Total Titratable Acidity Research Articles

Influence of Tucupi on Enamel Surface Roughness, Microhardness, Ultramorphology and Mass Variation

The study evaluated the influence of tucupi on enamel surface roughness, microhardness, ultramorphology, and mass variation. Ninety healthy bovine incisors were divided into three experimental groups, according to the acidic challenge adopted, being: G1- tucupi, G2- cola-based soft drink, G3-distilled water. The enamel properties (surface roughness, microhardness, ultramorphology and mass variation) of all specimens were evaluated at times T0 (before any intervention), T10 (10 days after the proposed treatments), T20 (20 days after the proposed treatments) and T30 (30 days after the proposed treatments). After confirming the normality of the data (Shapiro-Wilk test), a two-way ANOVA (α = 5%) was performed, followed by Sidak post-test, with results described as mean and standard deviation. The roughness means increased for all tested groups, with no statistical difference only in G3 for all evaluated times. Microhardness of all groups showed a significant decrease over the time, with the lowest average observed in G1 in T30. Considering enamel mass variation, the lowest average was in G2 at time T3, with no statistical difference only in G3 (distilled water) over the time. Regarding ultramorphology (scanning electron microscopy - SEM), only groups G1 and G2, that were exposed to acidic challenges, showed disorganization of the enamel surface layer. It was possible to conclude that tucupi has low pH and high titratable total acidity, being able to gradually decrease enamel microhardness, increasing surface roughness and causing loss of dental enamel.

Chemical and microbiological qualities of soft cheese supplemented with porang flour and Lactobacillus rhamnosus during cool storage

Cheese is one milk-based livestock product that has a chance to be a functional food by combining probiotics and prebiotics. The study aimed to develop synbiotics cheese from cow milk with the addition of porang flour as prebiotic and Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a probiotic that will give health benefits to the host. The experimental study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial pattern 4x3 with 3 replications. The first factors consisted of P0 (soft cheese without porang flour and Lacobacillus rhamnosus), P1 (soft cheese with 0.03% porang flour), P2 (soft cheese with 5% Lactobacillus rhamnosus), and P3 (soft cheese with 0.03% porang flour + 5% Lactobacillus rhamnosus). The second factors were storage T0 (0 days), T1 (7 days), and T2 (14 days) at a temperature rate of 4-10°C. Variables measured were pH value, total titratable acidity (TTA), free fatty acid (FFA), and a total of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc test Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). It resulted that the addition of porang flour and Lactobacillus rhamnosus significantly affected (P<0.05) pH, TTA, FFA, and a total of LAB, in line with storage that also significantly affected all parameters measured (P<0.05). Interaction between the addition of porang flour and Lactobacillus rhamnosus was significantly affected (P<0.05) to pH, TTA, LAB, and a total of LAB. In summary, the addition of porang flour and Lactobacillus rhamnosus produced soft cheese that had the potency to be a functional food.

Studies on Variability of Physico-Biochemical Parameters of Mango Fruit

More than a thousand varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L.) are grown in India. Their quality attributes not only differed altogether but also depends on their maturity and storage after harvest. An experiment on four mango varieties harvested at pre-, optimum, and over-maturity stages from different orchards was conducted in this study. The effect of varieties and harvest stage, and their interactions on external diameters, arithmetic and geometric mean diameters, sphericity, and aspect ratio was analyzed. Similarly, the change in peel color values, specific gravity, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total carotenoids with respect to varieties, harvest stage, and storage periods and their interactions were analyzed statistically. Dimensions, size, weight, volume, aspect ratio, and sphericity varied significantly among the cultivars and were found to be increased significantly from the pre-to-over maturity stage. Interaction between the harvest stage and cultivars also had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the fruit’s breadth, thickness, size, weight, volume, aspect ratio, and sphericity (except on length). Similarly, specific gravity and peel color values and biochemical attributes were also found to be changed significantly among the cultivars, maturity stages, and storage periods. The effect of their interactions on peel color values and bio-chemical properties was also significant. However, there is an insignificant effect of interactions on the specific gravity of mangoes. Results concluded that most of the physical and biochemical parameters of mangoes were variable and dependent on cultivar type, maturity stage and storage period, and on their interactions. This study, therefore, can be fruitful during the designing of processing equipment and can be helpful in the post-harvest management of mangoes

