triammonium salts of nitrilotriacetic acid. The relevance of the study is related to the assessment of the impact of this substance on water and atmospheric air, especially in the context of its use in oil production and potential release into the environment and impact on humans. Material and methods. The studies included assessing the effect of the substance on the organoleptic characteristics of water, the process of self-purification of water bodies, as well as conducting acute and subacute toxicological tests to study the effect of the mixture on the body of warm-blooded animals. Results. For a mixture of di- and triammonium salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, a value of 70 mg/l is recommended as the threshold concentration for the organoleptic indicator, the limiting indicator is odor. The mixture does not affect the processes of self-purification of water in water bodies at the maximum studied concentration. Toxicological studies have shown that the mixture is classified in the 3rd hazard class (LD50 2250±250 mg/kg) and has a high degree of accumulation. In addition, it has a moderate irritant effect on the mucous membrane of the eye and intact skin upon repeated application, and does not have a skin-resorptive effect. After prolonged exposure, the mixture affects the blood parameters of animals, as well as the functional state of the liver and kidneys. Limitations. The studies were carried out in accordance with the requirements of Methodological instructions 2.1.5.720–98 and Methodological instructions 2630–82. The research results are applicable in substantiating hygienic standards in the water of water bodies and atmospheric air. Conclusion. Thus, based on literature data, as well as our own research, for a mixture of di- and triamonium salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, we can recommend a value of 0.8 mg/l as the approximate permissible level in the water of water bodies (hazard indicator – sanitary-toxicological, hazard class – 2), and a value of 0.1 mg/m3 as the tentative safe exposure level in the atmospheric air of populated areas.

Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Biochemical Profile of Hedypnois cretica and Plantago coronopus Plants in Relation to the Cropping System and Growth Environment

The aim of the present work is to study the impact of salinity (i.e., 2 dS/m without addition of NaCl (control); 5 dS/m (EC-5); and 10 dS/m (EC-10) with the addition of 30 and 80 mM NaCl, respectively) on yield, organoleptic quality and the content of antioxidant compounds in Plantago coronopus and Hedypnois cretica plants in relation to different cropping systems and environmental conditions during growth (i.e., pots or floating hydroponics systems in the greenhouse and pots in the field (GPs, GH and FPs, respectively)). Almost all the growth parameters of the H. cretica plants in the greenhouse were impaired by both moderate (EC-5) and high (EC-10) salinity levels, especially in the floating hydroponics system, where, compared to EC-2, a reduction was observed of 33% in EC-5 and 76% in EC-10 in leaf area and of 24% and 75%, respectively, in fresh weight. On the contrary, the growth of the P. coronopus plants was negatively affected by salinity only in the GP system. However, salinity had no effect on most growth characteristics of both species grown in the field, suggesting a strong environmental effect on the impact of salinity in the tested species. On the other hand, the content of pigments, proline and total phenolics in the P. coronopus leaves, as well as their antioxidant capacity, were not affected by salinity in most cases, whereas in H. cretica the salinity effect was significant even at moderate levels (EC-5) in relation to the cropping system and growth environment. Moreover, both salinity levels reduced the nitrate content of P. coronopus plants in all cases (up to 61% in GP plants at EC-10) and of H. cretica GH plants (up to 67% in EC-10). Finally, regardless of the salinity level, the field-grown plants of both species showed a considerably higher content of total phenolics (by 59% in H. cretica and 58% in P. coronopus) and antioxidant activity (by 63% in H. cretica and 53% in P. coronopus, FRAP values), compared to the greenhouse ones. In conclusion, our results indicate that the tested combinations of cropping systems and growth environments could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable agronomic tool to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and to regulate the organoleptic and biochemical properties of the tested species, allowing small-scale farmers in the affected areas to cope with the ongoing climate change and the environmental pressures they currently face through the exploitation of alternative/underexploited species of high added value.

