Postharvest wine grape dehydration: ethanol dissipation from grape and biochemical changes.

BACKGROUND: During postharvest dehydration, grapes are subject to metabolic changes including ethanol anabolism and catabolism. These changes affect the quality of the final product and ethanol production is a key step. Ethanol dissipation has never been measured during postharvest wine grape dehydration. Thus, the present study aimed to: (i) monitor ethanol dissipation and (ii) investigate chemical-biochemical changes in berries during dehydration. RESULTS: Ethanol dissipation from Raboso grapes, under controlled postharvest dehydration, was found to comprise up to 36% of weight loss (w.l.). Moreover, the activity of enzymes involved in the anaerobic metabolism of grapes was investigated. Ethanol dissipation was highly correlated with grape weight loss (r2 = 0.989). Alcohol dehydrogenase activity, responsible for the reduction of ethanol to acetaldehyde, declined significantly with w.l. Similarly, pyruvate decarboxylase and lactate dehydrogenase reduced their activity. High lipoxygenase activity was measured at 27% w.l., whereas polyphenol oxidation was constant and declined in the last sampling. CONCLUSION: Ethanol dissipation during postharvest dehydration allows for reducing anaerobic metabolism and promotes oxidative metabolism. The sensor used can be a useful commercial tool for monitoring berry metabolism. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life, and its possible use as feed for Tenebrio molitor larvae in a circular economy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Bread represents a significant share of food waste worldwide. The extension of the bread shelf life together with innovative systems of food waste treatment might decrease waste biomass decay, the need for transportation, and the need for storage. In recent years, insects have been selected as a valuable tool for food waste treatment owing to their capability to transform low-value food waste into biomass with high nutritional value. Bakery wastes can be used profitably for this purpose. This work had two objectives: (i) to measure the impact of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life depending on the leavening agent (baker's yeast vs sourdough); (ii) to evaluate the possible reuse of the stale bread fortified with flaxseed cake for Tenebrio molitor rearing. RESULTS: Our results showed that fortification seemed to slow the hardening rate of bread, particularly if baker's yeast was used. The time necessary for mold to appear in sourdough bread doubled (from 2 to 4 days). The addition of flaxseed cake to the recipe determined an increase of its scrap consumption by T. molitor larvae. We also observed a significant increase in the body mass of the T. molitor larvae fed with bread obtained with the brewer's yeast with respect to larvae fed with the sourdough. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these preliminary data can indicate that sourdough bread fortified with 5% of flaxseed cake can represent a promising tool to reduce food waste and to recycle bread scraps by a novel zero-waste approach. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Overcoming bread quality decay concerns: main issues for bread shelf life as a function of biological leavening agents and different extra ingredients used in formulation. A review.

As is widely accepted, the quality decay of freshly baked bread that affects product shelf life is the result of a complex multifactorial process that involves physical staling, together with microbiological, chemical and sensorial spoilage. In this context, this paper provides a critical review of the recent literature about the main factors affecting shelf life of bread during post-baking. An overview of the recent findings about the mechanism of bread staling is firstly provided. Afterwards, the effect on staling induced by baker's yeasts and sourdough as well as by the extra ingredients commonly utilized for bread fortification is also addressed and discussed. As inclusion/exclusion criteria, only papers dealing with wheat bread and not with long-life bread or gluten-free bakery products are taken into consideration. Despite recent developments in international scientific literature, the whole mechanism that induces bread staling is far from being completely understood and the best analytical methods to be adopted to measure and/or describe in depth this process appear still debated. In this topic, the effects induced on bread shelf life by the use of biological leavening agents (baker's yeasts and sourdough) as well as by some extra ingredients included in the bread recipe have been individuated as two key issues to be addressed and discussed in terms of their influence on the kinetics of bread staling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Olive Leaf Addition Increases Olive Oil Nutraceutical Properties.

The aim of the present research was to study the effects of olive leaf addition (0 and 3%) on the major antioxidants and the antioxidant activity of Neb Jmel and Oueslati olive oils. Olives and leaves of the two Tunisian varieties were harvested during the 2016/2017 crop season. Both leaves and oils were characterised for their concentrations in phenolics, tocopherols and antioxidant power. Other parameters such as free acidity, peroxide value, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations were also taken into consideration. Compared to Oueslati, the Neb Jmel oil showed a lower free acidity (50%) and peroxide value (5.6-fold), and higher chlorophyll (1.6-fold), total phenolics (1.3-fold), flavonoid (3-fold) and oleuropein derivative (1.5-fold) concentrations, in addition to an increased antioxidant activity (1.6-fold). Leaf addition promoted a significant increment in total chlorophyll, α-tocopherol and phenolics in both varieties, above all in Oueslati oil, due to a higher abundance of bioactive constituents in the corresponding leaves. In particular, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations reached values twice higher than in Neb Jmel leaves, and flavonoids and oleouperin derivatives were three-fold higher. This prevented the oxidation and the formation of peroxides, reducing the peroxide value of the fortified oil to the half. The results provide evidence on the performance of the Tunisian Neb Jmel and Oueslati varieties, showing that their oils present a chemical profile corresponding to the extra virgin olive oil category and that, after leaf addition, their nutritional value was improved.

Essential Oil Composition and Biological Activity of "Pompia", a Sardinian Citrus Ecotype.

Pompia is a Sardinian citrus ecotype whose botanical classification is still being debated. In the present study, the composition of Pompia peel essential oil (EO) is reported for the first time, along with that of the leaf EO, as a phytochemical contribution to the classification of this ecotype. The peel EO was tested for its antioxidant ability (with both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picarylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays). Moreover, its antimicrobial activities were tested for the first time on dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes), on potentially toxigenic fungi (Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger) as well on bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus pseudointermedius). The dominant abundance of limonene in the peel EO seems to distinguish Pompia from the Citrus spp. to which it had previously been associated. It lacks γ-terpinene, relevant in Citrus medica EO. Its relative content of α- and ß-pinene is lower than 0.5%, in contrast to Citrus limon peel EO. Pompia peel and leaf EOs did not show significant amounts of linalool and linalyl acetate, which are typically found in Citrus aurantium. Pompia peel EO antioxidant activity was weak, possibly because of its lack of γ-terpinene. Moreover, it did not exert any antimicrobial effects either towards the tested bacteria strains, or to dermatophytes and environmental fungi.

Cold-Pressing Olive Oil in the Presence of Cryomacerated Leaves of Olea or Citrus: Nutraceutical and Sensorial Features.

The nutraceutical properties of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can be further improved by the addition of olive leaves during olive pressing. However, while Citrus leaves are rich sources of bioactive substances, no data are available in the literature about the effect of Citrus leaf addition on the nutraceutical and sensorial profiles of olive oil. This study aimed at comparing the chemical and sensorial qualities of olive oils obtained from ripe olives pressed together with either Olea or Citrus spp. (lemon or orange) cryomacerated leaves. General composition parameters as well as major antioxidants and antioxidant activity were measured. A panel test evaluation, as well as headspace volatile characterization (headspace solid phase microextraction, HS-SPME), were also performed. All data were compared with an EVOO extracted from the same olive batch used as control. It was possible to obtain Leaf Olive Oils (LOOs) characterized by a higher (p < 0.05) content of antioxidants, compared to the control sample, and the highest oleuropein concentration was detected in the olive oil extracted in presence of olive leaf (+50% in comparison with the control). All the LOOs showed a higher smell complexity and the scent of ripe fruit was generally mitigated. Lemon and olive LOOs showed the best smell profile.

Nutraceutical Oils Produced by Olives and Citrus Peel of Tuscany Varieties as Sources of Functional Ingredients.

The essential oils extracted from the peels of two Tuscany Citrus of the Massa province have been characterised. Moreover, the flavedo of these species has been used in the production of two Citrus olive oils (COOs) obtained with an innovative method in which the citrus peels are cryomacerated and then pressed with the olives. The presence of functional compounds, such as carotenoids, naringenin and minor phenolics, classifies these COOs as nutraceuticals with the potential to develop enriched foods able to promote a healthy diet. Moreover, the increased presence of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, compared to the unflavoured oil, further highlights the nutritional value to the two COOs, being these phenolic compounds recognized as good possible therapeutic candidates for the inhibition of neurodegenerative diseases as the Parkinson's disease. In this perspective, the citrus peels, rich in bioactive compounds, have been valued transforming their waste nature in an innovative resource.