Effect of varied calcium formulations and time of application on postharvest quality and organoleptic acceptability of mango fruits

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life at ambient conditions, which may lead to post-harvest losses approximated to be 40-45%. This reduces returns to farmers significantly. The problem is compounded by the fact that most farmers do not have access to cold storage facilities. Nutrient management has been shown to affect postharvest characteristics of fruits. Calcium particularly plays a critical role in cell membrane integrity, tissue firmness and delays lipid catabolism. Previous studies have indicated a deficiency of calcium in some mango growing regions in Kenya. A field study was carried out to determine the effect of varied calcium formulations applied at various stages of growth on mango fruits post-harvest quality and organoleptic acceptability. The study was carried out in Embu County Eastern Kenya during seasons 2017/2018 and 2018 /2019 using “Van Dyke” cultivar, aged approximately 10 years. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement, three trees per replication, replicated thrice. Three calcium formulations: calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and Easygro™ were applied at rates of 0%,1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% at fruit set, 30 days after fruit set and 30 days to physiological maturity. The calcium sources formed the main plots, the timing of application formed the subplots while the rates of application formed the sub-sub plots. Total soluble solids (TSS) and percentage titratable acidity (TA) were assessed at harvest and after 12 days of storage under ambient conditions (25±2ºC, 70±5% relative humidity) using standard procedures. Selected fruits’ sensory attributes were also evaluated after storage using a hedonic scale. Analysis of data was done using the 14th Edition of the Genstat software. The differences among the means of the treatments were compared using Fisher’s Protected LSD test at 5% probability level. Fruits sprayed with calcium chloride, 2.0% at fruit set had higher TSS (6.8 º brix and 6.3º brix) (10.47 º brix and 9.10 º brix), TA (1.29% and 1.27%), (0.77% and 0.675%) than other treatments at maturity and after storage in both seasons, respectively. Calcium chloride at 2.0% level of application led to a superior peel color appearance contrary to calcium nitrate and Easygro™ also applied at 2.0%, which led to an inferior peel color appearance and an inferior taste of fruits. Therefore, calcium nitrate and easy gro should be sprayed at concentration of 1.5% for good taste and peel colour appearance. Key words: Mango, total soluble sugars, total titratable acidity, organoleptic, shelf-life

A combination of acidic electrolyzed water with modified atmosphere packaging improves quality of jujube during cold storage by enhancing antioxidant activity.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combination of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of jujube stored at 1±0.5°C for 40 days. Jujube was treated with AEW+MAP, AEW, and MAP, respectively, to identify an appropriate preservation method based on the changes of quality indicators, activities of antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and cell membrane permeability. Results showed that the combined treatment maintained higher storage quality of jujube than the other threetreatments. The combined treatment significantly suppressed softening, weight, and color loss and maintained total soluble solid and titratable acidity. Moreover, the combined treatment improved antioxidant capacity showing high levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant systems (ascorbic acid and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). These effects remarkably suppressed the increase of MDA level and cell membrane permeability, thereby inhibiting oxidative damage and alleviating quality deterioration. Furthermore, kinetic model indicated that AEW+MAP decreased rate constant of quality deterioration. Principal component analysis also showed that AEW+MAP treatment alleviated quality deterioration, with higher comprehensive score than other treatments. In summary, AEW+MAP was an effective preservation method to maintain storage quality and delay postharvest senescence of jujube. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, a combination of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been found to have effective preservation effects on jujube. AEW+MAP treatment improved quality of jujube during cold storage mainly by enhancing antioxidant capacity. The combined treatment may provide a new preservation technology for jujube.

