Assessment of the nutritional composition of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Physicochemical and functional properties of isolated starch and their correlation with flour from the Andean Peruvian quinoa varieties

Quinoa has been recognized as a complete food due to its balanced nutritional composition. Quinoa flour is used as an ingredient to improve the nutritional and functional characteristics of cereal-based foods. The physicochemical and functional (thermal and pasting) properties of flours and isolated starches of three Andean Peruvian quinoa varieties (Blanca de Hualhuas, BH; Rosada de Huancayo, RHY and Pasankalla, PK) were studied and the correlation among them properties were evaluated in order to explore their possible uses as a food ingredient. Proximal chemical composition of flour and isolated starches from quinoa varieties showed differences. Isolated starches from quinoa varieties showed a XRD Type A crystallinity patterns with polygonal shapes, small size, higher crystallinity degree and lower amylose content (<15%). The thermal (gelatinization temperatures and enthalpies) and pasting (temperature and time of gelatinization and viscosities) properties of flours and isolated starches showed differences and the principal component analysis demonstrated that those properties are significantly correlated to the starch and fat content. Based on the differences found among physicochemical and functional properties, isolated starch and flour of BH, RHY and PK quinoa varieties have potential as food ingredient for several cereal-based products.

Minerals and their bioavailability in relation to dietary fiber, phytates and tannins from gluten and gluten-free flakes

Flakes are an assortment of grain products mainly consumed for breakfast. Most of them are important source of nutrients including minerals. Twenty commercial flakes from different raw materials were included in this study, both gluten (barley, rye, spelt, wheat) and gluten-free (amaranth, buckwheat, corn, quinoa, millet, oat, rice, teff). The content of minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn), dietary fiber (total, soluble and insoluble), tannins and phytates was determined. Moreover, the phytates:mineral molar ratios and the percentage of the realization of mineral requirements were calculated. For the first time the mineral bioavailability from the gluten and gluten-free flakes was evaluated and compared. It allowed indicating amaranth and teff products as flakes with the highest impact on the realization of daily requirements for minerals, especially for magnesium and iron. This aspect is particularly important for people on a gluten-free diet who often represent mineral deficiencies.

Comparative Examination of Antioxidant Capacity and Fingerprinting of Unfractionated Extracts from Different Plant Parts of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) Grown under Greenhouse Conditions

Integrated surveys of metabolic profiles and antioxidant capacity from Chenopodium quinoa have been limited and have particularly focused on an examination of seeds and leaves. According to this, the main aim of the present study was to address an evaluation of the antioxidant activity of crude ethanolic extracts from different plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds) harvested at different times during growth and processed by two distinct drying methods: Air-drying and freeze-drying. In order to characterize the resulting extracts, the total content of phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) was then measured through the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant capacity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Parallel to this evaluation, extracts were profiled by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Data analysis was supported by statistics. Most of the extracts obtained from freeze-dried samples showed higher TPC values ranging from 6.02 to 43.47 milligram of gallic acid equivalents per gram of plant material and a TFC between 1.30 and 12.26 milligram of quercetin equivalents per gram of plant material. After statistical analysis, a low correlation between TPC and TFC values was observed regarding antioxidant capacity from DPPH and FRAP measurements of both drying methods. A multivariate analysis showed that antioxidant components and antioxidant capacity in C. quinoa changed during growth and between plant parts and drying methods. These changes need to be taken into consideration when comparing the production/accumulation of beneficial bioactive compounds in this pseudocereal.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Chenopodium sp. (Caryophyllales: Chenopodiaceae)

In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Chenopodium sp. were sequenced and annotated. The complete chloroplast genome of Chenopodium sp. was composed of circular DNA molecules with a total length of 152,068 bp. The base composition of this chloroplast genome is as follows: A (31.16%), T (31.58%), G (18.27%), and C (18.99%). The chloroplast genome contains 84 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The taxonomic status of the Chenopodium sp. chloroplast genome exhibits a closest relationship with Chenopodium quinoa.

