Integrating new variables into a framework to support cacao denomination of origin: a case study in Southwest Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Cocoa quality plays a pivotal role in establishing denominations of origin, with genotypes, geography, climate and soil conditions being key variables. However, these factors have not been comprehensively explored in defining cacao denominations of origin. The present study addresses this gap by laying the foundation for cacao denomination of origin, focusing on the Buenaventura region on Colombia's Pacific coast. Our goal is to provide a holistic understanding of the elements underpinning cacao denomination of origin, emphasizing Buenaventura's unique cocoa quality and geographical significance. RESULTS: Through the Buenaventura case, we propose a robust framework applicable to other cacao-producing regions, elevating the recognition and value of cacao denomination of origin. Our framework encompasses geography, agronomy, genetics, microbial diversity, pests and diseases and cocoa quality. In a pioneering move, we propose a cacao denomination of origin in Colombia, specifically examining Bajo Calima, Sabaletas and Cisneros within Buenaventura region. Buenaventura stands out for its cocoa quality, characterized by fruity flavors attributed to the rich biodiversity of the lowland rainforest. CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates specific geographical indicators for each of the study zones, with Buenaventura identified as a region with natural characteristics to produce fine flavour cocoa products. Each zone exhibited a high differentiation and diversity of cacao cultivars. Buenaventura has the potential to be designated as a future denomination of origin for cacao from the Pacific region of Colombia, characterized by its unique fruity-aroma chocolates. Our framework is adaptable to other cacao-producing regions, facilitating the establishment of denominations of origin within the cocoa industry and agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Key Drivers for Non-Centrifugal Sugar Cane Research, Technological Development, and Market Linkage: A Technological Roadmap Approach for Colombia.

Food science innovation depends on consumers' needs and is currently seeking functional food with health effects. Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is known for its potential health effects, but there is a lack of holistic analysis on technological advancement and socio-economic and market trends for decision-making in the development of the technology. The aim of this article was to analyse the research trends, recent patents, and market trends and niches for NCS to structure an NCS technological roadmap. Scientometric, bibliometric methods, and global and local market information on NCS were used. Comprehensive analysis of the worldwide research trends and patents on NCS processing and of the growth of the main niche markets for Colombian NCS exports in the last five years was conducted. Finally, with the information obtained, an NCS technological roadmap was structured, which can be used as a tool for planning innovation processes and supporting the development of new research using market information and new norms forged by the COVID-19 pandemic for Colombian case. Furthermore, the methodological design could be used for other NCS producer countries. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12355-022-01200-9.

An overview of the physical and biochemical transformation of cocoa seeds to beans and to chocolate: Flavor formation.

Chocolate is a widely consumed product worldwide due to its exquisite flavor, which comes from the unique and fascinating cocoa flavor. This flavor depends on little controllable variables such as the genotype and the agroecological niche, and on the other side, on postharvest operations: (1) cocoa transformation from seeds to beans that comprises cocoa seeds preconditioning, fermentation, and drying, and (2) the production of chocolate from the bean in which roasting is highlighted. Postharvest transformation operations are critically important because during these, cocoa flavor is formed, allowing the differentiation of two categories: bulk and specialty cocoa. In this sense, this article presents an overview of cocoa postharvest operations, the variables and phenomena that influence and control the physical and biochemical transformation from seeds to cocoa beans, and their relation to the formation of chocolate flavor. Moreover, research perspectives in terms of control and management of postharvest practices in order to obtain cocoa with differentiated and specialty characteristics "from bean to bar" are discussed.

Current trends and prospects in quinoa research: An approach for strategic knowledge areas.

Currently, the demand for healthy consumption and the use of alternatives to dairy proteins for the development of foods with good nutritional value are growing. Quinoa has received much attention because it contains a high content of proteins, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, this content and the bioavailability of specific compounds of interest are related to the genotype, the agri-environmental conditions, and management practices where quinoa is grown and postharvest management. This article aimed to analyze the research trends for three knowledge areas: quinoa plant breeding for nutraceutical properties, plant-soil relations focused on abiotic stresses, and postharvest and value-added transformation activities. To this end, a specific methodological design based on bibliometrics and scientometrics methods was used. Through these analyses based on publications' keywords, titles, abstracts, and conclusions sections, for each knowledge area, the key research trends (scope and main topics), the classification of trends based on their development and relevance degree, and the core of knowledge were established. The trends comprise the current state of research. Finally, analyzing the conclusions, recommendations, and future research sections of key publications, a strong correlation among plant breeding research to obtain varieties with tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritional and functional compounds of interest for food safety, and the development of products with higher added value established interest in further research on the potential bioactivity of quinoa and the verification of health benefits to humans.

