Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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46 pages, 2758 KiB  
Review
Current Application of Advancing Spectroscopy Techniques in Food Analysis: Data Handling with Chemometric Approaches
by Mourad Kharbach, Mohammed Alaoui Mansouri, Mohammed Taabouz and Huiwen Yu
Foods 2023, 12(14), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142753 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5868
Abstract
In today’s era of increased food consumption, consumers have become more demanding in terms of safety and the quality of products they consume. As a result, food authorities are closely monitoring the food industry to ensure that products meet the required standards of [...] Read more.
In today’s era of increased food consumption, consumers have become more demanding in terms of safety and the quality of products they consume. As a result, food authorities are closely monitoring the food industry to ensure that products meet the required standards of quality. The analysis of food properties encompasses various aspects, including chemical and physical descriptions, sensory assessments, authenticity, traceability, processing, crop production, storage conditions, and microbial and contaminant levels. Traditionally, the analysis of food properties has relied on conventional analytical techniques. However, these methods often involve destructive processes, which are laborious, time-consuming, expensive, and environmentally harmful. In contrast, advanced spectroscopic techniques offer a promising alternative. Spectroscopic methods such as hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, NMR, Raman, IR, UV, visible, fluorescence, and X-ray-based methods provide rapid, non-destructive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly means of food analysis. Nevertheless, interpreting spectroscopy data, whether in the form of signals (fingerprints) or images, can be complex without the assistance of statistical and innovative chemometric approaches. These approaches involve various steps such as pre-processing, exploratory analysis, variable selection, regression, classification, and data integration. They are essential for extracting relevant information and effectively handling the complexity of spectroscopic data. This review aims to address, discuss, and examine recent studies on advanced spectroscopic techniques and chemometric tools in the context of food product applications and analysis trends. Furthermore, it focuses on the practical aspects of spectral data handling, model construction, data interpretation, and the general utilization of statistical and chemometric methods for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. By exploring the advancements in spectroscopic techniques and their integration with chemometric tools, this review provides valuable insights into the potential applications and future directions of these analytical approaches in the food industry. It emphasizes the importance of efficient data handling, model development, and practical implementation of statistical and chemometric methods in the field of food analysis. Full article
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18 pages, 1093 KiB  
Review
Climate Change—A Global Threat Resulting in Increasing Mycotoxin Occurrence
by Jovana Kos, Mislav Anić, Bojana Radić, Manuela Zadravec, Elizabet Janić Hajnal and Jelka Pleadin
Foods 2023, 12(14), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142704 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
During the last decade, scientists have given increasingly frequent warnings about global warming, linking it to mycotoxin-producing moulds in various geographical regions across the world. In the future, more pronounced climate change could alter host resilience and host–pathogen interaction and have a significant [...] Read more.
During the last decade, scientists have given increasingly frequent warnings about global warming, linking it to mycotoxin-producing moulds in various geographical regions across the world. In the future, more pronounced climate change could alter host resilience and host–pathogen interaction and have a significant impact on the development of toxicogenic moulds and the production of their secondary metabolites, known as mycotoxins. The current climate attracts attention and calls for novel diagnostic tools and notions about the biological features of agricultural cultivars and toxicogenic moulds. Since European climate environments offer steadily rising opportunities for Aspergillus flavus growth, an increased risk of cereal contamination with highly toxic aflatoxins shall be witnessed in the future. On top of that, the profile (representation) of certain mycotoxigenic Fusarium species is changing ever more substantially, while the rise in frequency of Fusarium graminearum contamination, as a species which is able to produce several toxic mycotoxins, seen in northern and central Europe, is becoming a major concern. In the following paper, a high-quality approach to a preventative strategy is tailored to put a stop to the toxicogenic mould- and mycotoxin-induced contamination of foods and feeds in the foreseeable future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxin in Foods: Implications of Climate Change)
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15 pages, 668 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Nutritional Profile of Tenebrio molitor Using the Leaves of Moringa oleifera
by Konstantina Kotsou, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Eleni Bozinou, Christos I. Rumbos, Christos G. Athanassiou and Stavros I. Lalas
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132612 - 06 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more research is being carried out on various feeds of Tenebrio molitor larvae, in order to increase their nutritional value and render them a valuable component of the human diet. In this study, Moringa oleifera leaves were used in different [...] Read more.
Nowadays, more and more research is being carried out on various feeds of Tenebrio molitor larvae, in order to increase their nutritional value and render them a valuable component of the human diet. In this study, Moringa oleifera leaves were used in different proportions (up to 50%) to substitute wheat bran (the usually employed feed), in order to evaluate their effect on the growth and development of the larvae, as well as on their composition in crude protein, fat and fatty acids, ash, vitamins, and antioxidants. It was found that the addition of M. oleifera leaves in the feed had no negative impact on the development and survival of the insects, while an increase in their nutritional value was recorded. More specifically, an increase in the crude protein of up to 22.61% and vitamin C and A contents of up to 40.74% and 491.63%, respectively, was recorded. Therefore, the use of M. oleifera leaves as a feed additive is highly recommended for rearing T. molitor larvae to enhance the nutritional value of the insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
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15 pages, 2613 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical, Rheological, and Sensory Characteristics of Yogurt Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria with Probiotic Potential and Bioprotective Properties
by Ramize Hoxha, Yana Evstatieva and Dilyana Nikolova
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132552 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2768
Abstract
The applicability of two lactic acid bacterial strains with probiotic potential and bioprotective properties as additions in the starter culture in yogurt fermentation was examined. The studied strains, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KZM 2-11-3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC 5-12, inhibited the growth of [...] Read more.
The applicability of two lactic acid bacterial strains with probiotic potential and bioprotective properties as additions in the starter culture in yogurt fermentation was examined. The studied strains, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KZM 2-11-3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC 5-12, inhibited the growth of Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The strain L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KZM 2-11-3 directly inhibited Escherichia coli. The important characteristics for the quality of the yogurt product, such as physicochemical parameters during fermentation and storage, rheological characteristics, and sensory changes during the storage of samples were determined. The yogurt samples with the strains did not differ in most parameters from the control yogurt with the commercial starter. The added strains showed stable viability in the yogurt samples during storage. The yogurt sample with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KZM 2-11-3 and the sample with both strains based on the total evaluation were very similar to the control yogurt with the commercial starter. Using these strains as probiotic supplements to enrich the starter cultures in yogurt production will contribute to developing new products with benefits to human health. Full article
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23 pages, 1136 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Composition of Hass Avocado Pulp
by Nikki A. Ford, Paul Spagnuolo, Jana Kraft and Ella Bauer
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132516 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7560
Abstract
Avocados (Persea americana) are a unique fruit that can provide health benefits when included in a healthy diet. As health care moves towards precision health and targeted therapies or preventative medicine, it is critical to understand foods and their dietary components. [...] Read more.
Avocados (Persea americana) are a unique fruit that can provide health benefits when included in a healthy diet. As health care moves towards precision health and targeted therapies or preventative medicine, it is critical to understand foods and their dietary components. The nutritional composition and plant physiology of the Hass avocado is strikingly different from other fruits. This paper reviews the nutrient and bioactive composition of the edible portion of the Hass avocado (pulp) reported in the literature and from commercial lab analyses of the current market supply of fresh Hass avocados. These results provide comprehensive data on what nutrients and bioactives are in avocado and the quantity of these nutrients. We discuss the reasons for nutrient composition variations and review some potential health benefits of bioactive compounds found in Hass avocados. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Nutrients and Contaminants in Foods)
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24 pages, 1899 KiB  
Review
New Functional Foods with Cactus Components: Sustainable Perspectives and Future Trends
by Shênia Santos Monteiro, Raphael Lucas Almeida, Newton Carlos Santos, Emmanuel Moreira Pereira, Amanda Priscila Silva, Hugo Miguel Lisboa Oliveira and Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt Pasquali
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132494 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4289
Abstract
The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle has contributed to disseminating perspectives on more sustainable natural resource management. This review describes promising aspects of using cacti in the food industry, addressing sustainable, nutritional, and functional aspects of the plant’s production. Our study provides [...] Read more.
The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle has contributed to disseminating perspectives on more sustainable natural resource management. This review describes promising aspects of using cacti in the food industry, addressing sustainable, nutritional, and functional aspects of the plant’s production. Our study provides an overview of the potential of cacti for the food industry to encourage the sustainable cultivation of underutilized cactus species and their commercial exploitation. The commercial production of cacti has advantages over other agricultural practices by mitigating damage to ecosystems and encouraging migration to sustainable agriculture. The application of cactus ingredients in food development has been broad, whether in producing breads, jellies, gums, dyes, probiotics, and postbiotic and paraprobiotic foods. However, in the field of probiotic foods, future research should focus on technologies applied in processing and researching interactions between probiotics and raw materials to determine the functionality and bioactivity of products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
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16 pages, 4090 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum R301 and Its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
by Junyong Wang, Jing Zhang, Henan Guo, Qiang Cheng, Zaheer Abbas, Yucui Tong, Tiantian Yang, Yichen Zhou, Haosen Zhang, Xubiao Wei, Dayong Si and Rijun Zhang
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132481 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
In this study, the yield of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Lactobacillus plantarum R301 was optimized using a single-factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM). After optimization, the EPS yield was increased with a fold-change of 0.85. The significant factors affecting EPS production, as determined [...] Read more.
