Semisynthesis of Betaxanthins from Purified Betacyanin of Opuntia dillenii sp.: Color Stability and Antiradical Capacity.

The availability of pure individual betalains in sufficient quantities which permit deeper understanding is still a challenge. This study investigates the high-yielding semisynthesis of betaxanthins using betalamic acid from a natural source (Opuntia dillenii), followed by condensation with ʟ-amino acids and further purification. Moreover, the color stability of the four synthesized individual betaxanthins, namely proline (ʟ-ProBX), alanine (ʟ-AlaBX), leucine (ʟ-LeuBX), and phenylalanine (ʟ-PheBX) betaxanthins, was investigated at different pHs. Their relative contribution to free radical scavenging was also scrutinized by TEAC and DPPH. ʟ-AlaBX and ʟ-LeuBx showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, whereas ʟ-ProBX was the most resistant to the hydrolysis of betaxanthin and hence the least susceptible to color change. The color stability was strongly influenced by pH, with the color of ʟ-ProBX, ʟ-LeuBX, and ʟ-AlaBX at pH 6 being more stable, probably due to the easier hydrolysis under acid conditions. The semisynthesis and purification allowed us to have available remarkable quantities of pure individual betaxanthins of Opuntia dillenii for the first time, and to establish their color properties and antioxidant capacity. This study could be a step forward in the development of the best natural food colorant formulation, based on the betalain structure, which is of special interest in food technology.

Revalorization of Colombian purple corn Zea mays L. by-products using two-step column chromatography.

Colombian purple corn Zea mays L. by-products have been chemically characterized. To achieve this, after Amberlite XAD-7 purification and Sephadex LH-20 fractionation, the accurate anthocyanin and flavonol profile using UHPL-DAD-ESI-MS, total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), polyphenols using Folin-Ciocalteau reduction capacity (FCRC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and TEAC) of each fraction were performed. Cob and leaves illustrated a more complete flavonoid profile and a higher content of anthocyanins and flavonols, strongly related to the highest reducing power and radical scavenging activity compared to grains. Furthermore, the most antioxidant fractions corresponded to the higher molecular weight compounds. The cob and leaves were enriched in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-malonyl-hexoside, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-(6''-malonyl-glucoside). The purification and fractionation allowed us to establish the chemical and antioxidant characterization, and the resulting revalorization, of purple corn by-products for the first time, and to have available pure fractions of Zea mays L. for a wide diversity of industries.

Optimisation of the methodology for obtaining enzymatic protein hydrolysates from an industrial grape seed meal residue.

The grape pomace industry produces large quantities of protein-rich seeds, which can be a sustainable non-animal protein source; their techno-functional properties could be exploited to improve the colour stabilisation and modulating the astringency of red wines in warm climates. This study aims to optimise the methodology of obtaining protein hydrolysates from defatted grape seed meal residue. Five assays using different quantities of enzyme and raw materials were considered. Based on the protein purity, hydrolysates yield, colour and molecular weight distribution achieved, optimal conditions were the hydrolysis of the alkaline protein concentrate with the highest amount of enzyme. The products obtained showed the lowest colour parameters, with the lightness contributing the most to the colour differences, which were visually perceptible (ΔE*ab > 3). The hydrophobic amino acids remained within the peptide sequence, leaving polar and charged amino acids in terminal positions, which could affect the wine equilibrium related to colour stabilisation.

Assessment of Sensory and Texture Profiles of Grape Seeds at Real Maturity Stages Using Image Analysis.

The usefulness of digital image analysis in estimating sensory attributes of grape seeds in relation to maturation level was evaluated for the first time. Seeds from Syrah grapes harvested throughout the ripening period were grouped according to maturity using the DigiEye® system. The discriminant ability, homogeneity, repeatability, and uniformity of a sensory panel were assessed after training on grape seeds. The aim was to evaluate the use of digital image techniques in order to accurately establish the maturity level of grape seeds, based on sensory and textural features. All sensory attributes (color, hardness, cracking, vegetal, bitterness and astringency) showed significant (p < 0.05) correlations with the chemical maturity stage. Color and vegetal (sensory attributes), together with deformation energy (instrumental texture parameter) (De), allowed for the classification of the seeds into four real maturity stages, hence their usefulness as grape seed ripening indicators. Significant (p < 0.05) and high-correlation factors were also found between instrumental and sensory attributes. Therefore, digital analysis can be a useful tool to better define the maturity stage in the vineyard, and to dispose of grape seeds with well-defined sensory profiles for specific oenological applications. This could help to determine the optimal harvest date to manage winemaking, in order to produce high quality wines in warm climates.

