Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind flour: Development and characterization of a novel watermelon byproduct.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a fruit widely consumed by the Brazilian population; however, its rind is usually discarded, despite its nutritional value. This work aimed to develop a watermelon rind flour (WRF) and a fiber-rich bread. The WRF was submitted to microbiological analysis, proximate composition, antioxidant activity, and a profile of phenolic compounds. Six types of bread were developed: three using WRF (20%, 30%, and 40% of wheat flour replacement) and three control samples (only wheat flour), which were submitted to the same analysis, in addition to colorimetric properties, instrumental texture profile, and sensory evaluation (check-all-that-apply, purchase intent, and acceptance test). A high fiber content was observed in WRF (27.15%). The total concentration of phenolic compounds was 2.38 ± 0.20 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g and benzoic acid was the main compound found (73.50 mg/100 g WRF). The results of the antioxidant capacity through the DPPH method indicated a 30% reduction. The WRF 40% bread had 3.06 g of insoluble fiber, characterizing itself as a source of fiber. In the instrumental texture analysis, it was observed that bread hardness increased significantly as the WRF content increased. The formulation of the bread containing WRF is an alternative for the use of waste, favoring the development of a fiber-source product, with a functional food claim.

Inclusion complexes of yellow bell pepper pigments with ß-cyclodextrin: preparation, characterisation and application as food natural colorant.

BACKGROUND: This work aimed to prepare inclusion complexes using yellow bell pepper pigments and ß-cyclodextrin by two different procedures (method A, ultrasonic homogenisation; method B, kneading), to characterise them and evaluate their colour stability in an isotonic beverage model. The extract/ß-cyclodextrin ratio was 1:2 for both inclusion methodologies evaluated. The formed extract-ß-cyclodextrin complexes and a physical mixture of extract and ß-cyclodextrin were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). RESULTS: Both methodologies resulted in good complex yield and inclusion efficiency. The colour indices L* (lightness), a* (green/red) and b* (blue/yellow) of isotonic drinks added with the complexes were measured during storage under irradiance (1400 lx) and in the absence of light at temperatures between 25 and 31 °C for 21 days. CONCLUSION: The complex obtained by inclusion method B promoted better colour protection for the beverage compared with the use of the crude extract, showing that the molecular inclusion of yellow bell pepper carotenoids can provide good results for that purpose. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Foam mat drying of Tommy Atkins mango: Effects of air temperature and concentrations of soy lecithin and carboxymethylcellulose on phenolic composition, mangiferin, and antioxidant capacity.

In this study, foam mat drying was applied to Tommy Atkins mango. Using a multifactorial design, the effect of soy lecithin (L) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) used as foam stabilizers (0-1.50g/100g), as well as temperature (T) (53-87°C), on phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of mango were evaluated. Mango pulp contains antioxidant, such as mangiferin, that can be utilized in foods to enhance their functional properties. Our results indicated that L and T had negative effects (p<0.05) on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, whereas CMC had a positive effect (p<0.05). Increasing the total amount of phenolic compounds present in dried mango contributed to the higher antioxidant capacity after the drying process. This study concluded that a drying T of 80°C, and a concentration of 0.30g/100g of CMC and L are optimal for increased retention of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity.