Advances in apple packaging: a review.

Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit in all temperate zones of the world and holds an equally important place in the global economy. Apple is a climacteric fruit and undergoes metabolic changes even after the harvest and thus prone to post-harvest losses. The packaging of apples plays an important role in extending the shelf life of the apples and also maintains the quality during distribution and transport. The prime role of packaging is to contain the food commodity and protect the enclosed product from external damage. But other functions such as traceability, convenience and temper evidence are of secondary importance. Different packaging techniques are employed for the packaging of apples which include both conventional (wooden boxes, corrugated fiber boxes, crates) and non-conventional packaging like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging, edible coatings, etc.

Effect of different pretreatments on antioxidant activity of oats grown in the Himalayan region.

In this work the different varieties of oats were subjected to three pre-treatments such as germination, sand roasting and γ-irradiation. The pretreated oat grains were evaluated for phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. RP-HPLC displayed that the amount of ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, ellagic acid and epicatechin in native, roasted and γ-irradiated oats varied in the range of 2.51-3.23, 0.97-1.89, 4.35-5.33, 1.56-2.197 and 3.387-10.8 µg/100 g, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC) expressed as µg GAE/g and µg FAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) expressed as µg rutin equivalent/g was found highest in germinated samples. Study reported increase in antioxidant activity in the following order; γ-irradiation > germination > roasting > native. It was concluded that the different pretreatments enhanced antioxidant properties of the oat grains therefore can be efficiently utilized as food or functional ingredient in various food systems.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy evaluation of Kashmiri honeys as food quality traceability and Himalayan brand.

Three types of honeys viz. Robinia pseudoacacia (RSA), Plectranthus rugosus (PR) and multifloral honey (MF) from Kashmir Himalayas of India were characterized on the basis of physicochemical, antioxidant and FTIR-ATR spectroscopic features. The physicochemical parameters indicated that ash content, electrical conductivity, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were higher in MF honey, moisture content, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and lightness (L*) in PR honey and Water activity (aw) and proline content in RSA honey (P ≤ 0.05). Significantly higher values of total sugar, total reducing sugar and sucrose content was observed in MF honey (P ≤ 0.05). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy-IC50 (DPPH- IC50) free radical scavenging activity showed that MF honey had significantly higher antioxidant activity (P ≤ 0.05). ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrated that the absence of peaks at broad band around 1653.454-1637.656 cm-1 in MF honey, 1185.989-1153.072 cm-1 and 918.570-916.544 cm-1 wavenumbers in PR honey thus clearly discriminating different types of honeys. The results revealed that physico-chemical, antioxidant and spectroscopic characteristics of honey types vary with geographic origin and their floral sources and MF honey have a high therapeutic potential.

Processing and storage of apricots: effect on physicochemical and antioxidant properties.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of processing methods and storage periods on the three apricot varieties viz. CITH-1, CITH-2 and New Castle. Apricots were processed by freezing and canning of pulp and drying of whole apricots. After processing these were analysed for various physicochemical and antioxidant properties for a storage period of 12 months at 4 month interval. The results for physicochemical properties like moisture content, TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars showed significant variation with respect to varieties and processing methods during storage. Apricots processed by canning showed highest retention of antioxidants in terms of TPC, FRAP, DPPH and metal chelating activity throughout storage period than that of frozen and dried one. CITH-2 processed by canning, freezing and drying method showed highest antioxidant properties than CITH-1 and New Castle. It can be concluded from the study that canning and freezing can preserve the apricot pulp for 12 months and significantly retain bioactive compounds.

Development of functional cookies using saffron extract.

Saffron extracts of two different concentrations were prepared and used as a source of natural antioxidants in whole wheat flour cookies. The effect on the color, texture and sensory properties of the product was also studied over a storage period of 9 months. Results revealed that spread ratio and hardness of cookies reduced non-significantly with the addition of saffron extract (SE). Color values 'L' and 'b' of cookies increased significantly from 50.7 to 53.9 and 36.5 to 47.0, respectively with the addition of SE while 'a' value decreased non-significantly (p > 0.05). DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of dough and cookie samples containing SE were enhanced in comparison to control. The concentration of crocins, safranal and picrocrocin in DS50 and DS100 dough samples was found as 28.30, 48.30, 104.6 µg/g and 35.14, 62.38, 118.2 µg/g, respectively. Sensory scores of cookies containing SE were high as compared to control. All the quality parameters of cookies reduced during the storage period (0-9 months). However, the cookies with added SE revealed significantly higher quality attributes up to 6 months of storage without any significant loss in quality.

