Nutritional characterization and changes in quality of Salicornia bigelovii Torr. during storage

Effects of Temperature and Packaging Atmosphere on Shelf Life, Biochemical, and Sensory Attributes of Glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) Grown Hydroponically at Different Salinity Levels

Halophytes, such as Salicornia species, are promising new foods and are consumed for their pleasant salty taste and nutritional value. Since Salicornia is perishable, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) can be a useful tool, in combination with proper temperature, to halt further quality degradation in this type of product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MAP, with or without refrigeration, to extend the shelf life of glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) grown hydroponically (floating raft system) in a greenhouse with a nutrient solution containing 0 g/L (C) or 12.5 g/L of NaCl (T). The dry matter content, weight loss, respiration rate, biochemical composition, color, antioxidant capacity, and sensorial attributes were determined in shoots after harvest and during storage in plastic bags filled with technical air or with MAP at 4 or 20 °C for 120 h. At harvest, plants supplied with salt-enriched solution (T) showed a significant improvement in nutritional value and sensory profile. Storage in air at room temperature (20 °C) accelerated weight loss and diminished color stability, particularly in non-salinity samples (C), while MAP extended the shelf life of all the samples regardless of the storage temperature adopted. Optimal storage conditions were observed when MAP was combined with refrigeration, which allowed to effectively preserve shoots sensory acceptability for a period of about seven days. Future research could further explore the long-term effects on the nutritional value and sensory quality of S. europaea under various combinations of MAP and different storage temperatures ranging between 4 °C and 20 °C.

Nutritive Value and Bioactivities of a Halophyte Edible Plant: Crithmum maritimum L. (Sea Fennel)

Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel), an edible xerophyte of coastal habitats, is considered an emerging cash crop for biosaline agriculture due to its salt-tolerance ability and potential applications in the agri-food sector. Here, the nutritional value and bioactive properties of sea fennel are described. Sea fennel leaves, flowers, and schizocarps are composed of carbohydrates (>65%) followed by ash, proteins, and lipids. Sea fennel's salty, succulent leaves are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Extracts obtained from flowers and fruits/schizocarps are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. Plant material is particularly rich in sodium (Na) but also in other nutritionally relevant minerals, such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), beyond presenting a potential prebiotic effect on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and being nontoxic to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 model cells, up to 1.0% (w/v). Hence, the rational use of sea fennel can bring nutrients, aroma, and flavor to culinary dishes while balancing microbiomes and contributing to expanding the shelf life of food products.

Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets

The revalorization of natural resources in food production is increasing, and the effect of climate change is negatively affecting the production of conventional crops. In recent years, edible halophytes have received more attention due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Thus, the use of halophytes that require less water and are strongly adapted to high-salinity soil and coastal areas can provide sustainable agriculture in certain areas. In addition, there is growing interest in the study of the possibilities that these species offer as foods due to their excellent nutritional profile and antioxidant properties. For that reason, the exploitation of plants adapted to these areas is nowadays even more important than in the past to guarantee food security in arid or semiarid salinized territories. The available data about the nutrients and bioactive compounds composition of many non-cultivated edible vegetables traditionally used in the Mediterranean area, such as Salicornia edible young shoots, are still scarce. With the aim of improving the knowledge on their nutritional value, the present study provides new data about the content of some compounds with biological activity, such as fiber and organic acids, in eight samples of young shoots of S. patula Duval-Jouve gathered in great mainland and coastal salt marshes in Southwest and Central Spain. Results showed that this vegetable can be considered a healthy food and a very good source of dietary fiber (4.81-6.30 g/100 g fw total fiber). Its organic acid profile showed oxalic, malic, citric and succinic acids. Oxalic acid was the major one, with mean values of 0.151-1.691 g/100 g fw. From the results obtained in this study, S. patula shoots could be recommended as an alternative source of fiber for healthy and sustainable diets in the general adult population with no risk of renal disease.