Modulation of CAT-2B-Mediated l-Arginine Uptake and Nitric Oxide Biosynthesis in HCT116 Cell Line Through Biological Activity of 4'-Geranyloxyferulic Acid Extract from Quinoa Seeds

Chenopodium quinoa Wild is a “pseudocereal” grain which attracts a lot of attention in the scientific community as it has a positive effect on health. Here, we investigate the presence of biologically active O-prenylated phenylpropanoids in the ethanol extract of commercially available quinoa seeds. We claim that 4′-Geranyloxyferulic acid (GOFA) was the only phytochemical product found that belongs to quinoa’s group secondary metabolites. We studied the changes in the oxidative and inflammatory status of the cellular environment in HCT 116 cell line processed with quinoa extract and its component GOFA; the implementation was done through the analysis of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), the pro-inflammatory components (iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α), and the products of intermediary metabolism (ONOO⁻, O₂⁻). Moreover, the l-arginine uptake was proposed as a target of the tested compounds. We demonstrated that the GOFA, through a decrease of the CAT-2B expression, leads to a reduction of the l-arginine uptake, downregulating the harmful iNOS and restoring the altered redox state. These results propose a new molecular target involved in the reduction of the critical inflammatory process responsible for the cancer progression.

Conformational and physicochemical properties of quinoa proteins affected by different conditions of high-intensity ultrasound treatments

Quinoa proteins (QP) have promise as a potential source of novel food ingredients, and it is of great interest to know how high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) treatments affect the properties of QP. This work aimed to study the impact of on-off time-pulses of HIUS treatments on the structural and physicochemical properties of QP; samples were treated at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min with on-off pulses of 10 s/10 s, 5 s/1 s, and 1 s/5 s). Structural changes were evaluated using PAGE-SDS, circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Meanwhile, physicochemical properties were also examined, including solubility, Z-average, polydispersity index PDI, and Z-potential. PAGE-SDS showed the appearance of polypeptides over 190 kDa in HIUS samples-treated. All samples presented 15.6% α-helices, 31.3% β-sheets, 21.8% β-rotations, and 31.4% random coils independent of the HIUS treatment. β-Turn structures and "random coils" were not affected by HIUS. When US 10 s/10 s and 1 s/5 s were applied, an increase in the % α-helix and a decrease in β-fold were observed, which could indicate a small conversion of β-folds to α-helices. Fluorescence spectra for all HIUS showed a significant increase (23%) of average fluorescence intensity and a decrease of λmax in relation to that of the control (346 dnm and 340 nm average HIUS treatment). DSC showed one endotherm in all cases (81.6-99.8 °C), and an increase in Td was observed due to the effect of the HIUS treatment. HIUS caused a 48% increase in solubility. The Z-average of the HIUS samples compared to that of the controls showed an increase from 37.8 to 47.3 nm. PDI and Z-potential values from the QP controls and the HIUS samples did not show significance differences and presented average values of 0.466 ± 0.021 (PDI) and -16.63 ± 0.89 (Z-potential). It is possible to conclude that HIUS treatments affect the secondary and tertiary structure of quinoa proteins, and these changes resulted in an increase of solubility and particle size. HIUS treatment as a new and promising technology that can improve the QP solubility properties and in that way allow its use as an ingredient with a good source of protein to develop different types of beverages/protein sauces.

Improved antibacterial effects of alkali-transformed saponin from quinoa husks against halitosis-related bacteria

Background

Quinoa is a food crop native to the Andes. The process of dehulling quinoa can produce approximately 8–12% husk, which is often discarded because it contains bitter saponin. Saponin derived from quinoa has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity. However, the antibacterial effects of quinoa saponin against halitosis-related bacteria are still unclear.

Methods

In this study, quinoa saponin (QS) and alkali-transformed saponin (ATS) were separated by AB-2 resin to obtain QS-30, QS-80, ATS-30 and ATS-80. Halitosis-related bacteria included Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum). The MIC and MBC were determined using gradient dilutions in 96-well plates, and the saponins were identified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The changes in membrane integrity were tested using a microplate reader, the membrane potential was tested by spectrofluorometry, and the morphological characteristics were examined using a transmission electron microscope to explore the antibacterial mechanisms.

Results

Antibacterial assays indicated that QS-80 and ATS-80 showed inhibitory activity. In addition, ATS-80 exerted a stronger inhibitory effect than QS-80, especially against Fusobacterium nucleatum, with a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (31.3 μg/mL) and a lower minimum bactericidal concentration (125 μg/mL). ATS-80 destroyed the bacterial membrane structure, leading to bacterial death.

Conclusions

Based on the excellent antibacterial activity and economic prospects of quinoa husk, ATS-80 could be used as an antibacterial agent to treat halitosis.