Effect of Fertigation on the Physicochemical Quality and Antioxidant System of ‘Fino’ Lemons during Postharvest Storage

Fertigation is a technique of injecting fertilizers along the irrigation lines, allowing a precise control of the moisture and the application. Nowadays, the main fertilizers used are nitrogen and potassium. Usually, an excess of fertigation is applied to achieve an early harvest of the lemon fruit. However, there is no literature available regarding the effects of excess fertigation on lemon fruit quality and antioxidant systems at harvest and during cold storage. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate these effects. This experiment was developed by comparing two plots: the first one with standard fertigation (SF) and the second one with intensive fertigation (IF). The yield per tree in the early harvest was higher in the IF than the SF plot; however, total yield was similar under both fertigation strategies. Lemons from the SF plot maintained higher total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity compared with lemons from the IF plot. In addition, firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were also higher in SF lemons. Furthermore, weight loss, ethylene production, colour (parameter a*) and decay incidence were reduced in lemon fruits from the SF plot. Early lemons harvested from the standard fertigation plot showed high physicochemical quality and antioxidant properties, reducing lemon fruit decay during cold storage and providing high-quality fruits to consumers.

Assessment of Quality Characteristics of Organic and Conventional Sugarloaf Pineapples (Ananas comosus, ananas) Under Cold Storage

Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and there is a big demand for organically produced sugar-loaf pineapples in Europe. However, due to its high moisture content and high perishability, transportation over long distances is difficult and require cold storage conditions. The main objective of this research was to assess the quality properties of organic and conventional sugar loaf pineapples under cold storage conditions over a 21 – day period. Conventional pineapples were harvested from Albe Farms in the Eastern region and organic pineapples from Ali farms in the Central regions of Ghana. The fruits were allowed to cool to room temperature before storing at 1°C. Physical and chemical properties of the fruits were determined at days 0, 7, 14 and 21, using standard methods. Conventional sugar-loaf pineapples were larger, but had lower dry matter, soluble solids and vitamin C, than organic pineapples. The weight, translucency and pH of the two categories of pineapples were similar. No significant loss in weight, lengths and crown characteristics were observed after the storage period. Translucency increased from <25% to a range of 50 – 75% by the end of the storage period in both organic and conventional fruits. While no clear trend was observed in the soluble solids content and pH during storage of both organic and conventional sugarloaf pineapple, total titratable acidity increased marginally and vitamin C levels dipped over the 21-day storage period. The trends in acidity, vitamin C and translucency suggest that it is possible to store both conventional and organic sugarloaf pineapple for 21-day storage period at 1 °C. This implies the possibility of shipping both organic and conventional sugarloaf pineapples to destinations requiring sea freighting.

Assessment of the Effect of Ginger Flour Addition on the Chemical and Storage Stability of Soymilk

This study evaluated the effect of adding ginger flour on the storage stability of soymilk. Fresh ginger rhizome was processed to flour by oven drying (OD), sun drying (SD) and ambient drying (AD).The ginger flour were incorporated into processed soymilk at 1 g and 2 g levels, respectively to obtain ginger spiced soymilk, which was stored for 21 days. The chemical composition and microbiological load of the soymilk were determined. The pH ranged from 6.6 to 4.7. The values decreased as storage time progressed. Total titratable acidity (TTA) ranged from 0.0015 to 0.0698 % and increased with storage time. Total soluble solids (TSS) decreased from 26.60 to 3.99 oBrix as storage time increased. Total solids (TS) decreased from 7.76 to 0.31 % during storage. The total viable counts of the control sample increased from 4.0×103 to 71×103cfu/mL while those of the treated samples increased from 0 to 33×103 cfu/mL, Coliform was not detected. Yeast and mould growth did not occur from day 0 to day 7 but increased from 2.0×103 to 5.0×103 cfu/mL on day 14 and 21, respectively. The highest microbial load was obtained in the control soymilk sample. Two grams of ginger flour preserved the soymilk better than one gram. As conclusion, the incorporation of ginger flour affected the chemical composition and microbial load of soymilk during storage at refrigeration conditions.

Effects of simmering time, salt and sugar addition on the flavour and nutrient release of Morchella soup

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effect of different simmering times, salt and sugar addition on the quality of the Morchella soup. The change in the released contents of nutrients and flavour compounds in the Morchella soup within 120 min was studied. The automatic amino acid analyser, solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, phenosulphuric acid method, acid–base neutralization principle and 1,1‐dipheny2‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity were used to determine the changes in free amino acids, volatile flavour compounds, total sugar, titratable acids and antioxidant activities in the Morchella soup respectively. The results showed that the amount of amino acids, volatile flavour compounds, titratable acid, antioxidant capacity and total sugar in the Morchella soup were significantly higher at 40‐min simmering time than at other simmering times. At 40‐min simmering time, the salt and sugar addition increased the amounts of umami amino acids (54.33%, 23.48%) and total amino acids (40.83%, 20.02%), organic acids (211.6%, 127.74%), sulphur‐containing compounds (130.40%, 237.20%), titratable acids (43.3%, 16.7%), and total sugar (23.8%, 16.7%) and antioxidant activity (87.5%, 23.8%) in the Morchella soup respectively. This study revealed the influence mechanism of simmering time, salt and sugar addition on the Morchella soup and provided a basis for further processing the Morchella soup.