Desalination, Water Re-use, and Halophyte Cultivation in Salinized Regions: A Highly Productive Groundwater Treatment System

Groundwater salinization is a problem affecting access to water in many world regions. Though desalination by conventional reverse osmosis (RO) can upgrade groundwater quality for drinking, its disadvantages include unmanaged brine discharge and accelerated groundwater depletion. Here, we propose a new approach combining RO, forward osmosis (FO), and halophyte cultivation, in which FO optimally adjusts the concentration of the RO reject brine for irrigation of Salicornia or Sarcocornia. The FO also re-uses wastewater, thus, reducing groundwater extraction and the wastewater effluent volume. To suit different groundwater salinities in the range 1-8 g/L, three practical designs are proposed and analyzed. Results include specific groundwater consumption (SGC), specific energy consumption (SEC), wastewater volume reduction, peak RO pressure, permeate water quality, efficiency of water resource utilization, and halophyte yield. Compared to conventional brackish water RO, the results show superior performance in almost all aspects. For example, SGC is reduced from 1.25 to 0.9 m3 per m3 of drinking water output and SEC is reduced from 0.79 to 0.70 kW h/m3 by a FO-RO-FO system treating groundwater of salinity 8 g/L. This system can produce 1.1 m3 of high-quality drinking water and up to 4.9 kg of edible halophyte per m3 of groundwater withdrawn.

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Dyslipidemic Effects of Salicornia arabica Decocted Extract in Tunisian Psammomys obesus Fed a High-Calorie Diet

Salicornia is a halophyte plant that has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of scurvy, goiter, and hypertension. It is commercialized in Europe and Asia as fresh salads, pickled vegetables, green salt, or tea powder. This work is the first to assess the potential anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects of Salicornia arabica decocted extract (SADE). SADE was characterized by its significant in vitro radical scavenging activity (using DPPH and ABTS assays). The effect of SADE on food intake, weight loss, serum biochemical parameters, liver and kidney weights, adiposity index and on liver histology was investigated in the Tunisian gerbil Psammomys obesus (P. obesus), which is recognized as a relevant animal model of human obesity and diabetes. P. obesus animals were firstly randomly divided into two groups: the first received a natural low-calorie chow diet (LCD), and the second group received a high-calorie diet (HCD) over 12 weeks. On day 90, animals were divided into four groups receiving or not receiving SADE (LCD, LCD + SADE, HCD, and HCD + SADE). If compared to the HCD group, SADE oral administration (300 mg/kg per day during 4 weeks) in HCD + SADE group showed on day 120 a significant decrease in body weight (−34%), blood glucose (−47.85%), serum levels of total cholesterol (−54.92%), LDL cholesterol (−60%), triglycerides (−48.03%), and of the levels of hepatic enzymes: ASAT (−66.28%) and ALAT (−31.87%). Oral administration of SADE restored the relative liver weight and adiposity index and significantly limited HCD-induced hepatic injury in P. obesus. SADE seems to have promising in vivo anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects.

Bioactive Extracts from Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods Biorefinery as a Source of Ingredients for High-Value Industries

Salt-tolerant plants, also known as halophytes, could provide a novel source of feedstock for biorefineries. After harvesting fresh shoots for food, the lignified fraction of Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods could be used to produce bioactive botanical extracts for high-value industries such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and biopharmaceuticals. The residual fraction after extraction can be further used for bioenergy or lignocellulose-derived platform chemicals. This work analysed S. ramosissima from different sources and growth stages. After pre-processing and extractions, the obtained fractions were analysed for their contents of fatty acids, pigments, and total phenolics. Extracts were also evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect towards enzymes related to diabetes, hyperpigmentation, obesity, and neurogenerative diseases. The ethanol extract from the fibre residue and the water extract from completely lignified plants showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds along with the highest antioxidant potential and enzyme-inhibitory properties. Hence, they should be further explored in the context of biorefinery.

Overview of the Polyphenols in Salicornia: From Recovery to Health-Promoting Effect

Nowadays, there has been considerable attention paid toward the recovery of waste plant matrices as possible sources of functional compounds with healthy properties. In this regard, we focus our attention on Salicornia, a halophyte plant that grows abundantly on the coasts of the Mediterranean area. Salicornia is used not only as a seasoned vegetable but also in traditional medicine for its beneficial effects in protecting against diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. In numerous research studies, Salicornia consumption has been highly suggested due to its high level of bioactive molecules, among which, polyphenols are prevalent. The antioxidant and antiradical activity of polyphenols makes Salicornia a functional food candidate with potential beneficial activities for human health. Therefore, this review provides specific and compiled information for optimizing and developing new extraction processes for the recovery of bioactive compounds from Salicornia; focusing particular attention on polyphenols and their health benefits.