Influence of Drying Temperature on Phenolic Acids Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Sprouts and Leaves of White and Red Quinoa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of drying temperature on the phenolic acids profile and antioxidant activity of sprouts and leaves red and white Chenopodium quinoa (RQ and WQ, respectively). Four-day sprouts and leaves dried at 30, 45, and 60°C were tested. All sprouts contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds; however, higher content was determined in the RQ sprouts. Phenolic compounds from WQ sprouts seem to be thermostable in the studied temperature range, whereas total phenolics content in RQ sprouts decreased significantly after drying in the 60°C. Content of vanillic and p-coumaric acids did not differ significantly between sprouts dried at the same conditions; however, their level decreased in the high temperature. Irrespective of the drying temperature, higher activity against ABTS free radicals and reducing power was observed in the case of RQ sprouts extracts. Sprouts dried at 30°C had a higher ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. RQ sprouts were characterized by about two times higher antioxidant activity regardless of the method used. No significant differences between total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids content in RQ and LQ leaves were found. In the both cases, decrease of TPC was observed after drying in the highest temperature. The leaves do not differ too much in terms of the phenolic acids profile, whereas the differentiating factor is thermal processing. Leaves of both quinoa contained thermostable compounds able to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Reducing power and ability to scavenge OH radicals were correlated with all components of quinoa sprouts which suggest synergism between them and does not indicate the key role of a particular compound in creating antioxidant capacity. Germination and subsequent oven-drying at 30°C of quinoa seeds significantly increased the antioxidant properties compared with raw seeds. Also, in the case of leaves, the best results were obtained after drying at 30°C.

Evolution and Identification of the WRKY Gene Family in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

The WRKY gene family plays a unique role in plant stress tolerance. Quinoa is a cultivated crop worldwide that is known for its high stress tolerance. The WRKY gene family in quinoa has not yet been studied. Using a genome-wide search method, we identified 1226 WRKY genes in 15 plant species, seven animal species, and seven fungi species. WRKY proteins were not found in animal species and five fungi species, but were, however, widespread in land plants. A total of 92 CqWRKY genes were identified in quinoa. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, these CqWRKY genes were classified into three groups. The CqWRKY proteins have a highly conserved heptapeptide WRKYGQK with 15 conserved elements. Furthermore, a total of 25 CqWRKY genes were involved in the co-expression pathway of organ development and osmotic stress. The expression level of more than half of these CqWRKY genes showed significant variation under salt or drought stress. This study reports, for the first time, the findings of the CqWRKY gene family in quinoa at the genome-wide level. This information will be beneficial for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance in crops, such as quinoa.

Developing naturally stress-resistant crops for a sustainable agriculture

A major problem facing humanity is that our numbers are growing but the availability of land and fresh water for agriculture is not. This problem is being exacerbated by climate change-induced increases in drought, and other abiotic stresses. Stress-resistant crops are needed to ensure yield stability under stress conditions and to minimize the environmental impacts of crop production. Evolution has created thousands of species of naturally stress-resistant plants (NSRPs), some of which have already been subjected to human domestication and are considered minor crops. Broader cultivation of these minor crops will diversify plant agriculture and the human diet, and will therefore help improve global food security and human health. More research should be directed toward understanding and utilizing NSRPs. Technologies are now available that will enable researchers to rapidly improve the genetics of NSRPs, with the goal of increasing NSRP productivity while retaining NSRP stress resistance and nutritional value.

Smallholders’ Preferences for Improved Quinoa Varieties in the Peruvian Andes

Due to an increase in international demand, quinoa production has boomed tremendously in the Andes since the early 2010s. This has led to significant investments into developing improved varieties for large-scale agribusinesses, but breeding programs are not tailored to the needs of smallholders. In this paper, we study farmers’ preferences and willingness to pay for improved quinoa varieties in the Junín region in Peru. We use data from a choice experiment among 458 smallholders and estimate generalized multinomial logit models to control for preference and scale heterogeneity. We find that farmers generally prefer improved varieties over traditional varieties, with mildew-resistance as the most important crop trait. In general, farmers prefer varieties that are characterized by larger grain sizes, higher yield levels, lower levels of saponin, and a reduced maturation period. Yet, food-insecure farmers are found to be indifferent to early maturity and a larger grain size, which can be explained by a lower degree of commercialization among these farmers. Our results imply that developing mildew-tolerant and higher-yielding varieties with a medium to low saponin content is a priority if investments in quinoa technologies are to benefit small-scale and food insecure farmers in the Andean highlands of Peru.

