FT-Raman Methodology Applied to Study the Effect of Time and Type of Seasoning in the Crafting of Sherry Casks® Used in the Aging of Brandy De Jerez.

Brandy de Jerez is a grape-derived spirit produced in Southern Spain with specific characteristics that come from the casks where it is produced, which must have previously contained some type of Sherry wine for at least 12 months. These casks are known as Sherry Cask®. In this work, Brandies de Jerez aged for different aging times (0, 3, 6 and 12 months) in casks seasoned with three different types of Sherry wines (Fino, Oloroso and Amontillado) have been studied. The samples have been analyzed using FT-Raman spectroscopy, and their chemical characterization has also been realized by studying their total content of organic acid, volatile compounds, and phenolic and furanic compounds. Their chemical study showed that the main differences between the studied samples were due to the duration and the type of seasoning performed. However, the spectra obtained through FT-Raman presented noticeable differences according to cask seasoning time and the Sherry wine used for the process. A PCA (Principal Component Analysis) confirmed that the Brandies de Jerez presented significant differences depending on the seasoning time and type that the casks were subjected to. A PLS-R (Partial Least Squares Regression) study enabled establishing a close correlation between specific regions of the FT-Raman spectra and cask seasoning time.

PLS-R Calibration Models for Wine Spirit Volatile Phenols Prediction by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopic (NIR) technique was used, for the first time, to predict volatile phenols content, namely guaiacol, 4-methyl-guaiacol, eugenol, syringol, 4-methyl-syringol and 4-allyl-syringol, of aged wine spirits (AWS). This study aimed to develop calibration models for the volatile phenol's quantification in AWS, by NIR, faster and without sample preparation. Partial least square regression (PLS-R) models were developed with NIR spectra in the near-IR region (12,500-4000 cm-1) and those obtained from GC-FID quantification after liquid-liquid extraction. In the PLS-R developed method, cross-validation with 50% of the samples along a validation test set with 50% of the remaining samples. The final calibration was performed with 100% of the data. PLS-R models with a good accuracy were obtained for guaiacol (r2 = 96.34; RPD = 5.23), 4-methyl-guaiacol (r2 = 96.1; RPD = 5.07), eugenol (r2 = 96.06; RPD = 5.04), syringol (r2 = 97.32; RPD = 6.11), 4-methyl-syringol (r2 = 95.79; RPD = 4.88) and 4-allyl-syringol (r2 = 95.97; RPD = 4.98). These results reveal that NIR is a valuable technique for the quality control of wine spirits and to predict the volatile phenols content, which contributes to the sensory quality of the spirit beverages.

Influence of the Storage in Bottle on the Antioxidant Activities and Related Chemical Characteristics of Wine Spirits Aged with Chestnut Staves and Micro-Oxygenation.

Different ageing technology of wine spirits (WSs) has been investigated, but little has been published on the chemical evolution of aged WS during storage in bottle. The purpose of this study was to examine how 12 months of storage in bottle affected the evolution of antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays), total phenolic index (TPI) and low molecular weight (LMW) compounds content of the WSs aged through alternative technology using three micro-oxygenation levels (MOX) and nitrogen control (N). Results revealed the ability of phenolic compounds from aged WSs to scavenge free radicals during storage in bottle. Among the in vitro antioxidant-activity methods, FRAP assay was the more effective to differentiate WSs according to the ageing technology. Concerning the overall influence of storage in bottle on antioxidant activity, and TPI and LMW compounds content, the higher results were obtained for the MOX modalities (O15, O30 and O60), which showed a similar evolution. In summary, this study provides innovative information, demonstrating that the differences between the aged WSs imparted throughout the ageing process (resulting from different MOX levels) were mostly retained, and only slight modifications during storage in bottle were found.

Behaviour of Low Molecular Weight Compounds, Iron and Copper of Wine Spirit Aged with Chestnut Staves under Different Levels of Micro-Oxygenation.

Alternative technologies for a more sustainable wine spirits' ageing have been studied but a lack of knowledge on the effect of oxygenation level remains. This work examined the behaviour of low molecular weight compounds, iron and copper of a wine spirit aged in 50 L demijohns with chestnut wood staves combined with three levels of micro-oxygenation or nitrogen. Compounds and mineral elements were quantified by HPLC and FAAS, respectively, in samples collected at 8, 21, 60, 180, 270 and 365 days of ageing. Results showed that most of the compounds underwent significant changes in their content over time and behave differently depending on the wine spirit's oxygenation level: higher contents of gallic acid, syringic acid and vanillin were associated with lower micro-oxygenation level while higher contents of ellagic acid, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde resulted from higher one; lowest contents of these compounds were found in the nitrogen modality. Weak correlation between copper and the studied compounds was evidenced whereas closer relationship between iron, vanillin, gallic, syringic and ellagic acids at end of ageing was observed. This study provides innovative information on the role of oxygen in wine spirit's ageing, and on chestnut wood effect on wine spirit's mineral composition.