Salicornia bigelovii, S. brachiata and S. herbacea: Their Nutritional Characteristics and an Evaluation of Their Potential as Salt Substitutes

Excessive sodium (salt) intake in our diet is a main contributor to hypertension and a major risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. As a result, research has made great efforts to develop salt alternatives, and Salicornia spp. offers a very high potential in the food industry for its promising functional characteristics. This review focuses on the nutritional profile, health effects and commercial potential of three specific species of the Salicornia genus: S. bigelovii, S. brachiata and S. herbacea. It also addresses the methods that are used to produce them as salt substitutes. Owing to the antinutritional and anti-inflammatory effects of its bioactive compounds, Salicornia spp. can serve as an organic biological preservative in foods with better consumer appeal when compared with chemical preservatives that are common in the food industry. Overall, the commercial use of these underutilized species will help to improve food security.

Evaluation of Salicornia bigelovii Germplasm for Food Use in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates Based on Agronomic Traits and Nutritional Composition

Climate change significantly aggravates the quality of soil and water, especially in desert regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt concluding in an alarming increase in salinity in the reservoirs of the natural resources. Saline farming rises as a promising solution, utilizing low-quality water and land resources to grow salt-tolerant varieties of conventional crops and halophytes. Samphire (Salicornia spp.) is among the most popular multi-purpose halophytes that are locally consumed in several countries around the world as a vegetable. Six Salicornia bigelovii genotypes (ICBA-2, ICBA-3, ICBA-4, ICBA-8, ICBA-9, ICBA-10) were evaluated for their agronomic performance and nutritional composition in Dubai in UAE and, for the first time, at the Red Sea Governorate in Egypt in the 2019-2020 season using saline groundwater for irrigation (EC_w = 26 and 6.6 dS/m, respectively). ICBA-10 performed well in both locations with high green biomass and seed yield (10.9 kgm^-2 and 116.3 gm^-2, respectively, in UAE; 7.7 kgm^-2 and 82.9 gm^-2, respectively, in Egypt). ICBA-10 was, overall, also good in ion accumulation, total amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids content in both locations for shoots and seeds. Our results indicated that a lack of a drainage system and leaching fraction, the silt loam texture and the drip irrigation system might have contributed in the gradual accumulation of salts in the soil at Mubarak Valley at the end of the experiment at a higher level than ICBA. Apart from the agronomic parameters, higher salinity levels also affected ion accumulation, the amino acids and the fatty acids content for both shoots and seeds, whereas the proximate composition was affected to a lesser extent. Our findings on the high unsaturated fatty acids content under higher salinity corroborate the nutritional value of S. bigelovii oil. Due to its euhalophyte nature, S. bigelovii is a valuable source of minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that render it the most promising salt-loving plant for food use.

Salicornia dolichostachya organosolv fractionation: towards establishing a halophyte biorefinery

Halophytes are a potential source of lignocellulosic material for biorefinery, as they can be grown in areas unsuitable for the cultivation of crops aimed at food production. To enable the viable use of halophytes in biorefineries, the present study investigated how different organosolv process parameters affected the fractionation of green pressed fibers of Salicornia dolichostachya. We produced pretreated solids characterized by up to 51.3% ± 1.7% cellulose, a significant increase from 25.6% ± 1.3% in untreated fibers. A delignification yield of as high as 60.7%, and hemicellulose removal of as high as 86.1% were also achieved in the current study. The obtained cellulose could be completely converted to glucose via enzymatic hydrolysis within 24 h. The lignin fractions obtained were of high purity, with sugar contamination of only 1.22% w/w and ashes below 1% w/w in most samples. Finally, up to 29.1% ± 0.4% hemicellulose was recovered as a separate product, whose proportion of oligomers to total sugars was 69.9% ± 3.0%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which Salicornia fibers are shown to be a suitable feedstock for organosolv biomass fractionation. These results expand the portfolio of biomass sources for biorefinery applications.

An organosolv method was developed for the fractionation of fibers of a halophyte plant in a biorefinery approach. Salicornia dolichostachya was used as raw material allowing the production of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fractions.

