Production and characterization of glicosidases from Aspergillus terreus using "pastazzo" as inductor .

Production of a a-L-Rhamnosidase from Aspergillus Terreus Using Citrus Solid Waste as Inducer for Application in Juice Industry

Naringinase is an enzyme complex consisting of a a-L-rhamnopyranosidase (Rha, EC. 3.2.1.40) and ß-D-glucopyranosidase (ßG, EC. 3.2.1.21). a-L-rhamnopyranosidase is an enzyme of considerable importance in food technology for increasing the aroma of fruit juices and alcoholic beverages. It is particularly used for debittering of citrus-juice by the hydrolysis of naringin and hesperidin, however this activity is low in commercial enzyme preparations. The aim of this work is the production of Rha from Aspergillus terreus fermentation using citrus solid waste (CSW), called “pastazzo”, as specific inducer. CSW is rich in fermentable materials such as sugars, in particular rhamnose, in pectins, an…

PROCESS AND PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION IN THE ARTISANAL PRODUCTION OF SICILIAN COFFE GELATO

The production of artisan gelato has always been a very important sector for the Italian economy, the aim of this work is to highlight the peculiarity of production in Sicily, in synergy with a young economic reality and the production reality that is expanding Gelateria Cappadonia, Caffè Morettino Srl Palermo and the academic world. The aim of this research is to solve the color change during the production of artisan coffee gelato.

Tecnologie Alimentari: Operazioni Unitarie - Esercizi

Le Operazioni Unitarie (OU) costituiscono gli stadi fondamentali (o elementi base) del flow-sheet di un processo produttivo. Le OU fondamentali comuni a più processi si basano sugli stessi principi, relativi a fenomeni chimico-fisici e biologici, e quindi su tecnologie simili, anche se naturalmente le tipologie delle apparecchiature, i materiali di costruzione e le condizioni operative devono essere adattate. Questa scomposizione logica, permette di realizzare un qualsiasi processo mediante una sequenza ottimale di OU (Biardi G., ed. Città Studi, 2009), in cui occorre che lo studente acquisisca le medesime conoscenze e competenze. Per tale motivo le OU, vengono impartite in un insegnamento …

INHIBITION OF POLYPHENOL OXIDASE FROM EGGPLANT.

Evaluation of biscuits obtained from novel composite flour containing Maiorca malt flour

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel composite flour containing one of the old Sicilian wheat landraces called Maiorca and the resultant biscuits. In this study, the effect of replacing soft wheat flour with Maiorca malt flour and commercial malt flour at different percentages (5, 10, and 15%) on the color intensity, formation of acrylamide, and descriptive sensory analysis was evaluated. Sensory analysis revealed that the biscuit sample containing 5% Maiorca malt flour was most appreciated by panelists. Eventually, data analysis revealed that Maiorca malt flour had great potential to be used as a part of biscuit ingredients.

Effetti dell’essiccamento sull’attività polifenolossidasica e pattern antiossidante di pomodoro ciliegino(Effects of drying process on polyphenol oxidase activity and antioxidant pattern changes of Sicilian cherry tomato)

Microbiota and metabolome during controlled and spontaneous fermentation of Nocellara Etnea table olives

This study is aimed to investigate bacterial community and its dynamics during the fermentation of Nocellara Etnea table olives and to study its effect on metabolome formation. Six different combination of bacterial cultures (BC1-BC6) were used as starters for table olive fermentation and one additional process, conducted without addition of any starters, was used as control (C). The processes were conducted in triplicate and, overall, 21 vessels were performed at industrial scale. The fermentation was monitored for 120 days through culture-dependent and –independent approaches. Microbial counts of the main microbial groups revealed slight differences among brine samples, with the exception…

Ruolo della β-glucosidasi isolata da attività enzimatiche collaterali sul rilascio di trans-resveratrolo nei vini (ROLE OF B-GLUCOSIDASE ISOLATED FROM COLLATERAL ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES IN RELEASING TRANS-RESVERATROL IN WINES)

Increase of trans-resveratrol in typical Sicilian wine using β-Glucosidase from various sources

β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) (β-G) from different sources were tested to increase the trans-resveratrol in some Sicilian wines by hydrolysing resveratrol glucoside. β-G from Aspergillus niger mould was tested as a crude and purified enzyme, and compared with the same enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Specific purification served to eliminate collateral enzyme activities so that β-G could be used simply and economically. Aspergillus niger β-G produced trans-resveratrol increases of up to 75%, with no change in physico-chemical properties and bouquet, and an increase in health and nutritional properties. S. cerevisiae β-G raised free-terpenol levels, but impaired wine colour due to a…

Effect of seasonality on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of nicastrese milk and artisanal cheese

ABSTRACT Nicastrese is an indigenous Italian goat breed reared in the Calabria region under semi-extensive practices. From January to June, the milk yield of 400 multiparous Nicastrese goats was evaluated. In addition, tank milk and ripened cheese samples were subjected to physico-chemical and microbiological analyses with the aim to assess the effect of the seasonality on quality parameters. The volatile organic compounds profile of the ripened Nicastrese cheese samples was evaluated. Results showed that the seasonality had a significant effect on milk fat, lactose, urea, citric acid contents and acidity. Microbiological analysis of tank milk samples revealed variability among the differen…

Physicochemical properties, sugar profile, and non-starch polysaccharides characterization of old wheat malt landraces