Effect of extreme heat processing on the Moroccan Zantaz' honey antioxidant activities.

The effect of an extreme heat processing on Zantaz honey samples was studied using a panel of physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activities and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Honey samples were heated at 121 °C for 30 min and the heat processing effect was confirmed indirectly through the assessment of hydroxymethylfurfural content, for which the values increased significantly (p < 0.01), and diastase activity, which was totally absent after the thermal processing. Besides, the effects of the heat on the antioxidant activities were diverse. Indeed, while the ability to scavenge 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid cation radicals (ABTS·+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals was enhanced (p < 0.05 only for ABTS·+), after the heat processing, nitric oxide radicals scavenging activity was reduced drastically (p < 0.01). Regarding the chelating power, it was totally abolished following heating. Other activities showed no significant alteration. The initial values of antioxidant activities seem to be determinant in the changes occurring after the heat processing. Amongst the analysed parameters, following the heat processing, the honey colour was the variable where the influence of baseline values was the greatest. The spectral analyses confirmed that FTIR-ATR is a useful technique to discriminate the chemical differences occurring in honey after heat processing.

Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Ligustrum lucidum Aiton Berries.

Ligustrum lucidum Aiton and its berries have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for around two thousand years. In the present study, L. lucidium berries harvested in two regions of Portugal were studied. Haemolytic activity and inhibition of oxidative haemolysis as well as the enzyme inhibitory activities (α-amylase enzyme and acetylcholinesterase) were assessed. Results suggest that the different biological activities varied according to the region where samples were collected. Results demonstrated that the sample obtained from region R1 was the most efficient extract for all parameters evaluated, presenting the lowest values of IC50, 10.67 ± 0.46 µg/mL for the inhibition of erythrocyte oxidative haemolysis, 58.28 ± 3.77 µg/mL for the α-amylase enzyme and 67.67 ± 2.10 µg/mL for the acetylcholinesterase inhibition. L. Lucidum berries may be an interesting source of compounds for use in the development of the therapeutic armamentarium for diseases where enzymatic disruption is believed to play a role.

Neglected Mediterranean plant species are valuable resources: the example of Cistus ladanifer.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The combination of genotypic selection, targeted and improved cultivation, and processing techniques for specific applications gives C. ladanifer the potential to be used as a valuable resource in Mediterranean areas with poor agronomic advantages. Cistus ladanifer (rockrose) is a perennial shrub, well adapted to the Mediterranean climate and possibly to upcoming environmental changes. As a sequence to a thorough review on taxonomic, morphological, chemical and competitive aspects of C. ladanifer, the research team focuses here on the economic potential of C. ladanifer: from production to applications, highlighting also known biological activities of extracts and their compounds. The use of this natural resource may be a viable solution for poor and contaminated soils with no need for large agricultural techniques, because this species is highly resistant to pests, diseases and extreme environmental factors. In addition, this species reveals interesting aptitudes that can be applied to food, pharmaceutical, phytochemical and biofuel industries. The final synthesis highlights research lines toward the exploitation of this neglected resource, such as selection of plant lines for specific applications and development of agronomic and processing techniques.

Development of blueberry liquor: influence of distillate, sweetener and fruit quantity.

BACKGROUND: In this work different formulations of blueberry liquor were tested and characterised based on their physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. RESULTS: Three factors were evaluated: the distillate used to produce the liquor (wine spirit or grape marc spirit); the sweetener (white sugar or honey) and the fruit quantity (two doses). For each liquor, pH, total acidity, dry soluble solids content, dry extract, alcoholic strength, reducing sugars, colour intensity, methanol content, acetaldehyde and fusel alcohols were determined. Sensory tests were carried out with a trained panel. CONCLUSION: The three factors studied significantly influenced the physico-chemical features of the liquors, being the quantity of fruit the most discriminating factor, except for the volatile compounds which were mainly influenced by the distillate. As regards the sensory analysis, it was found that the most appreciated liquor was that prepared with wine spirit, sugar and a lower dose of blueberry, and the less appreciated formulation was the one made with grape marc spirit, honey and a lower quantity of blueberry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Using Analytic Hierarchy Process to Assess Beekeeping Suitability in Portuguese Controlled Areas: A First Approach.