Yield and Quality Characteristics of Different Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Cultivars Grown under Field Conditions in Southwestern Germany

Due to its highly nutritive compounds, the demand for quinoa, a small grain originating from the Andean region of South America, increased rapidly over the last years. However, the main producing countries Bolivia and Peru cannot cover the growing demand. Therefore, the interest of European farmers in cultivating quinoa as a profitable source of income rose very fast. Thanks to a broad genetic diversity an adaption to various climatic conditions is possible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of agronomic performance in two consecutive growing periods (2015 and 2016) of four European quinoa cultivars (Puno, Titicaca, Jessie, Zeno), originating from different genepools to identify a suitable cultivar to grow in southwestern Germany. Measurements included grain yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), saponin content, protein content, crude fat content, amino acid profile and fatty acid profile. This study demonstrated the possibility of an economic production of quinoa under the environmental conditions in southwestern Germany, combining competitive yields (1.73–2.43 Mg ha−1) with a high grain quality regarding protein content (11.9–16.1%), essential amino acid content (20.35–30.02 g 100 g−1 crude protein), fat content (5.5–7.5%) and fatty acid profile (consists of 60% linoleic acid). Depending on cultivar, the investigated yield (TKW and protein content)-and quality ((semi-)essential amino acids)-traits varied more or less sensitive, which was attributed to lower precipitation and higher temperatures in 2015. Furthermore, best yield- and quality-characteristics were not combined in one cultivar, wherefore the selection of a specific quinoa cultivar has to be aligned with the production aim.

Reclamation of Saline–Sodic Soils with Combined Amendments: Impact on Quinoa Performance and Biological Soil Quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the individual and synergic effects of the application of Biochar (B), Humic Substances (HS), and Gypsum (G) on the soil properties of a saline–sodic soil, and plant growth and seed quality (polyphenols, protein and yield) of quinoa. Treatments included (B) 22 t ha−1, (HS) 5 kg ha−1, and (G) 47.7 t ha−1. Two quinoa genotypes from Arid Zones (AZ-51 and AZ-103) were selected and established in eight treatments. The B + HS + G combined treatment resulted in increases in root biomass of 206% and 176% in AZ-51 and AZ-103, respectively. Furthermore, electrical conductivity (ECe), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) decreased significantly in all treated soils. When compared to the control, ESP decreased 11-fold in the G treatment, and 9–13-fold in the B + G; B + HS; and B + HS + G treatments. Similarly, soil microbial biomass increased 112% and 322% in the B + HS + G treatment in AZ-51 and AZ-103 genotypes, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of combined amendments (B + HS + G) represents an alternative for reclaiming degraded soils, including saline–sodic soils.

Current knowledge and development of hederagenin as a promising medicinal agent: a comprehensive review

Hederagenin (HG) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid that exists in many plants in the form(s) of sapogenin or saponins. This review highlights the pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, and safety of HG using literature and patents from the last 50 years to collate information on this compound as a promising medicinal agent. This review also looks at the development of related derivatives of HG with increased efficacy and lower toxicity. HG is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract with a short elimination half-life, and can cross the blood-brain barrier and rapidly distribute into cerebrospinal fluid. HG has been shown to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-diabetic, anti-leishmanial, and anti-viral activity. In particular, the extensive anti-tumor activity indicates that HG has the potential to be a highly effective chemotherapy agent. Recently, in the search for more active compounds as potential pharmaceuticals, structural modification of the triterpene scaffold of HG at the C-3, C-12, C-13, C-23, and C-28 positions, has resulted in compounds that exhibited greater potency than HG itself. However, the low bioavailability and moderate hemolysis effect of HG may limit its clinical application. The cause of the observed toxic effects in some animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, goats, and horses also needs to be explained. Future studies of HG focusing on extending the half-life, improving bioavailability, enhancing pharmacological activity, as well as decreasing or avoiding hemolysis by structural modification or formulation design could potentially accelerate HG from the preclinical to clinical research phase.

