Water-soluble biopolymers from heat-treated and high pressure homogenized vegetable purées: investigating their emulsion forming and stabilizing capacities.

The emulsion forming and stabilizing capacities of water-soluble biopolymers originating from the aqueous (serum) phase of heat-treated and high pressure homogenized purées were investigated. The serum biopolymers were characterized and then utilized as emulsifier/stabilizer in simple oil-in-water emulsions. The resulting emulsions were stored at 4 °C and monitored for 2 weeks. Results revealed that carrot and tomato sera contained higher amounts of pectin and lower protein compared to broccoli. The serum pectic biopolymers exhibited distinct molecular structures, depending on the vegetable origin. Given these natural biopolymer composition and characteristics, emulsions with small droplet sizes were observed at pH 3.5. However, emulsions at pH 6.0 showed large mean droplet sizes, except for the emulsion formulated with carrot serum. Regardless of the pH, emulsions containing carrot serum biopolymers exhibited high capacity to form fine emulsions that were stable during the 2-week storage period at low temperature. This study clearly shows the capacity of natural water-soluble biopolymers isolated from the serum phase of vegetable purées to form fine emulsion droplets and maintain its stability during storage, especially in the case of carrot serum biopolymers.

Arabinoxylan, ß-glucan and pectin in barley and malt endosperm cell walls: a microstructure study using CLSM and cryo-SEM.

The architecture of endosperm cell walls in Hordeum vulgare (barley) differs remarkably from that of other grass species and is affected by germination or malting. Here, the cell wall microstructure is investigated using (bio)chemical analyses, cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as the main techniques. The relative proportions of ß-glucan, arabinoxylan and pectin in cell walls were 61, 34 and 5%, respectively. The average thickness of a single endosperm cell wall was 0.30 µm, as estimated by the cryo-SEM analysis of barley seeds, which was reduced to 0.16 µm after malting. After fluorescent staining, 3D confocal multiphoton microscopy (multiphoton CLSM) imaging revealed the complex cell wall architecture. The endosperm cell wall is composed of a structure in which arabinoxylan and pectin are colocalized on the outside, with ß-glucan depositions on the inside. During germination, arabinoxylan and ß-glucan are hydrolysed, but unlike ß-glucan, arabinoxylan remains present in defined cell walls in malt. Integrating the results, an enhanced model for the endosperm cell walls in barley is proposed.

Reaction pathways and factors influencing nonenzymatic browning in shelf-stable fruit juices during storage.

The occurrence of nonenzymaticbrowning in fruit juices during storage is a major quality defect. It negatively affects consumer acceptance and consumption behavior and determines the shelf-life of these products. Although nonenzymatic browning of fruit juices has been the subject of research for a long time, the exact mechanism of the nonenzymatic browning reactions is not yet completely understood. This review paper aims to give an overview of the compounds and reactions playing a key role in nonenzymatic browning during the storage of fruit juices. The chemistry of the plausible reactions and their relative importance will be discussed. To better understand nonenzymatic browning, factors affecting these reactions will be reviewed and several strategies and methods to evaluate color changes and browning will be discussed. Nonenzymatic browning involves three main reactions: ascorbic acid degradation, acid-catalyzed sugar degradation, and Maillard-associated reactions. The most important NEB pathway depends on the matrix. Nonenzymatic browning is affected by many factors, such as the juice composition, the pH, the oxygen availability (packaging material), and the storage conditions. Nonenzymatic browning can thus be considered as a complex problem. To characterize color changes and browning and obtain insight into the browning mechanism of fruit juices, food scientists applied several approaches and strategies. These included the use of model systems with/without the addition of labeled compound and real systems as well as advanced analytical methods.

Thermal treatment of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Factors determining cooking time and its consequences for sensory and nutritional quality.

Over the past years, the shift toward plant-based foods has largely increased the global awareness of the nutritional importance of legumes (common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in particular) and their potential role in sustainable food systems. Nevertheless, the many benefits of bean consumption may not be realized in large parts of the world, since long cooking time (lack of convenience) limits their utilization. This review focuses on the current insights in the cooking behavior (cookability) of common beans and the variables that have a direct and/or indirect impact on cooking time. The review includes the various methods to evaluate textural changes and the effect of cooking on sensory attributes and nutritional quality of beans. In this review, it is revealed that the factors involved in cooking time of beans are diverse and complex and thus necessitate a careful consideration of the choice of (pre)processing conditions to conveniently achieve palatability while ensuring maximum nutrient retention in beans. In order to harness the full potential of beans, there is a need for a multisectoral collaboration between breeders, processors, and nutritionists.