In this study, the yield of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Lactobacillus plantarum R301 was optimized using a single-factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM). After optimization, the EPS yield was increased with a fold-change of 0.85. The significant factors affecting EPS production, as determined through a Plackett–Burman design and Central Composite Design (CCD), were MgSO4 concentration, initial pH, and inoculation size. The maximum yield was 97.85 mg/mL under the condition of 0.01% MgSO4, an initial pH 7.4, and 6.4% of the inoculation size. In addition, the EPS exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by its ability to scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. The scavenging rate was up to 100% at concentrations of 4 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 2 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the EPS also exhibited reducing power, which was about 30% that of ascorbic acid when both tended to be stable with the increased concentration. These results suggest that L. plantarum R301 EPS possesses different antioxidant mechanisms and warrants further investigation. In addition to its antioxidant activity, the EPS also demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells, which could decrease nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of the proinflammatory cytokine Il-6. These findings suggest that L. plantarum R301 EPS could be used as a potential multifunctional food additive in the food industry. Full article
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16 pages, 2715 KiB  
Article
A Multimethodological Approach for the Chemical Characterization of Edible Insects: The Case Study of Acheta domesticus
by Mattia Spano, Giacomo Di Matteo, Carlos Alberto Fernandez Retamozo, Alba Lasalvia, Marco Ruggeri, Giuseppina Sandri, Carlos Cordeiro, Marta Sousa Silva, Carlotta Totaro Fila, Stefania Garzoli, Maria Elisa Crestoni and Luisa Mannina
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122331 - 09 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1510
Abstract
Acheta domesticus (house cricket) has been recently introduced into the official European list of novel foods, representing an alternative and sustainable food source. Up to now, the chemical characterization of this edible insect has been focused only on specific classes of compounds. Here, [...] Read more.
Acheta domesticus (house cricket) has been recently introduced into the official European list of novel foods, representing an alternative and sustainable food source. Up to now, the chemical characterization of this edible insect has been focused only on specific classes of compounds. Here, three production batches of an A. domesticus powder were investigated by means of a multimethodological approach based on NMR, FT-ICR MS, and GC-MS methodologies. The applied analytical protocol, proposed for the first time in the study of an edible insect, allowed us to identify and quantify compounds not previously reported in crickets. In particular, methyl-branched hydrocarbons, previously identified in other insects, together with other compounds such as citrulline, formate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, α-thujene, β-thujene, and 4-carene were detected. Amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids were also identified and quantified. The improved knowledge of the chemical profile of this novel food opens new horizons both for the use of crickets as a food ingredient and for the use of extracts for the production of new formulations. In order to achieve this objective, studies regarding safety, biological activity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability are needed as future perspectives in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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18 pages, 3212 KiB  
Article
Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide Prevents Diabetes via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota in Prediabetic Mice
by Haodong Liu, Yan Xing, Yinbo Wang, Xinxiu Ren, Danyang Zhang, Jianying Dai, Zhilong Xiu, Shiqiang Yu and Yuesheng Dong
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122310 - 08 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the [...] Read more.
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the prediabetic mice model were studied and the mechanism was investigated. The results showed that 200 mg/kg/d of DOP reduced the relative risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from prediabetes by 63.7%. Meanwhile, DOP decreased the level of LPS and inhibited the expression of TLR4 by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently relieving the inflammation and alleviating insulin resistance. In addition, DOP increased the abundance of SCFA (short chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria in the intestine, increased the levels of intestinal SCFAs, promoted the expression of short-chain fatty acid receptors FFAR2/FFAR3, and increased the secretion of the intestinal hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which helped to repair islet damage, suppress appetite, and improve insulin resistance. Our results suggested that DOP is a promising functional food supplement for the prevention of T2DM. Full article
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19 pages, 3498 KiB  
Article
Towards a Better Understanding of Texturization during High-Moisture Extrusion (HME)—Part II: Characterization of Thermophysical Properties of High-Moisture Meat Analogues
by Elisabeth Högg and Cornelia Rauh
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122283 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
It is crucial to determine the thermophysical properties of high-moisture extruded samples (HMESs) to properly understand the texturization process of high-moisture extrusion (HME), especially when the primary objective is the production of high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). Therefore, the study’s aim was to determine [...] Read more.
It is crucial to determine the thermophysical properties of high-moisture extruded samples (HMESs) to properly understand the texturization process of high-moisture extrusion (HME), especially when the primary objective is the production of high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). Therefore, the study’s aim was to determine thermophysical properties of high-moisture extruded samples made from soy protein concentrate (SPC ALPHA® 8 IP). Thermophysical properties such as the specific heat capacity and the apparent density were experimentally determined and further investigated to obtain simple prediction models. These models were compared to non-HME-based literature models, which were derived from high-moisture foods, such as soy-based and meat products (including fish). Furthermore, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were calculated based on generic equations and literature models and showed a significant mutual influence. The combination of the experimental data and the applied simple prediction models resulted in a satisfying mathematical description of the thermophysical properties of the HME samples. The application of data-driven thermophysical property models could contribute to understanding the texturization effect during HME. Further, the gained knowledge could be applied for further understanding in related research, e.g., with numerical simulation studies of the HME process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
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19 pages, 1305 KiB  
Article
Impact of Starch Concentration on the Pasting and Rheological Properties of Gluten-Free Gels. Effects of Amylose Content and Thermal and Hydration Properties
by Raúl Ricardo Mauro, Antonio José Vela and Felicidad Ronda
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2281; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122281 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2492
Abstract
The pasting and rheological properties of starch gels from different botanical origins have been widely used to evaluate the application of these starches in pharmaceutical and food products. However, the ways in which these properties are modified by starch concentration and their dependence [...] Read more.
The pasting and rheological properties of starch gels from different botanical origins have been widely used to evaluate the application of these starches in pharmaceutical and food products. However, the ways in which these properties are modified by starch concentration and their dependence on amylose content and thermal and hydration properties have not been adequately established so far. An exhaustive study of the pasting and rheological properties of starch gels (maize and rice (normal and waxy in both cases), wheat, potato, and tapioca) at concentrations of 6.4, 7.8, 9.2, 10.6, and 11.9 g/100 g was performed. The results were evaluated in terms of a potential equation fit between each parameter and each gel concentration. The parameters determined for the gels at the studied concentrations were correlated with the hydration properties and thermal properties by applying principal component analysis (PCA). Wheat starch, followed by normal maize and normal rice starches, presented a greater capacity to modulate their gels’ pasting and viscoelastic properties via their concentration in water. On the contrary, the characteristics of waxy rice and maize, potato, and tapioca starches were barely modified by concentration in pasting assays, but the gels of potato and tapioca showed noticeable changes in their viscoelastic properties as functions of concentration. In the PCA plot, the non-waxy cereal samples (wheat, normal maize, and normal rice) were located close to each other. Wheat starch gels were the most dispersed on the graph, which is consistent with the high dependence on the concentration of the gel shown in most of the studied parameters. The waxy starches had close positions not too distant from those of the tapioca and potato samples and with little influence from amylose concentration. The potato and tapioca samples were close to the vectors of the crossover point in rheology and peak viscosity in their pasting properties. The knowledge gained from this work allows a better understanding of the effects of starch concentration on food formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gluten-Free Food and Celiac Disease)
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32 pages, 1499 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Strategies for Increasing Legume Consumption: Culinary and Educational Approaches
by Isaac Amoah, Angela Ascione, Fares M. S. Muthanna, Alessandra Feraco, Elisabetta Camajani, Stefania Gorini, Andrea Armani, Massimiliano Caprio and Mauro Lombardo
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112265 - 04 Jun 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6223
Abstract
Legumes are nutrient-dense crops with health-promoting benefits. However, several barriers are associated with their consumption. Emerging issues including food neophobic tendencies or taboos, unclear dietary guidelines on legume consumption, health concerns, and socio-economic reasons, as well as long cooking procedures, adversely affect legume [...] Read more.
Legumes are nutrient-dense crops with health-promoting benefits. However, several barriers are associated with their consumption. Emerging issues including food neophobic tendencies or taboos, unclear dietary guidelines on legume consumption, health concerns, and socio-economic reasons, as well as long cooking procedures, adversely affect legume consumption frequency. Pre-treatment methods, including soaking, sprouting, and pulse electric field technology, are effective in reducing the alpha-oligosaccharides and other anti-nutritional factors, eventually lowering cooking time for legumes. Extrusion technology used for innovative development of legume-enriched products, including snacks, breakfast cereals and puffs, baking and pasta, represents a strategic way to promote legume consumption. Culinary skills such as legume salads, legume sprouts, stews, soups, hummus, and the development of homemade cake recipes using legume flour could represent effective ways to promote legume consumption. This review aims to highlight the nutritional and health effects associated with legume consumption, and strategies to improve their digestibility and nutritional profile. Additionally, proper educational and culinary approaches aimed to improve legumes intake are discussed. Full article
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18 pages, 3717 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Synbiotics on Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis: The Impact of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Endogenous/Exogenous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
by Yunjiao Zhao, Liangyu Xue, Shunqin Li, Tao Wu, Rui Liu, Wenjie Sui and Min Zhang
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112251 - 02 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1382
Abstract
In this work, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from mice feces (LP-M) and pickles (LP-P) were chosen as the endogenous and exogenous L. plantarum, respectively, which were separately combined with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) to be synbiotics. The anti-inflammatory activity of [...] Read more.
In this work, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from mice feces (LP-M) and pickles (LP-P) were chosen as the endogenous and exogenous L. plantarum, respectively, which were separately combined with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) to be synbiotics. The anti-inflammatory activity of LP-M, LP-P, COS, and the synbiotics was explored using dextran-sodium-sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis mice, as well as by comparing the synergistic effects of COS with LP-M or LP-P. The results revealed that L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics alleviated the symptoms of mice colitis and inhibited the changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) caused by DSS. In addition, the intervention of L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus and suppressed the pathogenic bacteria Turicibacter and Escherichia-Shigella. There was no statistically difference between LP-M and the endogenous synbiotics on intestinal immunity and metabolism. However, the exogenous synbiotics improved SCFAs, inhibited the changes in cytokines and MPO activity, and restored the gut microbiota more effectively than exogenous L. plantarum LP-P. This indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of exogenous LP-P can be increased by combining it with COS as a synbiotic. Full article
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15 pages, 2093 KiB  
Article
Antilisterial and Antimicrobial Effect of Salvia officinalis Essential Oil in Beef Sous-Vide Meat during Storage
by Robert Gál, Natália Čmiková, Aneta Prokopová and Miroslava Kačániová
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2201; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112201 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
If food is contaminated with pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, improper cooking during sous-vide preparation can lead to foodborne illnesses. In this study, it was found that L. monocytogenes were inactivated with both heat and the essential oil of Salvia officinalis (sage [...] Read more.