Identification of New Betalains in Separated Betacyanin and Betaxanthin Fractions from Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS.

An improved methodology of achieving an accurate separation of pure fractions of betacyanins and betaxanthins from Ullucus tuberosus Caldas has been carried out. For that purpose, an in-depth chemical identification of each betalain fraction using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS was developed. This procedure allowed to evaluate the fractionation efficiency and also identify a large number of betalains, most of which have not been described so far in this raw material: betanidin- and isobetanidin-5-O-(4'-O-malonyl-ß-glucoside), 2-decarboxy-phyllocactin, betanidin- and isobetanidin-6-O-(6'-O-feruloyl)-ß-glucoside (gomphrenin and isogomphrenin III), dehydro-phyllocactin and isophyllocactin, and arginine and glycine-betaxanthins (portulacaxanthin III). Moreover, the availability of pure betalain fractions by the proposed methodology permitted to establish the total betalain content and the antioxidant activity of both separated betacyanin and betaxanthin fractions of ulluco for the first time. The results suggest Ullucus tuberosus as an underutilized food bioactive source with a high concentration of total betaxanthins (21.8 µg indicaxanthin/g fresh ulluco) and betacyanins (44.5 µg betanin/g fresh ulluco), strongly correlated to the Folin-Ciocalteau reduction capacity.

Implications of the Red Beet Ripening on the Colour and Betalain Composition Relationships.

The evolution during ripening of Beta vulgaris (var. Pablo) on colour and betalain composition, not previously conducted in conjunction in red beets, has been examined. According to the results, it could be asserted that the ripening stage significantly (p < 0.05) influenced on all the studied parameters. On the basis of the betalain content, the optimum ripening stage corresponded to a medium weigh-to-calibre ratio, in the light of the significantly (p < 0.05) higher content of betalains, especially betanin and vulgaxanthin I. Moreover, colour attributes also differed during ripening, having the medium-ripened beetroots a significantly (p < 0.05) more reddish hue (hab) and lower lightness (L*), probably due to the higher content of betaxanthins in this stage. The colour differences among red beets in the stage II and the rest of stages were visually appreciable (ΔE*ab > 3) and mainly qualitative. A new range of opportunities for diversification of colorant market, from a nutritional and colorimetric point of view, could be possible by employing red beets with different stages of ripening.

Location effects on the polyphenolic and polysaccharidic profiles and colour of Carignan grape variety wines from the Chilean Maule region.

This paper reports on a study of chemical characterization and colour parameters of cv. Carignan red wines from six locations and two production years of the Chilean Maule valley. The chemical study was performed on polyphenolic composition (benzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, stilbenes, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and anthocyanins) and several fractions of proanthocyanidins and polysaccharides. Results revealed that although significantly (p < 0.05) different content of anthocyanins were observed according to the production year, it could be possible to establish fingerprints of the different locations of the Maule valley wines. Thus, wines from zones closer to the Andes Mountains had higher content of procyanidin B3 (Caliboro), polysaccharides and cis-resveratrol-glucoside (Loncomilla and Melozal), whereas the proximity to the Pacific Ocean provoked a unifying effect in chemical and colorimetric terms (Cauquenes, Sauzal and Huerta del Maule).

Impact of pH and temperature on the colour and betalain content of Colombian yellow pitaya peel (Selenicereus megalanthus).