Enhancing Wound Healing: A Novel Topical Emulsion Combining CW49 Peptide and Lavender Essential Oil for Accelerated Regeneration and Antibacterial Protection.

Wound healing is a complex process involving blood cells, extracellular matrix, and parenchymal cells. Research on biomimetics in amphibian skin has identified the CW49 peptide from Odorrana grahami, which has been demonstrated to promote wound regeneration. Additionally, lavender essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Given these considerations, we propose an innovative emulsion that combines the CW49 peptide with lavender oil. This novel formulation could serve as a potent topical treatment, potentially fostering the regeneration of damaged tissues and providing robust antibacterial protection for skin wounds. This study investigates the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and in vitro regenerative capacity of the active components and the emulsion. The results show that the emulsion possesses appropriate rheological characteristics for topical application. Both the CW49 peptide and lavender oil exhibit high viability in human keratinocytes, indicating their biocompatibility. The emulsion induces hemolysis and platelet aggregation, an expected behavior for such topical treatments. Furthermore, the lavender-oil emulsion demonstrates antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Finally, the regenerative potential of the emulsion and its active components is confirmed in a 2D wound model using human keratinocytes. In conclusion, the formulated emulsion, which combines the CW49 peptide and lavender oil, shows great promise as a topical treatment for wound healing. Further research is needed to validate these findings in more advanced in vitro models and in vivo settings, potentially leading to improved wound-care management and novel therapeutic options for patients with skin injuries.

Chemical Characterization of Quality-Related Compounds in Cocoa Matrices: An Overview of Analytical Methods Applied for Their Analysis.

Cocoa currently faces differentiation processes toward niches of specialty products, leading to greater competitiveness for producers who must compete with products differentiated by their integral quality regarding their organoleptic characteristics, such as fine-flavor cocoa and their functional characteristics. Quality is influenced by the genetic variety of the cultivars on the one hand, and the correct postharvest processing operations of cocoa seeds, on the other. During the transformation operations, the native chemical compounds of the seeds, especially proteins, carbohydrates, and polyphenols, are transformed and generate other compounds called flavor precursors, which are responsible for defining the product quality. In this sense, the analysis of the most relevant chemical compounds in cocoa is essential to guarantee higher overall quality. Similarly, understanding the fundamental aspects that affect fine-flavor cocoa production is crucial for improving transformation processes. Therefore, reliable and robust analytical techniques are required to detect and quantify these chemical compounds. This review highlights the main techniques used to analyze essential cocoa metabolites and derived products throughout all postharvest transformation stages: from cocoa seeds to chocolate bar, offering an overview of the sample preparation methods and the analytical and imaging methodologies often employed to characterize qualifying cocoa products.

Obtention of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis Linneo) Seed Oil Microcapsules as a Strategy for the Valorization of Amazonian Fruits: Physicochemical, Morphological, and Controlled Release Characterization.

Sacha inchi seed oil (SIO) is a promising ingredient for the development of functional foods due to its large amount of high-value compounds; however, it is prone to oxidation. This work aimed to obtain SIO microcapsules using conventional and ultrasound probe homogenization and using spray- and freeze-drying technologies as effective approaches to improve the long-term stability of functional compounds. The application of ultrasound probe homogenization improved the rheological and emulsifying properties and decreased the droplet size and interfacial tension of emulsions. The microcapsules obtained by both drying technologies had low moisture (1.64-1.76) and water activity (0.03-0.11) values. Spray-dried microcapsules showed higher encapsulation efficiency (69.90-70.18%) compared to freeze-dried ones (60.02-60.16%). Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that heat protection was assured, enhancing the shelf-life. Results suggest that both drying technologies are considered effective tools to produce stable microcapsules. However, spray-drying technology is positioned as a more economical alternative to freeze-drying.