If food is contaminated with pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, improper cooking during sous-vide preparation can lead to foodborne illnesses. In this study, it was found that L. monocytogenes were inactivated with both heat and the essential oil of Salvia officinalis (sage EO) in beef tenderloin of the musculus psoas major that had undergone sous-vide processing. To determine whether the enhancement of the efficacy of heat treatment is prospective, L. monocytogenes and sage EO were mixed. Groups with L. monocytogenes alone and sage essential oil combined with L. monocytogenes and test groups without EO were established. The samples were vacuum-packed, inoculated with L. monocytogenes, and then cooked sous-vide for the predetermined duration at 50, 55, 60, or 65 °C. In both groups with sous-vide beef tenderloin, the total bacterial count, the coliforms bacterial count, and the amount of L. monocytogenes were assessed on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Over these days, the amounts of L. monocytogenes, coliform bacteria, and overall bacteria increased. The identification of bacterial strains in various days and categories was performed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The test group that was exposed to a temperature of 50 °C for 5 min had a higher overall bacterial count for each day that was assessed. Pseudomonas fragi and L. monocytogenes were the most isolated organisms from the test group and the treated group. To ensure the safety for the consumption of sous-vide beef tenderloin, it was found that the addition of natural antimicrobials could produce effective outcomes. Full article
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23 pages, 1187 KiB  
Review
From Industrial Food Waste to Bioactive Ingredients: A Review on the Sustainable Management and Transformation of Plant-Derived Food Waste
by Yassine Jaouhari, F. Travaglia, L. Giovannelli, A. Picco, E. Oz, F. Oz and M. Bordiga
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2183; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112183 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3681
Abstract
According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted. The actual linear “Take-Make-Dispose” model is nowadays obsolete and uneconomical for societies and the environment, while circular thinking in production systems and its effective adoption offers new [...] Read more.
According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted. The actual linear “Take-Make-Dispose” model is nowadays obsolete and uneconomical for societies and the environment, while circular thinking in production systems and its effective adoption offers new opportunities and benefits. Following the “Waste Framework Directive” (2008/98/CE), the European Green Deal, and the actual Circular Economy Action Plan, when prevention is not possible, recovering an unavoidable food waste as a by-product represents a most promising pathway. Using last year’s by-products, which are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and peptides, offer a wake-up call to the nutraceutical and cosmetic industry to invest and develop value-added products generated from food waste ingredients. Full article
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18 pages, 5555 KiB  
Article
Third-Generation Snacks Manufactured from Andean Tubers and Tuberous Root Flours: Microwave Expansion Kinetics and Characterization
by Liliana Acurio, Diego Salazar, Purificación García-Segovia, Javier Martínez-Monzó and Marta Igual
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112168 - 27 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1897
Abstract
Andean tubers and tuberous roots have nutritional and medicinal properties transferred through ancestral generations. In this study, we aim to promote cultivation and consumption by developing a snack based on these crops. Corn grits were thoroughly mixed with sweet potato, mashua, and three [...] Read more.
Andean tubers and tuberous roots have nutritional and medicinal properties transferred through ancestral generations. In this study, we aim to promote cultivation and consumption by developing a snack based on these crops. Corn grits were thoroughly mixed with sweet potato, mashua, and three varieties of oca flour (white, yellow, and red) in an 80:20 ratio, and a single-screw laboratory extruder was utilized to produce third-generation (3G) dried pellets. Microwave expansion was studied, and the dried 3G pellets and expanded snacks were characterized. The microwave expansion curves of the dried 3G pellets were adjusted to the Page, logarithmic, and Midilli–Kucuk models. During the characterization, the influence of the raw material composition was observed in sectional expansion, water content, water activity, water absorption, water solubility, swelling, optical and textural properties, and bioactive compounds. According to global color variation (mixture vs. expanded and dried vs. expanded) and bioactive compound analysis, the mashua suffered little chemical change or nutritional loss during the process. The extrusion process was shown to be an ideal method for manufacturing snacks from Andean tuber flours. Full article
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14 pages, 3719 KiB  
Article
Effects of Drying Treatments on Nutritional Compositions, Volatile Flavor Compounds, and Bioactive Substances of Broad Beans
by Si Li, Fangwei Liu, Mulan Wu, Yuhao Li, Xiaoxiao Song and Junyi Yin
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112160 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1538
Abstract
In this study, different drying methods, including hot air drying, sun drying, and freeze drying were employed to dry fresh broad beans. The nutritional composition, volatile organic components and bioactive substances of the dried broad beans were systematically compared. The results indicated significant [...] Read more.
In this study, different drying methods, including hot air drying, sun drying, and freeze drying were employed to dry fresh broad beans. The nutritional composition, volatile organic components and bioactive substances of the dried broad beans were systematically compared. The results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in nutritional composition, such as protein and soluble sugar content. Among the 66 identified volatile organic compounds, freeze drying and hot air drying significantly promote the production of alcohols and aldehydes, while sun drying effectively preserves esters. In terms of bioactive substances, broad beans dried by freeze drying exhibit the highest total phenol content as well as the strongest antioxidant capacity and gallic acid, followed by sun drying. The chemometric analysis revealed that the bioactive compounds in broad beans dried by three different methods were primarily composed of flavonoids, organic acids, and amino acids with significant differentiation. Notably, freeze-dried and sun-dried broad beans exhibited a higher concentration of differential substances. Full article
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19 pages, 3598 KiB  
Review
Meat Consumption, Sustainability and Alternatives: An Overview of Motives and Barriers
by Maria Font-i-Furnols
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112144 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6800
Abstract
Meat and meat products are important sources of protein in the human diet. However, their consumption or excessive consumption has been questioned as this has been related to sustainability and health issues. Due to this, alternatives to conventional meat consumption, such as meat [...] Read more.
Meat and meat products are important sources of protein in the human diet. However, their consumption or excessive consumption has been questioned as this has been related to sustainability and health issues. Due to this, alternatives to conventional meat consumption, such as meat produced more sustainably or meat alternatives, have been considered. The aim of the present work is to gain insight into the meat consumption of different countries, the motives for and barriers to this consumption, as well as into the consumption of more sustainably produced meat with particular focus on organic meat and meat alternatives. Information on meat consumption has been obtained using FAOSTAT data and maps have been constructed using SAS software. Results showed that, in general, albeit with variations between and within countries, there is a tendency to decrease red meat consumption and increase poultry consumption, while for pork consumption the tendency is less clear. Motives and barriers for meat and meat alternative consumption have been reviewed and it is possible to see that these are very variable and that they, in addition to the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the meat, are also related to consumers’ attitudes and beliefs. Thus, it is important to inform consumers in a truthful and reliable way in order to allow them to make well-founded decisions regarding the consumption of these products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal-Based Food Consumption - Trends and Perspectives)
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17 pages, 3185 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Extraction Parameters for Enhanced Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Quince Peels Using Response Surface Methodology
by Vassilis Athanasiadis, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Eleni Bozinou, Konstantina Kotsou, Dimitrios Palaiogiannis and Stavros I. Lalas
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112099 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
Quinces are well known for their multiple health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, etc., properties. Despite the widespread utilization of various plant parts, the peel has been largely ignored in the industry. In this study, we explored the effects of different [...] Read more.
Quinces are well known for their multiple health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, etc., properties. Despite the widespread utilization of various plant parts, the peel has been largely ignored in the industry. In this study, we explored the effects of different extraction parameters, such as temperature, time, and composition of the extraction solvent, and techniques such as ultrasound (US) and a pulsed electric field (PEF), either alone or in combination, and optimized these parameters using a response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid from waste quince peels. From our results, it was apparent that quince peels are a great source of many bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. More specifically, after principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis, quince peels contain high levels of total polyphenols (43.99 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dw), total flavonoids (3.86 mg rutin equivalents/g dw), chlorogenic acid (2.12 mg/g dw), and ascorbic acid (543.93 mg/100 g dw), as well as antioxidant activity of 627.73 μmol AAE/g and 699.61 μmol DPPH/g as evidenced by FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively. These results emphasize the potential of utilizing quince peels as an eco-friendly and cost-effective source of bioactive compounds with various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries for the prepared extracts. Full article
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16 pages, 7474 KiB  
Article
Application of Central Composite Design and Superimposition Approach for Optimization of Drying Parameters of Pretreated Cassava Flour
by Ellyas Alga Nainggolan, Jan Banout and Klara Urbanova
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112101 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1800
Abstract
The primary goals of this study were to identify the influence of temperature and drying time on pretreated cassava flour, as well as the optimal settings for the factors and to analyze the microstructure of cassava flour. The experiment was designed using the [...] Read more.
The primary goals of this study were to identify the influence of temperature and drying time on pretreated cassava flour, as well as the optimal settings for the factors and to analyze the microstructure of cassava flour. The experiment was designed using the response surface methodology with central composite design and the superimposition approach in order to assess the effect of drying temperature (45.85–74.14 °C) and drying time (3.96–11.03 h) and the optimal drying conditions of the cassava flour investigated. Soaking and blanching were applied as pretreatments to freshly sliced cassava tubers. The value moisture content of cassava flour was between 6.22% and 11.07%, whereas the observed whiteness index in cassava flour ranged from 72.62 to 92.67 in all pretreated cassava flour samples. Through analysis of variance, each drying factor, their interaction, and all squared terms had a substantial impact on moisture content and whiteness index. The optimized values for drying temperature and drying time for each pretreated cassava flour were 70 °C and 10 h, respectively. The microstructure showed a non-gelatinized, relatively homogeneous in size and shape sample with pretreatment soaked in distilled water at room temperature. These study results are relevant to the development of more sustainable cassava flour production. Full article
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22 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Health-Aware Food Recommendation Based on Knowledge Graph and Multi-Task Learning
by Yi Chen, Yandi Guo, Qiuxu Fan, Qinghui Zhang and Yu Dong
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102079 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2997
Abstract
Current food recommender systems tend to prioritize either the user’s dietary preferences or the healthiness of the food, without considering the importance of personalized health requirements. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach to healthy food recommendations that takes into account [...] Read more.