Antimicrobial activity of crude fractions and morel compounds from wild edible mushrooms of North western Himalaya.

The antimicrobial properties of morel compounds from wild edible mushrooms (Morchella esculenta and Verpa bohemica) from Kashmir valley was investigated against different clinical pathogens. The butanol crude fraction of most popular or true morel M. esculenta showed highest 19 mm IZD against E.coli while as same fraction of Verpa bohemica exhibited 15 mm IZD against same strain. The ethyl acetate and butanol crude fractions of both morels also exhibited good antifungal activity with highest IZD shown against A. fumigates. The three morel compounds showed quite impressive anti bacterial and fungal activities. The Cpd 3 showed highest inhibitory activity almost equivalent to the synthetic antibiotics used as control. The MIC/MBC values revealed the efficiency of isolated compounds against the pathogenic strains. In the current study significant inhibitory activity of morel compounds have been obtained paying the way for their local use from ancient times.

Effect of different ripening stages on walnut kernel quality: antioxidant activities, lipid characterization and antibacterial properties.

Packing tissue between and around the kernel halves just turning brown (PTB) is a phenological indicator of kernel ripening at harvest in walnuts. The effect of three ripening stages (Pre-PTB, PTB and Post-PTB) on kernel quality characteristics, mineral composition, lipid characterization, sensory analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity were investigated in fresh kernels of indigenous numbered walnut selection of Kashmir valley "SKAU-02". Proximate composition, physical properties and sensory analysis of walnut kernels showed better results for Pre-PTB and PTB while higher mineral content was seen for kernels at Post-PTB stage in comparison to other stages of ripening. Kernels showed significantly higher levels of Omega-3 PUFA (C18:3n3) and low n6/n3 ratio when harvested at Pre-PTB and PTB stages. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity was observed at the first stage of ripening and a steady decrease was observed at later stages. TBARS values increased as ripening advanced but did not show any significant difference in malonaldehyde formation during early ripening stages whereas it showed marked increase in walnut kernels at post-PTB stage. Walnut extracts inhibited growth of Gram-positive bacteria (B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) with respective MICs of 1, 1 and 5 mg/mL and gram negative bacteria (E. coli, P. and K. pneumonia) with MIC of 100 mg/mL. Zone of inhibition obtained against all the bacterial strains from walnut kernel extracts increased with increase in the stage of ripening. It is concluded that Pre-PTB harvest stage with higher antioxidant activities, better fatty acid profile and consumer acceptability could be preferred harvesting stage for obtaining functionally superior walnut kernels.

Art and Science behind Modified Starch Edible Films and Coatings: A Review.

Technological advances have led to increased constraints regarding food packaging, mainly due to environmental issues, consumer health concerns, and economic restrictions associated therewith. Hence, food scientists and technologists are now more focused on developing biopolymer packages. Starch satisfies all the principal aspects making it a promising raw material for edible coatings/films. Modified starch has grabbed much attention, both at the academic as well as at the industrial level, because these films exhibit dramatic improvement in filming properties without involving any significant increase in cost of production. Various methods, additives used, and recent advances in the field of starch film production are discussed in detail in this review, which also provides an overview of the available information along with recent advances in modified starch film packaging.

Incorporation of carrot pomace powder in wheat flour: effect on flour, dough and cookie characteristics.