Beekeeping management is greatly influenced by spatial factors (e.g., land use/land cover, roads, or electrical energy networks), so GIS are a powerful tool to overlap and relate a variety of spatial data levels and, consequently, a very useful tool for beekeeping activity planning. This study was developed within the intervention area of three controlled zones managed by Portuguese Beekeepers Associations. The methodology, based on multi-criteria decision analysis, integrates several criteria, such as hydrographic networks, road networks, soil occupation, solar radiation, and electromagnetic radiation sources. These criteria were proposed and evaluated through online questionnaires carried out with beekeepers. Concerning the selected criteria and the respective geographical data, the most relevant were land use/land cover and water availability, with a significance of 44% and 24%, respectively. The beekeeping suitability map enabled us to evaluate the degree of compliance for the actual location of apiaries, with 60% of the apiaries being installed in high potential areas. In the context of beekeeping planning, the potential of the techniques applied seems to be an important tool for optimizing the location of apiaries and the profitability of beekeeping.

Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Flowers and Fruits of Cytisus striatus (Hill) Rothm.

In ancient times, the shoots of certain species within the Cytisus genus were used as animal feed. Cytisus striatus is a plentiful and widespread shrub that has long been utilized as a soil fertilizer in the Iberian Peninsula. The flowers of this shrub have traditionally been employed for medicinal purposes. However, the nutritional value of yellow broom flowers and fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, flowers and fruit of C. striatus (Cytisus striatus) were collected from natural shrubs at three different locations in Portugal during the same year. An analytical assessment of their macro and micronutrient content was conducted. Regarding nutritional composition, flowers and fruits exhibited a fibre content of 18% and 42%, protein content of 21% and 12%, lipid content of 2% and 1%, carbohydrate content of 43% and 14%, and ash content of 4% and 3%, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral, with concentrations of approximately 20,094 mg/kg in the flowers and 11,746 mg/kg in the fruits, followed by calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Compared to some edible flowers and fruits, these plant parts of C. striatus showed macro and micronutrient values similar to species such as lavender, lupins, and cowpea pod husks.

Plant-Based Beverages: Consumption Habits, Perception and Knowledge on a Sample of Portuguese Citizens.

Plant-based beverages (PBB) consumption has increased significantly worldwide due to an interest in vegetarian/vegan diets, taste preferences, health and ethical and environmental issues. Therefore, this study intends to investigate consumption habits, consumer preferences and consumers' level of knowledge about PBB. In this study, a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire survey was applied to a sample of participants from Portugal. The sample was recruited by convenience, and therefore, the distribution among the groups was not even. Data analysis involved different statistical techniques: basic statistics, chi-square tests, factor analysis, cluster analysis and tree classification analysis. The results indicated that the most consumed PBB were almond, soy and oat beverages. The majority of consumers chose these beverages for nutritional and health reasons, while a smaller number consumed them as part of a vegetarian or vegan diet. The main motivations for consuming PBB are mainly associated with sustainability and health benefits. The results regarding the respondents' knowledge about PBB revealed that a health-related profession was the most significant predictor. These results allowed us to conclude that the factors of nutrition, health, ethics and practice of a vegetarian/vegan diet influence the consumption of PBB. It was also concluded that being in a healthcare profession, along with age and professional status within this field, were significant factors influencing the level of knowledge about PBB.

Quality of bee pollen submitted to drying, pasteurization, and high-pressure processing - A comparative approach.

Bee Pollen is a valuable and useful natural food product that can be used for different purposes, among which medical ones. This matrix is deemed a superfood because of its chemical composition, which is rich in nutrients and possesses significant bioactivities, including antioxidant and microbiological properties. Nevertheless, the storage conditions and processing methods must be optimized to maintain their properties and maximise their application. This work investigates the best bee pollen conservation process and its impact on individual constituents. Monofloral bee pollen was analysed for 30 and 60 days after three different storage processes (drying, pasteurization, and high-pressure pasteurization). The results showed a decrease mainly in fatty acid and amino acid content for the dried samples. The best results were obtained with high-pressure pasteurization, maintaining the proteins, amino acids and lipids characteristics of pollen and the lowest microbial contamination.

First Chemical Profile Analysis of Acacia Pods.