The effects of different pHs (4, 5 and 6), temperatures (4, 20 and 80 °C) and storage (up to 12 days) on differential tristimulus colorimetry and betalain content related to the colour of yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) have been investigated. The peel of the yellow pitaya was extracted with different solvents to see its colorant capacity. Highly-acidic extracts (pH 4) showed the lowest betalain content, chroma (C* ab = 60 against 70) and the yellow component of the colour (b*). Storage temperature manifested a great influence on CIELAB parameters when yellow pitaya peel was added to highly-acidic foodstuffs, with a tendency towards red hues (h ab , from 100° to 85°) and remarkable changes on lightness (L*, from 90 to 75) as temperature increased. However, low-acidic extracts (pH 5 and 6) were superior from a colour stability standpoint, not being influential the temperature of storage. All colour changes according to pH and temperature were visually appreciable by human eyes (∆E* ab  > 3). New opportunities for diversification of colorant market could be possible by employing yellow pitaya peel as natural resource.

Pre-fermentative addition of an enzymatic grape seed hydrolysate in warm climate winemaking. Effect on the differential colorimetry, copigmentation and polyphenolic profiles.

The effect of adding an enzymatic hydrolysate of grape seeds (EH-GS) during Syrah wine fermentation in a warm climate has been evaluated. We focused on the polyphenolic composition as well as the application of differential and tristimulus colorimetry to colour data. This is the first attempt at using this oenological alternative to avoid common colour losses of red wines elaborated in a warm climate. The addition of 250g (simple dose, SW) of EH-GS to 120kg of fermentation material promoted a significant (p<0.05) increase in the polyphenolic content of stored wines, especially in benzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, flavonol and anthocyanin levels. This increase could promote a higher copigmentation percentage and maximum colour stabilization (C(∗)ab) without significantly changing the wine tonality. Unexpectedly, the use of a double quantity (DW) of EH-GS resulted in significantly less chroma than for control wines (CW), demonstrating visually perceptible colour changes (ΔE(∗)ab>3 CIELAB units).

Novel vinegar-derived product enriched with dietary fiber: effect on polyphenolic profile, volatile composition and sensory analysis.

Dietary fiber derived from citrus fruits was added to vinegar. Different sources and quantities of fiber and storage conditions have been scrutinized. Formulated vinegars were evaluated on the basis of their phenolic profile, volatile composition and sensory analysis. The addition of citrus fiber enhanced the phenolic and volatile profile of the resulted vinegars. Whereas lemon fiber contributed mostly to the enrichment of the polyphenolic composition, orange fiber was that which increased in a higher way the volatile composition of the vinegars. Moreover, the content of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and the majority of volatile compounds decreased as the dose of fiber increased. Furthermore, the judges preferred fiber-enriched vinegars, but in different quantities depending of the fiber source. This preference was mainly based on citric attribute, contributing several terpenes and ketones derived from them. The addition of citrus fiber to vinegar did not result in a marked storage-dependence.

Betalain profile, phenolic content, and color characterization of different parts and varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica.

Three different varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica (R, red; Y, yellow; RY, red-yellow) have been considered in this study. Attention was focused on differential tristimulus colorimetry and on the analysis of individual betalains (HPLC-DAD-ESI-ToF-MS) and phenolic content, scarcely previously reported in these kinds of samples. The importance of this research stems from the elucidation of the parts and varieties of cactus pear more optimal for use as natural colorants and sources of phenolics and betalains. Thus, the RY pulp was appropriate to obtain colorants with high color intensity (C*(ab) = 66.5), whereas the whole Y fruit and R pulp reached powerful and stable yellow and red colors, respectively (C*(ab)/h(ab), 57.1/84.7 and 61.1°/81.8°). This choice was also based on the visually appreciable differences (ΔE*(ab) > 5) among samples, mainly quantitative (%Δ(2)L, %Δ(2)C). In addition, seeds of all Opuntia varieties showed significantly (p < 0.05) similar phenolic content (around 23.3 mg/g) and color characteristics.

Impact of adding white pomace to red grapes on the phenolic composition and color stability of Syrah wines from a warm climate.