Insight into non-enzymatic browning of shelf-stable orange juice during storage: A fractionation and kinetic approach.

BACKGROUND: Non-enzymatic browning (NEB) is the main quality defect in shelf-stable orange juice and other fruit juices during storage. Previous studies on NEB focused solely on the soluble fraction of orange juice, regardless of the fact that both soluble and insoluble fractions turn brown during extended storage. Clear evidence of the relative contribution of both fractions to NEB is currently lacking in the literature. This study investigated the contribution of the soluble and insoluble fractions of orange juice, which were obtained by centrifugation and ethanol precipitation, to NEB during storage. Changes in different NEB-related attributes, such as ascorbic acid (AA) degradation, and the browning index (BI), were quantified and kinetically modeled. RESULTS: Evaluation of color during storage showed that the orange juice and the soluble compound-containing fractions turned brown whereas the insoluble fractions did not. The soluble compound-containing fractions showed exactly the same browning behavior with storage as the plain orange juice. Based on the kinetic parameters obtained, the degradation of AA, the hydrolysis of sucrose, the increase in the glucose and fructose content, and the formation of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural during storage were similar for the plain orange juice and the soluble compound-containing fractions. CONCLUSION: This work provided evidence that the soluble fraction of orange juice plays the major role in NEB, unlike the insoluble fraction, which seems to make no contribution. Results from this work also demonstrate the potential use of the soluble fraction as an orange-juice-based model system of reduced complexity that can be used for the further investigation of NEB processes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Understanding the Relations Among the Storage, Soaking, and Cooking Behavior of Pulses: A Scientific Basis for Innovations in Sustainable Foods for the Future.

The world faces challenges that require sustainable solutions: food and nutrition insecurity; replacement of animal-based protein sources; and increasing demand for convenient, nutritious, and health-beneficial foods; as well as functional ingredients. The irrefutable potential of pulses as future sustainable food systems is undermined by the hardening phenomenon that develops upon their storage under adverse conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Occurrence of this phenomenon indicates storage instability. In this review, the application of a material science approach, in particular the glass transition temperature concept, is presented to explain phenomena of storage instability such as the occurrence of hardening and loss of viability under adverse storage conditions. In addition to storage (in)stability, application of this concept during processing of pulses is discussed. The state-of-the-art on how hardening occurs, that is, mechanistic insights, is provided, including a critical evaluation of some of the existing postulations using recent research findings. Moreover, the influence of hardening on the properties and processing of pulses is included. Prevention of hardening and curative actions for pulses affected by the hardening phenomenon are described in addition to the current trends on uses of pulses and pulse-derived products. Based on the knowledge progress presented in this review, suggestions for the future include: first, the need for innovation toward implementation of recommended solutions for the prevention of hardening; second, the optimization of the identified most effective and efficient curative action against hardening; and third, areas to focus on for elucidation of mechanisms of hardening, although existing analytical methods require advancement.

Shelf-life dating of shelf-stable strawberry juice based on survival analysis of consumer acceptance information.

BACKGROUND: Accurate shelf-life dating of food products is crucial for consumers and industries. Therefore, in this study we applied a science-based approach for shelf-life assessment, including accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT), acceptability testing and the screening of analytical attributes for fast shelf-life predictions. Shelf-stable strawberry juice was selected as a case study. RESULTS: Ambient storage (20 °C) had no effect on the aroma-based acceptance of strawberry juice. The colour-based acceptability decreased during storage under ambient and accelerated (28-42 °C) conditions. The application of survival analysis showed that the colour-based shelf-life was reached in the early stages of storage (≤11 weeks) and that the shelf-life was shortened at higher temperatures. None of the selected attributes (a* and ΔE* value, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content) is an ideal analytical marker for shelf-life predictions in the investigated temperature range (20-42 °C). Nevertheless, an overall analytical cut-off value over the whole temperature range can be selected. CONCLUSIONS: Colour changes of strawberry juice during storage are shelf-life limiting. Combining ASLT with acceptability testing allowed to gain faster insight into the change in colour-based acceptability and to perform shelf-life predictions relying on scientific data. An analytical marker is a convenient tool for shelf-life predictions in the context of ASLT. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Pectin Structural Properties on Interactions with Divalent Cations and Its Associated Functionalities.