Abstract Craft beers produced by small breweries are becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to their unique composition, taste, and flavour. Wheat malt is a traditional brewing raw material with great potential to improve beer properties such as mouthfeel, foam, haze, and flavour. In this study, the malting quality of eight wheat varieties (four common and four durum) was evaluated to explore the feasibility of producing 100 % wheat malt beer from old landraces. The physicochemical characteristics such as friability, Kolbach index, viscosity, and colour, of the wheat malts indicated a better degree of modification in the common wheat varieties when compared to that of the durum wheat v…

Characterization and development of different methods to extend shelf life of fresh cut fruit. Case study: novel controlled release system by layer-by-layer assembly

The research project aimed at the investigation of different methods for the storage of fresh-cut fruit. This case study relates to the proposal of an innovative controlled release system to improve the shelf life of ready-to-eat fruit. The methods applied during three research years included the application of active molecules from natural substances, some widely used in commerce and other tested for the first time; first analyzed in vitro and then applied in vivo. The under consideration methods concerned dipping, coating and the layer-by-layer assembly. The analysis carried out on the fruit have monitored pomological traits performances (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, co…

DETERMINATION OF POLYPHENOL OXIDASE AND STUDIES ON BROWNING INACTIVATION IN THREE ARTICHOKE CULTIVARS.

NATURAL INDICO FROM ISATIS TINCTORIA L. FOR THE VALORISATION OF SICILIAN CROPS

Isatis tinctoria L. or woad (Brassicaceae) is an upright herbaceous biennal species up to 120 cm in height. It is in Mediterranean counlries, a common plant cultivated through out centuries to produce the blue dye indigo. With increasing concem for sustainability and a demand from consumers for naturally sourced products, there is a revival of interest in naturai indigo as an agricultural crop produci. Indigo is formed after the extraction of indigo precursors in the leaves of these plants: mainly isatans in woad These compounds are extracted by steeping leaves in warm water. With woad, the addition of alkali to the steep water releases free indoxyl, which forms indigo after a vigorous aera…

Influence of "single-origin" coffees on sensory characteristics of Espresso.

Giarraffa and Grossa di Spagna naturally fermented table olives: Effect of starter and probiotic cultures on chemical, microbiological and sensory traits

Abstract This work investigated on the effects of selected starters and of probiotic strains on the evolution of microbiota, on trend of volatile compounds and on the final sensorial traits of green table olives. The olives, belonging to Giarraffa and Grossa di Spagna cultivars, were processed according to Sicilian traditional method and the following samples were obtained: (1) un-inoculated spontaneous olives, control; (2) olives inoculated with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus H25; (3) olives inoculated with commercial probiotic L. rhamnosus GG; (4) olives inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum GC3 plus Lactobacillus paracasei BS21; and (5) olives inoculated with L. plantarum GC3 plus L…

Composizione polifenolica e maturazione di vin “Nero d’Avola” prodotti nell’ambiente della Sicilia occidentale

EVOLUZIONE DELLA COMPONENTE FENOLICA E DELL'ATTIVITA ANTIOSSIDANTE NEI SUCCHI DI DIVERSI GENOTIPI DI ARANCIO DURANTE LA MATURAZIONE.

PROFILO ANTOCIANICO E ATTIVITÀ ANTIOSSIDANTE DEL SUCCO DI DIVERSE ACCESSIONI DI MELOGRANO

Aim of this paper was identify accessions of pomegranate with high anthocyanins and polyphenols content and correlate their values with antioxidant activity. Anthocyanin’s profile was determined by HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant activity was measured by fluorimetric assay and expressed by ORAC value. Results obtained was correlated and analyzed to find best accession.

New development opportunities for the craft brewing segment: the case study of a micro-malthouse

In Italy in the past few years, the number of small breweries penetrating the craft beer sector has grown exponentially. Craft producers intend to give a strong added value and a local character to their production in different ways. One of these is the use of malt derived from small batches of local cereals and pseudo cereals. The aim of this study is the assessment of investment profitability, through a cost-benefit analysis (CBA), for a compact and a modular micro-malting plant in Sicily (Southern Italy). The CBA for a micro-malthouse was carried out considering both installation and operating costs. Net present value (NPV), discounted benefit-cost ratio (DBCR) and internal rate of retur…

Recovery of anthocyanins from eggplant peel

Abstract Tartaric and malic acid solutions were tested to extract anthocyanins from eggplant peel by a discontinuous process to obtain a natural red colorant. Extraction optimization was carried out, using different solvents, acid concentration, temperature, time of extraction and solvent-to-solid ratio as independent variables. Tartaric acid was more efficient than malic acid in both extraction yield and rate. Comparative tests were carried out using acidified ethanol as solvent. Delphinidin-3-rutinoside was extracted and identified as the major anthocyanin in eggplant peel. Concentration of different extracts from eggplant peel was carried out using EXA-31, a methacrylic food grade resin,…

THE MARKET FOR ALTERNATIVE SPECIES OF SHRIMP (PARAPENEUS LONGIROSTRIS) MINIMALLY PROCESSED TO INCREAS THE SHELF LIFE

A reason that has put at the center of attention the crustaceans has been the growing demand for fast food products to which these fishes are particularly suitable. This paper proposes for the first time the use of the species of shrimp Parapeneus longirostris of the Mediterranean sea to realize precooked trays of V range and analyze the evolution of the process of melanosis with respect to commercial products in general coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

Effects of innovative and conventional sanitizing treatments on the reduction of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera defects on industrial durum wheat bread

Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Hyphopichia burtonii and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera are spoilage yeasts causing chalk mold defects on sliced bread packaged under modified atmosphere. The first objective of this study, carried out in a bread-making company for two consecutive years, was to genetically identify yeasts isolated from spoiled sliced bread in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and to determine the dominant species among identified strains. The second objective was to evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide and silver solution 12% (HPS) treatment in the leavening cells and cooling chambers, in comparison with the conventional Ortho-Phenylphenol (OPP) fumigating treatment, on the inc…

Effects of adding solid and molten chocolate on the physicochemical, antioxidant, microbiological, and sensory properties of ewe's milk cheese.