Carrot pomace powder (CPP) of 72 and 120 mesh sizes was incorporated in wheat flour at 10, 15 and 20 % level and its impact on flour, dough and cookie characteristics was evaluated. Protein content of the flour blends (8.84-7.88 %) decreased and fibre content (4.63-6.68 %) increased upon blending of CPP in wheat flour. Wheat flour containing 120 mesh CPP showed better functional properties [water absorption (1.16-1.47 %), oil absorption (1.11-1.39 %), solubility index (41-50 %) and swelling power (1.34-1.39)] than those containing 72 mesh. Water solvent retention capacity and sucrose solvent retention capacity increased while lactic acid solvent retention capacity and sodium carbonate solvent retention capacity decreased with blending of CPP. Water absorption, dough development time and degree of softening increased whereas, dough stability and mixing tolerance decreased with increasing CPP. The highest decrease in pasting was observed flour containing 72 mesh CPP. Rheology of dough containing 120 mesh CPP closely resembled the control. Color of flour and cookies increased with blending of CPP irrespective of mesh size. Antioxidant activity of cookies was higher than the flour blends. The cookies containing CPP of 72 mesh showed the lowest hardness. However, cookies containing CPP of 120 mesh showed the best sensory properties. Incorporation of 120 mesh CPP produced low gluten cookies with manageable flour and dough characteristics and better antioxidant and sensory properties.

Comparison of cheese and paneer whey for production of a functional pineapple beverage: Nutraceutical properties and Shelf life.

Whey, a dairy byproduct offers a challenging task in terms of its disposal. Two functional beverages were produced by blending pineapple juice with cheese whey (W1B) and paneer whey (W2B) at different concentrations (10 %, 20 % and 30 %). The beverages were compared for physico-chemical, microbial and nutraceutical properties over a period of 60 days. Whey addition significantly improved various physico-chemical parameters of the beverages. Higher protein content in W1B and a higher mineral content in W2B without any adverse effects on antioxidant activity was seen because of blending. Whey based beverages showed higher microbial content, sedimentation values and serum separation values than control at all levels of blending. Although, W1B showed highest protein and microbial count but W2B showed highest mineral content and improved shelf life due to significantly lower values of serum separation and sedimentation. It could be concluded that paneer whey based pineapple beverage enable byproduct utilization with excellent nutrition and nutraceutical quality.

Ultrasound treatment: effect on physicochemical, microbial and antioxidant properties of cherry (Prunus avium).

The cherry was treated with ultrasonic waves (33 kHz, 60 W) at different time intervals (10, 20, 30, 40, 60 min) and study was carried out to analyze the change in physico-chemical properties (TSS, pH, color, acidity and firmness), antioxidant potential and microbial load of the fruit during the storage period of 15 days at 4 °C. It was observed that ultrasound treatment (US) between 30 and 40 min showed better retention of color of the fruit during the storage period. The antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and TPC) also increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) up to 40 min, however the firmness of the fruit was affected and it showed a significant decrease beyond 20 min of US treatment. The sample with 40 min US treatment showed significantly less microbial load than other samples. The 20-40 min US treatment time (33 kHz, 60 W) was suggested for preservation of cherry during the storage at 4 °C.

Application of guar-xanthan gum mixture as a partial fat replacer in meat emulsions.

The physicochemical, oxidative, texture and microstructure properties were evaluated for low fat meat emulsions containing varying levels of guar/xanthan gum mixture (1:1 ratio) as a fat substitute. Partial replacement of fat with guar/xanthan gum resulted in higher emulsion stability and cooking yield but lower penetration force. Proximate composition revealed that high fat control had significantly higher fat and lower moisture content due to the difference in basic formulation. Colour evaluation revealed that low fat formulations containing gum mixture had significantly lower lightness and higher yellowness values than high fat control formulation. However non-significant difference was observed in redness values between low fat formulations and the high fat control. The pH values of the low fat formulations containing gum mixture were lower than the control formulations (T0 and TC). The MetMb% of the high fat emulsion formulation was higher than low fat formulations. The significant increase of TBARS value, protein carbonyl groups and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in high fat formulation reflect the more oxidative degradation of lipids and muscle proteins during the preparation of meat emulsion than low fat formulations. The SEM showed a porous matrix in the treatments containing gum mixture. Thus, the guar/xanthan gum mixture improved the physicochemical and oxidative quality of low fat meat emulsions than the control formulations.

Xanthan gum as a fat replacer in goshtaba-a traditional meat product of India: effects on quality and oxidative stability.

