Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Quality and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 November 2024 | Viewed by 21865

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
Interests: drying; osmotic dehydration; ultrasound; food processing
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Consumer demand for high-quality foods, which are nutritional, safe, and convenient, has led to interest in the use of innovative processing technologies. The introduction of these new technologies, such as nonthermal or alternative technologies, can also reduce processing time and improve industrial operating conditions, resulting in high-quality products that better preserve their fresh-like characteristics. The main purpose of this Special Issue, “Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety”, is to provide high-quality manuscripts regarding the use of innovative technologies and discuss their impact on food nutritional quality, sensory aspects, safety, and other related factors.

Prof. Dr. Patrícia Moreira Azoubel
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • innovative technologies
  • non-thermal technology
  • food quality
  • food safety
  • food preservation
  • nutrition
  • food composition
  • bioactive compounds
  • sensory quality
  • chemometrics

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3847 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation of Bacterial Inactivation of Beef Using Indirect Cold Plasma in Cold Chain and at Room Temperature
by Peiru Li, Hainan Zhang, Changqing Tian and Huiming Zou
Foods 2024, 13(17), 2846; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172846 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 675
Abstract
Pathogen contamination is a severe problem in maintaining food safety in the cold chain. Cold plasma (CP) is a novel non-thermal disinfection method that can be applied for the bacterial inactivation of food in appropriate contexts. Currently, research on CP used on food [...] Read more.
Pathogen contamination is a severe problem in maintaining food safety in the cold chain. Cold plasma (CP) is a novel non-thermal disinfection method that can be applied for the bacterial inactivation of food in appropriate contexts. Currently, research on CP used on food at cold chain temperatures is rare. This work investigated the bacterial inactivation effect of CP on beef at typical cold storage temperatures of 4 and −18 °C and room temperature (25 °C). The reactive species in CP were indirectly tested by evaluating O3, NO3 and NO2 in cold plasma-activated water (PAW), which indicated the highest concentrations of reactive species in CP at 25 °C and the lowest at −18 °C. The bactericidal efficacy of CP treatment against beef inoculated with Escherichia coli at −18 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C was 30.5%, 60.1%, and 59.5%, respectively. The 4 °C environment was the most appropriate treatment for CP against beef, with the highest bactericidal efficacy and a minor influence on beef quality. The indirect CP treatment had no significant effect on the texture, color, pH, or cooking loss of beef at −18 °C. CP shows significant potential for the efficient decontamination of food at cold chain temperatures. Full article
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16 pages, 958 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Organic Acids and Ultrasound as Pretreatment in Convective Drying Kinetics and Quality Parameters of Pumpkin
by José R. R. de O. Moura, Blenda R. S. de Morais, João H. F. da Silva, Amanda S. S. Alves, Shirley C. R. Brandão and Patricia M. Azoubel
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162502 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 759
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the food industry in new drying technologies that reduce the time required for dehydration, combined with low energy consumption, low environmental impact, and maintenance of the overall quality of the product. This work investigated convective drying of [...] Read more.
There is a growing interest in the food industry in new drying technologies that reduce the time required for dehydration, combined with low energy consumption, low environmental impact, and maintenance of the overall quality of the product. This work investigated convective drying of pumpkin with and without ultrasound-organic (citric or acetic) acid pretreatment for different durations (10, 20, and 30 min). Drying was carried out at 60 °C, and the Wang and Singh model had the best fit for the experimental data. Samples pretreated for 30 min had the shortest drying times. Water diffusivities ranged from 6.68 × 10−8 m2/s to 7.31 × 10−8 m2/s, with the pretreated samples presenting the highest values. The dried pumpkin water activity values were below 0.60. Regarding color parameters, there was a slight increase in luminosity, a slight reduction in a*, and a significant increase in b*. Drying resulted in the loss of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, but the samples pretreated with citric acid showed better retention. There was also a reduction in the total carotenoid content, but samples pretreated with acetic acid for 10 and 20 min showed the best retention. Full article
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16 pages, 2809 KiB  
Article
Early Detection of Food Safety and Spoilage Incidents Based on Live Microbiome Profiling and PMA-qPCR Monitoring of Indicators
by May Cohen Hakmon, Keren Buhnik-Rosenblau, Hila Hanani, Hila Korach-Rechtman, Dagan Mor, Erez Etkin and Yechezkel Kashi
Foods 2024, 13(15), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152459 - 3 Aug 2024
Viewed by 941
Abstract
The early detection of spoilage microorganisms and food pathogens is of paramount importance in food production systems. We propose a novel strategy for the early detection of food production defects, harnessing the product microbiome. We hypothesize that by establishing microbiome datasets of proper [...] Read more.