The Influence of Flavonoid Dihydroquercetin on the Enzymatic Processes of Dough Ripening and the Antioxidant Properties of Bread

Bread is an integral part of the diet of the world population. Development of bread enriched with biologically active substances, including antioxidants, could be good nutritional support for human health. Among well-studied antioxidants, we can highlight dihydroquercetin, a flavonoid with outstanding antioxidant properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity, immunostimulatory properties, anti-cancer properties, and others. At the same time, the technology of bread enrichment must consider the possible negative effects of the additive on the technological processes and properties of the final product. The present work was carried out to evaluate the effect of dihydroquercetin on the enzymatic processes occurring during dough maturation and the antioxidant properties of the finished bread. Dihydroquercetin was added in amounts of 0.05 g, 0.07 g, and 0.1 g per 100 g of wheat flour and fermented with commercial baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The kinetics of pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) during dough fermentation showed that dihydroquercetin caused slight slowing of enzymatic processes. However, the dosage of dihydroquercetin did not cause statistically significant changes in the yeast concentration, which reached a level of 108 KOU/g after 2 h in all dough samples. Loss of dihydroquercetin during fermentation was established at a level of 20–25%. At the same time, an increase in the total amount of flavonoids in the dough after 2 h of fermentation and an increase in values of antioxidant activity were noted. The antioxidant properties of the bread also increased when it was enriched with dihydroquercetin (about 3.5–4 times) despite the fact that the total quantitative loss of antioxidant in the technological process was considerable (about 40%). A protective effect of the bread matrix on flavonoids during digestion was shown. Dihydroquercetin loss was about 25% regardless of the amount applied. This work clearly showed that addition of dihydroquercetin to a bread formulation represents a promising strategy for increasing the antioxidant properties of bread.

Development and Physico-chemical Evaluation of an Isotonic Nas Narang (Citrus madurensis) Sports Drink

Isotonic drinks are the type of sports drink with a similar number of osmotically active particles as present in the body plasma (i.e. osmolality; 275-295 mOsmole/kg) and help for replenishing the loss of electrolytes and sugar after physical workout. The present study describes the potential of utilization of Nas Narang (Citrus madurensis) fruit juice in the development of Isotonic Nas Narang Sports Drink (INNSD) and investigation of the physico-chemical parameters. INNSD was developed using varying content of fresh juice of Nas Narang 5%, 6.5%, and 7.5% v/v with other recommended food grade ingredients. The 7.5% of fresh Nas Narang juice was selected as the best fruit content based on the highest overall acceptability in sensorial evaluation using a trained sensory panel. The total osmolality of developed isotonic Nas Narang sports drink was 282.95 mOsmol/l. The physical properties of Total Soluble Solids content (TSS), Titratable Acidity (TA), and pH of the INNSD were 9.00±0.00%, 0.53±0.01%, and 2.45±0.01 respectively. The proximate composition of Nas Narang fruit juice and developed sports drink were total ash (0.47±0.11%; 0.42±0.17%), protein (0.47±0.01%; 0.05±0.00%), crude fibre (0.53±0.01%; 0.09±0.01%), total carbohydrate content (6.97±0.27%; 7.31±0.31%) and caloric value (29.44 Kcal /per 100 ml of sports drink) respectively. The vitamin contents of INNSD were ascorbic acid (0.3 mg/100 ml), vitamin B2 (0.135 mg/100 ml), vitamin B5 (0.15mg/100ml) and vitamin B6 (0.145 mg/100 ml). Further, anti-oxidant potential of Total Polyphenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoids Content (TFC) of fresh Nas Narang fruit juice and developed INNSD were (0.224±0.02 mg GAE/ml; 0.029±0.00 mg GAE/ml) and (0.139±0.01 mg QE/ml; 0.011±0.00 mg QE/ml) respectively.
 Nas narang fruit is available throughout the year as an adequate source of raw material for industry. It provides natural citrus flavor, attractive yellow colour, appealing taste, minerals and antioxidants to the product and further act as a natural preservative. Present study showed incorporation of Nas Narang juice in formulation of sport drink is technically sound and acceptable.