Nutritional Value of Commercial Protein-Rich Plant Products

The goal of this work was to analyze nutritional value of various minimally processed commercial products of plant protein sources such as faba bean (Vicia faba), lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), rapeseed press cake (Brassica rapa/napus subsp. Oleifera), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), oil hemp seed (Cannabis sativa), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). Basic composition and various nutritional components like amino acids, sugars, minerals, and dietary fiber were determined. Nearly all the samples studied could be considered as good sources of essential amino acids, minerals and dietary fiber. The highest content of crude protein (over 30 g/100 g DW) was found in faba bean, blue lupin and rapeseed press cake. The total amount of essential amino acids (EAA) ranged from 25.8 g/16 g N in oil hemp hulls to 41.5 g/16 g N in pearled quinoa. All the samples studied have a nutritionally favorable composition with significant health benefit potential. Processing (dehulling or pearling) affected greatly to the contents of analyzed nutrients.

Composition, Protein Profile and Rheological Properties of Pseudocereal-Based Protein-Rich Ingredients

The objectives of this study were to investigate the nutrient composition, protein profile, morphology, and pasting properties of protein-rich pseudocereal ingredients (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and compare them to the more common rice and maize flours. Literature concerning protein-rich pseudocereal ingredients is very limited, mainly to protein profiling. The concentrations of macronutrients (i.e., ash, fat, and protein, as well as soluble, insoluble and total dietary fibre) were significantly higher for the protein-rich variants of pseudocereal-based flours than their regular protein content variants and the rice and maize flours. On profiling the protein component using sodium dodecyl sulfate⁻polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), all samples showed common bands at ~50 kDa and low molecular weight bands corresponding to the globulin fraction (~50 kDa) and albumin fraction (~10 kDa), respectively; except rice, in which the main protein was glutelin. The morphology of the starch granules was studied using scanning electron microscopy with quinoa and amaranth showing the smallest sized granules, while buckwheat, rice, and maize had the largest starch granules. The pasting properties of the ingredients were generally similar, except for buckwheat and amaranth, which showed the highest and lowest final viscosity, respectively. The results obtained in this study can be used to better understand the functionality and food applications of protein-rich pseudocereal ingredients.

Drying kinetic of tucum fruits (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer): physicochemical and functional properties characterization

The aim of the present study was to assess the drying kinetic of tucum fruits (epicarp and mesocarp) Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer at three different temperatures (50, 60, and 70 °C). The physicochemical characterization, water activity, moisture content, including β-carotene and vitamin C content in-natura and dried fruits were analyzed. The fruit fractions presented high β-carotene, protein and lipid levels. Fatty acid profile showed oleic acid as the major fatty acid. Different mathematical models were computed to assess the drying process. The Page model was observed to be the best to describe the drying kinetic with the highest correlation coefficient (R²) 0.99 and the least Chi squared (χ²) close to 10⁵ at the studied temperatures. The drying process reduced water activity to desirable levels in all trials and β-carotene retentions after drying remained at satisfactory levels, fact that resulted in minimum value of 63% and approximately 94% in some cases. Vitamin C retention was comparatively more around 20-40% compared to control.

Betalains in Some Species of the Amaranthaceae Family: A Review

Natural pigments are largely distributed in the plant kingdom. They belong to diverse groups, with distinct biochemical pathways. Betalains with colours that range from yellow to red-violet can de divided into two main subgroups: betaxanthins and betacyanins. These types of pigments are confined into 13 families of the order Caryophyllales and in some genera of higher fungi (Amanita muscaria, Hygrocybe and Hygrophorus). The Amaranthaceae family includes diverse genera in which betalains are present: Alternanthera, Amaranthus, Beta, Chenopodium, Celosia and Gomphrena. The biosynthesis of betalains and their general biological properties were reviwed in the present work. In addition, the types of betalains present in some species of the aforementioned genera, their stability and production, as well as biological attributes, were reviewed.

The impact of different agroecological conditions on the nutritional composition of quinoa seeds

Quinoa cultivation has been expanded around the world in the last decade and is considered an exceptional crop with the potential of contributing to food security worldwide. The exceptional nutritional value of quinoa seeds relies on their high protein content, their amino acid profile that includes a good balance of essential amino acids, the mineral composition and the presence of antioxidants and other important nutrients such as fiber or vitamins. Although several studies have pointed to the influence of different environmental stresses in certain nutritional components little attention has been paid to the effect of the agroecological context on the nutritional properties of the seeds what may strongly impact on the consumer food’s quality. Thus, aiming to evaluate the effect of the agroecological conditions on the nutritional profile of quinoa seeds we analyzed three quinoa cultivars (Salcedo-INIA, Titicaca and Regalona) at different locations (Spain, Peru and Chile). The results revealed that several nutritional parameters such as the amino acid profile, the protein content, the mineral composition and the phytate amount in the seeds depend on the location and cultivar while other parameters such as saponin or fiber were more stable across locations. Our results support the notion that nutritional characteristics of seeds may be determined by seed’s origin and further analysis are needed to define the exact mechanisms that control the changes in the seeds nutritional properties.