Abstract: A novel dairy product, namely “chocolate cheese”, was produced with two typical Sicilian food products: Pecorino cheese, processed from ewe's milk, and Modica chocolate. The cheese, manufactured with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) solid or molten chocolate, was evaluated after 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of vacuum storage for its nutritional and health properties. The addition of chocolate reduced the pH, protein, fat, and ash; the addition of 5% or 10% molten chocolate reduced hardness (N/mm2). The addition of either solid or molten chocolate resulted in a slight increase (P < 0.1038) in the total polyphenol content, a higher oleic acid content, and less oxidative stability. The microbio…

Isolation of anthocyanins from vegetable wastes.

Insights Into the Cultivable Microbial Ecology of “Manna” Ash Products Extracted From Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae) Trees in Sicily, Italy

Microbial communities characterizing a specific food matrix, generally, strongly contribute to both its composition, and properties for food applications. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the cultivable microbial ecology of Sicilian "Manna" ash products in order to acquire new information on the hygienic quality, shelf-life and potential application of this traditional food. To this purpose, several manna samples belonging to different commercial categories were collected and subjected to the analysis of bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. Furthermore, an investigation of the sugar content and physicochemical parameters was performed. The results of our study fo…

History, Processing and Quality Enhancement of Traditional Egyptian Kariesh Cheese: A Review

Kariesh is a soft acid cheese made from skimmed cow's milk, buffalo milk or buttermilk from sour cream; apparently it is made only on farmsteads. It is considered to be one of the most important traditional Egyptian dairy products, commonly made in the Egyptian countryside, especially in small villages, as low-income people such as farmers use Kariesh cheese in their diet owing to its high protein content, low fat and price. Therefore, nowadays, Kariesh cheese is a promising food in the avoidance of health problems associated with fat, particularly for old people. The aim of this article is to provide a wide range of information on Egyptian Kariesh cheese starting with a brief description o…

Changes in nonvolatile flavours of blood and common orange fruits during cold storage.

STUDY OF Β-GLUCOSIDASE IN CELLULAR AND ACELLULAR FORM FOR WINEMAKING APPLICATIONS

Change in Taste-altering Non-volatile Components of Blood and Common Orange Fruit during Cold Storage

Abstract Cold storage may cause changes in the volatile and non-volatile components of orange fruit, in association with the decrement of the characteristic fruit flavour and sensory acceptability. The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes of some non-volatile taste-altering components (total and individual sugars, acids, anthocyanins, putrescine and limonin) that may affect the organoleptic perception of cold-stored orange fruit. Three blood orange varieties ('Tarocco TDV', 'Tarocco Gallo', and 'Moro') and a common variety ('Washington navel') were stored at 6 ± 1 °C and 90–95% Relative Humidity (RH) for 60 d. Chemical and sensory assessments were performed during fruit storage at 1…

Caratterizzazione di tipi locali di Solanum melongena L. diffusi in Sicilia

Preliminary characterization of wild lactic acid bacteria and their abilities to produce flavour compounds in ripened model cheese system.

Aims:  The aim of this work was to preliminary characterize wild lactic acid bacteria (LAB), previously isolated during artisanal Pecorino Siciliano (PS) cheese-making for technological and flavour formation abilities in a model cheese system. Methods and Results:  Twelve LAB were studied for the ability to grow at 10 and 45°C, to coagulate and acidify both reconstituted skim milk and ewe's milk. Moreover, the capacity of the strains to generate aroma compounds was evaluated in a model cheese system at 30- and 60-day ripening. Flavour compounds were screened by sensory analysis and throughout gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS). Most of the strains were able to grow both at 10 an…

Production of Functional Crackers Enriched with Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extract

In recent years, considerable interest has been shown in the functional properties of foods, and a relevant role has been played by phenolic compounds, able to scavenge free radicals. A more sustainable agriculture has to emerge to guarantee food supply over the next years. Wheat, corn, and rice are the most common cereals cultivated, but also other cereal species, such as barley can be appreciated for their peculiarities. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a C3 winter cereal that shows high resistance at drought and salt stresses. There are growing interests in barley as ingredient for the production of functional foods due to its high content of phenolic compounds and Beta-glucans. In this re…

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in freshly squeezed blood and blond orange juices [citrus sinensis (l.) Osbeck].