Microcalorimetry as a tool to measure shelf-life at postharvest of green asparagus

ABSTRACT There are many methods to store and extend the postharvest life of asparagus spears, but their effectivity is measured by variables that do not reflect spears’ senescence. The objective of the experiment was to utilised isothermal microcalorimetry as a tool to objectively measure the quality loss of asparagus spears during postharvest storage. Asparagus spears cv. Brock were stored at 2°C and 5°C and 90% humidity for 16 days. Metabolic heat and metabolic efficiency of asparagus spears were measured during 16 days. Also, water status, total soluble solids (TSS%), titratable acidity (TA%), pH, sugars, and space colour variables were recorded. We found a determination coefficient of 0.79 and 0.87 between metabolic heat and respiration rate in whole spears stored at 2°C and 5°C by a polynomic regression. It was recorded a regression between metabolic heat and fructose (0.5) and glucose (0.67) at 2°C and fructose (0.79) and glucose (0.76) at 5°C and sugar content. We detected slight changes in quality parameters (pH, Acidity, TSS), weight loss, and turgor pressure during storage. It was concluded that parameters obtained through isothermal microcalorimetry were sensitive and reliable indicators to detect changes in postharvest parameters commonly used to evaluate changes in asparagus spears quality.

Effect of pre-treatments on qualities and storage life of banana dried by using solar dryer dome

The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of different pre-treatment methods on the qualities of solar dried Cavendish banana for extending the shelf life of the value-added food product and minimizing the postharvest losses. Peeled banana fruits were soaked in three different solutions including citric acid; the mixture of citric acid, NaHCO3 and/or honey at 55 ± 5°C; and the mixture of boiling sugar, citric acid, and/or honey. The soaked fruit samples were then solar drying, and characterized in terms of their moisture content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, total sugars, color changes, sensory qualities, and microbial properties. The obtained results demonstrated that the pre-treatment using a boiling solution including sugar, citric acid and/or honey to soak banana before solar drying gave a decrease in drying time by 96 hours as against the untreated samples, together with improved the color of the final dried products after storage time of 45 days. Pre-treatment methods also maintained the moisture content of dried banana samples at 25.43% and prevented of the growth of microorganisms in stored products. Further research works to optimize color, texture and sensory attribute values of postharvest banana pre-treated with blanching methods should be done to enhance consumer overall liking as well as solving the economic issues.

Physical and Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Cladodes from Erect Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.

Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. is well adapted to arid and semiarid regions and has great potential for industrialisation. One- to four-year-old cladodes of this species harvested in Drâa-Tafilalet region in the southeast of Morocco, were characterised by examining physical and physicochemical parameters. Their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were also investigated. The cladode age had a significant impact on all the studied characteristics except some morphological parameters. Cladodes of different ages have a nutritional value comparable to a wide range of vegetables, particularly in terms of calcium, potassium, betalain, total polyphenol, and vitamin C contents. They are very rich in calcium (37.8–42.5 g/kg of dry matter (DM)) and have high betalain content. The content of phenolic compounds (133.9–165.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DM) is especially noteworthy. These cladodes also contain very high amounts of vitamin C, especially the one-year-old cladodes (8.1–18.5 mg GAE/100 g DM). The recorded flavonoid contents vary from 3.8 to 7.6 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 mL of cladodes mash. Condensed tannin contents range from 10.9 to 21.8 µg/100 mL of cladodes mash. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents also vary from 5.55 to 23.76 and from 1.9 to 6.0 mg/100 g DM, respectively. One- and two-year-old cladodes are rich in total soluble solids (TSS) and ash with high total titratable acidity (TTA), compared to three- and four-year-old cladodes. Four-year-old cladodes have the highest TSS/TTA ratio, while two-year-old cladodes are the wealthiest in betalains with a dominance of indicaxanthins (yellow pigments). The oldest cladodes have the lowest inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antioxidant activity. Three-year-old cladodes have some traits significantly different, which may have resulted from physiological changes related to their great buds emission at this age. This study highlights the nutritional and functional potential of Opuntia stricta cladodes and the importance of their valorisation, particularly in agri-food and pharmaceutical industries.