The early detection of spoilage microorganisms and food pathogens is of paramount importance in food production systems. We propose a novel strategy for the early detection of food production defects, harnessing the product microbiome. We hypothesize that by establishing microbiome datasets of proper and defective batches, indicator bacteria signaling production errors can be identified and targeted for rapid quantification as part of routine practice. Using the production process of pastrami as a model, we characterized its live microbiome profiles throughout the production stages and in the final product, using propidium monoazide treatment followed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Pastrami demonstrated product-specific and consistent microbiome profiles predominated by Serratia and Vibrionimonas, with distinct microbial signatures across the production stages. Based on the established microbiome dataset, we were able to detect shifts in the microbiome profile of a defective batch produced under lactate deficiency. The most substantial changes were observed as increased relative abundances of Vibrio and Lactobacillus, which were subsequently defined as potential lactate-deficiency indicators. PMA-qPCR efficiently detected increased levels of these species, thus proving useful in rapidly pinpointing the production defect. This approach offers the possibility of the in-house detection of defective production events with same-day results, promoting safer food production systems. Full article
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9 pages, 2040 KiB  
Communication
The Use of Ultraviolet Irradiation to Improve the Efficacy of Acids That Are Generally Recognized as Safe for Disinfecting Fresh Produce in the Ready-to-Eat Stage
by Ruxianguli Maimaitiyiming, Yuting Yang, Ailikemu Mulati, Aihemaitijiang Aihaiti and Jiayi Wang
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111723 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 567
Abstract
Fresh-cut produce is usually produced under standardized disinfection processes, which are unavailable at the ready-to-eat stage. Currently, chemical sanitizers are used for washing, but their disinfection efficacy is limited. In this study, UV-C (1.03 kJ/m2) was combined with organic acids that [...] Read more.
Fresh-cut produce is usually produced under standardized disinfection processes, which are unavailable at the ready-to-eat stage. Currently, chemical sanitizers are used for washing, but their disinfection efficacy is limited. In this study, UV-C (1.03 kJ/m2) was combined with organic acids that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), including citric, malic, acetic, and lactic acids (LAs), to wash lettuce and cherry tomatoes that are contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. The results showed that LA was the most effective treatment among the single treatments, with a pathogen reduction and cross-contamination incidence of 2.0–2.3 log CFU/g and 28–35%, respectively. After combining with UV-C, the disinfection efficacy and cross-contamination prevention capacity of the four GRAS acids significantly improved. Among the combination treatments, the highest pathogen reduction (2.5–2.7 log CFU/g) and the lowest cross-contamination incidence (11–15%) were achieved by LA-UV. The analyses of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, lycopene, antioxidant capacity, and ΔE indicated that neither the single nor combination treatments negatively affected the quality properties. These results provide a potential hurdle technology for fresh produce safety improvement at the ready-to-eat stage. Full article
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15 pages, 2331 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on the Natural Microbiota and Quality of Pork during Storage
by Yelyzaveta K. Oliinychenko, Sotirios I. Ekonomou, Brijesh K. Tiwari and Alexandros Ch. Stratakos
Foods 2024, 13(7), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071015 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1157
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel non-thermal technology with significant potential for use in meat processing to prolong shelf life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of CAP treatment on the natural microbiota and quality traits of pork [...] Read more.
