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Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods

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A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 8083

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rocío Casquete Palencia

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Nutrición y Bromatología, Escuela de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avd. Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: food microbiology; starter cultures; bioactive compounds; protective strains; prebiotic; food quality; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. María José Benito

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Nutrición y Bromatología, Escuela de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avd. Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: food microbiology; beneficial microbes; natural bioactive compounds; prebiotic; food safety; proteins; enzymes; food quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world's growing population and increasing food industry production to support this demand deplete natural resources and a large amount of by-products, which threaten both the environment and the sustainable food supply. Food by-products contain compounds with high added value, such as phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, and active peptides. These have promising technological and functional properties, which could make them suitable raw materials for obtaining new ingredients and foods with beneficial disease-prevention effects. Thus, it is important to study the main techniques by which to obtain, enrich, incorporate, and technologically apply food by-products.

The main focus of this Special Issue is to collect original research articles, short communications, and review articles about bioactive compounds obtained from plant sources, highlighting their potential applications in the food industry. Therefore, we invite you to submit papers to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Rocío Casquete Palencia
Prof. Dr. María José Benito
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

vegetable by-products and waste
bioactive compounds
functional properties
valorization techniques
food fortification
sustainability

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Characterization of Hemp Seed Cakes from Dehulled and Hulled Cannabis sativa L. var. oleifera cv. ‘Henola’: Nutritional, Functional, and Storage Stability Insights

by Krystian Ambroziak and Anna Wenda-Piesik

Foods 2025, 14(9), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091605 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 352

Abstract

This study investigated the nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, oxidative stability, microbiological safety, and sensory characteristics of hempseed cake (HC) derived from Cannabis sativa L. cv. ‘Henola’. The effects of dehulling and storage (1, 3, and 6 months) on dehulled (DHC) and hulled (HHC) hemp cake were systematically assessed. DHC exhibited significantly higher crude protein (up to 42.2%) and residual oil content (up to 37.5%), while HHC was richer in dietary fiber (up to 41.3%) and total carbohydrates (up to 48.2%). Despite comparable PUFA contents (63–72%) and favorable n-6/n-3 ratios (~3.1:1), DHC showed greater energy concentration and reduced levels of indigestible carbohydrates and phytates. Oxidative stability tests revealed increased acid and peroxide values in both HHC and DHC after six months, indicating quality deterioration (Totox index > 15). Microbiological analyses confirmed hygienic safety across all samples, with slightly higher microbial counts in HHC linked to hull-associated contamination. Sensory evaluations revealed stable color, odor, and texture during storage, with DHC rated more aromatic. These findings confirm that processing conditions—particularly dehulling—strongly affect the functional and nutritional profile of hempseed by-products. DHC emerges as a promising, shelf-stable, protein-rich ingredient for functional food and feed applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

19 pages, 2518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetics of Quality Degradation and Water Removal During Air Drying of Osmodehydrated Oyster Mushrooms Impregnated with Rosa damascena Distillation By-Products

by Natalia A. Stavropoulou, Andriana E. Lazou and Maria C. Giannakourou

Foods 2025, 14(9), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091543 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 356

Abstract

Mushrooms are a valuable food in the human diet due to their superior nutritional properties. However, mushrooms’ short shelf life presents a challenge for their commercial application. Mushrooms’ air drying kinetics were determined, and the impact of prior osmotic dehydration was quantitatively evaluated. Additionally, the sustainable utilization of Rosa damascena distillation wastewater, rich in phenolics, was explored. Samples were impregnated with hypertonic solutions including rose wastewater, glycerol, salt and calcium chloride, and air-dehydrated at 40, 55, and 70 °C. Texture and color changes were determined during drying. Seven acknowledged mathematical models were successfully applied to describe the drying kinetics, with the effect of process temperature being incorporated into the drying constant. The simplest first-order model is deemed adequate for describing moisture reduction and quality degradation. Pretreatment significantly reduced the drying time to reach a final moisture content of 10% w.b, especially at 70 °C, where the reduction obtained was more than 40% (5 h for untreated vs. 2.5 h for pretreated samples). At the end of drying, pretreated samples reached lower values of water activity and maintained their color better (25–50% improvement). This study aims to provide a basis for producing a novel, mushroom-based, nutritionally fortified dry snack, following results confirmed by a sensory examination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