Effect of Incorporating Hibiscus sabdariffa Seed Flour (Red Variety) on Zootechnical Performance of Broilers Chickens Cobb500 Strain

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of incorporating red Hibiscus sabdariffa seed meal into the feed ration on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and economic margins of broiler chickens in Côte d'Ivoire. To achieve this, 237 broiler chicks of the Cobb500 strain, two (2) weeks old, were divided into three (3) lots of 79 birds each. lot 1 was fed with ration that did not contain Hibiscus sabdariffa red variety (HSR0) seed meal. Lots 2 and 3 were fed respectively by ration HSR 2% and HSR 4% by which contain 2 % and 4 % of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed meal respectively. The results showed that the inclusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds significantly reduced food consumption in subjects fed HSR 2 and HSR 4 compared with ration HSR 0 (control). It varied from 38.71 ± 1.26 g/d to 161 ± 5.08 g/d for lot 2 and from 37.85 ± 1.16 g/d to 148 ± 6.08 g/d for lot 3 compared with 39.8±1.3 g/dr to 172 ± 7.2 g/d for lot 1. On other hand, the subjects in lot 2 achieved better growth performance than the other lots. They recorded an average weight of 2,334±208.6 g compared with 2,213 ± 170.78 g and 1,958 ± 182.57 g for lots 1 and 3 respectively. Over the 4-week period, the highest mortality rate was observed in lot 1, at 10.13 %. No negative effect was observed on the carcass yield of chickens fed Hibiscus sabdariffa meal. In economic terms, incorporation reduced the production cost of broilers. In conclusion Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds can therefore be incorporated up to 2% into chicken rations without causing any significant loss in chicken weight. Studies need to be carried out to improve the organoleptic quality of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds.

Pengaruh Level Tepung Jagung Terhadap Kualitas Organoleptik, Oksidasi Lemak Dan Total Bakteri Sui Wu’u Daging Babi Bagian Perut

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of corn flour levels on organoleptic quality, fat oxidation and total bacteria in the processing of pork belly sui wu'u. This study used a Complete Random Design (RAL) consisting of three treatments and five replicates so that there were 15 experimental units. The pork used were: belly pork including fat and skin as much as 250 g from each test, and the use of cornmeal with different levels in each treatment, namely: 200% (P1), 400% (P2), and 600% (P3). The variables measured were fat oxidation, total bacteria and organoleptic tests including color, aroma, taste and texture. The results of statistical analysis showed that the administration of corn flour with different levels in sui wu'u of abdominal pork showed a real effect (P<0.05) on organoleptic quality and TBA value, but no real effect (P>0.05) on TPC. It was concluded that the higher the level of corn flour given, the higher the organoleptic quality and the decrease in Total Plate Count (TPC). The best level of cornstarch in pork sui wu'u is at the level of 600%. The best organoleptic quality is: color at P3 2.70±1.15% (pale red), the best value of TBA at P2 is 12.81±1.08 mg. Mal/g, and the best value of TPC in P2 is 3.37±3.38 (colony/gr).

Kadar Zat Gizi Makro, Serat, dan Sifat Organoleptik Biskuit Berbasis Tepung Ampas Kelapa (Cocos Nucifera L.) sebagai Makanan Alternatif Bagi Penderita Diabetes Melitus (DM)

Blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, specifically when they are at least 200 mg/dL and fasting blood sugar levels are greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL, are indicative of diabetes mellitus, a chronic illness. Because patients frequently do not receive a diagnosis until their complications are known, diabetes mellitus is referred to as the silent killer. From the skin to the heart, DM can affect nearly every system in the body, potentially leading to issues. Biscuits are one substitute food that DM patients can be fed. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the nutritional value and acceptability of biscuits made with coconut dreg flour as a diabetic alternative. Both statistical analysis and an analysis of acceptability or organoleptic quality were employed in this study. The study's findings demonstrated that the nutritional value, color, flavor, texture, and aroma of biscuits made with coconut dreg flour were all significantly impacted. The P1 therapy biscuits offer the best care. The nutritional content and acceptability of the biscuits' color, flavor, scent, and texture are all impacted when coconut dreg flour is substituted.

