Influence of process conditions of alkalization on quality of cocoa powder.

In this study, the effects of independent variables such as alkaline (NaOH) salt concentration (3.0-6.0 g/100 mL), alkalization temperature (60-90 °C), and time (20-40 min) on cocoa powder (low-fat) properties were investigated by using Central Composite Design. The physicochemical and color properties of samples, powder characteristics, volatile component profile, total polyphenol content (TPC), as well as antioxidant activity potentials using different methods (DPPH and ABTS) were determined. Significant models were identified for the effects on major alkalization indicators (L*, a*/b*, pH), as well as TPC and antioxidant activity potential (DPPH), which are the main motivators for the preference and consumption of cocoa products (p < 0.05). The established model was validated, and their predicted values were found to be very close to real results. It was determined that the alkali concentration had a more significant effect on dependent variables, especially on alkalization indicators, compared to the other independent variables. Furthermore, strong correlations were determined between TPC and antioxidant activity potential and color properties (L*, a*, b*, and a*/b*). Optimum concentration, temperature and time were found to be 5.3 %, 84 °C and 35.7 min for maximizing a*/b* value. The establishment of such models lead to optimizing process conditions of alkalization with minimum effort and labor force for obtaining cocoa powder with desired quality depending on the usage purpose.

Structural Characterization, Technofunctional and Rheological Properties of Sesame Proteins Treated by High-Intensity Ultrasound.

Plant-derived proteins, such as those from sesame seeds, have the potential to be used as versatile food ingredients. End-use functionality can be further improved by high-intensity ultrasound treatments. The effects of high-intensity ultrasound on the properties of sesame protein isolates from cold-pressed sesame cake were evaluated. The SDS-PAGE demonstrated no significant changes in the molecular weight of proteins. Ultrasound treatments resulted in decreased particle size with a more uniform distribution, resulting in the exposure of hydrophobicity and free -SH groups and increased zeta potential. Although FTIR spectra of proteins were similar after ultrasonication, a partial increase in the intensity of the amide A band was observed. The ultrasound significantly (p < 0.05) affected the secondary structure of proteins. While optical micrographics revealed a dispersed structure with smaller particles after treatments, microstructural observations indicated more rough and irregular surfaces. Water solubility was improved to 80.73% in the sample subjected to 6 min of ultrasonication. Sesame protein solutions treated for 4 and 6 min exhibited viscoelastic structure (storage modulus (G') > loss modulus (G'')). In addition, the gelation temperature of proteins decreased to about 60-65 °C with increasing treatment time. Overall, ultrasound is a useful technique for the modification of sesame protein isolates.

Effect of cold-pressed hazelnut cake incorporation on the quality characteristic of meat emulsion system and its potential application for frankfurter-type beef sausages.

This research was performed to investigate the effect of hazelnut cake (HC) as a cold press waste product on the physicochemical and textural properties of the frankfurter-type sausages during cold storage. According to the highest emulsion capacity (174.14 mL oil/g), emulsion stability (79.86%), and optimum rheological results obtained in emulsions, 1% HC concentration was selected for the utilization in the sausage formulation. HC added sausage was compared with the control sample at 4°C for 60 days of storage. HC addition increased the hardness and chewiness properties and decreased weight loss of sausages during storage. The incorporation of HC in formulation slowed down the increase in malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes concentrations after the 15th day of storage compared to the control sausages. The results demonstrated that HC presented a good opportunity for protecting the quality parameters of emulsified meat products during storage.

Potential Use of High Pressure Homogenized Hazelnut Beverage for a Functional Yoghurt-Like Product.

Hazelnut beverage is a plant-based beverage produced from hazelnut cake as a by-product obtained after cold press extraction. It has high nutritional value and a significant percentage of consumers show interest in it due to its health benefits. In this study, hazelnut beverage manufactured from by-products of hazelnut oil industry was incorporated into functional yoghurt production. Five formulations (ratio of 1/0, 3/1, 2/1, 1/1, 0/1, v/v, cow milk/hazelnut beverage) of yoghurt-like products were prepared to indicate the storage period of the samples and the analysis performed. For yoghurt production, hazelnut beverage and cows' milk were standardized to 14.5 g 100 g-1 with skimmed milk powder. The use of hazelnut beverage in yoghurt production negatively affected L. bulgaricus counts. Water holding capacity and viscosity values were improved by using hazelnut beverage. Increasing hazelnut beverage concentration led to an increase in the total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, malic acid levels and also unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acid. Using the ratio of 3/1 was found the best in view of appearance, flavor and overall acceptability. Based on the structural, rheological and sensorial properties, this study could guide the dairy industry to use hazelnut beverage obtained from hazelnut cake.

Effect of different encapsulating agent combinations on viability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota during storage, in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and dairy dessert.