Pectin is an anionic cell wall polysaccharide which is known to interact with divalent cations via its nonmethylesterified galacturonic acid units. Due to its cation-binding capacity, extracted pectin is frequently used for several purposes, such as a gelling agent in food products or as a biosorbent to remove toxic metals from waste water. Pectin can, however, possess a large variability in molecular structure, which influences its cation-binding capacity. Besides the pectin structure, several extrinsic factors, such as cation type or pH, have been shown to define the cation binding of pectin. This review paper focuses on the research progress in the field of pectin-divalent cation interactions and associated functional properties. In addition, it addresses the main research gaps and challenges in order to clearly understand the influence of pectin structural properties on its divalent cation-binding capacity and associated functionalities. This review reveals that many factors, including pectin molecular structure and extrinsic factors, influence pectin-cation interactions and its associated functionalities, which makes it difficult to predict the pectin-cation-binding capacity. Despite the limited information available, determination of the cation-binding capacity of pectins with distinct structural properties using equilibrium adsorption experiments or isothermal titration calorimetry is a promising tool to gain fundamental insights into pectin-cation interactions. These insights can then be used in targeted pectin structural modification, in order to optimize the cation-binding capacity and to promote pectin-cation interactions, for instance for a structure build-up in food products without compromising the mineral nutrition value.

Carotene Degradation and Isomerization during Thermal Processing: A Review on the Kinetic Aspects.

Kinetic models are important tools for process design and optimization to balance desired and undesired reactions taking place in complex food systems during food processing and preservation. This review covers the state of the art on kinetic models available to describe heat-induced conversion of carotenoids, in particular lycopene and ß-carotene. First, relevant properties of these carotenoids are discussed. Second, some general aspects of kinetic modeling are introduced, including both empirical single-response modeling and mechanism-based multi-response modeling. The merits of multi-response modeling to simultaneously describe carotene degradation and isomerization are demonstrated. The future challenge in this research field lies in the extension of the current multi-response models to better approach the real reaction pathway and in the integration of kinetic models with mass transfer models in case of reaction in multi-phase food systems.

Process-Structure-Function Relations of Pectin in Food.

Pectin, a complex polysaccharide rich in galacturonic acid, has been identified as a critical structural component of plant cell walls. The functionality of this intricate macromolecule in fruit- and vegetable-based-derived products and ingredients is strongly determined by the nanostructure of its most abundant polymer, homogalacturonan. During food processing, pectic homogalacturonan is susceptible to various enzymatic as well as nonenzymatic conversion reactions modifying its structural and, hence, its functional properties. Consequently, a profound understanding of the various process-structure-function relations of pectin aids food scientists to tailor the functional properties of plant-based derived products and ingredients. This review describes the current knowledge on process-structure-function relations of pectin in foods with special focus on pectin's functionality with regard to textural attributes of solid plant-based foods and rheological properties of particulated fruit- and vegetable-derived products. In this context, both pectin research performed via traditional, ex situ physicochemical analyses of fractionated walls and isolated polymers and pectin investigation through in situ pectin localization are considered.

Enzymatic cell wall degradation of high-pressure-homogenized tomato puree and its effect on lycopene bioaccessibility.

BACKGROUND: High-pressure homogenization disrupts cell structures, assisting carotenoid release from the matrix and subsequent micellarization. However, lycopene bioaccessibility of tomato puree upon high-pressure homogenization is limited by the formation of a process-induced barrier. In this context, cell wall-degrading enzymes were applied to hydrolyze the formed barrier and enhance lycopene bioaccessibility. RESULTS: The effectiveness of the enzymes in degrading their corresponding substrates was evaluated (consistency, amount of reducing sugars, molar mass distribution and immunolabeling). An in vitro digestion procedure was applied to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic treatments on lycopene bioaccessibility. Enzymatic treatments with pectinases and cellulase were proved to effectively degrade their corresponding cell wall polymers; however, no further significant increase in lycopene bioaccessibility was obtained. CONCLUSION: A process-induced barrier consisting of cell wall material is not the only factor governing lycopene bioaccessibility upon high-pressure homogenization.