Unconventional Extraction and Storage Strategies in Order to Enhance the Shelf Life of Virgin Olive Oil.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is a globally esteemed product renowned for its chemical composition, nutritional value, and health benefits. Consumers seeking natural, nutritious, and healthy foods increasingly favor VOO. The optimization of the extraction system ensures the production of high-quality VOO with abundant antioxidant compounds that naturally protect it from degradation. Proper storage is crucial in maintaining the quality of VOO, prompting the exploration of novel extraction and preservation techniques. Factors such as light, temperature, and oxygen greatly influence the degradation process, resulting in reduced levels of natural antioxidants like polyphenols. Undesirable by-products and non-aromatic compounds may be formed, making the oil unacceptable over time. On the basis of all this consideration, this study aimed to evaluate the synergic use of two different gases (CO2 and argon) during the malaxation phase to limit radical development and delay lipid autoxidation. Additionally, unconventional preservation systems, namely argon headspace, shellac, and bottle in bag, were assessed over a period of 150 days. The results evidenced that the use of CO2 and argon during the malaxation process resulted in an improvement in the oil quality compared to the one obtained with the traditional system. However, in traditional oils, the alternative packaging systems determined interesting outcomes as they were able to positively affect different parameters, while the packaging effect was more mitigated in the test oils.

Exploring Red Wine Aging: Comparative Analysis of Cellar and Sea Underwater Aging on Chemical Composition and Quality.

The aging process of wine is influenced by various factors, including the presence of oxygen, the temperature, and the storage conditions. While oxygen can have both positive and negative effects on wine quality, temperature fluctuations during storage can impact its chemical composition. This study has investigated the aging of Merlot and Sangiovese wines under traditional cellar conditions and underwater, exploring the influence of storage parameters on their chemical evolution. Analyzing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, the research revealed subtle but significant changes in the wines over time. Both wines showed a gradual reduction in total phenols, anthocyanins, non-flavonoid compounds, and total sulfur dioxide, irrespective of the storage conditions. Preliminary findings suggested that aging wine underwater does not induce significant alterations in its fundamental characteristics compared to traditional cellar aging. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of wine aging processes and highlight the importance of storage conditions in preserving wine quality. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities of underwater aging and its broader implications for wine production.

Bread Improvement with Nutraceutical Ingredients Obtained from Food By-Products: Effect on Quality and Technological Aspects.

The use of by-products as functional ingredients for bread recipes may open up new horizons in terms of product innovation to increase nutraceutical characteristics and/or shelf-life. In this research, the ability of residual products from important food chains (Citrus and wine) to influence the water binding capacity of dough and bread was investigated in order to create industrial breads of high quality with prolonged shelf-life in the absence of any chemical additives (e.g., ethanol, sorbic acid, and propionic acid). The product under study is the 'Pan Bauletto bianco con olio EVO' (white bakery bread with EVO oil), an 'industrial bread' type usually treated with ethanol before being marketed, aiming to prolong its short shelf-life. The effect of the addition of different amounts of pectin (Citrus supply chain) and grape pomace (wine supply chain), in combination or not, has shown promising results from both a technological point of view and the increasing shelf-life, allowing to obtain products with high nutraceutical value and interesting properties.

Towards Sulphite-Free Winemaking: A New Horizon of Vinification and Maturation.

The complex dynamics between oxygen exposure, sulphur dioxide (SO2) utilization, and wine quality are of the utmost importance in wine sector, and this study aims to explore their fine balance in winemaking. As a common additive, SO2 works as an antiseptic and antioxidant. However, its excessive use has raised health concerns. Regulatory guidelines, including Council Regulation (EC) N° 1493/1999 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1622/2000, dictate SO2 concentrations in wines. The increasing demand for natural preservatives is driving the search for alternatives, with natural plant extracts, rich in phenolic compounds, emerging as promising substitutes. In this context, Bioma Company has proposed alternative additives deriving from vineyard waste to replace SO2 during winemaking. Thus, the aim of the present work was to compare the compositional characteristics between the product obtained with the alternative vinification and the traditional one during the winemaking, as well as the aroma compositions of the final wines. After a year of experimentation, the wines produced with Bioma products showed compositional characteristics comparable to their traditional counterparts. Notably, these wines comply with current legislation, with significantly reduced total sulphur content, allowing their designation as "without added sulphites". Bioma products emerge as potential catalysts for sustainable and health-conscious winemaking practices, reshaping the landscape of the industry.

Effect of Different Packaging Strategies on the Secondary Shelf Life of Young and Structured Red Wine.

When bottled wine is opened, a completely different scenario occurs that can accelerate the oxidation of the product. This is called the secondary shelf life (SSL), which is generally shorter and less predictable than the primary shelf life (PSL). In this context, the research aim was to evaluate the changes that occur in two types of red wine during two tests to evaluate the secondary shelf life as a function of the packaging systems. The variation of Total SO2 and Free SO2 and the other chemical parameters (polyphenols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, color, and volatile acidity) were used to assess the oxidation rate of the packaging samples after opening during the SSL. In both tests and for the two types of stored red wine, the polymeric cap showed the best results. The other types of closure (screw cap, natural cork, crow cap, and Tetra Brik) showed a negative trend and a reduced SSL for both red wines. Finally, the sensory results confirmed that with the polymeric cap, the SSL increases considerably compared to other capping systems. These results may be due to the technical characteristics of polymeric materials, which tend to vary slightly in shape after repeated usage.