Sambucus nigra flower and berry extracts for food and therapeutic applications: effect of gastrointestinal digestion on in vitro and in vivo bioactivity and toxicity

The bioavailability of natural compounds should be assessed through different perspectives. Studying the behaviour of the extracts after digestion is often overlooked but is crucial for success in the development of active food ingredients. Thus, the bioaccessibility of S. nigra (flower and berry) extracts after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and their effect on toxicity and bioactive potential were studied. The flower extract had a higher content of phenolic compounds, like rutin, chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid, while in the berry extract, rutin, resveratrol, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid were the main phenolic compounds. The effect of the non-digested and digested extracts was significantly different on different cell lines. The IC₅₀ of the normal cell line (L929) was the highest, indicating low toxicity. The IC₅₀ of the cancerous cell lines (HeLa and HT29) was lower, particularly the extract obtained from the flower upon digestion. In the presence of an oxidant agent - tbHP, only the berry extract was able to significantly reduce the formation of ROS in the L929 cell line, while in the HeLa cells, all the extracts were able to reduce ROS formation. The in vivo Artemia salina lethality bioassay demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of extracts, and the berry digested extract induced the lowest mortality rate. The promising results obtained on the chemical and biological evaluation of the extracts indicate that the natural compounds isolated from S. nigra by-products can be used as potential ingredients for functional food formulations and/or as bio-therapeutic agents.

A Kinetic Model for Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production of Plant Biomass under High Salinity

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anaerobic digestion and biogas production of plant biomass under high salinity by adopting a theoretical and technical approach for saline plant-biomass treatment. Two completely mixed lab-scale mesophilic reactors were operated for 480 days. In one of them, NaCl was added and the sodium ion concentration was maintained at 35.8 g-Na⁺·L⁻¹, and the organic loading rate was 0.58-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹–1.5 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹; the other added Na₂SO₄–NaHCO₃ and kept the sodium ion concentration at 27.6 g-Na⁺·L⁻¹ and the organic loading rate at 0.2 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹–0.8 g-COD·L⁻¹·d⁻¹. The conversion efficiencies of the two systems (COD to methane) were 66% and 54%, respectively. Based on the sulfate-reduction reaction and the existing anaerobic digestion model, a kinetic model comprising 12 types of soluble substrates and 16 types of anaerobic microorganisms was developed. The model was used to simulate the process performance of a continuous anaerobic bioreactor with a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration of 10 g·L⁻¹–40 g·L⁻¹. The results showed that the NaCl system could receive the influent up to a loading rate of 0.16 kg-COD/kg-MLSS·d⁻¹ without significant degradation of the methane conversion at 66%, while the Na₂SO₄–NaHCO₃ system could receive more than 2 kg-COD·kg⁻¹-MLSS·d⁻¹, where 54% of the fed chemical oxygen demand (COD) was converted into methane and another 12% was observed to be sulfide.

Functional Properties and Preservative Effect of P-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Grafted Chitosan Films on Fresh-Cut Jackfruit

In the present study, p-hydroxybenzoic acid-grafted chitosan (PA-g-CS) conjugates with different grafting degrees were synthesized by a free radical-regulated grafting approach. The conjugates were further developed into films by casting, and their characteristics and preservative effects on fresh-cut jackfruit were evaluated. Compared to the CS film, the PA-g-CS film showed comprehensive performance improvements, including enhancements of water solubility, anti-ultraviolet capacity, antioxidation, and antibacterial activity. Moreover, compared with CS film, some appreciable and favorable changes of physical properties were observed in the PA-g-CS films, which included water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, surface morphology, moisture content, and mechanical intensity. Furthermore, compared to CS alone, the application of PA-g-CS films to fresh-cut jackfruit exerted a beneficial effect on the quality of products, as indicated by the inhibition of weight loss, softening, and membrane damage, the maintenance of soluble solids and ascorbic acids contents, as well as a reduced bacterial count and a higher sensory score. Among these PA-g-CS films, the best preservation effect was achieved with the highest degree of grafting (PA-g-CS III). The results suggested that the PA-g-CS film has the potential to be explored as a new type of packaging material for the preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

Improving nutritional quality of unripe tomato through fermentation by a consortium of yeast and lactic acid bacteria

BACKGROUND

Portugal is one of the main producers of industrial tomato and tomato paste, an important intermediate ingredient used in many added-value foods. The tomato processing industry rigorously selects the fruits by colour during mechanical harvest, picking only completely ripe fruits to produce high quality tomato paste. The latest available data shows that about 1.12 × 10⁸ kg yr^-1 of non-red/not-ripe tomatoes are left in the field, representing a major side product/field residue with great impact on the environment and for tomato producers.