Current food recommender systems tend to prioritize either the user’s dietary preferences or the healthiness of the food, without considering the importance of personalized health requirements. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach to healthy food recommendations that takes into account the user’s personalized health requirements, in addition to their dietary preferences. Our work comprises three perspectives. Firstly, we propose a collaborative recipe knowledge graph (CRKG) with millions of triplets, containing user–recipe interactions, recipe–ingredient associations, and other food-related information. Secondly, we define a score-based method for evaluating the healthiness match between recipes and user preferences. Based on these two prior perspectives, we develop a novel health-aware food recommendation model (FKGM) using knowledge graph embedding and multi-task learning. FKGM employs a knowledge-aware attention graph convolutional neural network to capture the semantic associations between users and recipes on the collaborative knowledge graph and learns the user’s requirements in both preference and health by fusing the losses of these two learning tasks. We conducted experiments to demonstrate that FKGM outperformed four competing baseline models in integrating users’ dietary preferences and personalized health requirements in food recommendations and performed best on the health task. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Food Industry)
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15 pages, 2630 KiB  
Article
Formation, Structural Characterization, and Functional Properties of Corn Starch/Zeaxanthin Composites
by Songnan Li, Duo Feng, Enpeng Li and Robert G. Gilbert
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102076 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1212
Abstract
Zeaxanthin is a natural xanthophyll carotenoid and the main macular pigment that protects the macula from light-initiated oxidative damage, but it has poor stability and low bioavailability. Absorption of this active ingredient into starch granules as a carrier can be used to improve [...] Read more.
Zeaxanthin is a natural xanthophyll carotenoid and the main macular pigment that protects the macula from light-initiated oxidative damage, but it has poor stability and low bioavailability. Absorption of this active ingredient into starch granules as a carrier can be used to improve both zeaxanthin stability and controlled release. Optimization using three variables judged important for optimizing the system (reaction temperature of 65 °C, starch concentration of 6%, and reaction time of 2 h) was conducted for incorporation of zeaxanthin into corn starch granules, aiming for high zeaxanthin content (2.47 mg/g) and high encapsulation efficiency (74%). Polarized-light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the process partially gelatinized corn starch; additionally, it showed the presence of corn starch/zeaxanthin composites, with the zeaxanthin successfully trapped in corn starch granules. The half-life time of zeaxanthin in corn starch/zeaxanthin composites increased to 43 days as compared with that of zeaxanthin alone (13 days). The composites show a rapid increase in zeaxanthin release with in vitro intestinal digestion, which is favorable for possible use in living systems. These findings could have application in designing effective starch-based carriers of this bioactive ingredient with enhanced storage stability and improved intestines-targeted controlled-release delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
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21 pages, 640 KiB  
Review
Addressing Clean Label Trends in Commercial Meat Processing: Strategies, Challenges and Insights from Consumer Perspectives
by Elena S. Inguglia, Zuo Song, Joseph P. Kerry, Maurice G. O’Sullivan and Ruth M. Hamill
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102062 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
Background: The concept of a clean label is difficult to define, even in common language, as the interpretation of what a “clean” food is differs from one person to another and from one organisation to another. The lack of a unique definition and [...] Read more.
Background: The concept of a clean label is difficult to define, even in common language, as the interpretation of what a “clean” food is differs from one person to another and from one organisation to another. The lack of a unique definition and regulations of what the term “clean” means, along with the growing consumer demand for more “natural” and healthier foods, is posing new challenges for manufacturers and ingredient producers. The meat industry, in particular, has been affected by this new movement owing to negative attitudes and feelings consumers associate with consuming processed meat products. Scope and approach: The review scope is to describe attributes and associations around the “clean” label term by analysing the most recent ingredients, additives and processing methods currently available for meat manufacturers. Their application in meat, plant-based alternatives and hybrid meat/plant products, current limitations and challenges presented in consumer perception, safety and potential impacts on product quality are also presented. Key findings and conclusions: The availability of a growing number of “clean” label ingredients provides a new suite of approaches that are available for application by meat processors to help overcome some of the negative connotations associated with processed meat products and also support plant-based meat alternatives and hybrids. Full article
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17 pages, 745 KiB  
Article
What Is the Value of a “Mountain Product” Claim? A Ranking Conjoint Experiment on Goat’s Milk Yoghurt
by Raffaele Zanchini, Giuseppe Di Vita, Luca Panzone and Filippo Brun
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102059 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1155
Abstract
Rural development is complex in marginal and disadvantaged areas, such as mountains, which impose high labour costs and restrict farmers in their choices of crop and livestock. To recognise this problem, the European Union regulates the use of the optional quality term “ [...] Read more.
Rural development is complex in marginal and disadvantaged areas, such as mountains, which impose high labour costs and restrict farmers in their choices of crop and livestock. To recognise this problem, the European Union regulates the use of the optional quality term “Mountain product” on the label. Consumers may recognise this label and be more willing to pay for it, resulting in higher revenues for producers using it. This study estimates the willingness to pay (WTP) for a mountain quality label. This WTP is then compared to that of functional and nutrition claims. For this purpose, we used a ranking conjoint experiment, using goat’s milk yoghurt—a typical mountain product—as a case study. Using a rank-ordered logit, we show that mountain quality labels generate a significant WTP, higher than that of functional claims. WTP differs by the demographic profile of the consumer. The study provided useful insights about the combination of the mountain quality label with different attributes. However, future studies are needed to adequately understand the potential of mountain certification as a supporting tool for farmers in marginal areas and for rural development. Full article
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19 pages, 788 KiB  
Article
Exploring Factors and Impact of Blockchain Technology in the Food Supply Chains: An Exploratory Study
by Abubakar Mohammed, Vidyasagar Potdar and Mohammed Quaddus
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102052 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3883
Abstract
Blockchain technology (BCT) has been proven to have the potential to transform food supply chains (FSCs) based on its potential benefits. BCT promises to improve food supply chain processes. Despite its several benefits, little is known about the factors that drive blockchain adoption [...] Read more.
Blockchain technology (BCT) has been proven to have the potential to transform food supply chains (FSCs) based on its potential benefits. BCT promises to improve food supply chain processes. Despite its several benefits, little is known about the factors that drive blockchain adoption within the food supply chain and the impact of blockchain technology on the food supply chain, as empirical evidence is scarce. This study, therefore, explores factors, impacts and challenges of blockchain adoption in the FSC. The study adopts an exploratory qualitative interview approach. The data consist of Twenty-one interviews which were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques in NVivo (v12), resulting in identifying nine factors classified under three broad categories (Technology—complexity, compatibility, cost; Organization—organization size, knowledge; Environment—government support, competitive pressure, standardization, and compliance) as the most significant factors driving blockchain adoption in the FSC. In addition, five impacts were identified (visibility, performance, efficiency, trust, and value creation) to blockchain technology adoption. This study also identifies significant challenges of blockchain technology (interoperability, privacy, infrastructure conditions, and lack of knowledge). Based on the findings, the study developed a conceptual framework for blockchain adoption in food supply chains. The study adds to the corpus of knowledge by illuminating the adoption of blockchain technology and its effects on food supply chains and by giving the industry evidence-based guidance for developing its blockchain plans. The study provides full insights and awareness of blockchain adoption challenges among executives, supply chain organizations, and governmental agencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Systems)
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25 pages, 695 KiB  
Review
Pressurized Liquid Extraction: A Powerful Tool to Implement Extraction and Purification of Food Contaminants
by Laura Barp, Ana Miklavčič Višnjevec and Sabrina Moret
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102017 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4559
Abstract
Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is considered an advanced extraction technique developed in the mid-1990s with the aim of saving time and reducing solvent with respect to traditional extraction processes. It is commonly used with solid and semi-solid samples and employs solvent extraction at [...] Read more.
Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is considered an advanced extraction technique developed in the mid-1990s with the aim of saving time and reducing solvent with respect to traditional extraction processes. It is commonly used with solid and semi-solid samples and employs solvent extraction at elevated temperatures and pressures, always below the respective critical points, to maintain the solvent in a liquid state throughout the extraction procedure. The use of these particular pressure and temperature conditions changes the physicochemical properties of the extraction solvent, allowing easier and deeper penetration into the matrix to be extracted. Furthermore, the possibility to combine the extraction and clean-up steps by including a layer of an adsorbent retaining interfering compounds directly in the PLE extraction cells makes this technique extremely versatile and selective. After providing a background on the PLE technique and parameters to be optimized, the present review focuses on recent applications (published in the past 10 years) in the field of food contaminants. In particular, applications related to the extraction of environmental and processing contaminants, pesticides, residues of veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, parabens, ethyl carbamate, and fatty acid esters of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol and 2-monochloro-1,3-propanediol from different food matrices were considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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16 pages, 20735 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Appearance and Physicochemical Properties of Pleurotus eryngii under Different Drying Methods
by Jun-Wen Bai, Yu-Chi Wang, Jian-Rong Cai, Lu Zhang, Yi Dai, Xiao-Yu Tian and Hong-Wei Xiao
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101999 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1137
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different drying methods on the drying characteristics, three-dimensional (3D) appearance, color, total polysaccharide content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and microstructure of Pleurotus eryngii slices. The drying methods included hot air drying (HAD), infrared drying (ID), and microwave drying [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of different drying methods on the drying characteristics, three-dimensional (3D) appearance, color, total polysaccharide content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and microstructure of Pleurotus eryngii slices. The drying methods included hot air drying (HAD), infrared drying (ID), and microwave drying (MD). The results showed that the drying method and conditions significantly influenced the drying time, with MD having a significant advantage in reducing the drying time. The 3D appearance of P. eryngii slices was evaluated based on shrinkage and roughness as quantitative indexes, and the best appearance was obtained by hot air drying at 55 and 65 °C. HAD and ID at lower drying temperatures obtained better color, TPC, and antioxidant activity, but MD significantly damaged the color and nutritional quality of P. eryngii. The microstructure of dried P. eryngii slices was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the results showed that drying methods and conditions had an obvious effect on the microstructure of P. eryngii slices. Scattered mycelia were clearly observed in P. eryngii samples dried by HAD and ID at lower drying temperatures, while high drying temperatures led to the cross-linking and aggregation of mycelia. This study offers scientific and technical support for choosing appropriate drying methods to achieve a desirable appearance and quality of dried P. eryngii. Full article
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30 pages, 1776 KiB  
Review
Encapsulation of Bioactive Peptides by Spray-Drying and Electrospraying
by Carmen Berraquero-García, Raúl Pérez-Gálvez, F. Javier Espejo-Carpio, Antonio Guadix, Emilia M. Guadix and Pedro J. García-Moreno
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102005 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
Bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis are gaining attention for the production of supplements, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional foods. However, their inclusion in oral delivery systems is constrained by their high susceptibility to degradation during human gastrointestinal digestion. Encapsulating techniques can be used [...] Read more.
Bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis are gaining attention for the production of supplements, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional foods. However, their inclusion in oral delivery systems is constrained by their high susceptibility to degradation during human gastrointestinal digestion. Encapsulating techniques can be used to stabilize functional ingredients, helping to maintain their activity after processing, storage, and digestion, thus improving their bioaccessibility. Monoaxial spray-drying and electrospraying are common and economical techniques used for the encapsulation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. Although less studied, the coaxial configuration of both techniques could potentially improve the stabilization of protein-based bioactives via the formation of shell–core structures. This article reviews the application of these techniques, both monoaxial and coaxial configurations, for the encapsulation of bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates, focusing on the factors affecting the properties of the encapsulates, such as the formulation of the feed solution, selection of carrier and solvent, as well as the processing conditions used. Furthermore, this review covers the release, retention of bioactivity, and stability of peptide-loaded encapsulates after processing and digestion. Full article
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18 pages, 1116 KiB  
Review
Improving the Sustainability of Processing By-Products: Extraction and Recent Biological Activities of Collagen Peptides
by Shumin Xu, Yuping Zhao, Wenshan Song, Chengpeng Zhang, Qiuting Wang, Ruimin Li, Yanyan Shen, Shunmin Gong, Mingbo Li and Leilei Sun
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101965 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3095
Abstract
Society and consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and the sustainability of food production systems. A significant amount of by-products and discards are generated during the processing of aquatic animals, which still needs to be fully utilized by the food industry. The [...] Read more.
Society and consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and the sustainability of food production systems. A significant amount of by-products and discards are generated during the processing of aquatic animals, which still needs to be fully utilized by the food industry. The management and sustainable use of these resources are essential to avoiding environmental pollution and resource waste. These by-products are rich in biologically active proteins, which can be converted into peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation treatment. Therefore, exploring the extraction of collagen peptides from these by-products using an enzymatic hydrolysis technology has attracted a wide range of attention from numerous researchers. Collagen peptides have been found to possess multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antitumor, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can enhance the physiological functions of organisms and make collagen peptides useful as ingredients in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. This paper reviews the general methods for extracting collagen peptides from various processing by-products of aquatic animals, including fish skin, scales, bones, and offal. It also summarizes the functional activities of collagen peptides as well as their applications. Full article
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17 pages, 1724 KiB  
Review
Current Technologies and Uses for Fruit and Vegetable Wastes in a Sustainable System: A Review
by Yingdan Zhu, Yueting Luan, Yingnan Zhao, Jiali Liu, Zhangqun Duan and Roger Ruan
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101949 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9672
Abstract
The fruit and vegetable industry produces millions of tons of residues, which can cause large economic losses. Fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products contain a large number of bioactive substances with functional ingredients that have antioxidant, antibacterial, and other properties. Current technologies can [...] Read more.
The fruit and vegetable industry produces millions of tons of residues, which can cause large economic losses. Fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products contain a large number of bioactive substances with functional ingredients that have antioxidant, antibacterial, and other properties. Current technologies can utilize fruit and vegetable waste and by-products as ingredients, food bioactive compounds, and biofuels. Traditional and commercial utilization in the food industry includes such technologies as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and high hydrostatic pressure technique (HHP). Biorefinery methods for converting fruit and vegetable wastes into biofuels, such as anaerobic digestion (AD), fermentation, incineration, pyrolysis and gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization, are described. This study provides strategies for the processing of fruit and vegetable wastes using eco-friendly technologies and lays a foundation for the utilization of fruit and vegetable loss/waste and by-products in a sustainable system. Full article
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48 pages, 7394 KiB  
Review
Analyzing the Quality Parameters of Apples by Spectroscopy from Vis/NIR to NIR Region: A Comprehensive Review
by Justyna Grabska, Krzysztof B. Beć, Nami Ueno and Christian W. Huck
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101946 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5326
Abstract
Spectroscopic methods deliver a valuable non-destructive analytical tool that provides simultaneous qualitative and quantitative characterization of various samples. Apples belong to the world’s most consumed crops and with the current challenges of climate change and human impacts on the environment, maintaining high-quality apple [...] Read more.
Spectroscopic methods deliver a valuable non-destructive analytical tool that provides simultaneous qualitative and quantitative characterization of various samples. Apples belong to the world’s most consumed crops and with the current challenges of climate change and human impacts on the environment, maintaining high-quality apple production has become critical. This review comprehensively analyzes the application of spectroscopy in near-infrared (NIR) and visible (Vis) regions, which not only show particular potential in evaluating the quality parameters of apples but also in optimizing their production and supply routines. This includes the assessment of the external and internal characteristics such as color, size, shape, surface defects, soluble solids content (SSC), total titratable acidity (TA), firmness, starch pattern index (SPI), total dry matter concentration (DM), and nutritional value. The review also summarizes various techniques and approaches used in Vis/NIR studies of apples, such as authenticity, origin, identification, adulteration, and quality control. Optical sensors and associated methods offer a wide suite of solutions readily addressing the main needs of the industry in practical routines as well, e.g., efficient sorting and grading of apples based on sweetness and other quality parameters, facilitating quality control throughout the production and supply chain. This review also evaluates ongoing development trends in the application of handheld and portable instruments operating in the Vis/NIR and NIR spectral regions for apple quality control. The use of these technologies can enhance apple crop quality, maintain competitiveness, and meet the demands of consumers, making them a crucial topic in the apple industry. The focal point of this review is placed on the literature published in the last five years, with the exceptions of seminal works that have played a critical role in shaping the field or representative studies that highlight the progress made in specific areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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17 pages, 3041 KiB  
Article
Hot-Air Drying Significantly Improves the Quality and Functional Activity of Orange Black Tea Compared with Traditional Sunlight Drying
by Zhi Yan, Zhihu Zhou, Yuanfang Jiao, Jiasheng Huang, Zhi Yu, De Zhang, Yuqiong Chen and Dejiang Ni
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091913 - 07 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1764
Abstract
The quality of traditional sunlight-dried orange black tea can be affected by weather variations, leading to its quality instability. This study investigated the feasibility of replacing sunlight drying with a new hot-air drying method in orange black tea production. The hot-air-dried orange black [...] Read more.
The quality of traditional sunlight-dried orange black tea can be affected by weather variations, leading to its quality instability. This study investigated the feasibility of replacing sunlight drying with a new hot-air drying method in orange black tea production. The hot-air-dried orange black tea showed better sensory quality than the traditional outdoor-sunlight-dried tea, with a harmonious fruity aroma and sweet–mellow taste. The content of polyphenols and other quality components in the peel and tea leaves was significantly higher after hot-air drying than after sunlight drying. GC-MS analysis showed that the total number of volatile components of hot-air-dried tea (3103.46 μg/g) was higher than that of sunlight-dried tea (3019.19 μg/g). Compared with sunlight-dried orange black tea, the hot-air-dried orange black tea showed higher total antioxidant capacity, with an increase of 21.5% (FRAP), 7.5% (DPPH), and 17.4% (ABTS), as well as an increase of 38.1% and 36.3% in the inhibitory capacity on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Further analysis of the effects of different drying temperatures (40, 45, 50, and 60 °C) on the quality of orange black tea showed that the tea quality gradually decreased with the increase in drying temperature, with the most obvious decrease in the quality of orange black tea at the drying temperature of 60 °C. Low-temperature (40 °C) dried tea had better aroma coordination, higher fruit flavor, greater sweet–mellow taste, and higher retention of functional active substances in orange peel and black tea. In summary, compared with traditional sunlight drying, the hot-air drying method could reduce the drying time from 90 h to 20 h and improve the sensory quality and functional activity of orange black tea, suggesting it can replace the traditional sunlight drying process. This work is significant for improving the quality of orange black tea in practical production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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18 pages, 1525 KiB  
Review
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Food Packaging and Their Influence on Human Health
by Mariana Stuparu-Cretu, Gheorghe Braniste, Gina-Aurora Necula, Silvius Stanciu, Dimitrie Stoica and Maricica Stoica
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091882 - 03 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
It is a matter of common knowledge in the literature that engineered metal oxide nanoparticles have properties that are efficient for the design of innovative food/beverage packages. Although nanopackages have many benefits, there are circumstances when these materials are able to release nanoparticles [...] Read more.