A Review on the Relationships between Processing, Food Structure, and Rheological Properties of Plant-Tissue-Based Food Suspensions.

Nowadays, there is much interest in controlling the functional properties of processed fruit- and vegetable-derived products, which has stimulated renewed research interest in process-structure-function relations. In this review, we focus on rheology as a functional property because of its importance during the entire production chain up to the moment of consumption and digestion. This review covers the literature of the past decade with respect to process-structure-rheology relations in plant-tissue-based food suspensions. It became clear that the structure of plant-tissue-based food suspensions, consisting of plant-tissue-based particles in an aqueous serum phase, is affected by many unit operations (for example, heat treatment) and that also the sequence of unit operations can have an effect on the final structural properties. Furthermore, particle concentration, particle size, and particle morphology were found to be key structural elements determining the rheological properties of these suspensions comprising low amounts of starch and serum pectin. Since the structure of plant-tissue-based products was shown to be changed during processing, rheological parameters of these products were simultaneously altered. Therefore, this review also comprises a discussion of the effect on rheological properties of the most relevant processing steps in the production of plant-tissue-based products. Linking changes in rheology due to processing with process-induced alterations in structural characteristics turned out to be quite intricate. The current knowledge on process-structure-function relations can form the basis for future improved and novel food process and product design.

Quantitative assessment of molecular, microstructural, and macroscopic changes of red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during cooking provides detailed insights in their cooking behavior.

Quantitative changes at different length scales (molecular, microscopic, and macroscopic levels) during cooking were evaluated to better understand the cooking behavior of common beans. The microstructural evolution of presoaked fresh and aged red kidney beans during cooking at 95 °C was quantified using light microscopy coupled with image analysis. These data were related to macroscopic properties, being hardness and volume changes representing texture and swelling of the beans during cooking. Microstructural properties included the cell area (Acell), the fraction of intercellular spaces (%Ais), and the fraction of starch area within the cells (%As/c), reflecting respectively cell expansion, cell separation, and starch swelling. A strong linear correlation between hardness and %Ais (r = -0.886, p = 0.07), along with a significant relative change in %Ais (∼5 times), suggests that softening is predominantly due to cell separation rather than cell expansion. Regarding volume changes, substantial cell expansion (Acell increased by ∼1.5 times) during the initial 30 min of cooking was greatly associated with the increase in the cotyledon volume, while the significance of cell separation became more prominent during the later stages of cooking. Furthermore, we found that the seed coat, rather than the cotyledon, played a major role in the swelling of whole beans, which became less pronounced after aging. The macroscopic properties did not correlate with %As/c. However, the evolution of %As/c conveyed information on the swelling of the starch granules during cooking. During the initial phase, the starch granule swelling mainly filled the cells, while during the later phase, the further swelling was confined by the cell wall. This study provides strong microscopic evidence supporting the direct involvement of the cell wall/ middle lamella network in microstructural changes during cooking as affected by aging, which is in line with the results of molecular changes.

Stability and bioaccessibility of micronutrients and phytochemicals present in processed leek and Brussels sprouts during static in vitro digestion.

Vegetables are frequently processed before consumption. However, vegetable functionalization continues beyond ingestion as the human digestive tract exposes vegetable products to various conditions (e.g. elevated temperature, pH alterations, enzymes, electrolytes, mechanical disintegration) which can affect the stability of micronutrients and phytochemicals. Besides the extent to which these compounds withstand the challenges posed by digestive conditions, it is equally important to consider their accessibility for potential absorption by the body. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of static in vitro digestion on the stability (i.e. concentration) and bioaccessibility of vitamin C, vitamin K1, glucosinolates, S-alk(en)yl-l-cysteine sulfoxides (ACSOs) and carotenoids in Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) and leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum). Water-soluble compounds, glucosinolates and ACSOs, remained stable during digestion while vitamin C decreased by >48%. However, all water-soluble compounds were completely bioaccessible. Lipid-soluble compounds were also stable during digestion but were only bioaccessible for 26-81%.