Pengaruh Penambahan Ekstrak Lemon (Citrus limon) terhadap Karakteristik Minuman Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea)

With its distinctive flower color, the butterfly pea flower has excellent potential as a functional beverage ingredient. Its anthocyanin content provides natural color and high antioxidant activity. This study aims to improve the quality of butterfly pea flower drink by adding lemon extract, which is rich in vitamin C. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatment levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% lemon extract), this study evaluated the effect of adding lemon extract on the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of butterfly pea flower drink. Antioxidant, pH, color, and sensory evaluations of taste, color, and scent were all included in the analysis. The outcomes demonstrated that adding lemon extract considerably impacted the butterfly pea flower drink's qualities. The best treatment was obtained at a concentration of 10% lemon extract (L1) with an antioxidant value of 0.28 ppm, pH 2.78, L*a*b* color value of 37.87, and received a good assessment in the organoleptic test, namely taste 3.48 (like), color 2.92 (like), and aroma 2.92 (like). * The combination of the natural blue color of butterfly pea flowers with the acidity of lemon produces a drink with an attractive appearance and fresh taste. In addition, adding lemon extract to butterfly pea flower drinks can improve product quality, especially at a concentration of 10%. With the addition of lemon extract, Butterfly pea flower drinks have great potential as functional drinks that are healthy and attractive to consumers.

Purslane Leaf Extract (Portulaca oleracea) as a Cholesterol Control Herbal Tea Mixture

Cholesterol is one of the essential molecules in humans. An imbalance in cholesterol levels in the body, such as high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or total cholesterol, can contribute to one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. Diseases caused by high cholesterol levels include cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke [6,9,14]. As a result, additional intake from sources like omega-3-rich supplements or herbal remedies is recommended. Historically, plant-based treatments have been used as pharmacological therapies. Researchers have explored the use of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) leaves, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, offering cardiovascular benefits. The researchers utilized purslane extract as an herbal tea blend, serving as a natural alternative to supplements in capsule form, which may be more expensive. In extract form, purslane leaves are hygienically processed and mixed with herbal tea, creating a convenient health drink for daily consumption. The purslane leaf extract was obtained through method maceration using 96% food-grade ethanol. Proximate tests were conducted to assess total energy, energy from fat, ash content, moisture content, carbohydrates (by difference), total fat, and protein content [5,24]. Sensory evaluation was conducted by semi-trained panelists to assess the color, aroma, and taste of herbal tea blends containing purslane leaf extract. This evaluation aimed to collect subjective feedback from potential consumers regarding the organoleptic characteristics of the product.

A Comparative Analysis of Folate and Mineral Contents in Freshly Squeezed and Commercial 100% Orange Juices Available in Europe.

Orange juices are widely known for their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits derived from their nutritional and functional composition. The aim of this work was to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on the content of folates and some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) present in different fresh and commercial orange juices available in the European market, including juices from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). A total of twenty-five juice samples were selected, comprising the most purchased types of commercial juices from France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain, and four fresh squeezed juices (FSJ) made from Spanish oranges. In FSJ, nutrient stability during storage time (0-48 h) was also assessed. Folate concentration was highly variable between commercial samples, with higher contents in FSJ and NFC samples, followed by FC juices. Regarding mineral content, FSJ showed significant differences with FC (except for Mg) and NFC juice samples (except for Ca and Mg), while FC and NFC had similar mineral profiles, except for Ca. Storage time had no significant impact on FSJ folates and minerals. Among commercial juices, the NFC category generally showed the highest content of folates, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas FC juices showed the highest contents of Ca, Mn, and Zn. Some commercial juices met the legal use conditions for a "Source of folate" claim, whereas both commercial and fresh juices met the conditions for a "Source of potassium" claim, according to European and UK regulations.

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN ORGANOLEPTIK JELLY DRINK FILTRAT DAUN KELOR YANG DITAMBAHKAN GELATIN

Tropical plants that have health benefits are moringa plants. Moringa is currently the most widely consumed food. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of moringa leaf extract jelly drinks processed with gelatin concentrate. The design used was a Randomized Design (CRD) with gelatin concentration treatments of 30, 40 and 50%, 3 replications. The results obtained were that the higher the concentration of gelatin had a significant effect on fiber, vitamin C and dissolved solids content, and reduced water content. The results of the organoleptic test showed that the three treatments did not provide a significant effect between treatments.

