Food Science and Engineering

Vegan Fermented Drinks as an Alternative to Milk: Trend or Challenge?

2024-09-29T09:06:37+08:00

The attention given to food has increased in recent decades due to consumers' interest in the possible therapeutic and nutritional properties of foods. Eating habits are associated with the composition of the individual's gastrointestinal microbiota, so changes in the intake of macronutrients and fiber can induce changes in bacterial diversity. A healthy microbiota pattern tends to be observed when an individual includes fermented foods. However, most fermented foods are dairy products. They cannot be consumed by specific population groups, such as people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk protein, or for lifestyle and diet reasons, such as vegans and vegetarians. From this fact, there is a need to offer consumers an alternative non-dairy fermented product, exploring new substances to supply dietary probiotics. In this context, water kefir, a symbiotic culture of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid, and yeast, stands out as a viable and affordable option, providing benefits similar to dairy versions without allergenic components that are undesirable for specific groups. Given the above, the objective of this work is to conduct a literature review on vegan fermented drinks, providing an overview of the fermentation process and matrices used, as well as presenting the factors that impact their adequate development, in addition to encouraging a discussion about the vegan fermented drinks market, including the issue of promoting research and development of new products from non-traditional sources, such as water-soluble vegetable extracts made from quinoa, cashew nuts, pistachios, among others.

A Comprehensive Review: Exploring Bioactive Compounds of Citrus Fruit Peels for Therapeutic and Industrial Applications

2024-07-03T15:06:47+08:00

Citrus fruit peel has recently been highlighted as one of the major wastes and by-products of the citrus industry, which offers a plethora of health benefits and industrial uses. In addition to the common micronutrients present in the whole fruits (including carbohydrates, fibre, vitamin C, potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B₆, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid), albeit in different proportions, citrus peels contain high amounts of pectin, vitamin C, and phytochemicals. The major phytochemicals present in citrus fruit peel include phenolic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acid), flavanones (naringin and hesperidin), and polymethoxylated flavones (nobiletin and tangeretin), which are important bioactive compounds. The phytochemical and therapeutic efficacies of citrus fruit waste are documented in several early studies; however, detailed information on the industrial uses of these bioactive components is limited. This article aims to highlight recent advancements in the diverse range of applications of citrus fruit peel, including its use as a natural flavouring, an essential oil, and a source of dietary fibre in preventing metabolic and infectious diseases. Moreover, this review discusses the processing methods (drying and extraction) of citrus fruit peel for industrial uses, offering insights that enhance the understanding of the importance of citrus fruit peel not only as a by-product but also as a substance of immense value to human health.

Ensuring Beverage Excellence: A Quality Control Guide

2024-07-12T09:20:33+08:00

In the food industry, beverage is one of the important sectors that includes various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The quality of raw materials, equipment, and satisfaction of consumers are the important factors that determine the quality of the beverage manufacturing system. The nonfulfillment of any of the aforementioned factors can lead to the rejection of goods by consumers. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of beverage quality control and addresses the various challenges faced by the beverage industry. The critical role of water quality in beverage production and the diverse quality attributes encompassing microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic characteristics are thoroughly discussed. The microbial contamination and poor product quality like off-flavor, unpleasant smell, and textural changes result in product recall. The quality of beverages can be ensured by sequential assessment of raw material quality, the process of production and packaging, microbial assessment, and sensorial attributes. The review also explores novel approaches such as biosensors, electronic tongues and noses, smart packaging, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to address these issues. These developments provide novel solutions to ensure the quality and safety of products.

Soy Protein Isolate Edible Coating Incorporated with Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Extract: Effect on Quality of Fresh-Cut Pineapples

2024-11-07T11:18:11+08:00

This study investigated the development of an edible coating using soy protein isolate (SPI) and pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple (FCP). Different dipping times (0, 2, 3, and 4 min) of the FCP in the coating solution were evaluated, and the samples were stored at 4 °C for 15 days, with analyses performed on days 0, 3, 8, 10, and 15. Results showed that the coated FCPs exhibited higher firmness and titratable acidity. Furthermore, the PPE-SPI coating also prevented weight loss as well as delayed the increase in pH and total soluble solids, suggesting slower senescence and enhanced preservation. Notably, a 4 min dipping time significantly (p < 0.05) reduced total plate count and yeast and mould count compared to control samples by 30% and 40%, respectively. The study suggests that longer dipping times enhance the effectiveness of the PPE-SPI coating in extending the shelf life of FCP, showcasing the potential of the PPE-SPI coating as an alternative to synthetic preservation methods for fresh-cut fruits.