Impact of refrigerated storage on (bio)chemical conversions of health-related compounds in pretreated, pasteurized Brussels sprouts and leek.

Vegetable processing often consists of multiple processing steps. Research mostly focused on the impact of individual processing steps on individual health-related compounds. However, there is a need for more holistic approaches to understand the overall impact of the processing chain on the health potential of vegetables. Therefore, this work studied the impact of pretreatment (relatively intact versus pureed vegetable systems), pasteurization and subsequent refrigerated storage (kinetic evaluation) on multiple health-related compounds (vitamin C, vitamin K1, carotenoids, glucosinolates and S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides (ACSOs)) in Brussels sprouts and leek. It could be shown that differences introduced by different types of pretreatment were not nullified during pasteurization and refrigerated storage. Clearly, enzymatic conversions controlled during pretreatment resulted in different health-related compound profiles still observable after pasteurization. Moreover, about -42% and -100% relative concentration differences of ACSOs and dehydroascorbic acid, respectively, were detected immediately after pasteurization, while glucosinolates concentrations decreased by about 47% during refrigerated storage. All other compounds were stable during pasteurization and refrigerated storage.

Antioxidative capacity of microalgal carotenoids for stabilizing n-3LC-PUFA rich oil: Initial quantity is key.

The health-beneficial long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) are easily affected by the undesired process of lipid oxidation in fish oil, while being stable in the lipid extracts of photoautotrophic microalgae. The current research investigates the role of carotenoids by evaluating the oxidative stability of mixtures of fish oil with total lipid extracts of two different microalgae (Phaeodactylum and Isochrysis) throughout an accelerated storage experiment of 4 weeks at 37 °C. A clear separation between oxidatively stable and oxidatively unstable mixtures was observed for which the initial amount of carotenoids relative to the amount of n-3LC-PUFA was a good indicator. The lipid class composition, clearly differing between the two algae, was probably of minor influence. The antioxidative role of fucoxanthin, and diatoxanthin and ß-carotene as minor carotenoids, was illustrated by their gradual degradation throughout storage. However, when their initial contents were too low, this role could not be exerted leading to thorough lipid oxidation.

Oxidative stability differences of aqueous model systems of photoautotrophic n-3 LC-PUFA rich microalgae: The antioxidative role of endogenous carotenoids.

Microalgae rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3LC-PUFA) have already shown their potential for developing functional food rich in these healthy fatty acids. Not only could they offer a more sustainable alternative for the fish stock that is currently relied upon but is unable to keep up with the demand, enrichment with certain microalgae also leads to oxidatively stable products. Although the reason for this stability has been attributed to the presence of endogenous carotenoids, further insight into their antioxidative role is missing and would be clarifying for selecting the proper microalgae for food enrichment. In trying to further accomplish this, a storage experiment (4 weeks, 37 °C) was set up with the parallel analysis of both oxidation products (primary and secondary) and carotenoids of two aqueous model systems of different (promising) microalgae (Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum). The results showed a clear difference in oxidative stability despite both microalgae containing endogenous carotenoids: Nannochloropsis led to oxidatively unstable and Phaeodactylum to oxidatively stable products. This was clearly confirmed by the analysis of n-3LC-PUFA throughout storage which showed a breakdown of half of the n-3LC-PUFA for Nannochloropsis. All carotenoids (violaxanthin, zeaxanthin and ß-carotene for Nannochloropsis, and fucoxanthin and ß-carotene for Phaeodactylum) acted as an antioxidant as shown by their degradation throughout storage, but the difference in oxidative stability pointed out an impact of carotenoid content and (possibly) type. The presence of a sufficient amount of carotenoids seems to be an important factor for perceiving oxidative stability. Phaeodactylum has shown to be more potent for food enrichment.

Bean softening during hydrothermal processing is greatly limited by pectin solubilization rather than protein denaturation or starch gelatinization.