The influence of storage conditions on the dynamics of physicochemical markers of champignon (Agaricus bisporus) quality

Agaricus bisporus are the most common cultivated mushrooms. Champignons are a source of chitin, glycogen and minerals, and also have attractive organoleptic properties. Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of fresh Agaricus bisporus undergo significant changes during storage due to moisture transpiration, respiration and oxidative processes. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of storage conditions of cultivated champignons with unstained cap epithelium on the dynamics of their physicochemical parameters, as well as its relationship with changes in organoleptic parameters. The mushrooms were stored in refrigerated chambers at a constant temperature of +2 °C and +6 °C in polypropylene trays placed in bags made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) perforated film and polyethylene (PE) film without perforation. Under all storage conditions studied, the nature of the dynamics of physicochemical parameters was close to linear (with the exception of the humidity of fruiting bodies when stored in PE film) — the calculated values of the Pearson correlation coefficient ranged from 0.67 to 0.97. Using two-factor analysis of variance, the influence of both packaging material and storage temperature on the dynamics of soluble solids content and mushroom tissue density was confirmed. When stored in PE film without perforation, a more intense negative dynamics of these criteria was observed compared to storage in perforated BOPP film. The identified difference is explained by the fact that in packaging made of PE film without perforation, conditions for anaerobic respiration were formed by the end of storage — the oxygen content decreased from 20.5% to 1.5–2.5%, which also contributed to the activation of decay processes. With increasing storage temperature, a more intense change in physicochemical parameters was observed, which was associated with an increase in metabolic rate. The relationship between the dynamics of all studied physicochemical quality markers and the dynamics of sensory assessments (with the exception of the marker "content of soluble solids" when stored in a perforated BOPP film at a temperature of 2 °C) has been statistically confirmed. Based on the results of the studies, the applicability of the criteria “humidity of fruiting bodies”, “content of soluble dry substances” and “density of fungal tissue” as markers for assessing the quality of cultivated Agaricus bisporus was confirmed.

Processing of Milkfish and Moringa Flour as Alternative Superfoods for Handling Stunting in Bone Regency

Stunting has a big influence on children's growth and development, both motoric and verbal development. Stunting can be prevented by fulfilling quality energy intake. Modification of additional food for toddlers by using local food through a touch of technology is the strategy offered in this research. This study aims to evaluate the effect of fortification of Moringa leaf flour in milkfish crackers on organoleptic characteristics, including color, aroma, texture and taste. The cracker samples were fortified with Moringa leaf flour at concentrations of 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%. The assessment is carried out by panelists who provide scores for each parameter. The results showed that fortification up to 2.5% did not affect color and aroma, and improved texture, but reduced taste acceptability. Fortification at levels of 5% and 7.5% reduced the acceptability of taste and color although the texture remained good.

Fabrication and Characterisation of Oral Fast-Dissolving Film of Metoprolol Succinate

Introduction: Oral, fast-dissolving films are an excellent alternative. The purpose of adopting the solvent casting approach was to create a compelling oral film. Methodology: HPMC E15 and sodium alginate polymers were chosen based on their compatibility. The produced films were evaluated in terms of organoleptic characteristics, weight, thickness, folding durability, tensile strength, drug content homogeneity, surface pH, disintegration time, and in-vitro dissolution kinetics. Results: Among the formulations, F2 had a disintegration time of 14.2 seconds and a phenomenal drug release of 98% in 5 minutes. As a result, formulation F2 emerged as the best option, demonstrating promising qualities for effective drug delivery. Conclusion: These films are made of thin strips and are easily applied to the tongue or oral mucosal tissue. When they come into contact with saliva, they quickly hydrate and attach, resulting in rapid medicine administration. Fast-dissolving oral films are an excellent alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing traditional drugs, such as pediatric, geriatric, bedridden, or developmentally impaired people. These films are made of thin strips and are easily applied to the tongue or oral mucosal tissue. When they come into contact with saliva, they quickly hydrate and attach, resulting in rapid medicine administration. other: Nil

Organoleptic assessment of instant noodles quality using the qualimetric method

The article presents the results of an organoleptic quality assessment of ten samples of instant noodles. Based on the study of methods for conducting consumer assessment of product quality, a tasting analysis was chosen, a scoring scale for the quality of instant noodles was developed, and mathematical processing of the results was carried out, which made it possible to rank the samples.