Almond by-products: Extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds and evaluation of their potential use in composite dough with wheat flour

Blanched skins and blanching water, by-products of almond processing, were evaluated as potential ingredients of bakery products. The research included three phases: i) optimization of skin drying; ii) optimization of quali-quantitative determination of phenolic compounds, by comparing three extracting protocols; iii) assessment of the impact of by-products on the rheology of composite meals with wheat flour. Besides being less time-consuming, drying at 60 °C for 30 min lowered effectively skin moisture (7.86 g/100 g) and kept better odor notes (leafy and rancid odor scored 6.1 and 0.2, respectively), as well as higher content of phenolics (813.89 µg/g, with the most effective extracting me…

Study and characterization of polyphenol oxidase from eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

ABSTRACT: In this study the catecholase and cresolase activities of eggplant polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were investigated. Enzyme activity was determined by measuring the increase in absorbance using catechol as substrate and 3-methyl-2- benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) as coupled reagent. The effects of substrate specificity, heat inactivation, temperature, pH, and inhibitors were investigated to understand the enzymatic alteration of ready-to-eat preparations. Browning of vegetables was determined through a colorimeter. Decrease of lightness (L*) and increase of color difference values (ΔE*) were correlated with tissue browning. Antibrowning agents were tested on PPO under the same condit…

Influence of indigenous Hanseniaspora uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from sugar-rich substrates on the aromatic composition of loquat beer

The demand for unique and exclusive food products and beverages is constantly on the increase. One of the products that mostly evolved to encounter market dynamics in the last decade is craft beer. For a long time, craft breweries have included fruit in beer production to enrich flavour and aroma profile of different beer styles. In this study, for the first time, the use of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains isolated from high -sugar matrices (manna and fermented honey by-products) were investigated to diversify fruit craft beer pro-duction, in order to improve the fermentation process and highlight the complexity of aroma profiles generated during alcoholic fermentation. Tw…

Correlazione tra indici di freschezza e tecniche di pesca artigianali (“a cianciolo”) di specie di pesce azzurro (E. Encrasicolus, S. Pilchardus)

PRODUZIONE DI GELATINA DA SUCCO DI MELOGRANO OTTENUTO CON TECNICHE NON CONVENZIONALI.

Changes in anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity during ripening of different citrus genotypes.

Cherry Tomato Drying: Sun versus Convective Oven

Solar drying and convective oven drying of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) were compared. The changes in the chemical parameters of tomatoes and principal drying parameters were recorded during the drying process. Drying curves were fitted to several mathematical models, and the effects of air temperature during drying were evaluated by multiple regression analyses, comparing to previously reported models. Models for drying conditions indicated a final water content of 30% (semidry products) and 15% (dry products) was achieved, comparing sun-drying and convective oven drying at three different temperatures. After 26–28 h of sun drying, the tomato tissue had reached a moisture content…

Effect of drying condition on Leonforte peaches

Leonforte peaches ripen in September and October and even as late as November. They are wrapped in paper bags to protect them from the wind and parasites and are harvested only when perfectly ripe. Protected inside the bags, they ripen late and take on a bright yellow colour with red streaks. Wonderfully scented, the peach boasts yellow, firm flesh that is sweet with a distinctive, slightly caramelized flavour. Aim of this paper was to set a drying process for fresh fruit transformation. In fact, the fruit harvest is limited in a very short time, so is important to find a conservation method. Drying process was carried out in a pilot plant setting different temperature and time condition. T…

Microbreweries, brewpubs and beerfirms in the Sicilian craft beer industry

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the organisational and managing models characterising the craft beer producers in Sicily (Southern Italy) and the main issues of the provision of raw materials. Design/methodology/approach A direct survey involving the overall population of 41 craft breweries operating in Sicily in 2016 was carried out. Then 29 questionnaires were collected for exploratory analysis. A hierarchical cluster analysis was also performed out to group companies by similar structural, productive and economic features. Findings The findings of the survey showed a Sicilian craft beer industry characterised by a substantial dependence on the import of malts hops and yeasts and t…

QUALITÀ CHIMICO-FISICA, SENSORIALE E NUTRACEUTICA DI FRUTTI DI NESPOLO DEL GIAPPONE (Eriobotria JaponicaLINDL)

The influence of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on the quality of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit slices

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the effect of mucilage edible coating extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) on the quality and shelf life maintenance of packaged kiwifruit slices. OFI mucilage alone or added with TWEEN ® 20 were applied on kiwifruit fresh cut surfaces. After treatments, kiwifruit samples were stored under passive atmosphere at 5 ± 1 °C for 3, 5, 7 and 12 days. At each storage period, visual quality and flavor score, pectin content, ascorbic acid and the microbiological characteristics were measured together with CO 2 and O 2 content in the packages. Kiwifruit slices coated only with mucilage or with mucilage plus Tween 20, showed a significant higher firmness…

Non-conventional yeasts from fermented honey by-products: Focus on Hanseniaspora uvarum strains for craft beer production

The increasing interest in novel beer productions focused on non-Saccharomyces yeasts in order to pursue their potential in generating groundbreaking sensory profiles. Traditional fermented beverages represent an important source of yeast strains which could express interesting features during brewing. A total of 404 yeasts were isolated from fermented honey by-products and identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Five H. uvarum strains were screened for their brewing capability. Interestingly, Hanseniaspora uvarum strains showed growth in presence of ethanol and hop and a more rapid growth…

Fermentation of Nocellara Etnea table olives by functional starter cultures at different low salt concentrations

Nocellara Etnea is one of the main Sicilian cultivars traditionally used to produce both olive oil and naturally fermented table olives. In the present study, the effect of different salt concentrations on physico-chemical, microbiological, sensorial, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) formation was evaluated in order to obtain functional Nocellara Etnea table olives. The experimental design consisted of 8 treatments as follow: fermentations at 4, 5, 6, and 8% of salt with (E1-E4 samples) and without (C1-C4 samples) the addition of starters. All the trials were carried out at room temperature (18 +/- 2 degrees C) and monitored for an overall period of 120 d. In addition, the persistence …

Screening of durum wheat landraces (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) for the malting suitability