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel non-thermal technology with significant potential for use in meat processing to prolong shelf life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of CAP treatment on the natural microbiota and quality traits of pork stored for 8 days at 4 °C. CAP treatment was applied by employing piezoelectric direct discharge technology to treat pork samples for 0, 3, 6, and 9 min. Reductions of approximately 0.8–1.7 log CFU/g were observed in total viable counts (TVC) and Pseudomonas spp. levels for CAP treatments longer than 3 min, immediately after treatment. A storage study revealed that CAP-treated pork (>6 min) had significantly lower levels of TVC, Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage. Regarding quality traits, CAP application for longer than 3 min significantly increased water retention and yellowness and decreased meat redness compared to untreated pork. However, other parameters such as pH, tenderness, and lightness exhibited no statistically significant differences between untreated and CAP-treated pork. Lipid oxidation levels were higher only for the 9-min treatment compared to untreated pork. Our results revealed that CAP is a promising technology that can extend the microbiological shelf life of pork during refrigeration storage. Full article
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26 pages, 4627 KiB  
Article
Photodynamic Inactivation of Foodborne Bacteria: Screening of 32 Potential Photosensitizers
by Amritha Prasad, Erin Wynands, Steven M. Roche, Cristina Romo-Bernal, Nicholas Allan, Merle Olson, Sheeny Levengood, Roger Andersen, Nicolas Loebel, Caetano P. Sabino and Joseph A. Ross
Foods 2024, 13(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030453 - 31 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2106
Abstract
The development of novel antimicrobial technologies for the food industry represents an important strategy to improve food safety. Antimicrobial photodynamic disinfection (aPDD) is a method that can inactivate microbes without the use of harsh chemicals. aPDD involves the administration of a non-toxic, light-sensitive [...] Read more.
The development of novel antimicrobial technologies for the food industry represents an important strategy to improve food safety. Antimicrobial photodynamic disinfection (aPDD) is a method that can inactivate microbes without the use of harsh chemicals. aPDD involves the administration of a non-toxic, light-sensitive substance, known as a photosensitizer, followed by exposure to visible light at a specific wavelength. The objective of this study was to screen the antimicrobial photodynamic efficacy of 32 food-safe pigments tested as candidate photosensitizers (PSs) against pathogenic and food-spoilage bacterial suspensions as well as biofilms grown on relevant food contact surfaces. This screening evaluated the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), and colony forming unit (CFU) reduction against Salmonella enterica, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas fragi, and Brochothrix thermosphacta. Based on multiple characteristics, including solubility and the ability to reduce the biofilms by at least 3 log10 CFU/sample, 4 out of the 32 PSs were selected for further optimization against S. enterica and MRSA, including sunset yellow, curcumin, riboflavin-5′-phosphate (R-5-P), and erythrosin B. Optimized factors included the PS concentration, irradiance, and time of light exposure. Finally, 0.1% w/v R-5-P, irradiated with a 445 nm LED at 55.5 J/cm2, yielded a “max kill” (upwards of 3 to 7 log10 CFU/sample) against S. enterica and MRSA biofilms grown on metallic food contact surfaces, proving its potential for industrial applications. Overall, the aPDD method shows substantial promise as an alternative to existing disinfection technologies used in the food processing industry. Full article
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18 pages, 2122 KiB  
Article
Application of ATR-FTIR Incorporated with Multivariate Data Analysis for Discrimination and Quantification of Urea as an Adulterant in UHT Milk
by Emeline Tan, Norliza Binti Julmohammad, Wee Yin Koh, Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani and Babak Rasti
Foods 2023, 12(15), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152855 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
Urea is naturally present in milk, yet urea is added intentionally to increase milk’s nitrogen content and shelf life. In this study, a total of 50 Ultra heat treatment (UHT) milk samples were spiked with known urea concentrations (0–5 w/v%). [...] Read more.