RESULTS

The aim of the work was to use fermentation by a consortium of yeast and lactic acid bacteria to improve the nutritional quality of unripe tomato paste. A consortium of Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Kluyveromyces marxianus was selected, producing an acidic paste with olive-like flavours after 4 days of fermentation. Nutritional characterization revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the content of ascorbic acid and antioxidant potential. In addition, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis showed that the fermented green tomato paste content in glycoalkaloid α-tomatine represents no hazard to the consumer.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the obtained fermented green tomato paste can be further used to produce new food products, such as salad dressings and sauces. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antibacterial mechanism of the Asp-Asp-Asp-Tyr peptide

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DDDY affects P. aeruginosa membrane transport and amino acid metabolism.

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DDDY has a stronger effect on POPE than on POPC or POPG membranes.

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DDDY creates a membrane gap by binding the phospholipid head and hydrophobic tail.

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DDDY inhibits the growth of food microorganisms inoculated onto chestnut kernels.

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DDDY is a promising antibacterial for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Previously, we found that ASP-ASP-ASP-TYR (DDDY) from Dendrobium aphyllum has a minimum inhibitory concentration of 36.15 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we explored the antibacterial mechanism of DDDY and its potential preservation applications. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that DDDY mainly affects genes involved in P. aeruginosa membrane transport and amino acid metabolism pathways. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that DDDY had a stronger effect on 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine phospholipid membranes than on 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-lecithin or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol membranes, with high DDDY concentrations displaying stronger efficacy on 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine. Mechanistically, the N-terminal of DDDY first bound to the phospholipid head group, while its C-terminal amino acid residue bound the hydrophobic tail, thereby creating a gap in the membrane when the phospholipids were clustered by hydrogen bonding. Finally, DDDY inhibited the growth of food microorganisms inoculated onto chestnut kernels, suggesting that DDDY is a promising antibacterial agent against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Extraction and Quantification of Chlorophylls, Carotenoids, Phenolic Compounds, and Vitamins from Halophyte Biomasses

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants, and they have been utilised as healthy, nutritious vegetables and medicinal herbs. Various studies have shown halophytes to be rich in health-beneficial compounds with antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and cytotoxic properties. Despite their potential, these plants are still underutilised in agriculture and industrial applications. This review includes the state-of-the-art literature concerning the contents of proanthocyanidins (also known as condensed tannins), total phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), and vitamins in various halophyte biomasses. Various extraction and analytical methods are also considered. The study shows that various species have exhibited potential for use not only as novel food products but also in the production of nutraceuticals and as ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Extracts From Red Eggplant: Impact of Ohmic Heating and Different Extraction Solvents on the Chemical Profile and Bioactivity

Eggplants contain a multitude of biocompounds with nutritional and/or biological activities. The objective of this work was to study the nutritional, chemical and bioactive value of red eggplant from Rotonda, Italy. Ohmic heating (OH) was compared to conventional heating, as different solvents were used (water, ethanol 30, 50, and 90% and methanol) for biocompounds extraction. Extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and its toxicity was assessed in cells, L929 and Caco-2. The nutritional characterization of Rotonda's eggplant demonstrated that it is rich in carbohydrates (65%), fiber (12.5%), proteins (13%), lipids (7.6%) and minerals. Potassium is the mineral with the highest concentration in the red eggplant (27.24 mg/g). Phenolic composition of the obtained extracts was dependent on the extraction method, as well as on the solvent. The use of OH method increased the extraction of biocompounds, especially when using 50% of ethanol as solvent. The main phenolic compounds found in the extracts of this eggplant variety were ellagic acid, p-coumaricic acid, epicatechin, narginin, taxifolin and kaempferol. Antioxidant activity was positively correlated with the total amounts of phenolics. Red Eggplant extracts showed activity against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. enterica), however, they did not demonstrate activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The extracts obtained did not show cytotoxic effects in fibroblast and colorectal studied cells. Ohmic heating is a sustainable technology that increases the extraction yield of biocompounds, with reduced energy consumption and the resulting extracts show low toxicity and high biological activity.