The influence of the fermentative addition of Pedro Ximenez grape pomace (PXGP, white variety) on the phenolic composition and color of Syrah red wines from a warm climate was studied. Changes on phenolic composition (HPLC), copigmentation/polymerization (spectrophotometry), and color (tristimulus colorimetry) allowed differences among the maceration treatments to be established. PXGP additions at the rates studied increased the extraction of total phenolics, phenolic acids, and monomeric flavanols. However, the effect on the anthocyanins, copigmentation, and polymerization depended on the doses applied, with important consequences on the color. PXGP addition at 10% led to wines with higher polymerization, more stable colors, and bluish hues. in contrast, perceptibly lighter and less intense wines were obtained with PXGP addition at 20%. Thus, the use of white grape byproducts as wine additives at appropriate levels (10% w/w) could improve the phenolic potential of red young wines from a warm climate, contributing to preserve their color characteristic.

Potential use of new Colombian sources of betalains. Color stability of ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus) extracts under different pH and thermal conditions.

The potential use of ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus) extracts to be added as natural colorant to other products has been studied. The stability of ulluco extracts at different pHs and temperatures over time has been thoroughly conducted. Our attention was focused on the tristimulus colorimetry, differential colorimetry and betalains related to color. On the basis of the results, although ulluco extract adjusted to pH4 showed a significantly lower color intensity (C*ab~40), the stability of red hue (hab) over time was higher. Betalain content showed the same trend, and lower values in highly-acidic extracts have been reported. It could be also affirmed that visually appreciable color changes (ΔE*ab>2) were induced when pH changed and different temperatures were applied. Despite of the vivid red color of the initial extracts, ulluco extracts added to low-acidic foodstuffs showed a tendency towards yellowish tonalities (values of hab from 45° to 80°), mitigated by using refrigeration storage conditions (hab values from 45° to 55°).

Application of the differential colorimetry and polyphenolic profile to the evaluation of the chromatic quality of Tempranillo red wines elaborated in warm climate. Influence of the presence of oak wood chips during fermentation.

The effect of adding American oak wood chips during fermentation on Tempranillo red wines elaborates in a warm climate has been studied. Our attention was focused on the tristimulus colorimetry, differential colorimetry and phenolic compounds related to wine colour. This technique was applied as an oenological alternative to the conventional winemaking for avoiding the common fall of colour of red wines elaborated in warm climates. The addition of oak wood chips promoted the colour enhancement and stabilisation, producing wines with a notably darker colour and with more bluish tonality. This fact was also related to the significantly higher content of some phenolic compounds. On the basis of the results, it could be affirmed that the addition of oak wood chips during fermentation induced visually perceptible colour changes (by the analysis of ΔEab(*), %Δ(2)L, %Δ(2)C and %Δ(2)H), mainly in a quantitative way, and also a lower percentage of diminution of colour.

Accelerated aging against conventional storage: effects on the volatile composition of chardonnay white wines.

The effects of time (storage period) and temperature (accelerated aging) on Chardonnay white wines have been evaluated. Attention was focused on a large extent of individual volatile compounds, scarcely previously reported in that kind of wines. On the one hand, several volatile compounds (mainly esters, benzenic compounds, C13 -norisoprenoids, acids, and terpenes) showed the same behavior when temperature and time were applied separately. Therefore, the effect of 1 y of storage could be predicted by temperature application during short time, just analyzing those volatile compounds. Moreover, the formation of some volatile compounds (such as dioxanes, dioxolanes, and 1,2-dihydro-1,1,6-trimethylnaphtalene (TDN)) and the disappearance of some alcohols, terpenes, and furanic compounds occurred in both conventional stored and accelerated-aged wines. On the other hand, wines submitted to high temperature differed from 1-y stored wines on several volatile compounds, such as ß-damascenone, C6 -alcohols, dioxolanes, γ-butyrolactone, and TDN. Therefore, it is possible to assert that the analysis of these compounds could allow checking the possible inadequate handling by employing an excessive temperature.

Development and optimisation by means of sensory analysis of new beverages based on different fruit juices and sherry wine vinegar.