Abstract Durum (T. turgidum subsp. durum) wheat production worldwide is substantially less than that of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) mainly due to the relatively limited end-users. In order to evaluate malting and brewing suitability, sixteen old durum wheat landraces were malted at micro scale. Results show malt quality parameters in the range 78.2–85.9% for the extract, 72.9–80.9% for the fermentability, 3–5 EBC units for the colour, 0.49–0.79% dm for water-extractable arabinoxylans and 0.043–0.059% dm for the β-glucans. Regarding wort viscosity (1.53–1.92 mPa s), we found negative correlation with endo-1,4-β-D-xylanase, positive correlation with endo-β-glucanases and soluble proteins…

New application of agro-industrial waste to prevent melanosis of Mediterranean pink shrimp

RUOLO DI β-GLUCOSIDASI ISOLATA D’ATTIVITÀ ENZIMATICHE COLLATERALI SUL RILASCIO DI TRANS-RESVERATROLO NEI VINI

Effects of thermal treatments on pectinesterase activity determined in blood oranges juices

Abstract The citrus processing industry aims to maintain turbidity and attractive colour of the juice obtained from Sicilian blood oranges. Nevertheless, the presence of pectinesterase (PE, E.C. 3.1.1.11) causes the loss of these peculiar characteristics, due to precipitation of colloids and very fine pieces of pulp in suspension, with negative effects on colour and clarification of the juices. This study compares total PE activity of Sicilian blood oranges ( Sanguinello , Moro , Tarocco ) with the blonde cultivar Navel , checking enzyme stability with various pasteurisation times and temperatures conditions. Decimal reduction time and temperature ( D and z ) as well as the kinetic constant…

Strategies for the extension of the shelf life of ready to eat prickly pear fruits

The prickly pear fruit (Opuntia ficus indica L. Miller) belongs to the Cactaceae family. The fruit is a berry, composed by an epicarp and the pulp, which represents the edible portion. At maturation, the epicarp turns yellow, red or white, depending on the cultivar. In Italy, the prickly pear is mainly cultivated in Sicily (90% of the national production). The fruit is very sensitive to low storage temperatures (< 5°C) which cause chilling injuries. The fruits can be successfully commercialized as a ready-to-eat product, peeled and suitably packaged. The main limit to its production is the formation of off-flavours due to different factors, such as the growth of microorganism and the action…

The Impact of COVID-19 in the Italian Wine and Olive Oil Sector

Coronavirus has produced worldwide many negative effects on the food economy, but wine industry is one of the main sector affected by the crisis especially due to the lock down involving restaurants and other retail distributions. 2019 ended in an extremely encouraging way for the Italian wine industry and especially for the sparkling wine sector, with an increase in foreign demand growing by almost 15%, This increase was largely due to the success of sales in Anglo-Saxon nations, such as the United States and less so in the United Kingdom due to Brexit, not to underestimate even exports to Japan, Russia and China.

Polyphasic approach to study physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of artisanal Nicastrese goat's cheese

Abstract Nicastrese goat's cheese is produced in the South of Italy under traditional procedures, from raw goat milk without any starter cultures addition. Samples from milk to ripened cheese provided by 4 different farms were subjected to a polyphasic approach to study their physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics. In addition, volatile organic compounds formation in the final products was studied. Overall, gross composition and microbiological data revealed a significant variability among samples, which was confirmed by both the volatile organic compounds generated in the final products and by the sensorial data. Conventional technique allowed us to identify 720 is…

Pomological Traits, Sensory Profile and Nutraceutical Properties of Nine Cultivars of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruits Grown in Mediterranean Area

In this paper the diversity of fruit quality within nine loquat cultivars, including five international affirmed cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Peluche, Bueno, El Buenet) and four local cultivars (Sanfilippara, Nespolone di Trabia, BRT20 and Claudia), were investigated in order to discriminate the variation in pomological characteristics, sensory profile, and antioxidant properties. Finally, to evaluate potential bioactivity, antiproliferative activity of hydrophilic extracts from loquat fruits was assessed, at dietary relevant concentrations, against three human epithelial cell lines. Even though the international cultivars confirmed an appropriate level of commercial qualities in asso…

Water as a Solvent of Election for Obtaining Oleuropein-Rich Extracts from Olive (Olea europaea) Leaves

Leaves from Olea europaea represent one of the main by-products of the olive oil industry, containing a plethora of bioactive compounds with several promising activities for human health. An organic solvent-free extraction method was developed for the recovery of olive leaf phenols, which obtained an extract containing oleuropein in high amounts. A comparison of various extraction media is reported, together with the total phenolic content, DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) content, ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), and polyphenol oxidase activity of the corresponding extracts. The polyphenol profiles and content of the most representative extracts have also been studied. Extrac…

The effect of different technologies in Pomegranate jam preparation on the phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity

The effect of different gelling agents and processing for jam production from pomegranate juice was evaluated. In the last years, different gelling agents were tested for improving jam quality in terms of color and bioactive compounds. The unsonicated and sonicated pomegranate juices were processed for jam production by micro waves, under vacuum and cryoconcentration concentration methods using low and high methoxy pectins, and carob seed flour as gelling agents. The polyphenols content of sonicated jam was significantly lower than unsonicated samples and cryoconcentrated jams showed the significantly highest value among other methods. The results showed the highest anthocyanin content in t…

SENSORY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA RED WINE

OTTIMIZZAZIONE DEL PROCESSO PRODUTTIVO DEI CAVOLI CINESI DI IV GAMMA: ASPETTI QUALITATIVI ED ENZIMATICI.