Sarcocornia perennis: A Salt Substitute in Savory Snacks

Salt is the primary source of sodium in the human diet, and it is associated with hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. A growing interest in halophyte plants and food products containing this type of ingredient have been observed, to reduce the NaCl daily intake. In the present work, Sarcocornia perennis was incorporated as a food ingredient into crackers to replace the salt (NaCl) and to evaluate its impact on physical properties, water activity, nutritional composition, mineral profile, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation. Concentrations of powder dried S. perennis from 1 to 10% were tested by replacing the initial salt content and adjusting the flour incorporation to the initial formulation. The incorporation of S. perennis had no relevant impact on cracker firmness, but it induced an increase in their crispness. Furthermore, the incorporation of this halophyte originated darker crackers, which was revealed by a decrease of L* and an increase of b* values. In terms of nutritional composition, the incorporation of S. perennis leads to the improvement of the snack's nutritional profile, namely in terms of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and minerals, highlighting the high content in potassium, magnesium, and phosphor. Crackers with a content of 5% of S. perennis were sensorily well accepted and this level should be considered the limit of incorporation accepted by the panelists. However, by substituting 1% NaCl for an equal amount of S. perennis, it is possible to obtain a 70% reduction in sodium content, which is an important contribution to reducing the overall salt content of the diet.

Effect of argon-enriched modified atmosphere on the over quality and bioactive compounds of ready-to-use broccoli rabe (Brassica rapa sylvestris L. var. esculenta) during the storage

This study evaluated the effect of argon-enriched modified atmosphere on the storage extension of ready-to-use broccoli rabe in leaf. Broccoli rabe samples (Brassica rapa sylvestris L. var. esculenta) were packaged in 90% argon and 10% O₂ (modified atmosphere packaging 1); 80% argon, 10% CO₂ and 10% O₂ (modified atmosphere packaging 2) and evaluated for the physicochemical characteristics, microbiological parameters and bioactive compounds (glucosinolates) during the cold storage for 9 days. Results showed significant maintenance of colour, chlorophyll, phenols content and antioxidant activity in modified atmosphere packaging packages with respect to air control ones. An increasing biosynthesis of glucosinolates was observed in all packages to the inductive effect of CO₂ produced; the amount of minerals unchanged during the storage. Overall appearance and odour evaluation pointed out a positive effect of argon atmospheres, in particular modified atmosphere packaging 1, for the keeping of the sensory attributes compared to those evaluated in air packaging.

A Review on Sarcocornia Species: Ethnopharmacology, Nutritional Properties, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Propagation

Sarcocornia A. J. Scott is a halophytic edible succulent plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. To date, the genus includes 28 species distributed worldwide in saline environments, usually salt marshes. Sarcocornia (Scott) is similar to Salicornia (L.), which has a recognized commercial value in morphological and taxonomical traits. Species of both genera are commonly named samphire or glassworts in Europe, and their fleshy shoots are commercialized under their traditional names. Due to their nutritional, organoleptic and medicinal properties, Sarcocornia species have a high economic potential in various biotechnology sectors. Being highly tolerant to salt, they can be cultivated in saline conditions, and dissimilar to Salicornia, they are perennial, i.e., they can be harvested year-round. Therefore, Sarcocornia species are considered promising gourmet vegetables to be explored in the context of climate change, soil and water salinization and eco-sustainability. We hereby put together and reviewed the most relevant information on Sarcocornia taxonomy, morphology, nutritional and pharmacological properties, uses in ethnomedicine, potential applications in biotechnology, and propagation strategies.

Sea Purslane as an Emerging Food Crop: Nutritional and Biological Studies

Halophyte plants are highly adapted to salt marsh ecosystems due to their physiological and ecological characteristics. Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen is one abundant halophyte shrub that belongs to a Chenopodiaceae family and Caryophyllales order and is found on sandy or muddy coastlines and salt marshes. In this study, the leaves of sea purslane (H. portulacoides) grown in Figueira da Foz (Portugal) were characterized at nutritional and mineral concentration. Moreover, different methanolic extracts were obtained from the leaves, and the antioxidant activity was assessed by several methods. From a nutritional point of view, this halophyte plant may be considered a good source of dietary fiber, protein, natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium. The primary sugar found in leaves of sea purslane is maltose, followed by sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Finally, leaves showed a high content of phenolic compounds and considerable antioxidant activity. The novel products butter and pasta enriched with powder dried leaves of H. portulacoides revealed the plant’s potential to be used as a salt substitute and a good alternative to enhance the sensory characteristics of products, with additional health benefits. The nutritional characteristics and the phytochemical value highlight H. portulacoides as a potential candidate crop in saline agriculture and to be used as a new vegetable, especially as a premium food in the novel “salty veggies” market or as a kitchen salt substitute.