Review on Silk Worm Pupal Meal: A Protein Source in Aquatic Animal Nutrition as a Replacement of Fish Meal

Amongst the insect meals, silkworm pupal meal is the most efficient fish meal replacement. It can be utilized in aquatic animal feeds as pupal meal, deoiled silkworm pupal meal and fermented pupal meal, to increase growth performance. It also has a significant impact on animal body composition and digestive enzyme activity. India is the world's second-largest producer of silk, and a vast amount of silkworm pupae waste is discharged into the environment, which can be used as protein in feed. It has a strong nutritional profile that is near or equal to fish meal, consists of 50-80% of crude protein on dry matter, rich in important amino acid profile, (methionine 3.5, lysine 7.0, aspartic acid 10.4, threonine 5.2, serine 5.0, glutamic acid 13.9, proline 5.2, glycine 4.8, alanine 5.8, cystine 1.0, valine 5.5, isoleucine 5.1, leucine 7.5, tyrosine 5.9, phenylalanine 5.1, histidine 2.6, and arginine 5.6) and lipid content ranges from 20-40% in freshly spent pupa and less than 10% in defatted pupa. The oil derived from pupa is high in alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and the gross energy values range from 5.09 to 6.28 MJ/kg. It also contains interesting minerals and vitamins, which piqued the interest of researchers in its use in aqua feed. Aside from the nutritional profile, nutrient digestibility, and the effect of diet on organoleptic quality revealed that SWP meal is equivalent to fish meal in all respects. So, the current review focuses on the effects of silkworm pupal meal on aquatic animals when supplied through diets.

A value chain modeling approach for upscaling the production of fine flavor cocoa in Arauca (Colombia)

AbstractThe fine flavor cocoa (FFC) market offers additional income for small farmers. Despite the potential of several Latin American countries to produce FFC, their lack of standardized postharvest processes hinders compliance with high‐quality standards demanded by the FFC market, as these processes have a direct impact on cocoa's organoleptic characteristics. This work supports the design of a collective postharvest transformation model that coordinates the main steps in the cocoa agri‐food chain: transport of the cocoa harvest, classification, fermentation, drying, storage, and commercialization. Our methodology includes a modeling scheme combining optimization and simulation models, considering variability in the processes, and covering operational (transport and resource allocation), tactical (design and sizing of the processing plant), and strategic (sales dynamics) decisions across the cocoa value chain. We illustrate this methodology in a case study in Arauca, Colombia. Our findings emphasize the importance of combining these operational and strategic models since their inputs and outputs are interconnected influencing the decision‐making within the cocoa value chain. Our study also identifies key determinants for the postharvest design, highlighting the postharvest center capacity, FFC prices, and the market selling mode (export or local).

Feeding Cows with Olive Cake Enriched in Polyphenols Improves the Sustainability and Enhances the Nutritional and Organoleptic Features of Fresh Caciocavallo Cheese.

In this study, Caciocavallo, a typical cheese produced in Sicily Island (Italy), was obtained from the milk of dairy cows fed with and without enriched olive cake (ECO and CTR, respectively) in order to evaluate nutritional, microbiological, volatile, and sensory differences in cheeses. ECO cheese showed greater (p < 0.05) MUFA and PUFA and polyphenols content and lower SFA content than CTR cheese. Microbiological analyses revealed the absence of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and E. coli O157, and no significant differences in the viable counts of the remaining microbial groups analyzed, between samples. Thermophilic lactococci were more prevalent in ECO cheese. The implementation of a culture-independent method, such as PCR-DGGE analyses, revealed the presence of a more diverse microbial population in both cheeses. Regarding the volatile compounds profile, long-chain free fatty acids were more abundant in the ECO cheese, resulting in a healthier free fatty acid profile. This study also showed that, especially for their appearance and taste, consumers mostly appreciated the ECO cheese. The results show that using enriched olive cake could enhance the sustainability and the quality of Ragusano cheese, improving not only the health of its consumers but also positively influencing tastes and acceptability.