A SELECTIVE EXTRACTION OF ANTHOCYANINS FROM EGGPLANT PEEL

DEGRADATIVE ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES IN FRESH-CUT BLOOD ORANGE SLICES DURING CHILLED STORED

Summary Blood-orange fruits are suitable to fresh-cut fruit production because of their chemical compositions. Nevertheless, the main limitation of using freshly cut oranges is their susceptibility to juiciness loss and ascorbic acid degradation because of enzymatic alterations. The aim of this work is: to identify some of the enzymes causing the qualitative decay in blood-orange slices during 15 days of chilled storage (at 4 ± 0.5 °C and 85% RH); to investigate the susceptibility to the previous alterations of five blood-orange clones (Moro nucellare, Sanguinello nucellare, Tarocco arcimusa, Tarocco gallo and Tarocco meli) to select the most suitable one for fresh-cut production. The enzym…

Myrosinase activity and quality parameters on fresh-cut Chinese cabbage stored at two different temperatures

Anticancer properties of the New Carrots from Ispica

A method for anthocyanin extraction from fresh grape skin

Methods used to evaluate the peroxyl (ROO·) radical scavenging capacities of four common antioxidants

Different methods that are used to measure peroxyl radical (ROO) scavenging capacity were used in model systems containing four common antioxidant compounds: ascorbic acid, cysteine, gallic acid and Trolox, a water-soluble vitamin E analogue. Five tests were performed, with differences in the method of peroxyl radical generation (lipoxygenase, azo-compound thermal degradation and spontaneous oxidation from a natural source of fatty acids) and in the addition of probes such as linoleic acid, crocin, fluorescein and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) by spin-trapping with a-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone. Significant differences were found in antioxidant reactivity, evaluated by dose–effect se…

La trasformazione degli agrumi del Giardino della Kolimbetra in marmellate

Ruolo delle tecnologie alimentari nell’espressione del Terroir

Effect of freezing/thawing process in different sizes of blue fish in the Mediterranean through lysosomal enzymatic tests

The assessment of freshness of different sizes of blue fish (Engraulis encrasicolus 12 cm, Sardina pilchardus 15 cm, Trachurus trachurus 40 cm, Scomber japonicus colias 60 cm) was carried out using non-conventional enzymatic methods. The activities of the three lysosomal enzymes (α-glucosidase (AG), β-galactosidase (B-GAL) and β-N-acetylglucosamidase (B-NA)) in extracts of blue fish muscle were measured over a period of 21 days of storage. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of AG activity was observed in all species, with a large increase seen after only one day of storage. B-NA activity increased slightly in sardines, horse mackerels and chub mackerel during frozen/thawed storage. Finally, …

Plasmatic extracellular vesicle microRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma and asbestos-exposed subjects suggest a 2-miRNA signature as potential biomarker of disease.

Background Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer mainly caused by asbestos exposure and refractory to current therapies. Specific diagnostic markers for early MPM diagnosis are needed. Changes in miRNA expression have been implicated in several diseases and cancers, including MPM. We examined if a specific miRNA signature in plasmatic extracellular vesicles (EV) may help to discriminate between malignant pleural mesothelioma patients (MPM) and subjects with Past Asbestos Exposure (PAE). Methodology/Principal findings We investigated 23 MPM patients and 19 cancer-free subjects with past asbestos exposure (PAE). We screened 754 miRNAs in plasmatic EVs by OpenArray and f…

Addition of selected starter/non-starter lactic acid bacterial inoculums to stabilise PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese production

Abstract The present study was carried out to produce Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) Pecorino Siciliano cheese with a multi-species lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture, composed of starter and non-starter strains in order to reduce the microbiological variability of the products derived without LAB inoculums. To this end, cheese samples produced in six factories located in five provinces (Agrigento, Catania, Enna, Palermo and Trapani) of Sicily, and previously characterised for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory aspects, have been investigated in this work for bacterial microbiome, fatty acid (FA) composition as well as volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. Analysis of …

Effect of Drying Condition on the Quality of Dry Late Peaches of Leonforte

The Late Peach of Leonforte [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] grown in Southern Italy matures in September and October and as late as November. Fruits are wrapped in paper bags to protect them from parasites and are harvested only when fully ripe. Protected inside the bags, they ripen late and take on a bright yellow colour with red streaks. Highly aromatic, the peach has yellow, firm flesh that is high in soluble solids and has a distinctive, slightly caramelized flavour. The aim of this work was to deter¬mine the best method of drying peach as a means of conserving the fruit after harvest due to its very limited shelf-life. Drying processes were carried out in a pilot plant utilising differen…

CHANGES IN ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT IN FRESH CUT SICILIAN YELLOW-FLESH PEACHES

The traditional yellow-flesh peach cultivars 'Settembrina' and 'Ottobrina' di Leonforte ripen respectively during the first 10 days of September, and the first 10 days of November, in Sicily, Italy. During pit hardening, fruit are covered with a paper bag in order to protect them from Mediterranean fruit fly. To understand their behaviour in terms of postharvest maintenance and suitability for minimal processing, 'Settembrina' and 'Ottobrina' di Leonforte were processed (i.e., cleaned, washed, peeled, cut, dipped and packed) to obtain fresh-cut peaches. Fresh cut slices were stored in perforated or bi-oriented polystyrene bags, after soaking in either a 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lacta…

Characterization of pectinmethylesterase, β-galactosidase and ascorbate oxidase from Sicilian blood orange.