Identification and Characterisation of New Vardenafil Analogue Illegally Added to Pressed Candies

2024-12-17T15:37:21+08:00

The illegal addition of a vardenafil analogue to pressed candies was identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the compound was extracted with acetonitrile under sonication, followed by separation and purification by semi-preparative HPLC. The structure of the compound was determined using high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the compound was a vardenafil analogue with a molecular formula of C₂₄H₃₄N₆O₄S. In this compound, the ethoxy group attached to the benzene ring of vardenafil was replaced with a propoxy group. Therefore, the chemical name of this analogue is propoxyphenyl vardenafil. The illegal addition of this compound to functional foods has not been previously reported; therefore, this should be brought to the attention of regulatory authorities, and the compound should be considered in tests for illegal additives in functional and health foods.

Impact of Hypobaric Technology Combined with Fumigation on Freshness Preservation of Post-harvest Litchi

2024-09-20T17:13:37+08:00

Litchi is rich in nutrients, which is quite beneficial for improving the physical quality of people, but litchi browns in a few days at room temperature, and the shelf life is very short. To study the influence of hypobaric storage on the storage quality of litchi after harvest, a hypobaric storage device combined with fumigation technology was used to fumigate litchi, and the change in pressure and temperature distribution in the hypobaric chamber was simulated. Secondly, during the hypobaric fumigation, litchi was divided into four groups with uniform quality, and humidified at 0%, 2%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. The temperature of the surface and center of the litchi was measured using a thermocouple. The research results show that in the simulation verification, the changes in pressure and temperature in the vacuum chamber during the experiment are basically consistent with the simulated values, and under different humidification specific gravity, when the humidification specific gravity is 3%, the center temperature and surface temperature drop the fastest, in which the surface temperature drops to 277.15 K, and the center temperature drops to 283.15 K, and the hypobaric fumigation and pre-cooling reaching the same temperature. The time required is also minimal.

Impact of Stevia and Alyssum homolocarpum Seed Gum on Some Physicochemical, and Sensory Characteristics of Ice Cream

2024-12-06T11:02:13+08:00

Hydrocolloids and sweeteners play a crucial role in ice cream production. This study aimed to assess the substitution effects of five levels of stevia (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) and five levels of Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) on the physicochemical and sensory properties of soft ice cream. The ice cream with 0.2% AHSG and 0% stevia had the highest solids content, while the pH remained unaffected by the substitutions. Specific gravity decreased significantly with increasing stevia concentration, whereas the substitution of AHSG had no significant effect on specific gravity. The samples containing 100% stevia had the highest melting resistance (107.18%). Additionally, an increase in gum concentration significantly boosted ice cream overrun, however, with the substitution of stevia, the overrun values remained unchanged. The sensory qualities were notably improved by stevia and AHSG. The study provides valuable insights into using alternative ingredients for enhancing ice cream quality.

Pectin Isolation from Interdonato Lemon (Citrus-limon) Using Various Solvents and Its Application in Pineapple Jelly