BACKGROUND: Despite the long history of sherry wine vinegar, new alternatives of consumption are being developed, with the aim of diversifying its market. Several new acetic-based fruit juices have been developed by optimising the amount of sherry wine vinegar added to different fruit juices: apple, peach, orange and pineapple. Once the concentrations of wine vinegar were optimised by an expert panel, the aforementioned new acetic fruit juices were tasted by 86 consumers. Three different aspects were taken into account: habits of consumption of vinegar and fruit juices, gender and age. RESULTS: Based on the sensory analysis, 50 g kg(-1) of wine vinegar was the optimal and preferred amount of wine vinegar added to the apple, orange and peach juices, whereas 10 g kg(-1) was the favourite for the pineapple fruit. Based on the olfactory and gustatory impression, and 'purchase intent', the acetic beverages made from peach and pineapple juices were the most appreciated, followed by apple juice, while those obtained from orange juice were the least preferred by consumers. CONCLUSION: New opportunities for diversification of the oenological market could be possible as a result of the development of this type of new product which can be easily developed by any vinegar or fruit juice maker company.

Improvement of Cencibel red wines by oxygen addition after malolactic fermentation: study on color-related phenolics, volatile composition, and sensory characteristics.

The objective of this paper was to check whether a micro-oxygenation technique applied after malolactic fermentation could improve the quality of Cencibel red wines. For that purpose, the color-related phenolics, volatile composition, and sensory characteristics during the micro-oxygenation treatment have been considered. The phenolic compounds more affected by the oxygen addition were hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives [(+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin], flavonols (glycosilated forms), and anthocyanins-related pigments. The fact that the concentration of pyranoanthocyanins and hydroxyphenyl-pyranoanthocyanins was higher in treated red wines is closely related to their color stabilization. As a consequence, higher values of the yellow and red component of the color (b* and a*, respectively) were also observed in micro-oxygenated red wines. Red wine aroma quality was also improved in treated wines. A significant decrease in herbaceous notes, bitterness, acidity, and astringency was found, as well as higher scores of red fruits, plum, liquorice, and spicy attributes in oxygen-added red wines.

Combined effects of prefermentative skin maceration and oxygen addition of must on color-related phenolics, volatile composition, and sensory characteristics of Airén white wine.

The effects of the joint prefermentative maceration and hyperoxygenation of Airén white must and wine on the phenolic content, chromatic characteristics, volatile composition, and sensory characteristics, not previously described in combination, have been evaluated. A total of 20 phenolic and 149 volatile compounds have been identified and quantified for that purpose. As a consequence of the oxygen addition, the concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavan-3-ols decreased (above all t-GRP and (+)-catechin), leading to color stabilization, but also the concentrations of several volatile compounds with a great importance for quality aroma decreased. Prefermentative skin maceration, previously applied to the hyperoxygenation of Airén musts, provided the aforementioned color stabilization in the respective wine but also increased the content of short-chain fatty acid esters and terpenes and decreased the concentration of C(6) alcohols. That combination of prefermentative treatments (skin maceration followed by must hyperoxygenation) produced an improvement of the global impression of the final wine based on significantly better scores of tropical fruit, body, and herbaceous notes.

Hyperoxygenation and bottle storage of Chardonnay white wines: effects on color-related phenolics, volatile composition, and sensory characteristics.

The effects of hyperoxygenation on Chardonnay white musts and the influence of subsequent storage on the corresponding wines have been evaluated. Attention was focused on the color characteristics, phenolic and volatile composition, and sensorial analysis, not previously reported in conjunction. On the one hand, the hyperoxygenation treatment provoked a significant decrease in the concentration of virtually all phenolic compounds in musts, young wines, and one-year-stored wines. In addition, a higher resistance to browning was observed in stored wines derived from hyperoxygenated musts. Different storage conditions (light and dark) produced significant differences in the 2-S-glutathionylcaftaric acid derivatives amounts. On the other hand, significant differences were observed in the volatile composition of wines due to the hyperoxygenation treatment, such as a decrease in the isoamylic alcohols concentration, acetaldehyde, and ß-damascenone, even after storage under different conditions. Finally, Chardonnay white wines derived from hyperoxygenated musts had higher banana odor and lower herbaceous and flowery notes.