It is a matter of common knowledge in the literature that engineered metal oxide nanoparticles have properties that are efficient for the design of innovative food/beverage packages. Although nanopackages have many benefits, there are circumstances when these materials are able to release nanoparticles into the food/beverage matrix. Once dispersed into food, engineered metal oxide nanoparticles travel through the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently enter human cells, where they display various behaviors influencing human health or wellbeing. This review article provides an insight into the antimicrobial mechanisms of metal oxide nanoparticles as essential for their benefits in food/beverage packaging and provides a discussion on the oral route of these nanoparticles from nanopackages to the human body. This contribution also highlights the potential toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles for human health. The fact that only a small number of studies address the issue of food packaging based on engineered metal oxide nanoparticles should be particularly noted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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21 pages, 14216 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Potential Application of 3D Food Printing to Enhance Elderly Nutritional Dietary Intake
by Yisha Xie, Qingqing Liu, Wenwen Zhang, Feng Yang, Kangyu Zhao, Xiuping Dong, Sangeeta Prakash and Yongjun Yuan
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091842 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4145
Abstract
The contradiction between the growing demand from consumers for “nutrition & personalized” food and traditional industrialized food production has consistently been a problem in the elderly diet that researchers face and discuss. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing could potentially offer a solution to this [...] Read more.
The contradiction between the growing demand from consumers for “nutrition & personalized” food and traditional industrialized food production has consistently been a problem in the elderly diet that researchers face and discuss. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing could potentially offer a solution to this problem. This article reviews the recent research on 3D food printing, mainly including the use of different sources of protein to improve the performance of food ink printing, high internal phase emulsion or oleogels as a fat replacement and nutrition delivery system, and functional active ingredients and the nutrition delivery system. In our opinion, 3D food printing is crucial for improving the appetite and dietary intake of the elderly. The critical obstacles of 3D-printed food for the elderly regarding energy supplements, nutrition balance, and even the customization of the recipe in a meal are discussed in this paper. By combining big data and artificial intelligence technology with 3D food printing, comprehensive, personalized, and customized geriatric foods, according to the individual traits of each elderly consumer, will be realized via food raw materials-appearance-processing methods. This article provides a theoretical basis and development direction for future 3D food printing for the elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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16 pages, 2340 KiB  
Article
Identification of Key Components Responsible for the Aromatic Quality of Jinmudan Black Tea by Means of Molecular Sensory Science
by Qingyang Wu, Ziwei Zhou, Yining Zhang, Huiqing Huang, Xiaoxi Ou and Yun Sun
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091794 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1514
Abstract
A fruity aroma is regarded as an important factor in the evaluation of black tea quality. However, the compounds contributing to a particularly fruity aroma still garner less attention. In this study, we aimed to identify the aroma-active compounds of the peach-like aroma [...] Read more.
A fruity aroma is regarded as an important factor in the evaluation of black tea quality. However, the compounds contributing to a particularly fruity aroma still garner less attention. In this study, we aimed to identify the aroma-active compounds of the peach-like aroma of Jinmudan black tea (JBT). We used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal the profile of the chemical compounds integrated into JBT and identified terpenoids, heterocyclic, and esters that contribute to its floral and fruity aroma. Under the PCA and PLS-DA modes, JBT and Fuyun NO. 6 black tea (FBT) can be divided into two classes, respectively (class 1 and class 2); several compounds, including indole, methyl salicylate, and δ-decalactone, have a higher VIP value (Variable Importance in Projection), and it has been found that δ-decalactone was the characteristic aromatic compound of peach fruit. Gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O) and the odor activity value (OAV) indicated that, in JBT, linalool, phenylacetaldehyde, and δ-decalactone could be considered aroma-active compounds (AACs). However, in FBT, the high content of heterocyclic compounds contribute to its caramel-like aroma. As for the biochemical compounds measurement, JBT has a higher content of theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), and flavonoids. These results provide a theoretical basis for the quality and processing improvement in JBT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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18 pages, 696 KiB  
Review
A Review of Ketogenic Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy and Neurological Diseases: A Proposal to Implement an Adapted Model to Include Healthy Mediterranean Products
by Cinzia Ferraris, Monica Guglielmetti, Lenycia de Cassya Lopes Neri, Sabika Allehdan, Jamila Mohammed Mohsin Albasara, Hajar Hussain Fareed Alawadhi, Claudia Trentani, Simone Perna and Anna Tagliabue
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091743 - 22 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3792
Abstract
Based on the growing evidence of the therapeutic role of high-fat ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) for neurological diseases and on the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD), it could be important to delineate a Mediterranean version of KDTs in order to maintain [...] Read more.
Based on the growing evidence of the therapeutic role of high-fat ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) for neurological diseases and on the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD), it could be important to delineate a Mediterranean version of KDTs in order to maintain a high ketogenic ratio, and thus avoid side effects, especially in patients requiring long-term treatment. This narrative review aims to explore the existing literature on this topic and to elaborate recommendations for a Mediterranean version of the KDTs. It presents practical suggestions based on MD principles, which consist of key elements for the selection of foods (both from quantitative and qualitative prospective), and indications of the relative proportions and consumption frequency of the main food groups that constitute the Mediterranean version of the KDTs. We suggest the adoption of a Mediterranean version of ketogenic diets in order to benefit from the multiple protective effects of the MD. This translates to: (i) a preferential use of olive oil and vegetable fat sources in general; (ii) the limitation of foods rich in saturated fatty acids; (iii) the encouragement of high biological value protein sources; (iv) inserting fruit and vegetables at every meal possible, varying their choices according to seasonality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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18 pages, 348 KiB  
Review
A Prospective Review of the Sensory Properties of Plant-Based Dairy and Meat Alternatives with a Focus on Texture
by Rachael Moss, Jeanne LeBlanc, Mackenzie Gorman, Christopher Ritchie, Lisa Duizer and Matthew B. McSweeney
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081709 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5221
Abstract
Consumers are interested in plant-based alternatives (PBAs) to dairy and meat products, and as such, the food industry is responding by developing a variety of different plant-based food items. For these products to be successful, their textural properties must be acceptable to consumers. [...] Read more.
Consumers are interested in plant-based alternatives (PBAs) to dairy and meat products, and as such, the food industry is responding by developing a variety of different plant-based food items. For these products to be successful, their textural properties must be acceptable to consumers. These textural properties need to be thoroughly investigated using different sensory methodologies to ensure consumer satisfaction. This review paper aims to summarize the various textural properties of PBAs, as well as to discuss the sensory methodologies that can be used in future studies of PBAs. PBAs to meat have been formulated using a variety of production technologies, but these products still have textural properties that differ from animal-based products. Most dairy and meat alternatives attempt to mimic their conventional counterparts, yet sensory trials rarely compare the PBAs to their meat or dairy counterparts. While most studies rely on consumers to investigate the acceptability of their products’ textural properties, future studies should include dynamic sensory methodologies, and attribute diagnostics questions to help product developers characterize the key sensory properties of their products. Studies should also indicate whether the product is meant to mimic a conventional product and should define the target consumer segment (ex. flexitarian, vegan) for the product. The importance of textural properties to PBAs is repeatedly mentioned in the literature and thus should be thoroughly investigated using robust sensory methodologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Analysis of Plant-Based Products)
23 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Habits, Health and Environment in the Purchase of Bakery Products: Consumption Preferences and Sustainable Inclinations before and during COVID-19
by Agata Nicolosi, Valentina Rosa Laganà and Donatella Di Gregorio
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081661 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4323
Abstract
The aim of the research is to investigate whether purchasing decisions about bakery products (bread, snacks and biscuits) are influenced by concerns about health, climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste. The exploratory survey was carried out in two successive moments before and [...] Read more.
The aim of the research is to investigate whether purchasing decisions about bakery products (bread, snacks and biscuits) are influenced by concerns about health, climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste. The exploratory survey was carried out in two successive moments before and during the health emergency from COVID-19. Before the health emergency, face-to-face interviews were carried out using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by factor analysis, reliability tests and descriptive analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the research hypotheses. The results of the modeling analysis of the structural equations highlighted that health and the environment represent an important background in the consumer experience of the respondents and influence the attitude and intention to purchase safe and environmentally friendly bakery products. Furthermore, the results suggest that informed, modern and aware consumers have direct and indirect effects on the intentions to adopt sustainable attitudes. On the contrary, the perception relating to the shops where consumers buy bakery products does not always show a significant influence on the propensity for sustainability. During the health emergency, the interviews were conducted online. Families confined to their homes, buying less in stores, have prepared many baked goods manually at home. The descriptive analysis of this group of consumers shows a growing attention to points of sale and the tendency to use online shopping. Furthermore, the changes in the type of purchases and the importance attributed to the need to reduce food waste emerge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)
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21 pages, 2495 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Aroma Active Compound Production during Kombucha Fermentation: Towards the Control of Sensory Profiles
by Sarah Suffys, Gaëtan Richard, Clément Burgeon, Pierre-Yves Werrie, Eric Haubruge, Marie-Laure Fauconnier and Dorothée Goffin
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081657 - 15 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
Since the sensorial profile is the cornerstone for the development of kombucha as a beverage with mass market appeal, advanced analytical tools are needed to gain a better understanding of the kinetics of aromatic compounds during the fermentation process to control the sensory [...] Read more.