Testing the hydroponic performance of the edible halophyte Halimione portulacoides, a potential extractive species for coastal Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture

Sea purslane Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen is a candidate extractive species for coastal Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to recycle the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) wasted by excretive species. To test its suitability, saline aquaculture effluents were simulated in the laboratory using a hydroponics approach to cultivate the plants. Nutrient extraction efficiency, growth performance and nutritional profile were assessed under a range of DIN and DIP concentrations representing three different aquaculture intensification regimes and using Hoagland's solution as a control. Over a 10-week period, hydroponic units under non-limited N and P conditions displayed daily extraction rates between 1.5 and 2.8 mg DIN-N L^-1 day^-1 and 0.1-0.2 mg DIP-P L^-1 day^-1 and yielded between 63.0 and 73.0 g m^-2 day^-1 of H. portulacoides biomass. Relatively to biomass produced, H. portulacoides extracted between 2.6 and 4.2 mg DIN-N g^-1 and 0.1-0.4 mg DIP-P g^-1. The treatment with low-input of DIN and DIP (6.4 mg N L^-1 and 0.7 mg P L^-1) induced some degree of nutrient limitation, as suggested by the extremely high extraction efficiencies of DIN extraction (99%) in parallel with lower productivity. The nutritional profile of H. portulacoides leaves is comparable to that of other edible halophytes and leafy greens and could be a low-sodium alternative to salt in its lyophilized form. From the present study, we conclude that the edible halophyte H. portulacoides can be highly productive in hydroponics using saline water irrigation with non-limiting concentrations of DIN and DIP and is, therefore, a suitable extractive species for coastal IMTA in brackish waters.

The effect of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide pretreatment on the quality, antioxidant capacity, and postharvest life of wucai (Brassica campestris L.)

The quality of green leafy vegetables is easily lost during the postharvest period. The effect of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) pretreatment on the quality of wucai was evaluated in the present study. Wucai plants were sprayed twice with 0.1 μM EBR before harvesting. Two storage temperatures were tested: 25°C and 4°C. At 4°C, EBR pretreatment significantly delayed the degradation of the pigment and plant water loss. Furthermore, we measured the activity of key enzymes of the ascorbic acid (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle, the content of the main metabolites, and the expression of the AsA metabolism-related genes in leaves. The results indicated that all three plants showed stronger antioxidant capacity after EBR pretreatment. At 4°C and 25°C, the storage time of wucai was 20 days and 7 days after EBR treatment, while the samples could be stored for 14 days and 4 days without EBR treatment application, respectively. At 4°C, the nutritional properties of wucai pretreated with EBR, such as total free amino acids, total soluble sugar, and cellulose contents, were higher than those of the control, while the content of nitrite and lignin was lower than that of the control. Hence, EBR pretreatment was able to enhance the antioxidant capacity of wucai, maintain normal leaf color and shape during storage, and delay the decline of nutritional properties; therefore, EBR pretreatment has potential commercial value for prolonging the market life of wucai.

On the elemental composition of the Mediterranean euhalophyte Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve (Chenopodiaceae) from saline habitats in Spain (Huelva, Toledo and Zamora)

A complete survey is presented on the inorganic composition of the euhalophyte annual succulent species Salicornia patula (Chenopodiaceae), including materials from the Iberian Peninsula, littoral-coastal Tinto River basin areas (SW Spain: Huelva province), and mainland territories (NW and central Spain: Zamora and Toledo provinces). The aim of this contribution is to characterize the elemental composition of the selected populations and their soils and compare the relationship between them and the macro- and micronutrient plant intake; all these nutrients may allow this species to be considered an edible plant. Using analytical techniques such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), our results revealed high values of Na and K followed by Ca, Mg, Fe and Sr in stems. These data demonstrate the importance of annual halophytic species as edible plants and their potential uses in phytoremediation procedures involving soils with certain heavy metals (Pb, Sr, As, Cu, Zn).