The kinetics of strawberry quality changes during the shelf-life

Strawberries have a relatively short postharvest life due to their quick softening and decay. When the supply chain is too far along to make logistical adjustments to meet shelf life, quality loss and shelf-life reduction often accelerates with rising temperature. The purpose of this study is to use kinetic modelling to explain how characteristics of strawberry quality vary while they are being stored. To measure the qualities of redness (a*), lightness (L*), chroma colour (C*), weight loss (WL), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and total phenolic content (TPC), fresh strawberries were obtained from a farm and stored for 8 days at 4°C and 10°C. The experimental results showed that strawberry quality characteristics stored at 10 °C had a strong and significant impact. After being stored at 10°C, the properties of redness (a*) and lightness (L*) quickly converted to darker zone. During storage at 10 °C, a significant rise in weight loss and chroma was seen with a less apparent decrease in L*. Zero-order and first-order models are used to characterize quality changes that occur during storage. The WL, TSS, and TA properties were best described by the zero-order model. On the contrary, the hue change was described by the first-order model. The results demonstrate that kinetic models fall short in their ability to characterize changes in TPC property during storage. In comparison to strawberries stored at 10°C, the strawberries stored at 4°C carried out the desired result of weight loss, colour change, and TA change.

Assessment of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' Grape Quality Half-Véraison to Maturity for Grapevines Grown in Different Regions.

Grapes are widely cultivated around the world and their quality has distinct regional characteristics. In this study, the qualitative characteristics of the 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grape variety in seven regions, from half-véraison to maturity, were analyzed comprehensively at physiological and transcriptional levels. The results indicated that the quality traits of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grapes in different regions were significantly different with obvious regionality. Total phenols, anthocyanins, and titratable acids were the main factors of the regionality of berry quality, which were very sensitive to changes in the environment. It should be noted that the changes in titrating acids and total anthocyanin of berries vary greatly from half-véraison to maturity between regions. Moreover, the transcriptional analysis showed that the co-expressed genes between regions characterized the core transcriptome of berry development, while the unique genes of each region reflected the regionality of berries. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between half-véraison and maturity can be used to demonstrate that the environment of the regions could promote or inhibit gene expression. The functional enrichment suggested that these DEGs help to understand the interpretation of the plasticity of the quality composition of grapes according to the environment. Taken together, the information generated by this study could contribute to the development of viticultural practices aimed at making better use of native varieties for the development of wines with regional characteristics.

English

Wild fruits contribute significantly to food security, thus becoming an important global discussion. This study evaluated the physicochemical and nutritional properties of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels fruits from two microclimates in Kenya as essential contributors to the human diet. Analysis was done using standard methodologies including the use of inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometer for elemental analysis and high-pressure liquid chromatography for the determination of Vitamin C. The T-test showed significant differences in the fruit breadth, pH, total ash, sodium, calcium, manganese, copper, and zinc. The Pearson correlation matrix showed a small positive association between total soluble solids and titratable acidity with altitude, a medium positive correlation with rainfall, and a strong positive correlation between sunshine and skin colour intensity. Larger fruits contained substantial amounts of protein and crude fiber with a significant increase in energy values in fruits with high crude fat and carbohydrates, all correlating positively with the microclimate conditions; altitude, and rainfall. This study exemplifies the potential of Syzygium cumini as an alternative feed supplement to strengthen food security. It provides information on the variation of the physicochemical and nutritional composition of the fruits with climatic conditions, for the industries to employ the best strategies in obtaining marketable products. Key words: Food security, fruit quality, microclimate, nutritional, physicochemical, Syzygium cumini

Thermosonication of Orange-Carrot Juice Blend: Overall Quality during Refrigerated Storage, and Sensory Acceptance.