The rate liming step of bean softening during cooking was evaluated. Red kidney beans (fresh/non-aged and aged) were cooked at different temperatures (70-95 °C) and their texture evolution established. Softening of beans (loss of hard texture) with cooking and increasing cooking temperature was evident at ≥ 80 °C more so for non-aged than aged beans, evidencing hard-to-cook development during storage. Beans at each cooking time and temperature were subsequently classified into narrow texture ranges and bean cotyledons in the most frequent texture class evaluated for the extent of starch gelatinization, protein denaturation and pectin solubilization. During cooking, starch gelatinization was shown to precede pectin solubilization and protein denaturation, with these reactions progressing faster and to a greater extent with increasing cooking temperature. At 95 °C for instance (practical bean processing temperature), complete starch gelatinization and protein denaturation is attained earlier (∼10 and 60 min cooking, respectively and at comparable time moments for both non-aged and aged beans) than plateau bean texture (∼120 and 270 min for non-aged and aged beans)/plateau pectin solubilization. The extent of pectin solubilization in the cotyledons was consequently most correlated (negatively, r = 0.95) with and plays the most significant role (P < 0.0001) in directing the relative texture of beans during cooking. Ageing was shown to significantly retard bean softening. Protein denaturation plays a less significant role (P = 0.007) while the contribution of starch gelatinization is insignificant (P = 0.181). Thermo-solubilization of pectin in bean cotyledons is therefore the rate limiting step of bean softening towards attaining a palatable texture during cooking.

Experimental Evolution Reveals a Novel Ene Reductase That Detoxifies α,ß-Unsaturated Aldehydes in Listeria monocytogenes.

The plant essential oil component trans-cinnamaldehyde (t-CIN) exhibits antibacterial activity against a broad range of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, including L. monocytogenes, but its mode of action is not fully understood. In this study, several independent mutants of L. monocytogenes with increased t-CIN tolerance were obtained via experimental evolution. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed single-nucleotide-variation mutations in the yhfK gene, encoding an oxidoreductase of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases superfamily, in each mutant. The deletion of yhfK conferred increased sensitivity to t-CIN and several other α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes, including trans-2-hexenal, citral, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. The t-CIN tolerance of the deletion mutant was restored via genetic complementation with yhfK. Based on a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the culture supernatants, it is proposed that YhfK is an ene reductase that converts t-CIN to 3-phenylpropanal by reducing the C=C double bond of the α,ß-unsaturated aldehyde moiety. YhfK homologs are widely distributed in Bacteria, and the deletion of the corresponding homolog in Bacillus subtilis also caused increased sensitivity to t-CIN and trans-2-hexenal, suggesting that this protein may have a conserved function to protect bacteria against toxic α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes in their environments. IMPORTANCE While bacterial resistance against clinically used antibiotics has been well studied, less is known about resistance against other antimicrobials, such as natural compounds that could replace traditional food preservatives. In this work, we report that the food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can rapidly develop an elevated tolerance against t-cinnamaldehyde, a natural antimicrobial from cinnamon, by single base pair changes in the yhfK gene. The enzyme encoded by this gene is an oxidoreductase, but its substrates and precise role were hitherto unknown. We demonstrate that the enzyme reduces the double bond in t-cinnamaldehyde and thereby abolishes its antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the mutations linked to t-CIN tolerance increased bacterial sensitivity to a related compound, suggesting that they modify the substrate specificity of the enzyme. Since the family of oxidoreductases to which YhfK belongs is of great interest in the mediation of stereospecific reactions in biocatalysis, our work may also have unanticipated application potential in this field.

Phytate and mineral profile evolutions to explain the textural hardening of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during postharvest storage and soaking: Insights obtained through a texture-based classification approach.

During adverse postharvest storage of Red haricot beans, the inositol phosphate content, particularly InsP6, decreased significantly, along with a significant increase in InsP5. Using a texture-based classification approach, the InsP6 content in cotyledons was shown an indicator for the extent of hard-to-cook (HTC) development during bean aging. This textural defect development was predominated by storage-induced InsP6 degradation, rather than phytate interconversions during soaking. Ca cations, released during storage, did not leach out significantly during subsequent soaking, suggesting that they were bound with the cell wall pectin in cotyledons, while Mg cations were mostly leached out into the soaking water due to their weak binding capacity to the pectin, and the cell membrane damages developed during HTC. Results obtained herein provide evidence for the pectin-cation-phytate mechanism in textural hardening (and its distribution after cooking) of common beans, and call for a more detailed Ca-relocation study during postharvest storage, soaking and cooking.