In this study, the effects of various matrices consisting of maltodextrin and reconstitute skim milk and their binary and ternary mixtures with gum Arabic in the microencapsulation of Lactobacillus casei Shirota by freeze-drying technique were assessed. Microcapsules produced with reconstitute skim milk showed high viability (>99%) after freeze drying. While the free cells were completely inactivated after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the survival rates of microencapsulated L. casei Shirota were found high for all microcapsules except for maltodextrin and maltodextrin:gum Arabic formulas. The viability of microencapsulated L. casei Shirota during storage at refrigerate and room temperatures decreased between 0.39 and 2.43 log cycles and microcapsules produced with reconstitute skim milk:gum Arabic was found more durable at the both storage conditions. Reduction in the number of free cells was higher than encapsulated L. casei Shirota numbers during production of dessert, however the viability of encapsulated L. casei Shirota was found stable for 14 days of storage and consequently desserts containing encapsulated L. casei Shirota (except maltodextrin) showed stable pH values. This study revealed that combination of reconstitute skim milk:gum Arabic was an effective wall matrix for microencapsulation of L. casei Shirota by freeze drying and also very resistant against gastrointestinal fluids and storage conditions in view of protection of L. casei Shirota.

Different stress tolerance of spray and freeze dried Lactobacillus casei Shirota microcapsules with different encapsulating agents.

In this study, the effects of encapsulation with maltodextrin and reconstituted skim milk (RSM) and their binary and ternary blends with gum arabic (GA) by spray and freeze drying methods on viability of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota under different stress conditions were evaluated. All microcapsules showed high survival ratios (7.91-9.37 log cfu/g) after microencapsulation. The viability of microencapsulated cells was significantly higher than free cells when exposed to stress conditions. Spray dried microcapsules exposed to low pH showed small decrease in the viability of cells compared to freeze dried microcapsules, but freeze drying microcapsules showed higher protective effect at 85 and 90 °C. After exposure to 3% bile salt, almost 2.5 log decreases in the encapsulated cell counts were determined for both methods. The results indicated that using RSM:GA mixture as an encapsulating agent showed the higher cell protection against high temperature, acidic pH and bile salts.

Influence of thermosonication (TS) process on the quality parameters of high pressure homogenized hazelnut milk from hazelnut oil by-products.

Hazelnut, an important source of nutrition, is reasonably expensive for hazelnut milk production. Hazelnut cake, a by-product from hazelnut oil production by cold press extraction technique, does not contain any chemical residue and can be used for hazelnut beverage production. This study investigates the effects of thermosonication process on the quality parameters of hazelnut milks and also compares the observed results with the conventional thermal process. Different thermosonication conditions at different amplitude levels (40 and 60% amplitudes for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min and 80% amplitude for 3, 5, 10 and 15 min) were studied for physicochemical and rheological properties, as well as microbial inactivation and bioactive compounds of hazelnut milk produced from the cold pressed hazelnut cake as byproduct of oil production. In general, sonication process significantly improved the total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, appearance and structural properties like syneresis, sedimentation, viscosity and consistency of samples. The application of thermosonication at 60% amplitude for 25 min and 80% amplitude for 15 min achieved complete inactivation of microorganisms (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast-mould). Complete inactivation of microorganisms was also achieved by conventional pasteurization at 85 °C, but this treatment caused some undesirable changes such as loses of bioactive compounds and deterioration of structural properties. The findings of the present study indicate that thermosonication can be successfully utilized for commercial processing of hazelnut milk with improved quality. This technique allows the production of hazelnut milks in safety and quality standards with highly nutritious then the conventional product.

Application of multi pass high pressure homogenization to improve stability, physical and bioactive properties of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) nectar.

The effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) on physical and bioactive properties of rosehip nectar was investigated. Rosehip nectar has a sedimentation problem while waiting on the market shelf during the sale, for solving this problem, nectars were passed 1, 2 and 3 times through 75, 100 and 125 MPa pressures. Mean particle size decreased as pressure and pass number increased (p < 0.05), whereas zeta potential did not change (p > 0.05). Microstructural images revealed that HPH treatment disrupted the cells and caused to release of cell materials to serum. HPH treatment increased the ΔE values (from 2.48 to 6.03). HPH treated samples showed no sedimentation during storage for 15 days. All samples showed shear thinning behavior and were characterized as weak gel network (G' > G″). Total phenolic content and ascorbic acid results were decreased by HPH treatments due to increasing outlet temperatures of product, however, antioxidant capacity of nectars increased after treatment due to increasing total carotenoid content. This study indicated that HPH treatment could solve the sedimentation problem during shelf life with minimally affecting bioactive and physical properties of rosehip nectar.

Effect of ultrasound treatment on the properties of nano-emulsion films obtained from hazelnut meal protein and clove essential oil.

Hazelnut meal protein (4% (w/v)) and clove essential oil (CEO) (3% (v/v)) were homogenized with ultrasound (US) at different times (2, 4 and 6 min) and amplitudes (50, 75 and 100%) to obtain nano-emulsion films. Film forming nano-emulsions (FFNs) were analyzed for average particle size (Dz) and zeta potential, and edible film characterization were evaluated depending on US treatment, as well as antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Dz values and zeta potential of FFNs decreased with increasing acoustic energy delivered to nano-emulsion system. Thickness and water solubility of films significantly decreased with increasing US treatment. Films became more transparent depending on US treatment probably due to particle size reduction. Tensile strength (TS) of films significantly increased with US treatment, while elongation at break (EAB) slightly increased. Microstructure of films became more homogeneous after US treatment and caused to lower water vapor permeability. Enrichment with CEO has given the films antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes, B. subtilis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli, and antioxidant activity, and US application has improved these activities. US technology can be used to improve mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties of hazelnut meal protein based edible films enriched with CEO.