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24 pages, 2000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Composition, Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Quality of Matricaria chamomilla-Enriched Wheat Bread

by Khawla Kerbab, Ibtissem Sanah, Fairouze Djeghim, Nadjah Belattar, Valentina Santoro, Maria D’Elia and Luca Rastrelli

Foods 2025, 14(5), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050838 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 972

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of fortifying bread with different concentrations (3%, 10%, and 30%) of Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) infusion and powder, derived from the plant’s aerial parts (stem, leaf, and flower). UPLC/MS-MS analysis of MC infusion and powder ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, contributing to enhanced antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. The physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of the enriched breads were assessed. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that breads enriched with 30% MC powder (BP-MC 30%) and infusion (BI-MC 30%) exhibited superior overall quality compared with other formulations. The enriched breads showed increased protein, fiber, and antioxidant content. Specifically, BI-MC 30% demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, while BP-MC 30% provided the highest fiber content. Sensory evaluation indicated that the enriched breads retained sensory properties similar to those of the control bread, despite the nutritional improvements. These findings suggest that incorporating Matricaria chamomilla, particularly at 30%, enhances the nutritional profile and antioxidant properties of bread while maintaining sensory characteristics close to those of traditional bread. This research highlights the potential of using chamomile’s aerial parts in the valorization of plant-based by-products for functional bakery product development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

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18 pages, 2218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Characterization of Protein Hydrolysates Obtained from Pumpkin Seeds Using Conventional and Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis

by Ana Flávia Coelho Pacheco, Flaviana Coelho Pacheco, Jeferson Silva Cunha, Gabriela Aparecida Nalon, Jhonathan Valente Ferreira Gusmão, Fábio Ribeiro dos Santos, Irene Andressa, Paulo Henrique Costa Paiva, Alline Artigiani Lima Tribst and Bruno Ricardo de Castro Leite Junior

Foods 2025, 14(5), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050782 - 25 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 797

Abstract

Pumpkin seed proteins (PSPs) are a promising resource for obtaining bioactive peptides but their low solubility hinders enzymatic hydrolysis, reducing yield and bioactivity. In addition, enzymatic processes require specific conditions and long processing times; improving the efficiency of this process is essential to expand its industrial applications. In this context, using a high-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound (US) has proven to be an effective strategy for optimizing the hydrolysis of plant protein. This study evaluated the US-assisted (38 W/L, 40 kHz) and conventional hydrolysis of pumpkin seed proteins (PSPs) for 180 min at 25 °C, 40 °C, and at the optimum temperature condition for each enzyme studied (60 °C for Brauzyn^®, 55 °C for Flavourzyme^®, and 50 °C for Neutrase^®), as well as the impact of this process on the macrostructural and functional characteristics of the hydrolysates obtained. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was significantly higher in US-assisted reactions, reaching increases of up to 57.7% with Neutrase^® at 40 °C. The US also positively influenced the protein solubility of the hydrolysates, especially at pH levels close to the isoelectric point, with improvements of up to 100%, compared to the hydrolysates obtained from the conventional reaction. The antioxidant activity was also enhanced by the US, compared to the conventional reaction, emphasizing the hydrolysates obtained through the action of Flavourzyme^®, which showed increases of 52.4% and 42.6% in the scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. The analysis of the mean particle size revealed significant reductions with the US (<26.2%). Consequently, the polydispersity index (PDI) demonstrated greater uniformity in the particles obtained from the US-assisted reactions (reductions of up to 20.3%). UV-Vis spectroscopy and intrinsic fluorescence also indicated possible alterations in the tertiary structure of the peptides obtained, mainly in US-assisted reactions. Therefore, US-assisted PSP hydrolysis resulted in better enzymatic performance and produced protein hydrolysates with bioactive potential for food applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

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22 pages, 2370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach to Recover Bioactive Compounds from Apple Pomace: Healthy Jelly Candies

by Liliana Ciurlă, Iuliana-Maria Enache, Ioana Buțerchi, Gabriela Mihalache, Florin Daniel Lipșa and Antoanela Patraș