TECNOLOGIE ALIMENTARI: OPERAZIONI UNITARIE. vol. 1

Natural Indigo from Isatis tinctoria L. for the Reassessment of Sicilian Crops - A Minireview

Quality control of the Denomination of Origin 'Cerasuolo di Vittoria' wine by sensory and analytical parameters.

The effectiveness of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on postharvest maintenance of ‘Dottato’ fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit

Abstract Breba figs are highly perishable and their shelf-life is very short. In this study, breba figs (cv. ‘Dottato’) were treated with a mucilage solution of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes, sealed in plastic bags, and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. The effect of the edible coating on the shelf-life and qualitative attributes of the fruit were evaluated by colors, content of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenol, total carotenoids. Results showed that coating improves the quality of breba fig during storage. The edible coating was effective in maintaining fruit fresh weight, visual score values, fruit firmness and total carotenoid content. Coated fruit showed a significantly …

Use of concentrated fruit juice extracts to improve the antioxidant properties in a soft drink formulation

Three juices obtained respectively from pomegranate, prickly pear and orange fruit were separately concentrated using an innovative technique, that allow to obtain a final product with high content of bioactive compounds and elevate antioxidant activity. The concentrated juices were employed in the formulation of a soft drink to improve its bioactive properties. Despite a low amount of each concentrated juice was used, the experimental soft drink obtained evidenced a high content of total polyphenols. The antioxidant activity detected was similar to that of tea commonly considered a healthy beverage with strong radical scavenging activity. The sensory analysis of the soft drink showed a con…

Physico-chemical properties and sensory profile of durum wheat Dittaino PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) bread and quality of re-milled semolina used for its production.

To help future quality checks, we characterized the physico-chemical and sensory properties of Dittaino bread, a sourdough-based durum wheat bread recently awarded with Protected Designation of Origin mark, along with the quality features of re-milled semolina used for its production. Semolina was checked for Falling Number (533–644 s), protein content (12.0–12.3 g/100 g d.m.), gluten content (9.7–10.5 g/100 g d.m.), yellow index (18.0–21.0), water absorption (59.3–62.3 g/100 g), farinograph dough stability (171–327 s), softening index (46–66 B.U.), alveograph W (193 × 10−4–223 × 10−4 J) and P/L (2.2–2.7). Accordingly, bread crumb was yellow, moderately hard (16.4–27.1 N) and chewy (88.2–10…

Physiological and molecular analysis of the maturation process in fruits of Clementine Mandarin and one of its late-ripening mutants

Peel color is one of the main features affecting citrus quality. Clementine is a widespread citrus species with several mutants showing a delay in pigmentation and harvesting. This work characterizes the fruit development and ripening of two clementine clones, 'Comune', a widespread variety, and one of its natural mutations, 'Tardivo', which differ by a delayed color-break and extended harvest period. Morphological, chemical, and molecular analyses were carried out on fruits of both genotypes during the whole maturation process. Analysis showed that mutation did not affect ripening characteristics such as juice acidity and TSS. However, biochemical and molecular analysis revealed marked dif…

Effect of sequential inoculum of beta-glucosidase positive and probiotic strains on brine fermentation to obtain low salt sicilian table olives

In the present study, the β-glucosidase positive strain Lactobacillus plantarum F3. 3 was used as starter during the fermentation of Sicilian table olives (Nocellara Etnea cultivar) at two different salt concentrations (5 and 8%), in order to accelerate the debittering process. The latter was monitored through the increase of hydroxytyrosol compound. In addition, the potential probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei N24 strain was added after 60 days of fermentation. Un-inoculated brine samples at 5 and 8% of salt were used as control. The fermentation was monitored till 120 days through physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. In addition, volatile organic compounds and sensorial analyses …

POLYPHENOL OXIDASE ACTIVITY FROM THREE SICILIAN ARTICHOKE (CYNARA CARDUNCULUS L. VAR. SCOLYMUS L. (FIORI)) CULTIVARS: STUDIES AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATION ON MINIMALLY PROCESSED PRODUCTION.

Several papers helped with the development of more methods to control browning, or study thermal polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inactivation, but did not provide any solutions to technological process problems and food process improvement. Artichokes [ Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. (Fiori)] are susceptible to browning; this alteration could affect and reduce the suitability for its use, fresh or processed. Within this study, the catecholase and cresolase activities of PPO from three different Sicilian artichokes cultivar were characterized with regard to substrate specificity and enzyme kinetics, optimum pH and temperature, temperature and pH stability, and inhibitor test; all of the res…

Innovative use of natural extracts on the treatment of melanosis of three species of shrimp in the Mediterranean post capture

Changes in ascorbic acid content in fresh cut Sicilian yellow-flesh peaches during post harvest and in fresh cuts.