Goshtaba is a restructured meat product of Kashmiri wazwan prepared from meat emulsion with added fat (20 %), salt, spices and condiments and cooked in the curd. The present study was undertaken for the development of low fat goshtaba with the addition of xanthan gum as a fat replacer and was evaluated for proximate composition, pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, microstructure and sensory properties. Low fat goshtaba formulations containing xanthan gum were higher in protein and moisture contents but, lower in fat content and pH value than the high fat control (p < 0.05). Colour evaluation revealed that high fat goshtaba had significantly higher L* value, but lower a* value than its low fat counterparts (p < 0.05). The significant decrease of TBARS values, protein carbonyls and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in low fat goshtaba formulations reflects the potential antioxidant activity of xanthan gum (p < 0.05). Hardness was significantly higher in high fat control but, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness did not show any significant difference. Springiness increased with the increasing concentration of xanthan gum (0.5-1.5 %) and was higher in low fat product containing 1.5 % xanthan gum. SEM results indicate that xanthan gum lead to formation of an additional gel network which holds more water. Sensory evaluation revealed that goshtaba product with 0.5 % xanthan gum had quality characteristics that were similar to the control product containing 20 % fat.

Effect of whey and casein protein hydrolysates on rheological, textural and sensory properties of cookies.

Milk proteins were hydrolyzed by papain and their effect on the rheological, textural and sensory properties of cookies were investigated. Water absorption (%) decreased significantly as the amount of milk protein concentrates and hydrolysates increased up to a level of 15 % in the wheat flour. Dough extensibility decreased with inrease in parental proteins and their hydrolysates in wheat flour, significantly. Similarly, the pasting properties also varied significantly in direct proportion to the quantity added in the wheat flour. The colour difference (ΔE) of cookies supplemented with milk protein concentrates and hydrolysates were significantly higher than cookies prepared from control. Physical and sensory characteristics of cookies at 5 % level of supplementation were found to be acceptable. Also the scores assigned by the judges for texture and colour were in good agreement with the measurements derived from the physical tests.

Effect of green tea powder on thermal, rheological & functional properties of wheat flour and physical, nutraceutical & sensory analysis of cookies.

Green tea powder (GTP) was incorporated in wheat flour at different levels (1, 2 and 4 %) and its effect on quality parameters of flour and cookies were studied. Thermal analysis showed that addition of GTP did not increase the onset temperature, end temperature and enthalpy of flour significantly. However, the increase in GTP content retarded the retro gradation of the gelatinized wheat flour gel and decreased the water absorption capacity, Oil absorption capacity, water solubility index, Foam capacity and foam stability significantly. The L* and b* values of cookies decreased from 53.63 to 33.23 and 29.02 to 24.39 respectively, while as, a* value showed an increase from 3.61 to 5.23 indirect proportion to quantity added. The addition of GTP to wheat flour increased the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) percent inhibition and reducing power of cookies. Further, it also increases the acceptability for color, aroma and taste; however it loosened its structural integrity and decreased the fracture force.

Characterization of cookies made from wheat flour blended with buckwheat flour and effect on antioxidant properties.

Buckwheat flour was incorporated into wheat flour at different levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 %) and the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties of the blended flour were studied. This study also investigated the effect of buckwheat on the retention of antioxidant properties of cookies during baking. The results showed significant variation in physicochemical and functional properties of the blended flour. The addition of buckwheat flour into wheat flour also increased the antioxidant properties of blended flour proportionally, but metal chelating properties decreased. The incorporation of buckwheat in wheat flour helped in better retention of antioxidant potential of cookies during baking process as buckwheat cookies (100 % buckwheat) showed greater percentage increase in antioxidant properties than control (100 % wheat). Quality characteristics of cookies such as hardness and spread ratio decreased, while as non-enzymatic browning (NEB) increased significantly with increase in the proportion of buckwheat flour in wheat flour. The Overall acceptability of cookies by sensory analysis was highest at 40 % level of blending. This study concluded that addition of buckwheat in wheat flour, may not only improve the physico-chemical and functional properties of the blended flour but may also enhance the nutraceutical potential of the product prepared from it.

Chitosan, gelatin and pectin based bionanocomposite films with rosemary essential oil as an active ingredient for future foods.