Ultrasound combined with high temperatures (thermosonication) is an alternative to thermal treatments applied for juice preservation purposes. Blend juices, such as orange-carrot juice, are an interesting option for consumers due to their diversity of unique flavors. The main aim of the present study is to investigate thermosonication's impact on the overall quality of an orange-carrot juice blend over 22-day storage at 7 °C, in comparison to thermal treatment. Sensory acceptance was assessed on the first storage day. The juice blend was prepared based on using 700 mL of orange juice and 300 g of carrot. The effect of ultrasound treatment at 40, 50, and 60 °C for 5 and 10 min, as well as of thermal treatment at 90 °C for 30 s, on the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological quality of the investigated orange-carrot juice blend was tested. Both the ultrasound and the thermal treatment could maintain pH, °Brix, total titratable acidity, total carotenoid content, total phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of untreated juice samples. All ultrasound treatments improved samples' brightness and hue value, and made the juice brighter and redder. Only ultrasound treatments at 50 °C/10 min and at 60 °C/10 min have significantly reduced total coliform counts at 35 °C. Thus, they were selected along with untreated juice for sensory analysis, whereas thermal treatment was used for comparison purposes. Thermosonication at 60 °C for 10 min recorded the lowest scores for juice flavor, taste, overall acceptance, and purchase intention. Thermal treatment and ultrasound at 60 °C for 5 min recorded similar scores. Minimal variations in quality parameters were observed over 22-day storage in all treatments. Thermosonication at 60 °C for 5 min has improved samples' microbiological safety and resulted in good sensorial acceptance. Although thermosonication has the potential to be used in orange-carrot juice processing, further investigations are necessary to enhance its microbial effect on this product.

Hierarchical Effects of Lactic Fermentation and Grain Germination on the Microbial and Metabolomic Profile of Rye Doughs.

A multi-omics approach was adopted to investigate the impact of lactic acid fermentation and seed germination on the composition and physicochemical properties of rye doughs. Doughs were prepared with either native or germinated rye flour and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, combined or not with a sourdough starter including Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Weissella confusa and Weissella cibaria. LAB fermentation significantly increased total titrable acidity and dough rise regardless of the flour used. Targeted metagenomics revealed a strong impact of germination on the bacterial community profile of sprouted rye flour. Doughs made with germinated rye displayed higher levels of Latilactobacillus curvatus, while native rye doughs were associated with higher proportions of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum. The oligosaccharide profile of rye doughs indicated a lower carbohydrate content in native doughs as compared to the sprouted counterparts. Mixed fermentation promoted a consistent decrease in both monosaccharides and low-polymerization degree (PD)-oligosaccharides, but not in high-PD carbohydrates. Untargeted metabolomic analysis showed that native and germinated rye doughs differed in the relative abundance of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and phospholipids. Sourdough fermentation promoted the accumulation of terpenoids, phenolic compounds and proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids. Present findings offer an integrated perspective on rye dough as a multi-constituent system and on cereal-sourced bioactive compounds potentially affecting the functional properties of derived food products.

Shelf life and quality of banana cultivar Nendran as influenced by shrink–wrap packaging and storage temperature

Banana is the most widely cultivated fruit crop in Kerala. Nendran, a dual purpose cultivar is grown for consumption as vegetable in the unripe stage and also as fruit, upon ripening. An experiment was conducted during 2019-20 to extend the shelf life of this fruit through shrink wrapping, followed by storage under ambient and cool chamber conditions, after sanitizing with chlorine (100 ppm) followed by treatment with alum (1 %) and subsequently dipping in the fungicide, Carbendazim 50 WP (0.1 %). Initial titratable acidity and ascorbic acid contents of Nendran banana were 0.16 % and 6.06 mg 100g-1 respectively. Total phenols and starch content of freshly harvested green Nendran banana were 145 mg 100g-1 and 84.0 % respectively. Shelf life of shrink wrapped fruits held in cool chamber could be extended to 45 days whereas the unwrapped fruits under ambient storage (control) became unmarketable after 7 days. The findings of the study revealed that physiological loss in weight and rate of respiration recorded an upward trend during storage while fruit firmness recorded a downward trend. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid rose with advancement of storage duration whereas total phenols and starch content declined. . The developed protocol could be used for long distance transportation to distant markets for internal trade as well as for shipment to foreign markets.