Foods 2025, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010039 - 27 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Rich in bioactive compounds, carbohydrates, fibers, minerals, and trace elements, apple pomace (AP) is a significant agro-industrial by-product, which pollutes and brings high management costs. The current study investigates the possibility of using an aqueous AP extract (APE) as the main ingredient in a jelly candy recipe, replacing artificial colors and flavors and improving its nutritional value. APE and formulated jelly candies were analyzed in terms of their phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and color parameters. In addition, the microbiological and sensory properties of the jelly candies, as well as their behavior during storage, were analyzed. An HPLC analysis of AP revealed the presence of 9 individual phenolic compounds, with a high content of protocatechuic (375.21 ± 18.76 µg/g DW) and p-hydroxybenzoic (164.96 ± 13.83 µg/g DW) acids. The results of this study prove the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in both APE and its candies. Investigation on jelly candies with APE revealed an antioxidant capacity of 142.03 ± 1.08 mmol TE/g DW and a total polyphenolic content of 8.25 ± 0.17 mg GAE/g DW. Additionally, a sensory analysis highly appreciated the proposed jelly with APE, with scores higher than 4.70/5.00 for all evaluated attributes. Thus, this study succeeded in developing a new approach to recovering bioactive compounds from AP, demonstrating the potential of this by-product to improve jelly candies’ attributes while promoting sustainability through waste reduction and the effective use of natural resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

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18 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addition of Carrot Pomace to Enhance the Physical, Sensory, and Functional Properties of Beef Patties

by Jordan Richards, Amy Lammert, Jack Madden, Anna Cahn, Iksoon Kang and Samir Amin

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233910 - 3 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1407

Abstract

The global challenge of food waste necessitates innovative solutions, such as incorporating carrot pomace, a nutrient-rich by-product of carrot juice production, into beef patties to enhance their nutritional and functional properties. This study evaluated beef patties with carrot pomace added at 0%, 1.0%, 3.0%, and 4.2%, analyzing the proximate composition, pH, color, cooking yield, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture, and sensory attributes. Adding 3.0% and 4.2% pomace significantly reduced the moisture content by 5.5% and 3.3%, respectively, and decreased redness by 40% in the 4.2% patties. The cooking yield increased by 13.9% and 22.8%, and WHC improved by 8.5% and 15.7%, respectively, with these additions. The textural properties showed substantial reductions in hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness, particularly at 4.2%. The sensory evaluation indicated no significant differences in appearance, aroma, taste, or overall liking for patties with up to 3% pomace. In comparison, patties with 4.2% pomace received lower scores for overall liking and firmness. These findings suggest that incorporating up to 3% carrot pomace in beef patties enhances their functional properties and dietary fiber content without compromising the sensory quality. This offers a sustainable and practical approach to food waste valorization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

20 pages, 1727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Simulated Human Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Functional Properties of Dietary Fibres Obtained from Broccoli Leaves, Grape Stems, Pomegranate and Tomato Peels

by María Ángeles Rivas, Santiago Ruiz-Moyano, María Vázquez-Hernández, María José Benito, Rocío Casquete, María de Guía Córdoba and Alberto Martín

Foods 2024, 13(13), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132011 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1832

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the impact of a simulated human digestion process on the composition and functional properties of dietary fibres derived from pomegranate-peel, tomato-peel, broccoli-stem and grape-stem by-products. For this purpose, a computer-controlled simulated digestion system consisting of three bioreactors (simulating the stomach, small intestine and colon) was utilised. Non-extractable phenols associated with dietary fibre and their influence on antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity were investigated throughout the simulated digestive phases. Additionally, the modifications in oligosaccharide composition, the microbiological population and short-chain fatty acids produced within the digestion media were examined. The type and composition of each dietary fibre significantly influenced its functional properties and behaviour during intestinal transit. Notably, the dietary fibre from the pomegranate peel retained its high phenol content throughout colon digestion, potentially enhancing intestinal health due to its strong antioxidant activity. Similarly, the dietary fibre from broccoli stems and pomegranate peel demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in both the small and the large intestines, prompting significant modifications in colonic microbiology. Moreover, these fibre types promoted the growth of bifidobacteria over lactic acid bacteria. Thus, these results suggest that the dietary fibre from pomegranate peel seems to be a promising functional food ingredient for improving human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revalorization of Plant-Based By-Products for Novel Ingredients and Functional Foods)

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