Urea is naturally present in milk, yet urea is added intentionally to increase milk’s nitrogen content and shelf life. In this study, a total of 50 Ultra heat treatment (UHT) milk samples were spiked with known urea concentrations (0–5 w/v%). Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used for the discrimination and quantification of urea. The PCA was built using 387 variables with higher FL > 0.75 from the first PCA with cumulative variability (90.036%). Subsequently, the DA model was built using the same variables from PCA and demonstrated the good distinction between unadulterated and adulterated milk, with a correct classification rate of 98% for cross-validation. The MLR model used 48 variables with p-value < 0.05 from the DA model and gave R2 values greater than 0.90, with RMSE and MSE below 1 for cross-validation and prediction. The DA and MLR models were then validated externally using a test dataset, which shows 100% correct classification, and the t-test result (p > 0.05) indicated that the MLR could determine the percentage of urea in UHT milk within the permission limit (70 mg/mL). In short, the wavenumbers 1626.63, 1601.98, and 1585.5534 cm−1 are suitable as fingerprint regions for detecting urea in UHT milk. Full article
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13 pages, 2028 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Power Ultrasound-Based Hurdle Technology on the Reduction of Bacterial Pathogens on Fresh Produce
by Xinyi Zhou, Joelle K. Salazar, Megan L. Fay and Wei Zhang
Foods 2023, 12(14), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142653 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
Minimally processed produce is frequently contaminated with foodborne bacterial pathogens. Power ultrasound is a non-thermal and cost-effective technology that can be combined with other chemical sanitization methods. This study investigated the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Newport on grape tomato, romaine lettuce, [...] Read more.
Minimally processed produce is frequently contaminated with foodborne bacterial pathogens. Power ultrasound is a non-thermal and cost-effective technology that can be combined with other chemical sanitization methods. This study investigated the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Newport on grape tomato, romaine lettuce, and spinach washed with water, chlorine, or peroxyacetic acid alone or in combination with 25 or 40 kHz power ultrasound for 1, 2, or 5 min. Produce items were inoculated with either pathogen at 10 log CFU/g, dried for 2 h, and treated. Combined treatment of ultrasound and sanitizers resulted in 1.44–3.99 log CFU/g reduction of L. monocytogenes and 1.35–3.62 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport, with significantly higher reductions observed on grape tomato. Synergistic effects were achieved with the hurdle treatment of power ultrasound coupled with the chemical sanitizers when compared to the single treatments; an additional 0.48–1.40 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport was obtained with the addition of power ultrasound on grape tomato. In general, no significant differences were observed in pathogen reductions between the ultrasound frequencies, the sanitizers, or the treatment lengths. Results from this study suggest that incorporation of power ultrasound into the current washing procedure may be beneficial for the reduction, but not elimination, of bacterial pathogens on certain produce items, including tomatoes. Full article
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31 pages, 3339 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Bioactive Screening of Green Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Chestnut By-Products: An Approach to Guide the Sustainable Production of High-Added Value Ingredients
by Daniele Bobrowski Rodrigues, Lavínia Veríssimo, Tiane Finimundy, Joana Rodrigues, Izamara Oliveira, João Gonçalves, Isabel P. Fernandes, Lillian Barros, Sandrina A. Heleno and Ricardo C. Calhelha
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132596 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2017
Abstract
Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it [...] Read more.
Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of different extracts from the various by-products for these applications through the exhaustive study of their composition and bioactivities without losing sight of the sustainable character of the process. This work aimed at the screening of the phenolic compound composition and bioactivities of different green extracts of chestnut burs, shells and leaves, as the first step to establish their potential application as natural ingredients, primarily as food preservatives. To this end, maceration (MAC) as a conventional extraction method besides ultrasound and microwave-assisted extractions (UAE and MAE) was employed to obtain the extracts from chestnut by-products using water (W) and hydroethanolic solution (HE) as solvents. Phenolic compounds were analysed by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS; the antioxidant capacity was assessed by colourimetric assays, and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several strains of food-borne bacteria and fungi. The leaf extracts obtained by MAC-HE and UAE-HE presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (70.92 ± 2.72 and 53.97 ± 2.41 mg.g−1 extract dw, respectively), whereas, for burs and shells, the highest recovery of total phenolic compounds was achieved by using UAE-HE and UAE-W (36.87 ± 1.09 and 23.03 ± 0.26 mg.g−1 extract dw, respectively). Bis-HHDP-glucose isomers, chestanin and gallic acid were among the most abundant compounds. Bur extracts (MAC-HE and UAE-HE) generally presented the highest antioxidant capacity as measured by TBARS, while the best results in DPPH and reducing power assays were found for shell extracts (MAE-W and MAC-HE). Promising antibacterial activity was noticed for the aqueous extracts of burs, leaves and hydroethanolic extracts of shells, with emphasis on the MAE-W extract of burs that showed bactericidal activity against E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MBC 5 mg.mL−1). Overall, it can be concluded that chestnut by-products, including burs, shells and leaves, are sources of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The choice of extraction method and solvent greatly influenced the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. These findings highlight the potential of chestnut by-products for the development of natural additives, particularly for food preservation, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable utilization of agricultural waste materials. Further research is warranted to optimize extraction techniques and explore additional applications for these valuable bioactive compounds. Full article
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17 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
Effects of Shear Stress Waves on Meat Tenderness: Ultrasonoporation
by Raúl Alberto Reyes-Villagrana, Jesús Madrigal-Melchor, América Chávez-Martínez, Juliana Juárez-Moya and Ana Luis Rentería-Monterrubio
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122390 - 16 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1567
Abstract
Meat is an important part of the food pyramid in Mexico, to such an extent that it is included in the basic food basket. In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of so-called emerging technologies, such as high-intensity ultrasound [...] Read more.
Meat is an important part of the food pyramid in Mexico, to such an extent that it is included in the basic food basket. In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of so-called emerging technologies, such as high-intensity ultrasound (HIU), to modify the characteristics of meat and meat products. The advantages of the HIU in meat such as pH, increased water-holding capacity, and antimicrobial activity are well documented and conclusive. However, in terms of meat tenderization, the results are confusing and contradictory, mainly when they focus on three HIU parameters: acoustic intensity, frequency, and application time. This study explores via a texturometer the effect of HIU-generated acoustic cavitation and ultrasonoporation in beef (m. Longissimus dorsi). Loin-steak was ultrasonicated with the following parameters: time tHIU = 30 min/each side; frequency fHIU = 37 kHz; acoustic intensity IHIU = ~6, 7, 16, 28, and 90 W/cm2. The results showed that acoustic cavitation has a chaotic effect on the loin-steak surface and thickness of the rib-eye due to Bjerknes force, generating shear stress waves, and acoustic radiation transmittance via the internal structure of the meat and the modification of the myofibrils, in addition to the collateral effect in which the collagen and pH generated ultrasonoporation. This means that HIU can be beneficial for the tenderization of meat. Full article
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15 pages, 8056 KiB  
Article
Effect of Microwave Vacuum Freeze-Drying Power on Emulsifying and Structure Properties of Egg White Protein
by Kenan Su, Lili Liu, Xingyu Pan, Shuxing Chen, Xiaodan Zhang, Weiwei Cheng and Baocheng Xu
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091792 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of different microwave vacuum freeze-drying powers (100–500 W) on the emulsifying properties and structural characteristics of egg white protein, which is of great significance in enhancing the added value of EWP and promoting its application. Emulsification analysis revealed [...] Read more.
The study investigated the effects of different microwave vacuum freeze-drying powers (100–500 W) on the emulsifying properties and structural characteristics of egg white protein, which is of great significance in enhancing the added value of EWP and promoting its application. Emulsification analysis revealed that the emulsification performance was significantly influenced by microwave power and reached its maximum at 300 W. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses showed that microwave vacuum freeze-drying treatment altered the secondary structure of EWP without changing its peptide structure. Fluorescence measurements indicated that the maximum fluorescence emission intensity decreased, and the maximum emission wavelength shifted towards blue as the power increased. Particle size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that the average particle size of EWP reached the minimum value of 1203.66 nm, the absolute value of zeta potential reached the maximum value of 41.35 mV, and the thermal stability was strongest, with a more uniform and loose structure observed at 300 W. Texture profile analysis (TPA) showed that appropriate power treatment significantly enhanced the chewiness and viscoelasticity of egg white protein. Therefore, appropriate power treatment could effectively improve the emulsifying properties and stability. Full article
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14 pages, 2241 KiB  
Article
Optimization of the Black Garlic Processing Method and Development of Black Garlic Jam Using High-Pressure Processing
by Wen-Chang Chang, Wen-Chun Lin and She-Ching Wu
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081584 - 8 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2287
Abstract
Black garlic has many beneficial effects, and it has a less spicy flavor. However, its aging conditions and related products still need to be further investigated. The present study aims to analyze the beneficial effects under different processing conditions and utilize high-pressure processing [...] Read more.