This study intended to evaluate the potential industrial applications of various Acacia species (Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia longifolia, Acacia cyclops, Acacia retinodes, Acacia pycnantha, Acacia mearnsii, and Acacia dealbata) by examining their chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, a comprehensive analysis successfully identified targeted compounds, including flavonoids (flavonols/flavones) and phenolic acids, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid. Additionally, p-coumaric acid was specifically identified and quantified within the hydroxycinnamic aldehydes. This comprehensive characterization provides valuable insights into the chemical profiles of the studied species. Among the studied species, A. pycnantha exhibited a higher concentration of total phenolic compounds, including catechin, myricetin, quercetin, and coniferaldehyde. Furthermore, A. pycnantha displayed notable antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. Typhimurium, and B. cereus. The identified compounds in Acacia pods and their shown antibacterial activities exhibit promising potential for future applications. Moreover, vibrational spectroscopy was a reliable method for distinguishing between species. These significant findings enhance our understanding of Acacia species and their potential for various industrial applications.

Characterization of Mineral Composition and Nutritional Value of Acacia Green Pods.

The Acacia genus is considered one of the most invasive taxa in some habitats, namely coastal dunes, maritime calcareous soils, fresh lands in the valleys, mountainous areas, and the banks of watercourses and roadsides. In Portugal, the severity risk is very high, so this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and mineral contents of the green pods as a potential source for livestock feeds and soil fertilizer because, as far as we know, there is no use for this species. The seven different species of Acacia (Acacia mearnsii Link, Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd, Acacia melanoxylon R. Br., Acacia pycnantha Bentham, Acacia dealbata Link., Acacia retinodes Schlecht, and Acacia cyclops A. Cunn. ex G. Don fil) were evaluated. The results showed that Acacia green pods have a high protein, fibre and minerals content, especially in potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). All species present a different profile of the studied parameters, suggesting different potentials for their future use. Near-infrared spectroscopy was a potential tool to predict the earlier quality of the Acacia green pods to better select the raw material for the different applications.

Novel, Edible Melanin-Protein-Based Bioactive Films for Cheeses: Antimicrobial, Mechanical and Chemical Characteristics.

The cheese rind is the natural food packaging of cheese and is subject to a wide range of external factors that compromise the appearance of the cheese, including color defects caused by spoilage microorganisms. First, eight films based on whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings were studied, of which IS3CA (WPI 5% + sorbitol 3% + citric acid 3%) was selected for presenting better properties. From the IS3CA film, novel films containing melanin M1 (74 µg/mL) and M2 (500 µg/mL) were developed and applied to cheese under proof-of-concept and industrial conditions. After 40 days of maturation, M2 presented the lowest microorganism count for all the microbial parameters analyzed. The cheese with M2 showed the lowest lightness, which indicates that it is the darkest cheese due to the melanin concentration. It was found that the mechanical and colorimetric properties are the ones that contribute the most to the distinction of the M2 film in cheese from the others. Using FTIR-ATR, it was possible to distinguish the rinds of M2 cheeses because they contained the highest concentrations of melanin. Thus, this study shows that the film with M2 showed the best mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial properties for application in cheese.

Fruit-Based Fermented Beverages: Contamination Sources and Emerging Technologies Applied to Assure Their Safety.

The food and beverage market has become broader due to globalization and consumer claims. Under the umbrella of consumer demands, legislation, nutritional status, and sustainability, the importance of food and beverage safety must be decisive. A significant sector of food production is related to ensuring fruit and vegetable conservation and utilization through fermentation. In this respect, in this review, we critically analyzed the scientific literature regarding the presence of chemical, microbiological and physical hazards in fruit-based fermented beverages. Furthermore, the potential formation of toxic compounds during processing is also discussed. In managing the risks, biological, physical, and chemical techniques can reduce or eliminate any contaminant from fruit-based fermented beverages. Some of these techniques belong to the technological flow of obtaining the beverages (i.e., mycotoxins bound by microorganisms used in fermentation) or are explicitly applied for a specific risk reduction (i.e., mycotoxin oxidation by ozone). Providing manufacturers with information on potential hazards that could jeopardize the safety of fermented fruit-based drinks and strategies to lower or eliminate these hazards is of paramount importance.

Edible Insects: Perceptions of Marketing, Economic, and Social Aspects among Citizens of Different Countries.

