Impact of ultrasonication applications on color profile of foods.

Food color is a feature that provides preliminary information about their preference or consumption. There are dominant pigments that determine the color of each food; the most important pigments are anthocyanins (red-purple color), chlorophylls (green color), carotenoids (yellow-orange color), and betalains (red color). These pigments can be easily affected by temperature, light, oxygen, or pH, thereby altering their properties. Therefore, while processing, it is necessary to prevent the deterioration of these pigments to the maximum possible extent. Ultrasonication, which is one of the emerging non-thermal methods, has multidimensional applications in the food industry. The present review collates information on various aspects of ultrasonication technology, its mechanism of action, influencing factors, and the competence of different ultrasonication applications (drying, irradiation, extraction, pasteurization, cooking, tempering, etc.) in preserving the color of food. It was concluded that ultrasonication treatments provide low-temperature processing at a short time, which positively influences the color properties. However, selecting optimum ultrasonic processing conditions (frequency, power, time, etc.) is crucial for each food to obtain the best color. The key challenges and limitations of the technique and possible future applications are also covered in the paper, serving as a touchstone for further research in this area.

Impact of different microwave treatments on food texture.

Electromagnetic waves are frequently used for food processing with commercial or domestic type microwave ovens at present. Microwaves cause molecular movement by the migration of ionic particles or rotation of dipolar particles. Considering the potential applications of microwave technique in food industry, it is seen that microwaves have many advantages such as saving time, better final product quality (more taste, color, and nutritional value), and rapid heat generation. Although microwave treatment used for food processing with developing technologies have a positive effect in terms of time, energy, or nutrient value, it is also very important to what extent they affect the textural properties of the food that they apply to. For this purpose, in this study, it has been investigated that the effects of commonly used microwave treatments such as drying, heating, baking, cooking, thawing, toasting, blanching, frying, and sterilization on the textural properties of food. In addition, this study has also covered the challenges of microwave treatments and future work. In conclusion, microwave treatments cause energy saving due to a short processing time. Therefore, it can be said that it affects the textural properties positively. However, it is important that the microwave processing conditions used are chosen appropriately for each food material.

Usability of microfluidized flaxseed as a functional additive in bread.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and dietary fiber. However, it also contains phytic acid, which inhibits mineral absorption and has the potential to adversely affect the properties of bread. Microfluidization prevents these negative effects, reduces the amount of phytic acid, and improves functional properties. In this study, the possibility of using full-fat and defatted flaxseed flours as well as microfluidized flaxseed flours in bread formulation was investigated. For this purpose, crude and microfluidized flaxseed flours were added to the bread in different proportions (0, 25, 50, and 75 g kg-1 ), and the effects of the partial replacement of wheat flour with flaxseed flours on the functional, quality, and sensory properties of breads were analyzed. The effects of the microfluidization process on the antioxidant properties, phenolic, dietary fiber, and phytic acid content of flaxseed were also observed. RESULT: Flaxseed flours increased the dietary fiber, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities of breads. The crumb color became darker with increasing level of flaxseed flours, and their addition also detrimentally affected the sensory properties of breads. It was seen that the microfluidization process has beneficial effects on functional properties of full-fat and defatted flaxseed flours, as well as on their quality characteristics. CONCLUSION: The study showed that flaxseed flour is a rich source of functional compounds, and it is even possible to further improve these functional properties with microfluidization treatment. Microfluidized flaxseed flour can also be used as a promising alternative functional food to enrich breads. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.