Black garlic has many beneficial effects, and it has a less spicy flavor. However, its aging conditions and related products still need to be further investigated. The present study aims to analyze the beneficial effects under different processing conditions and utilize high-pressure processing (HPP) in the production of black garlic jam. The highest antioxidant activities, including the DPPH scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power (86.23%, 88.44%, and A700 = 2.48, respectively), were observed in black garlic that had been aged for 30 days. Similarly, the highest total phenols and flavonoids were observed in black garlic that had been aged for 30 days (76.86 GAE/g dw and 13.28 mg RE/g dw, respectively). The reducing sugar in black garlic was significantly increased to about 380 (mg GE/g dw) after 20 days of aging. The free amino acids in black garlic were decreased time-dependently to about 0.2 mg leucine/g dw after 30 days of aging. For the browning indexes of black garlic, the uncolored intermediate and browning products were increased in a time-dependent manner and reached a plateau at day 30. Another intermediate product in the Maillard reaction, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), was observed in concentrations that increased to 1.81 and 3.04 (mg/g dw) at day 30 and 40, respectively. Furthermore, the black garlic jam made by HPP was analyzed for its texture and sensory acceptance, showing that a 1:1.5:2 ratio of black garlic/water/sugar was the most preferred and was classified as “still acceptable”. Our study suggests suitable processing conditions for black garlic and outlines the prominent beneficial effects after 30 days of aging. These results could be further applied in HPP jam production and increase the diversity of black garlic products. Full article
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21 pages, 7692 KiB  
Article
Improving Drying Characteristics and Physicochemical Quality of Angelica sinensis by Novel Tray Rotation Microwave Vacuum Drying
by Zepeng Zang, Xiaopeng Huang, Cuncai He, Qian Zhang, Chunhui Jiang and Fangxin Wan
Foods 2023, 12(6), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061202 - 12 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2329
Abstract
In order to improve the shortcomings of uneven heating of traditional microwave drying and to maximally maintain food quality after harvest, a rotary microwave vacuum drying equipment was fabricated and used for drying experiments on Angelica sinensis to explore the effects of drying [...] Read more.
In order to improve the shortcomings of uneven heating of traditional microwave drying and to maximally maintain food quality after harvest, a rotary microwave vacuum drying equipment was fabricated and used for drying experiments on Angelica sinensis to explore the effects of drying temperature, slice thickness, and vacuum degree on drying characteristics, physicochemical quality, and microstructure of dried Angelica sinensis products. The results showed that microwave vacuum drying can significantly shorten the drying time and improved the drying efficiency. Six different mathematical models were investigated and the Midilli model was the best-fitted model for all samples (R2 = 0.99903, Pearson’s r = 0.99952), and drying methods had various effects on different indexes and were confirmed by Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The optimal process parameters for microwave vacuum drying of Angelica sinensis were determined by entropy weight-coefficient of variation method as 45 °C, 4 mm, −0.70 kPa. Under this condition, well preserved of ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, ligustilide, total phenols and antioxidant activity, bright color (L* = 77.97 ± 1.89, ΔE = 6.77 ± 2.01), complete internal organizational structure and more regular cell arrangement were obtained in the samples. This study will provide a theoretical reference for the excavation of the potential value and the development of industrial processing of Angelica sinensis. Full article
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