2024-10-28T16:58:00+08:00

Interdonato lemon (Citrus limon) is a rich source of pectin. However, commercial extraction and application in jam and jelly have not been performed yet. The study's objective was to use ethanol and acetone precipitation to extract pectin from Interdonato lemon. Interdonato lemon was taken and passed through preliminary treatment to obtain albedo and dried in a dryer at 65 °C for 12 hr. To extract pectin, the dried albedo was heated in acidic water (pH 1 for both ethanol and acetone extraction maintained with citric acid) at 88 °C for 45 minutes. The resulting slurry was then filtered using muslin cloth, rinsed with hot water (88 °C), and filtered using Whatman No. 41 filter paper. Finally, the filtrate was precipitated using 95% ethanol and acetone in a ratio of 2:1 (sample: solvent), and centrifuged at 4,500 rpm for 20 min. The pectin was scrapped and dried in a hot air oven at 48 to 52 °C for 15 hr (ethanol) and a similar temperature for 18 hr (acetone). Ethanol-extracted pectin was superior in terms of chemical and physical analysis. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all parameters of ethanol and acetone-extracted pectin except anhydrouronic acid (AUA) % and ash content. Moreover, the best pectin was utilized in the preparation of three pineapple jelly samples prepared with different extracted pectin concentrations (0.75%, 1%, and 1.5%) and coded as A, B, and C and compared with pineapple jelly prepared with Analytical Reagent (AR) grade pectin (100 grade) coded with sample D. From the sensory evaluations, sample B showed superior in terms of color, appearance, taste, texture, and overall acceptance. Hence, the findings highlighted actionable recommendations for commercially extracted pectin from the Interdonato lemon fruit albedo portion and applied to different food and pharmaceutical products.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Pumpkin Pulp During Storage Through the Ultrasonication Process

2024-10-10T09:05:08+08:00

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a seasonal fruit and it contains large amounts of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, which lower the risk of cancers and prevent osteoporosis and hypertension. However, conventional pasteurization reduces the nutrient content of fruits and results in a loss of organoleptic properties. Food processing industries are exploring alternatives to thermal treatment (TT) due to the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and minimally processed pumpkin pulp. The outcomes of thermal treatment and ultrasonication (US) on the overall quality of pumpkin pulp were examined in this study. Six treatments were used in the preparation of pumpkin pulp: T₀ (control), T₁ (TT at 90 °C for 2 min), and T₂ to T₅ (US of 37 kHz frequency for 5-20 min). Statistically analyzed data showed a significant increase in total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in US-treated samples (216 to 222 mg GAE/100 g) and (7.53 to 12.9 mg CE/100 g) respectively. In contrast, a significant decrease in microorganisms was found in all US-treated samples. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays increased significantly in US-treated samples (29.20 to 33.71%), (0.92 mg TE/g to 1.36 mg TE/g), and (4.52 mg TE/g to 5.15 mg TE/g) respectively. Nevertheless, a significant rise in ascorbic acid levels was observed in the T₅ sample (15.48 mg/100 g). All US-treated samples showed significantly fewer losses in bioactive compounds and effectively decreased microbial load during storage as compared to thermal treatment. This research indicated that the US T₅ showed the best results and demonstrated an ability to enhance the overall quality of pumpkin pulp, which can be effectively utilized for processing in industries.

Biodegradable Cassava Starch-Based Films Formulated with Coconut Oil for Sustainable Food Packaging

2025-01-02T15:12:23+08:00

A large volume of plastic waste is disposed of in the environment and in landfills worldwide. To remediate this serious environmental issue, sustainable alternatives to substitute traditional fossil fuel-derived plastics are necessary. In this regard, starch-degradable films are a promising avenue for promoting sustainability in the food industry due to starch's low cost, non-toxicity, availability and desirable film-forming capacities. However, starch-based films may have challenging water vapor barrier properties and mechanical resistance. To address this issue, in this study, we investigated the use of coconut oil (CO) to improve the performance of biodegradable cassava starch-based films. Different formulations (glycerol content and CO emulsion) were tested and the developed films were assessed regarding their morphology, mechanical properties, water permeability and biodegradability. The best formulation (COF-1) was achieved using 8.70 g of glycerol and 0.5 g of CO emulsion and showed better homogeneity and uniformity and improved mechanical properties. COF-1 showed a maximum tensile strength of 8.12 ± 1.99 MPa, almost three times higher than the control cassava starch-based film (CSF) produced without CO. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of COF-1 was 4.14 ± 0.56 g·mm·m^-2·day^-1·kPa^-1, almost one-third lower compared to commercial cellophane. The incorporation of CO emulsion in the polymer matrix had a positive impact on the mechanical properties and showed good results of barrier and morphological properties. Overall, our work shows that enhanced starch-degradable films formulated with CO are potential solutions to conventional plastics, contributing to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.