Bionanocomposite films of three biopolymers including chitosan, gelatin, and pectin incorporated with rosemary essential oil (REO) were developed and characterized in terms of their physical, structural, mechanical, morphological, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Incorporation of REO showed an increased hydrophobic nature thus, improved water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength (TS), elongation-at-break (EAB), and thermal stability significantly (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to the control films. The addition of REO leads to more opaque films with relatively increased microstructural heterogeneity, resulting in an increase in film opacity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle size revealed that REO incorporation exhibits high physicochemical stability in chitosan, gelatin, and pectin bionanocomposite films. Incorporation of REO exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against the tested pathogenic strains (Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli). Furthermore, the addition of REO increased the inhibitory activity of films against ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Therefore, chitosan, gelatin, and pectin-based bionanocomposite films containing REO as food packaging could act as a potential barrier to extending food shelf life.

Fabrication of ultrafine Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification: Techno-functional properties of emulsions and microcapsules.

In present scenario, much of the attention has been put on the production and utilization of Pickering emulsions deciphering enhanced stability and applicability over wide environmental conditions. In this context the present study was carried out to elaborate effect of different wall materials and pH systems on the physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification. In this study, concentrated Pickering emulsion of Himalayan walnut oil (HWO) was prepared utilizing soy protein isolate (SPI), maltodextrin (MD) stabilized by pectin at varying concentrations and pH systems (4.0, 7.0). With increase in pectin and SPI concentration and lowering MD, stable emulsions were obtained as deciphered by an Emulsion stability index (ESI) of 100 for 7 days at ambient storage. HWO Pickering emulsions were analysed for particle size measurements (2.13-13.64 µm) and depicted negative zeta potential values (-3.70 to -18.58). Lyophilized HWO microcapsules depicted moderate encapsulation efficiency (44.69-57.63 %) whereas the hygroscopicity values of the microcapsule ranged from (0.21-12.10 %). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples depicted the temperature of maximum degradation rate up to 550 °C whereas XRD spectra depicted amorphous nature of oil microcapsules. FTIR spectra revealed a close association between the SPI-MD-Pectin matrix. SEM analysis revealed stable oil globules entrapped in protein-polysaccharide matrix with no visible cracks and fissures.

Characterization of rice starches extracted from Indian cultivars.

Physicochemical, morphological and pasting properties of starches isolated from four rice cultivars grown in India were studied. The amylose content ranged between 4.7 and 30.2% of starch, highest in K332 starch and lowest in SR1 starch. Swelling power, water solubility and water absorption capacity of starches increased with increase in temperature from 50 to 90 °C at 10 °C intervals. Highest swelling and water absorption was found in SR1 and lowest in K332 starches but reverse was observed in case of solubility that was highest for K332 and lowest for SR1 starch. The microstructure of starch granules from different rice cultivars showed the presence of mainly polyhedral granules having average size in the range of 4.0-5.2 µm. K332 showed the presence of smallest granules, whereas SR1 starch showed the presence of largest granules. X-ray diffraction pattern of rice starch from different cultivars showed typical A-type crystallinity. Pasting properties of starches differed significantly. Pasting temperature was highest for K332 and lowest for SR1, while peak viscosity was highest for aromatic rice and lowest for K448 starches. Higher setback was observed in K332 and lowest in SR1.

Green extraction of bioactive compounds from apple pomace by ultrasound assisted natural deep eutectic solvent extraction: Optimisation, comparison and bioactivity.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) coupled with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as extraction techniques for bioactive compounds from apple pomace. Seven natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) with different molar ratios were explored as green extraction solvents to evaluate extraction efficiency in terms of total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), lipid peroxidation inhibition (LBI) and antioxidant potential. The solvents which performed better than conventional solvent were DES1 (Choline chloride: glycerol (1:2)), DES2 (Choline chloride: lactic acid (1:3)) and DES5 ((Choline chloride: citric acid (1:1)). These solvents were further evaluated for optimisation of processing parameters in UAE-DES. The maximum TPC value was achieved using sonication time 40 min, water 30 %, solid/liquid ratio 1:30, temperature 40 °C, acoustic intensity 83.2 W/cm2 and duty cycle 75 %. HPLC of optimised extract was utilised for quantification of polyphenol compounds showing quercetin as main compound followed by chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, phloretin, phloridizin and rutin.