Sealing Wax and Bottles in Bags-A Paradigm Shift in Refined Olive Oil Packaging: Preliminary Results.

Generally, olive oil possesses natural protection against oxidation due to antioxidant compounds such as phenols and tocopherols. However, in the case of refined olive oil, the refining process unavoidably reduces the presence of these compounds. Considering these considerations, the objective of this study was to address the issues related to the "tightness" of the cap used for packaging oil in SALOV, aiming to extend the product's shelf life. The oil under investigation was packaged in 250 mL transparent glass bottles, each filled with either argon or air. Subsequently, the samples were divided into three groups: one group sealed with a conventional screw cap, another covered with a special protective bag, and a third one sealed with a wax cover directly on the cap. The storage period varied, during which the atmospheric conditions were monitored daily through both destructive and non-destructive analyses. The preliminary results indicate that alternative preservation techniques, such as the use of argon, sealing wax, and protective bags, can effectively enhance the shelf life of the oil and maintain its quality (reduce oxidation, preserve phenolic compounds, and reduce the degradation of pigments). Further research and development in this area could lead to the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oils with extended shelf life and improved sensory and nutritional properties.

Effect of Fertilization Regime of Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on Flour Quality and Shelf-Life of PDO Tuscan Bread.

The shelf-life of bread is influenced by flour components, such as starch, composed of amylose and amylopectin. The aim was to test the effect of different balances of N (45, 90, 135 kg/ha) and P (48, 96 kg/ha) fertilizers on the flour characteristics and consequently the shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread, stored in different modified atmosphere packaging (Ar, N2, Air). The amylose and phytochemical compounds were increased by N and decreased by the addition of P, but excessive doses of N (135 kg/ha) had a negative effect on flour quality. In the bread, the study highlighted the tendency of N2 and Ar, as storage filler gases, to reduce water loss, slow down the staling process, and prolong shelf-life. However, the most significant influence on shelf-life was related to the different fertilizations of wheat. In fact, when N was present in equal dose to P (90/96 or 45/48 kg/ha) or slightly higher (90/48 kg/ha), the bread tended to last longer over time. Instead, when these ratios were unbalanced in favor of N (135/48 or 135/96 kg/ha) and in favor of P (45/96 kg/ha), the shelf-life decreased considerably.

Valorization of an Old Variety of Triticum aestivum: A Study of Its Suitability for Breadmaking Focusing on Sensory and Nutritional Quality.

"Avanzi 3-Grano 23" (G23) is an old variety of Triticum aestivum from the mountain areas of Lunigiana (north Tuscany, Italy), where traditional farming communities have contributed to its success and on-farm conservation. G23 flour, traditionally used for typical food products, is characterized by particular nutritional and sensory traits but has technological properties which limit its suitability for breadmaking. The aim of this work was to evaluate how to promote the use of G23 through the optimization of bread formulation by leveraging both flour blending and the leavening system. During the preliminary test, three different mixes of G23 flour and a strong flour (C) were tested in terms of their leavening power as a function of leavening agent (baker's yeast or sourdough). The selected M2 flour, composed of G23:C (1:1 w/w), was used for further breadmaking trials and 100% C flour was utilized as a control. The sourdough bread obtained with the M2 flour (SB-M2) showed an improved sensory profile compared with the related control (SB-C). Furthermore, SB-M2 exhibited the best aromatic (high content in aldehydes, pyrazines and carboxylic acids) and phytochemical profile (total polyphenols and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity). In contrast, the use of baker's yeast, although optimal from the point of view of breadmaking, did not result in the same levels of aromatic complexity because it tends to standardize the product without valorizing the sensory and nutritional qualities of the flour. In conclusion, in the experimental conditions adopted, this old wheat variety appears to be suitable for the production of sourdough bakery products.

Innovative Biobased and Sustainable Polymer Packaging Solutions for Extending Bread Shelf Life: A Review.

Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint.

Effect of Argon as Filling Gas of the Storage Atmosphere on the Shelf-Life of Sourdough Bread-Case Study on PDO Tuscan Bread.