Because edible insects (EI) have been, in recent years, recommended as a nutritious animal protein food with enormous environmental advantages over other sources of animal protein for human consumption, studies aimed at investigating the consumer perspective have become more prominent. Hence, this study intended to examine the perceptions of participants from different countries about the commercialization and economic and social impacts of edible insects. The study was made using a questionnaire survey, and data were collected in Brazil, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey. The final number of received answers was 7222 participants. For the treatment of the results, different statistical techniques were used: factor analysis, internal reliability by Cronbach's alpha, cluster analysis, ANOVA to test differences between groups, and Chi-square tests. The results obtained confirmed the validity of the scale, constituted by 12 out of the 14 items initially considered, distributed by 4 factors: the first related to the economic impact of EIs, the second related to the motivation for consumption of EIs, the third related to the places of purchase of EIs, and the fourth corresponding to a question presented to the participants as a false statement. A cluster analysis allowed identifying three clusters, with significant differences between them according to all the sociodemographic variables tested. Also, it was found that the participants expressed an exceptionally high level of agreement with aspects such as the difficulty in finding EIs on sale, knowledge acting as a strong motivator for EI consumption, and the role of personalities and influencers in increasing the will to consume EIs. Finally, practically all sociodemographic variables were found to be significantly associated with perceptions (country, sex, education, living environment, and income), but not age. In conclusion, the perceptions about EI commercialization were investigated and revealed differences among samples originating from different countries. Moreover, the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were found to be strongly associated with their perceptions.

Shedding Light on Metals Release from Chestnut Wood to Wine Spirit Using ICP-MS.

Possible effects caused by mineral elements during wine spirit ageing are diverse. In this study, the evolution of the mineral composition of wine spirit during ageing with chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood was investigated. A wine distillate was aged in 250 L wooden barrels (traditional ageing) and in 50 L glass demijohns with wood staves and micro-oxygenation (alternative ageing). Sampling was performed after 21, 60, 180, 270, and 365 days of ageing. The elemental composition of the wine spirits, including alkaline, alkaline earth metals, and heavy metals, was assessed by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). For most of the elements, no significant differences between wine spirits from distinct ageing modalities were observed. Ageing time had significant effect on most of them, with different trends and distinct magnitude of changes, depending on each specific element. The concentrations of the mineral elements found in the wine spirits were very low, especially those of heavy metals, which is quite positive in terms of quality and food safety. Novel information on metals released from chestnut wood to wine spirits confirms its appropriateness for ageing this beverage.

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Broods: Composition, Technology and Gastronomic Applicability.

Honey bee broods (larvae and pupae) can be consumed as human food, offering a rich nutritional value. Therefore, the objective of this work was to present an overview of the nutritional value of the honey bee brood and its gastronomic potential. The results indicated that honey bee broods are rich in protein (including essential amino acids), fat (essentially saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids), carbohydrates, vitamin C and those of the B complex, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous. The results further highlight some variability according to the stage of development, with increasing content of fat and protein and decreasing carbohydrates from the larval to the pupal stages. The production of the honey bee brood in the hive, as well as its removal, can impact the wellbeing of the hive. This limits the production potential of the brood aimed at application for gastronomic purposes. The consumption and purchase of honey bee broods as food may be accessible in specialised markets where, for example, ethnic communities consume this type of food. However, in some markets, insects or products produced from insects are not readily accepted because of neophobia and disgust. The role of culinary chefs allied to traditional ways of preparing culinary dishes that include honey bee broods are relevant to motivate more people in western societies to consume of these types of food products.

Characterisation of the Phenolic Profile of Acacia retinodes and Acacia mearnsii Flowers' Extracts.

Acacia spp. is an invasive species that is widespread throughout the Portuguese territory. Thus, it is pertinent to better understand this species in order to find different applications that will value its use. To evaluate the phenolic profile in Acacia flowers, ethanolic extracts obtained through an energized guided dispersive extraction were analysed, focusing on two species, Acacia retinodes and Acacia mearnsii, at two flowering stages. The phytochemical profile of each extract was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector. The FTIR-ATR technique was used to distinguish the different samples' compositions. The results showed the presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds (>300 mg GAE/g extract), among which are flavonoids (>136 mg QE/g extract), for all combinations of species/flowering stages. The phytochemical profile showed a complex composition with 21 compounds identified and quantified (the predominant ones being epicatechin, rutin, vanillin, and catechol). Both species and flowering stages presented significant variations regarding the presence and quantity of phenols and flavonoids, so much so that a principal component analysis performed with FTIR-ATR spectra data of the extracts was able to discriminate between species and flowering stages.