Since the sensorial profile is the cornerstone for the development of kombucha as a beverage with mass market appeal, advanced analytical tools are needed to gain a better understanding of the kinetics of aromatic compounds during the fermentation process to control the sensory profiles of the drink. The kinetics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was determined using stir bar sorptive extraction—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry, and odor-active compounds were considered to estimate consumer perception. A total of 87 VOCs were detected in kombucha during the fermentation stages. The synthesis of mainly phenethyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol probably by Saccharomyces genus led to ester formation. Moreover, the terpene synthesis occurring at the beginning of fermentation (Δ-3-carene, α-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, m- and p-cymene) could be related to yeast activity as well. Principal component analysis identified classes that allowed the major variability explanation, which are carboxylic acids, alcohols, and terpenes. The aromatic analysis accounted for 17 aroma-active compounds. These changes in the evolution of VOCs led to flavor variations: from citrus-floral-sweet notes (geraniol and linalool domination), and fermentation brought intense citrus-herbal-lavender-bergamot notes (α-farnesene). Finally, sweet-floral-bready-honey notes dominated the kombucha flavor (2-phenylethanol). As this study allowed to estimate kombucha sensory profiles, an insight for the development of new drinks by controlling the fermentation process was suggested. Such a methodology should allow a better control and optimization of their sensory profile, which could in turn lead to greater consumer acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changes of Volatile Flavor Compounds during the Fermentation in Foods)
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25 pages, 7174 KiB  
Article
Physico-Chemical Properties and Texturization of Pea, Wheat and Soy Proteins Using Extrusion and Their Application in Plant-Based Meat
by Delaney Webb, Hulya Dogan, Yonghui Li and Sajid Alavi
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081586 - 08 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3518
Abstract
Four commercial pea protein isolates were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties including water absorption capacity (WAC), least gelation concentration (LGC), rapid visco analyzer (RVA) pasting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)-based heat-induced denaturation and phase transition (PTA) flow temperature. The proteins were also extruded using [...] Read more.
Four commercial pea protein isolates were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties including water absorption capacity (WAC), least gelation concentration (LGC), rapid visco analyzer (RVA) pasting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)-based heat-induced denaturation and phase transition (PTA) flow temperature. The proteins were also extruded using pilot-scale twin-screw extrusion with relatively low process moisture to create texturized plant-based meat analog products. Wheat-gluten- and soy-protein-based formulations were similarly analyzed, with the intent to study difference between protein types (pea, wheat and soy). Proteins with a high WAC also had cold-swelling properties, high LGC, low PTA flow temperature and were most soluble in non-reducing SDS-PAGE. These proteins had the highest cross-linking potential, required the least specific mechanical energy during extrusion and led to a porous and less layered texturized internal structure. The formulation containing soy protein isolate and most pea proteins were in this category, although there were notable differences within the latter depending on the commercial source. On the other hand, soy-protein-concentrate- and wheat-gluten-based formulations had almost contrary functional properties and extrusion characteristics, with a dense, layered extrudate structure due to their heat-swelling and/or low cold-swelling characteristics. The textural properties (hardness, chewiness and springiness) of the hydrated ground product and patties also varied depending on protein functionality. With a plethora of plant protein options for texturization, understanding and relating the differences in raw material properties to the corresponding extruded product quality can help tailor formulations and accelerate the development and design of plant-based meat with the desired textural qualities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionality and Food Applications of Plant Proteins)
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20 pages, 55995 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of an Edible Zein/Shellac Composite Film Loaded with Curcumin
by Tao Han, Wenxue Chen, Qiuping Zhong, Weijun Chen, Yaping Xu, Jiawu Wu and Haiming Chen
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081577 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
The development of functional edible films is promising for the food industry, and improving the water barrier of edible films has been a research challenge in recent years. In this study, curcumin (Cur) was added to zein (Z) and shellac (S) to prepare [...] Read more.
The development of functional edible films is promising for the food industry, and improving the water barrier of edible films has been a research challenge in recent years. In this study, curcumin (Cur) was added to zein (Z) and shellac (S) to prepare an edible composite film with a strong water barrier and antioxidant properties. The addition of curcumin significantly reduced the water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility (WS), and elongation at break (EB), and it clearly improved the tensile strength (TS), water contact angle (WCA), and optical properties of the composite film. The ZS–Cur films were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, XRD, DSC, and TGA; the results indicated that hydrogen bonds were formed among the curcumin, zein, and shellac, which changed the microstructure and improved the thermal stability of the film. A test of curcumin release behavior showed controlled release of curcumin from the film matrix. ZS–Cur films displayed remarkable pH responsiveness, strong antioxidant properties, and inhibitory effects on E. coli. Therefore, the insoluble active food packaging prepared in this study provides a new strategy for the development of functional edible films and also provides a possibility for the application of edible films to extend the shelf life of fresh food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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34 pages, 1491 KiB  
Review
Extraction, Composition, Functionality, and Utilization of Brewer’s Spent Grain Protein in Food Formulations
by Bhanu Devnani, Galo Chuchuca Moran and Lutz Grossmann
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071543 - 05 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4965
Abstract
In recent years, brewer’s spent grain (BSG) has gained attention as a plant-based protein source because it occurs in large quantities as a by-product of beer brewing. BSG can contribute to future food requirements and support the development of a circular economy. In [...] Read more.
In recent years, brewer’s spent grain (BSG) has gained attention as a plant-based protein source because it occurs in large quantities as a by-product of beer brewing. BSG can contribute to future food requirements and support the development of a circular economy. In light of the dynamic developments in this area, this review aims to understand the proteins present in BSG, and the effect of extraction techniques and conditions on the composition, physicochemical, and techno-functional properties of the obtained protein extracts. The water-insoluble hordeins and glutelins form the major protein fractions in BSG. Depending on the beer brewing process, the extraction technique, and conditions, the BSG protein isolates predominantly contain B, C, and ϒ hordeins, and exhibit a broad molecular weight distribution ranging between <5 kDa and >250 kDa. While the BSG isolates obtained through chemical extraction methods seem promising to obtain gelled food products, physical and enzymatic modifications of BSG proteins through ultrasound and proteolytic hydrolysis offer an effective way to produce soluble and functional protein isolates with good emulsifying and foaming capabilities. Specifically tailored protein extracts to suit different applications can thus be obtained from BSG, highlighting that it is a highly valuable protein source. Full article
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20 pages, 3560 KiB  
Article
Microbial and Biochemical Profile of Different Types of Greek Table Olives
by Niki Mougiou, Antiopi Tsoureki, Spyros Didos, Ioanna Bouzouka, Sofia Michailidou and Anagnostis Argiriou
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071527 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
Analysis of table olives microbiome using next-generation sequencing has enriched the available information about the microbial community composition of this popular fermented food. In this study, 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing was performed on table olives of five Greek popular cultivars, Halkidikis, Thassou, [...] Read more.
Analysis of table olives microbiome using next-generation sequencing has enriched the available information about the microbial community composition of this popular fermented food. In this study, 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing was performed on table olives of five Greek popular cultivars, Halkidikis, Thassou, Kalamon, Amfissis, and Konservolia, fermented either by Greek style (in brine or salt-drying) or by Spanish style, in order to evaluate their microbial communities. Moreover, analytical methods were used to evaluate their biochemical properties. The prevailing bacterial species of all olives belonged to Lactobacillaceae, Leuconostocaceae, and Erwiniaceae families, while the most abundant yeasts were of the Pichiaceae family. Principal coordinates analysis showed a clustering of samples cured by salt-drying and of samples stored in brine, regardless of their cultivar. The biochemical evaluation of total phenol content, antioxidant activity, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleocanthal, and oleacein showed that salt-dried olives had low amounts of hydroxytyrosol, while Spanish-style green olives had the highest amounts of oleocanthal. All the other values exhibited various patterns, implying that more than one factor affects the biochemical identity of the final product. The protocols applied in this study can provide useful insights for the final product, both for the producers and the consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight in Microbial Diversity and Genomic in Foods)
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23 pages, 872 KiB  
Review
Emulsion-Based Delivery Systems to Enhance the Functionality of Bioactive Compounds: Towards the Use of Ingredients from Natural, Sustainable Sources
by Júlia Teixé-Roig, Gemma Oms-Oliu, Isabel Odriozola-Serrano and Olga Martín-Belloso
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071502 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3521
Abstract
In recent years, the trend in the population towards consuming more natural and sustainable foods has increased significantly. This claim has led to the search for new sources of bioactive compounds and extraction methods that have less impact on the environment. Moreover, the [...] Read more.
In recent years, the trend in the population towards consuming more natural and sustainable foods has increased significantly. This claim has led to the search for new sources of bioactive compounds and extraction methods that have less impact on the environment. Moreover, the formulation of systems to protect these compounds is also focusing on the use of ingredients of natural origin. This article reviews novel, natural alternative sources of bioactive compounds with a positive impact on sustainability. In addition, it also contains information on the most recent studies based on the use of natural (especially from plants) emulsifiers in the design of emulsion-based delivery systems to protect bioactive compounds. The properties of these natural-based emulsion-delivery systems, as well as their functionality, including in vitro and in vivo studies, are also discussed. This review provides relevant information on the latest advances in the development of emulsion delivery systems based on ingredients from sustainable natural sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Innovative Food Processing Technologies—2nd Volume)
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19 pages, 4332 KiB  
Article
Characterization of the Biofilms Formed by Histamine-Producing Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri Strains in the Dairy Environment
by Agustina Sarquis, Diellza Bajrami, Boris Mizaikoff, Victor Ladero, Miguel A. Alvarez and Maria Fernandez
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071503 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7873
Abstract
Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri, a lactic acid bacterium, is largely responsible for the production and accumulation of histamine, a toxic biogenic amine, in cheese. L. parabuchneri strains can form biofilms on the surface of industry equipment. Since they are resistant to cleaning and disinfection, [...] Read more.
Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri, a lactic acid bacterium, is largely responsible for the production and accumulation of histamine, a toxic biogenic amine, in cheese. L. parabuchneri strains can form biofilms on the surface of industry equipment. Since they are resistant to cleaning and disinfection, they may act as reservoirs of histamine-producing contaminants in cheese. The aim of this study was to investigate the biofilm-producing capacity of L. parabuchneri strains. Using the crystal violet technique, the strains were first categorized as weak, moderate or strong biofilm producers. Analysis of their biofilm matrices revealed them to be mainly composed of proteins. Two strains of each category were then selected to analyze the influence on the biofilm-forming capacity of temperature, pH, carbon source, NaCl concentration and surface material (i.e., focusing on those used in the dairy industry). In general, low temperature (8 °C), high NaCl concentrations (2–3% w/v) and neutral pH (pH 6) prevented biofilm formation. All strains were found to adhere easily to beech wood. These findings increase knowledge of the biofilm-forming capacity of histamine-producing L. parabuchneri strains and how their formation may be prevented for improving food safety. Full article
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18 pages, 1003 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Processed Foods in the Mediterranean Diet according to the NOVA Classification System; A Food Level Analysis of Branded Foods in Greece
by Alexandra Katidi, Antonis Vlassopoulos, Stamoulis Noutsos and Maria Kapsokefalou
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071520 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3384
Abstract
While the Mediterranean diet (MD) is championed as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern, the NOVA classification is discussed as a tool to identify ultra-processed foods and further specify healthy food choices. We tested whether the NOVA System aligns with the MD recommendations [...] Read more.
While the Mediterranean diet (MD) is championed as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern, the NOVA classification is discussed as a tool to identify ultra-processed foods and further specify healthy food choices. We tested whether the NOVA System aligns with the MD recommendations as presented in the MD pyramids. Foods from the Greek branded food composition database, HelTH, (n = 4581) were scored according to NOVA and assigned to the tiers of the traditional and/or sustainable MD pyramids. Nutritional quality was measured as nutrient content and Nutri-Score grades. NOVA identified 70.2% of all foods as UPFs, and 58.7% or 41.0% of foods included in the sustainable and the traditional MD, respectively. Although foods at the top of the pyramids were mostly (>80%) UPFs, NOVA identified > 50% of foods in the MD base as UPFs. Only 22–39% of foods in the MD base were not UPFs and of high nutritional quality (Nutri-Score A-B). NOVA has low discriminatory capacity across the MD tiers, and it restricts food choices to <30% of foods currently available in supermarkets and <60% within the recommended MD tiers. Therefore, the NOVA classification cannot always identify suitable food choices under the MD pyramid in the modern packaged food environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Diet: Promoting Health and Sustainability)
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18 pages, 775 KiB  
Article
Phytochemicals Determination, and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Blackberry Fruits
by Lidia Gil-Martínez, Nuria Mut-Salud, José Antonio Ruiz-García, Ana Falcón-Piñeiro, Mònica Maijó-Ferré, Alberto Baños, José Manuel De la Torre-Ramírez, Enrique Guillamón, Vito Verardo and Ana María Gómez-Caravaca
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071505 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
A comprehensive characterization of the phytochemicals present in a blackberry fruit extract by HPLC-TOF-MS has been carried out. The main compounds in the extract were ursane-type terpenoids which, along with phenolic compounds, may be responsible for the bioactivity of the extract. In vitro [...] Read more.
A comprehensive characterization of the phytochemicals present in a blackberry fruit extract by HPLC-TOF-MS has been carried out. The main compounds in the extract were ursane-type terpenoids which, along with phenolic compounds, may be responsible for the bioactivity of the extract. In vitro antioxidant capacity was assessed through Folin–Ciocalteu (31.05 ± 4.9 mg GAE/g d.w.), FRAP (637.8 ± 3.2 μmol Fe2+/g d.w.), DPPH (IC50 97.1 ± 2.4 μg d.w./mL) and TEAC (576.6 ± 8.3 μmol TE/g d.w.) assays. Furthermore, the extract exerted remarkable effects on in vitro cellular antioxidant activity in HUVEC cells at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity of the extract was also tested. Most sensible microorganisms were Gram-positive bacteria, such as E. faecalis, B. cereus and Gram-negative E. coli (MBC of 12.5 mg/mL). IC50 values against colon tumoral cells HT-29 (4.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL), T-84 (5.9 ± 0.3 mg/mL) and SW-837 (5.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL) were also obtained. Furthermore, blackberry extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-8 cytokines in two cellular models (HT-29 and T-84) in a concentration-dependent manner. These results support that blackberry fruits are an interesting source of bioactive compounds that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of different diseases, mainly related to oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient-Rich Foods for a Healthy Diet, Volume II)
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15 pages, 3749 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Soybean Protein Extraction with Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) Using Response Surface Methodology
by Ibrahim Bello, Adewale Adeniyi, Taofeek Mukaila and Ademola Hammed
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071515 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2753
Abstract
Plants have been recognized as renewable and sustainable sources of proteins. However, plant protein extraction is challenged by the plant’s recalcitrant cell wall. The conventional extraction methods make use of non-reusable strong alkali chemicals in protein-denaturing extraction conditions. In this study, soy protein [...] Read more.
Plants have been recognized as renewable and sustainable sources of proteins. However, plant protein extraction is challenged by the plant’s recalcitrant cell wall. The conventional extraction methods make use of non-reusable strong alkali chemicals in protein-denaturing extraction conditions. In this study, soy protein was extracted using NH4OH, a weak, recoverable, and reusable alkali. The extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) with four independent variables: temperature (25, 40, 55, 70, and 85 °C); NH4OH concentration (0.5, 1, and 1.5%); extraction time (6, 12, 18, and 24 h) and solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20 w/v) were used to study the response variables (protein yield and amine concentration). Amine concentration indicates the extent of protein hydrolysis. The RSM model equation for the independent and response variables was computed and used to create the contour plots. A predicted yield of 64.89% protein and 0.19 mM amine revealed a multiple R-squared value of 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. The optimum conditions to obtain the maximum protein yield (65.66%) with the least amine concentration (0.14 Mm) were obtained with 0.5% NH4OH concentration, 12 h extraction time, and a 1:10 (w/v) solvent ratio at 52.5 °C. The findings suggest that NH4OH is suitable to extract soybean protein with little or no impact on protein denaturation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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19 pages, 13622 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Coating Functionalized with Flaxseed Oil and Green Tea Extract as a Bio-Based Solution for Beef Preservation
by Cíntia G. Mendes, Joana T. Martins, Fernanda L. Lüdtke, Ana Geraldo, Alfredo Pereira, António A. Vicente and Jorge M. Vieira
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071447 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1868
Abstract
Ecological and safe packaging solutions arise as pivotal points in the development of an integrated system for sustainable meat production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a combined chitosan (Ch) + green tea extract (GTE) + essential oil [...] Read more.
Ecological and safe packaging solutions arise as pivotal points in the development of an integrated system for sustainable meat production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a combined chitosan (Ch) + green tea extract (GTE) + essential oil (thyme oil, TO; flaxseed oil, FO; or oregano oil, OO) coating on the safety and quality of vacuum-packaged beef during storage at 4 °C. An optimized bio-based coating formulation was selected (2% Ch + 2% GTE + 0.1% FO) to be applied to three fresh beef cuts (shoulder, Sh; knuckle, Kn; Striploin, St) based on its pH (5.8 ± 0.1), contact angle (22.3 ± 0.4°) and rheological parameters (viscosity = 0.05 Pa.s at shear rate > 20 s−1). Shelf-life analysis showed that the Ch–GTE–FO coating delayed lipid oxidation and reduced total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae growth compared with uncoated beef samples over five days. In addition, Ch–GTE–FO coating decreased total color changes of beef samples (e.g., ∆E* = 9.84 and 3.94, for non-coated and coated Kn samples, respectively) for up to five days. The original textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness and springiness) of beef cuts were maintained during storage when Ch–GTE–FO coating was applied. Based on the physicochemical and microbial characterization results, the combination of the Ch–GTE–FO coating developed was effective in preserving the quality of fresh beef cuts during refrigerated storage along with vacuum packaging. Full article
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16 pages, 1194 KiB  
Article
Effects of Protein Components on the Chemical Composition and Sensory Properties of Millet Huangjiu (Chinese Millet Wine)
by Chenguang Zhou, Yaojie Zhou, Tianrui Liu, Bin Li, Yuqian Hu, Xiaodong Zhai, Min Zuo, Siyao Liu and Zhen Yang
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071458 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1415
Abstract
Millet Huangjiu is a national alcoholic beverage in China. The quality of Chinese millet Huangjiu is significantly influenced by the protein components in the raw materials of millet. Therefore, in this study, the impact of different protein components on the quality of millet [...] Read more.
Millet Huangjiu is a national alcoholic beverage in China. The quality of Chinese millet Huangjiu is significantly influenced by the protein components in the raw materials of millet. Therefore, in this study, the impact of different protein components on the quality of millet Huangjiu was investigated by adding exogenous proteins glutelin and albumin either individually or in combination. The study commenced with the determination of the oenological parameters of different millet Huangjiu samples, followed by the assessment of free amino acids and organic acids. In addition, the volatile profiles of millet Huangjiu were characterized by employing HS-SPME-GC/MS. Finally, a sensory evaluation was conducted to evaluate the overall aroma profiles of millet Huangjiu. The results showed that adding glutelin significantly increased the contents of total soluble solids, amino acid nitrogen, and ethanol in millet Huangjiu by 32.2%, 41.5%, and 17.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the fortification of the fermentation substrate with glutelin protein was found to significantly enhance the umami (aspartic and glutamic acids) and sweet-tasting (alanine and proline) amino acids in the final product. Gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis revealed distinct impacts of protein composition on the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of millet Huangjiu. Excessive glutelin led to an over-accumulation of alcohol aroma, while the addition of albumin protein proved to be a viable approach for enhancing the ester and fruity fragrances. Sensory analysis suggested that the proper amount of protein fortification using a Glu + Alb combination could enhance the sensory attributes of millet Huangjiu while maintaining its unique flavor characteristics. These findings suggest that reasonable adjustment of the glutelin and albumin contents in millet could effectively regulate the chemical composition and improve the sensory quality of millet Huangjiu. Full article
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