Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

Tomato is perishable and requires preservation to extend its shelf life. In this study, we conducted selection processes to identify essential oils that can help to avoid spoilage and deterioration during tomato storage and extend the shelf life. Thereafter, we determined the phosphatase activity assay, potassium ion concentration, and electron microscopy to study the antibacterial mechanism of essential oil. We found that Enterobacter ludwigii W01 was the dominant spoilage bacterium in tomatoes with cracked and curled skin. We selected oregano essential oil from 12 essential oils (oregano essential oil, lemon essential oil, osmanthus essential oil, cypress wood essential oil, tea tree essential oil, licorice essential oil, Baili essential oil, white camphor essential oil, Shancang seed essential oil, rosemary essential oil, rose essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil) which could significantly inhibit the activity of E. ludwigii W01. However, the diameter of the inhibition zone for Wh, Te, Cy, Li, Rm, Le, and Os is 0 mm, the diameter of the inhibition zone for Ba, Sh, and Ro was less than 1.0 mm, whereas the diameter of the inhibition zone for Ci and Or was greater than 2.0 mm. The diameter of the suppression circle for Ci and Or was greater than 2.0 mm, while Ci was lesser than Or. Oregano essential oil can damage the cell wall of E. ludwigii W01, leading to the leakage of the alkaline phosphatase stored between the cell wall and the cell membrane which can increase the alkaline phosphatase activity in the bacterial solution. Meanwhile, the addition of oregano essential oil significantly altered the cellular morphology of E. ludwigii W01. Spraying the surface of fresh tomato fruits with 1 MIC (0.125%) of oregano essential oil prolonged the storage time to 15 days, without significant changes in its sensory attributes. Those results indicated that oregano essential oil was a potential preservative for tomatoes.

Currently, there is a growing trend of replacing synthetic antioxidants with natural alternatives to prevent the oxidation of edible oils. Herein, we assessed the phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts that are obtained from Cydonia oblonga (SQ). Furthermore, we incorporated SQ at two different concentrations (1% and 2%) into cold-pressed sesame oil, storing it for 30 days under ambient conditions. We then assessed the peroxide value (PV), acid value (AV), oxidative stability using the Rancimat apparatus, and the fatty acid (FA) composition. Additionally, we performed the molecular docking analyses to explore the interaction between trans fatty acids (TFAs; C18:1 and C18:2) and key proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The total phenol, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of SQ were found to be  mg GAE/g,  mg QE/g, and  mmol Fe²⁺/g, respectively. The presence of SQ exhibited a significant impact on reducing PV and AV when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the addition of SQ resulted in a significant increase in the induction period (IP) compared to the control. The predominant FAs in the samples were 18:2n-6, 18:1n-9, 16:0, and 18:0, respectively. The levels of TFAs in all samples at 30 days were higher than those at 0 day. TNF-α and IL-6 showed a higher binding affinity for the trans-C18:1 ligand, with a docking score of -6.81 and -5.82, respectively, compared to the trans-C18:2 ligand. In this context, SQ can be proposed as a natural antioxidant to enhance the oxidative stability of sesame oil. Additionally, the binding preferences and specific interactions of TFAs with these proinflammatory cytokines indicate their potential role in modulating inflammation.

Bissap is prepared from Roselle calyxes (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) by hot infusion and marketed as a health drink. To improve the tart attributes, sucrose is usually added. However, because of nutrition and health concerns, processors explore other types of sweeteners, but the impact on the phytochemical and physicochemical quality and sensory properties of Bissap is not reported despite the potential influence on consumer acceptability. In this study, Roselle calyx extract was prepared to which sugarloaf pineapple pulp, Roscoe ginger, Negro/Ethiopian pepper, and cloves were added to obtain the Bissap stock (control). Then, either sucrose, caramel, honey, or sucralose was added to the Bissap to achieve a comparable sweetness (13.1°Brix), and the effects were assessed during storage. The results showed that caramel and honey significantly increased the nonenzymatic browning of Bissap from to and , and the cloud value from to and , respectively. The use of honey increased the ascorbic acid from to  mg AE/mL, phenols from to  mg GAE/mL, flavonoid from to  mg QE/mL, and antioxidant capacity from to  mg GAE/mL. During storage, ascorbate content decreased, but at a rate lower for honey-Bissap than the other sweeteners whilst the flavonoid and antioxidant activity of honey- and caramel-Bissap improved. The physicochemical changes led to a shelf life of 10 days at 6°C storage. Sensory analysis revealed the highest consumer () acceptability scores for sucrose (), sucralose (), caramel (), honey (), and unsweetened Bissap (). Although honey enhanced the functional quality of Bissap, sucralose showed the highest potential as an alternative sweetener.

The coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum L.) is well known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties since it contains a considerable number of bioactive compounds. This property encourages the use of coriander in food because it has many health benefits and preserves food longer. The current study’s objective was to demonstrate the extraction of coriander’s three fractions (leaves, flowers, and seeds) using microwave drying and ultrasonic assistance, in order to identify its distinct functional components. After microwave drying, the highest amounts of ash, fat, fiber, and protein with values , , , and , respectively, were observed in coriander seeds. Among macro- and microminerals analyzed, contents of Ca and Mg were found highest in coriander leaves, with values and  mg/100 g, respectively, whereas Fe, Zn, and Mn were found highest in seeds with values , , and  mg/100 g. Ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic extracts of microwave-dried coriander leaves presented significantly high () total phenolic contents ( mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g), total flavonoid contents ( mg quercetin equivalent/100 g), and total antioxidant activity ( mg trolox/100 g), followed by seeds, while flowers presented lowest values. Significantly high () antimicrobial activities were exhibited from extracts of coriander seeds, followed by leaves. It was concluded that leaves, flowers, and seeds of coriander all were rich source of nutritional components and bioactives, and microwave drying and ultrasonic-assisted extraction were proved useful techniques for maximum retention of these contents in powders and ethanolic extracts, respectively.

With the escalating prevalence of diabetes and obesity, resistant dextrin, renowned for its prebiotic properties and blood glucose-lowering physiological activity, has garnered significant attention. Resistant dextrin, a low-calorie, indigestible water-soluble dietary fiber processed from starch, has high solubility, low molecular weight, and good thermal stability. The established method for its preparation involves a combination of acid heat treatment and enzymatic purification. Within the human body, resistant dextrin confers numerous health benefits. It promotes a balanced intestinal microbiome, regulates blood glucose and lipid metabolism, and enhances satiety. Additionally, it exerts positive influences on the intestinal environment, aids in weight management, and alleviates chronic conditions, particularly diabetes. In the food industry, resistant dextrin is widely employed as a functional food additive to enhance the nutritional value and health benefits of various food products. However, there is a need for greater clarity regarding the structural characteristics of resistant dextrin and the potential interplay between its structure and physiological activity. This paper comprehensively reviews the preparation methods, structural properties, health benefits, and application areas of resistant dextrin. Additionally, it anticipates future trends in its development. The primary objective of this review is to offer theoretical guidance and fresh perspectives for further research, the innovation of functional products, and the expanded utilization of resistant dextrin.

Fruit juices are popular beverages that provide various health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile, but they are prone to microbial spoilage and quality deterioration. Thermal pasteurization is the conventional method to preserve fruit juices, but it causes undesirable changes in the physicochemical and nutritional value of the juices. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative methods to ensure the microbial safety and quality of fruit juices. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of thermal (95-100°C for 4 min), ultrasonication (US) (25 kHz for 5 and 10 min), and thermosonication (TS) (25 kHz at 40 and 50°C) processes on the quality profile of watermelon-beetroot juice blend, a novel juice formulation with enhanced nutritional and functional properties with 50 : 50 formulation. The samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity), bioactive (phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, and ascorbic acid contents), and microbiological (total plate count and yeast/molds) properties. The results showed that all the processed samples retained high total phenolic (756.33-842.33 μg GAE/g), total flavonoid (435.33-512.67 μg CE/g), and ascorbic acid (45.23-50.34 mg/100 mL) contents along with a high antioxidant potential (total antioxidant capacity (274.14-305.33 μg AAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (33.05-42.18%)) while preserving the normal physicochemical characteristics and decreasing the microbial counts of all the processed blend juices. In conclusion, the US treatment (10 min) produced the juice blends with the best quality. The findings of this research suggest that thermal, US, and TS processes are promising technologies for the preservation of fruit juices and that watermelon-beetroot juice blend is a novel juice formulation with high nutritional and functional value. The results of this research might be useful to the processed fruit juice industry and the consumers who are looking for healthy and safe fruit juices.