Bioactive Potential of Andean Fruits, Seeds, and Tubers

The Andes is considered the longest continental mountain range in the world. It covers 7000km long and about 200-700km wide and an average height of about 4000m. Very unique plant species are endemic of this area including fruits (e.g., lucuma, cherimoya, sweet pepino, sauco), roots and tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, yacón, chicuru, mashua, olluco, etc.), and seeds (quinoa, amaranth, tarwi, etc.). These crops have been used for centuries by the native population and relatively recently have gained the world attention due to the wide range of nutrients and/or phytochemicals they possess. In this chapter, main Andean fruits, seeds, and roots and tubers have been selected and detailed nutritional and functional information is provided. In addition, traditional and current uses are provided and their bioactive potential is reported based on published scientific literature.

Current Trends in Ancient Grains-Based Foodstuffs: Insights into Nutritional Aspects and Technological Applications

For centuries, ancient grains fed populations, but due to their low yield, they were abandoned and replaced by high-yielding species. However, currently, there is a renewed interest in ancient wheat and pseudocereal grains from consumers, farmers, and manufacturers. Ancient wheat such as einkorn, emmer, spelt, and Kamut®, are being reintegrated because of their low fertilizer input, high adaptability and important genetic diversity. New trends in pseudocereal products are also emerging, and they are mostly appreciated for their nutritional outcomes, particularly by the gluten-free market. Toward healthier lifestyle, ancient grains-based foodstuffs are a growing business and their industrialization is taking 2 pathways, either as a raw ingredient or a functional ingredient. This paper deals with these grain characteristics by focusing on the compositional profile and the technological potential.

Physicochemical analysis of frankfurter type sausages made with red tilapia fillet waste (Oreochromis sp) and quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa W.)

Abstract In Colombia, the production of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp) has shown important development in recent years. It is a hydro-biological resource that generates fish fillet waste that can be used in the manufacture of fish products. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of quinoa flour on the physicochemical properties, texture and oxidative stability during storage and sale of Frankfurter sausages made with red tilapia fillet waste when adding two concentrations of quinoa flour, 10 g/kg and 20 g/kg, and a control treatment with no quinoa flour. The sausages were vacuum packed and stored under refrigeration (2 °C ± 2 °C). The proximate chemical composition, pH, CIElab coordinates, lipid oxidation, water holding capacity, water binding ability and cooking yield were determined, along with an instrumental texture analysis for each of the sausages prepared. The addition of quinoa flour at a concentration of 10 g/kg presented the best water holding capacity, water binding ability, lighter coloration and cooking yield, as compared to the control sausage. By contrast, the sausages with 20 g/kg were harder and required greater effort to cut than the control (p < 0.05). The addition of quinoa flour increased fat oxidation after 6 days of monitoring. The addition of 10 g/kg of quinoa flour was the best concentration for the production of sausages made with red tilapia fillet waste, which represents a new alternative for hydro-biological-origin foodstuffs.

A high-quality genome assembly of quinoa provides insights into the molecular basis of salt bladder-based salinity tolerance and the exceptional nutritional value

Chenopodium quinoa is a halophytic pseudocereal crop that is being cultivated in an ever-growing number of countries. Because quinoa is highly resistant to multiple abiotic stresses and its seed has a better nutritional value than any other major cereals, it is regarded as a future crop to ensure global food security. We generated a high-quality genome draft using an inbred line of the quinoa cultivar Real. The quinoa genome experienced one recent genome duplication about 4.3 million years ago, likely reflecting the genome fusion of two Chenopodium parents, in addition to the γ paleohexaploidization reported for most eudicots. The genome is highly repetitive (64.5% repeat content) and contains 54 438 protein-coding genes and 192 microRNA genes, with more than 99.3% having orthologous genes from glycophylic species. Stress tolerance in quinoa is associated with the expansion of genes involved in ion and nutrient transport, ABA homeostasis and signaling, and enhanced basal-level ABA responses. Epidermal salt bladder cells exhibit similar characteristics as trichomes, with a significantly higher expression of genes related to energy import and ABA biosynthesis compared with the leaf lamina. The quinoa genome sequence provides insights into its exceptional nutritional value and the evolution of halophytes, enabling the identification of genes involved in salinity tolerance, and providing the basis for molecular breeding in quinoa.