The short shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread limits its distribution to markets close to the production area, affecting its commercial success and the economic return by supply chain operators. While the application of MAP to store bread is widely accepted, the suitability of this technique to extend the shelf life of the PDO Tuscan bread is still to be explored. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge no data are available in the literature about the use of argon as filling gas neither in pure atmosphere nor in combination with CO2. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different modified packaging atmospheres on the shelf-life of sourdough bread. Slices of bread were stored individually in plastic bags at 23 °C in five different atmospheres (Ar (100%), N2 (100%), CO2 (100%), Mix CO2/N2 (70% CO2, 30% N2), Mix CO2/Ar (70% CO2, 30% Ar)), and Air was selected as a control. To select the best storage conditions, both chemical-physical, rheological, and organoleptic features were evaluated. Results showed that pure gases (CO2, N2, Ar) displayed good qualities as storage atmospheres compared to Air. In contrast, both Mix CO2/N2 and Mix CO2/Ar were the best in slowing down the staling process, thus doubling the shelf-life of bread, compared to other atmospheres. In conclusion, argon, as a preservation atmosphere, seems to be the best solution to extend the shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread.

Postharvest Treatments on Sensorial and Biochemical Characteristics of Begonia cucullata Willd Edible Flowers.

Edible flowers (EFs) are currently consumed as fresh products, but their shelf life can be extended by a suitable drying technique, avoiding the loss of visual quality and valuable nutraceutical properties. Begonia cucullata Willd is a common ornamental bedding plant, and its leaves and flowers are edible. In this work, B. cucullata red flowers were freeze-dried (FD) and hot-air dried (HAD) at different temperatures. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first one comparing different drying methodologies and different temperatures involving sensory characterization of EFs; therefore, a codified method for the description of the sensory profile of both fresh and dried B. cucullata was developed and validated. Phytochemical analyses highlighted the better preservation of antioxidant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins) for flowers dried at 60-70 °C. Visual quality was strongly affected by the drying treatments; in particular the color of the HAD samples significantly turned darker, whereas the FD samples exhibited a marked loss of pigmentation. Although all drying conditions led to a reduction in the hedonic indices if compared with fresh flowers, the best results in terms of organoleptic properties were obtained when the drying temperature was set to 60 or 70 °C.

Technological Improvements on FML in the Chianti Classico Wine Production: Co-Inoculation or Sequential Inoculation?

Winemaking variables and techniques are known to affect the composition of wines. To obtain a rapid and safe fermentation course, with a reduced risk of proliferation of unwanted microbial species, frequent recourse is made to the use of selected microorganisms, which can greatly simplify the complex management of the fermentation process. In particular, selected strains of lactic acid bacteria are used, which are much more sensitive than yeasts to the operating conditions of the medium. In this regard, the overall aim of this research was to verify whether the early inoculation of homolactic acid bacteria for hexoses (Lactobacillus plantarum) carried out after 24 h, compared with that of saccharomycetes operating alcoholic fermentation, could be advantageous compared with a traditional innoculation with a different heterolactic bacterial strain for hexoses (Oenococcus oeni) operated at the end of alcoholic fermentation. The grape variety chosen was Sangiovese, the protagonist of Tuscan oenology. The evaluation focused on different aspects such as the management of winery operations, and the quality and longevity of the product; was carried out in all phases of winemaking; and analysed both from a chemical and sensory point of view.

Application of Five Different Chlorella sp. Microalgal Strains for the Treatment of Vegetation Waters Derived from Unconventional Oil Extractions Enriched with Citrus Byproducts.

The Mediterranean diet has, among its cornerstones, the use of olive oil for its nutraceutical and organoleptic properties. Despite the numerous merits, olive-oil mill wastewater (OMWW), which is generated by the olive-oil extraction process, is one of the most serious environmental pollutants in the Mediterranean countries. The polluting potential of OMWW is due to its high content of tannins, polyphenols, polyalcohols, pectins and lipids. In order to close the recovery cycle of a fortified citrus olive oils previously developed, we tested the ability of five microalgae of the Chlorella group (SEC_LI_ChL_1, CL_Sc, CL_Ch, FB and Idr) in lowering the percentage of total phenolic compounds in vegetation water. This was obtained with three different extraction processes (conventional, and lemon and orange peels) at three concentrations each (10%, 25% and 50%). The results showed that strains Idr, FB and CL_Sc from the Lake Massaciuccoli can tolerate vegetation water from conventional and lemon peel extractions up to 25%; these strains can also reduce the phenolic compounds within the tests. The application of microalgae for OMWW treatment represents an interesting opportunity as well as an eco-friendly low-cost solution to be developed within companies as a full-scale approach, which could be applied to obtain a fortified microalgal biomass to be employed in nutraceutical fields.