The traditional yellow-flesh peach cultivars Settembrina and Ottobrina di Leonforte, ripen, the former, during the first 10 days of September and, the latter, during the first 10 days of November in Sicily (Italy). During the pit hardening stage, fruit are covered with a paper bag in order to protect them from the Mediterranean fruit fly. To understand their behaviour in term of postharvest manteinance and suitability to minimal processing, Settembrina and Ottobrina di Leonforte were processed (cleaned, washed, peeled, cut, dipped, packed) to obtain fresh-cut peaches. Fresh cut slices were also stored in perforated bi-oriented polystyrene bags, with 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lactate a…

Employ of Citrus By-product as Fat Replacer Ingredient for Bakery Confectionery Products

Citrus fruits processing is one of the foremost industrial activities in Sicily and the main residual by-product consists in peels and seeds (known as "pastazzo"). Traditionally this by-product has been used for different purposes, and only most recently, it has been described as source of a wide range of healthy bioactive compounds and dietary fibers. In the present work, a debittered food grade orange fiber (DOF), extracted from orange juice by-product, was experimentally obtained and tested as fat-replacer at different percentages (30, 50, and 70%) in bakery confectionery products (brioches). The DOF showed high total fiber content, low water activity and a high water binding capacity. T…

Freshness Indexes of Anchovies and Sardines of Mediterranean Sea

Anchovy (Engraulis Encrasicholus) and sardine (Sardina Pilchardus) are blue fishes linked to our alimentary tradition of Mediterranean. In our work, particularly, we tested for the first time physical and enzymatic methods to verify the freshness of species of blue fish, anchovy and sardine of Mediterranean. In connection with to the lowering of the pH after post-mortem stage we assisted to a increase in proteolytic activity of calpaine and catpsine. Already after 2 h in post- mortem there was a considerable increase.

Variability of sensory profile and quality characteristics for ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica Batsch) fresh-cut slices during storage

Abstract Peach genotypes in Southern Italy include the white-flesh ‘Pesca di Bivona’ (‘Murtiddara’, ‘Bianca’, ‘Agostina’ and ‘Settembrina’) and the yellow-flesh ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ (‘Settembrina’, ‘Giallone’ and ‘Ottobrina’ ) landraces, with non-melting clingstone fruit, characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor that is highly appreciated by consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of these white- and yellow-flesh landraces to be processed as fresh-cut product with regard to the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles. Fruit of ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ landraces were cut into slices and stored at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, 12 d. Fre…

The combination of freezing and modified atmosphere packaging inhibits melanosis in giant red shrimp

INCREMENTO DELLA SELETTIVITÀ NELLA SEPARAZIONE DI ANTOCIANINE DA PROANTOCIANIDINE MEDIANTE RESINE

Tecnologie alimentari: problemi svolti di operazioni unitarie

Le Operazioni Unitarie (OU) costituiscono gli elementi base del flow-sheet di un processo produttivo. Le OU fondamentali comuni a più processi si basano sugli stessi principi, relativi a fenomeni chimico-fisici e biologici, e quindi su tecnologie simili, anche se naturalmente le apparecchiature, i materiali di costruzione e le condizioni operative devono essere adattate. Questa scomposizione logica, permette di realizzare un qualsiasi processo mediante una sequenza ottimale di OU (Biardi G., ed. Città Studi, 2009), in cui occorre che lo studente acquisisca le medesime conoscenze e competenze. Per tale motivo le OU, vengono impartite in un insegnamento a parte, con un metodo “unitario”, che …

RISCHI E VIRTU’ DEL CONSUMO DI PESCE CRUDO

Il consumo di pesce crudo in questo ultimo ventennio è notevolmente aumentato, ciò è dovuto non solo alle benefiche caratteristiche alimentari del pesce ma soprattutto alla moda di cui il consumatore è fortemente influenzato. Il pesce è una preziosa fonte di proteine, minerali e vitamine di alta qualità.

Use of microbial enzyme on brewing

Preliminary evaluation of durum wheat (Triticum Turgidum Subsp Durum) during malting process:

Durum (T. turgidum subsp. durum) wheat production worldwide is substantially less than that of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) mainly due to the relatively limited end-users. In order to evaluate malting and brewing suitability, sixteen old durum wheat landraces were malted at micro scale. Results show malt quality parameters in the range 78.2–85.9% for the extract, 72.9–80.9% for the fermentability, 3–5 EBC units for the colour, 0.49–0.79% dm for water-extractable arabinoxylans and 0.043–0.059% dm for the β-glucans. Regarding wort viscosity (1.53–1.92 mPa s), we found negative correlation with endo-1,4-β-D-xylanase, positive correlation with endo-β-glucanases and soluble proteins, while n…

SALINITY EFFECTS ON ENZYMATIC BROWNING AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF FRESH-CUT BABY ROMAINE LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L. CV. DUENDE)

Abstract Enzymatic browning is a main problem encountered in minimal processing and further storage of leafy vegetables, leading to shorter shelf-life of products. Changes in the two oxidative activities, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD), as well as in total phenolic content, colour parameters and antioxidant capacity (assayed with ORAC method), were monitored during 10 days of storage at 4 °C of minimally processed baby Romaine lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L. cv. Duende) cultivated under three different salinity conditions (2.8, 3.8 and 4.8 dS m −1 ), in order to determine the most suitable condition for further processing. Increasing levels of salinity reduced both oxidases activ…

Biochemical alterations and quality of ready to eat Opuntia ficus indica L. Miller differently packaged

Use of stevia and chia seeds for the formulation of traditional and vegan artisanal ice cream

Abstract Gelato is the name of the Italian-style artisanal ice cream, a nutritious product widely consumed in different parts of the world. Due to the high content in simple sugars, ice cream should be consumed moderately by diabetic patient. This research aimed to create artisanal ice cream, using Stevia rebaudiana, a plant well known for its sweet taste and its hypoglycemic effect. Traditional and vegan ice cream were formulated using stevia and chia seeds, in order to obtain products with appreciable rheological, textural and sensorial properties. Physical and sensorial properties of the ice cream formulation containing milk protein (traditional) or vegan substitute, were evaluated. Resu…

Innovative enzymatic methods for determining the freshness of the mediterranean crustaceans