Improved quinoa growth, physiological response, and seed nutritional quality in three soils having different stresses by the application of acidified biochar and compost

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a traditional Andean agronomical resilient seed crop having immense significance in terms of high nutritional qualities and its tolerance against various abiotic stresses. However, finite work has been executed to evaluate the growth, physiological, chemical, biochemical, antioxidant properties, and mineral nutrients bioavailability of quinoa under abiotic stresses. Depending on the consistency in the stability of pH, intended rate of S was selected from four rates (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% S) for the acidification of biochar and compost in the presence of Thiobacillus thiooxidans by pH value of 4. All three soils were amended with 1% (w/w) acidified biochar (BC_A) and compost (CO_A). Results revealed that selective plant growth, yield, physiological, chemical and biochemical improved significantly by the application of BC_A in all stressed soils. Antioxidants in quinoa fresh leaves increased in the order of control > CO_A > BC_A, while reactive oxygen species decreased in the order of control < CO_A < BC_A. A significant reduction in anti-nutrients (phytate and polyphenols) was observed in all stressed soils with the application of BC_A. Moreover, incorporation of CO_A and BC_A reduced the pH of rhizosphere soil by 0.4-1.6 units in all stressed soils, while only BC_A in bulk soil decreased pH significantly by 0.3 units. These results demonstrate that BC_A was more effective than CO_A to enhance the bioavailability, translocation of essential nutrients from the soil to plant and their enhanced bioavailability in the seed.

Bioactivities of alternative protein sources and their potential health benefits

Increasing the utilisation of plant proteins is needed to support the production of protein-rich foods that could replace animal proteins in the human diet so as to reduce the strain that intensive animal husbandry poses to the environment.

Draft genome sequence of an inbred line of Chenopodium quinoa, an allotetraploid crop with great environmental adaptability and outstanding nutritional properties

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa) originated from the Andean region of South America, and is a pseudocereal crop of the Amaranthaceae family. Quinoa is emerging as an important crop with the potential to contribute to food security worldwide and is considered to be an optimal food source for astronauts, due to its outstanding nutritional profile and ability to tolerate stressful environments. Furthermore, plant pathologists use quinoa as a representative diagnostic host to identify virus species. However, molecular analysis of quinoa is limited by its genetic heterogeneity due to outcrossing and its genome complexity derived from allotetraploidy. To overcome these obstacles, we established the inbred and standard quinoa accession Kd that enables rigorous molecular analysis, and presented the draft genome sequence of Kd, using an optimized combination of high-throughput next generation sequencing on the Illumina Hiseq 2500 and PacBio RS II sequencers. The de novo genome assembly contained 25 k scaffolds consisting of 1 Gbp with N50 length of 86 kbp. Based on these data, we constructed the free-access Quinoa Genome DataBase (QGDB). Thus, these findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying agronomically important traits of quinoa and the effect of allotetraploidy on genome evolution.

Effect of different types of processing on the total phenolic compound content, antioxidant capacity, and saponin content of Chenopodium quinoa Willd grains

The effects of five processing forms on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and saponin content in quinoa grains were evaluated. The processes included washing, washing followed by hydration, cooking (with or without pressure), and toasting. The highest content of phenolic compounds was obtained after cooking under pressure; however, these compounds also increased with grain washing. The toasting process caused the greatest loss. The antioxidant capacity of the grains was similarly affected by the processing techniques. According to the amount of saponins, the grains were classified as bitter. Washing caused a reduction in these compounds, but the levels remained unchanged after cooking (with and without) pressure and toasting; however, they significantly increased after hydration. Cooking, especially with pressure, had greater effects than the other processes, and potentiated the functional properties of quinoa grains.

Assessment of the prebiotic effect of quinoa and amaranth in the human intestinal ecosystem

Quinoa and amaranth belong to the group of the so called “superfoods” and have a nutritional composition that confers multiple benefits.