Mathematical modeling and quality parameters of Salicornia fruticosa dried by convective drying

The effect of convective drying at 50, 60 and 70 °C on the drying kinetics and quality parameters of Salicornia fruticosa was investigated. To estimate the equilibrium moisture content a desorption isotherm was performed using five empirical models: Halsey, Caurie, Henderson, Smith and Oswin. The experimental data was also fitted to different drying kinetic models (Logarithmic, Two-Terms, Midilli-Kucuk and Exponential Two-Terms). A numerical simulation using the Finite Volume Method allowed us to describe the evolution of temperature and moisture content distributions during drying. The Henderson model was found to be the most suitable for predicting the equilibrium moisture content of S. fruticosa, with values of X _we in the drying process of 1.51; 1.54 and 1.36 g water/g d.m for 50, 60 and 70 °C, respectively. A good agreement was found between the numerical and experimental results of temperature and moisture during Salicornia drying. The Midilli-Kucuk model presented the best fitting to the drying curves. The effects of drying on S. fruticosa were significant in two quality parameters. Antioxidant capacity decreased in ca. 45% and lightness (> L*) significantly increased at a drying temperature of 70 °C, compared to the fresh samples. The optimum drying temperature where drying time and nutrients loss was minimum was 70 °C. These results can be used to estimate the best drying conditions for producing dehydrated Salicornia. The use of halophytes as sustainable crops is promising, and the vision of their commercial production must be evaluated and considered, given water scarcity in many areas of the planet.

The drying process of Sarcocornia perennis: impact on nutritional and physico-chemical properties

The Sarcocornia genus is an extreme salt-tolerant plant that can be cultivated in saline habitats almost worldwide. To preserve Sarcocornia perennis, convective drying experiments were conducted and their effects on the physico-chemical properties and phenolic content of the plant were studied using conventional and vibrational spectroscopy techniques. The drying process of Sarcocornia perennis at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C and 70 °C revealed three periods of convective drying process with drying times ranging between 4.5 and 24.9 h, respectively to higher and lower temperatures. The heating-up period can be neglected as compared with the drying process, and the duration of constant rate period, as a percentage of the total drying time, ranged between 34 and 20% respectively at 40 °C and 70 °C. The Modified Page model was proposed to describe the drying process at the different temperatures. From a nutritional point of view, this halophyte plant may be considered as a good source of fibres, phenolic compounds and natural minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The convective drying, in the temperature range currently used, was found to preserve the colour, nutritional characteristics and phytochemical value of Sarcocornia perennis. These results were confirmed by FTIR-ATR and highlight the potential use of the dried plant in novel food products.

Freshness monitoring technology of fish products in intelligent packaging

Fish products are one of the preferred products in modern healthy diets, because they contain unqualified proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, because of their vulnerability to deterioration, methods to maintain their freshness have attracted wide attention. Intelligent packaging can effectively monitor the quality and safety of fish products, provide warning, and has a great market and development potential. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of intelligent packaging technology used to monitor the freshness of fish products. The quality attributes of freshness of fish products are summarized. The classification, principle and latest application progress of three advanced technologies, indicator, sensor and radio frequency identification (RFID), are summarized. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the intelligent packaging technology for monitoring the freshness of products are discussed, and the current research results are summarized and prospected.

Nutrient availability affects the polar lipidome of Halimione portulacoides leaves cultured in hydroponics

Halophytes are increasingly regarded as suitable extractive species and co-products for coastal Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and studying their lipidome is a valid means towards their economic valorization. Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen edible leaves are rich in functional lipids with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical relevance and the present study aimed to investigate the extent to which its lipidome remains unchanged under a range of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations typical of aquaculture effluents. Lipidomics analysis, done by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, identified 175 lipid species in the lipid extract of leaves: 140 phospholipids (PLs) and 35 glycolipids (GLs). Plants irrigated with a saline solution with 20-100 mg DIN-N L-1 and 3-15.5 mg DIP-P L-1 under a 1-week hydraulic retention time displayed a relatively stable lipidome. At lower concentrations (6 mg DIN-N L-1 and 0.8 mg DIP-P L-1), plants exhibited less PLs and GLs per unit of leaves dry weight and the GLs fraction of the lipidome changed significantly. This study reveals the importance of analyzing the lipidomic profile of halophytes under different nutritional regimens in order to establish nutrient-limitation thresholds and assure production conditions that deliver a final product with a consistent lipid profile.

Evaluation of the mycotoxins content of Salicornia spp .: a gourmet plant alternative to salt

SALICORNIA

spp. are traditionally used in Asia as food, forage and medicine. In the West, its popularity has been increasing as an alternative to salt. Nevertheless, the potential presence of contaminants needs to be considered. Hence this study, which aimed to investigate the presence of potentially mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in Salicornia sampled in Portugal. Fungi isolation was performed by the direct plating technique in selective media. The mycotoxins contamination levels were determined by an Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). The results suggest that Salicornia is highly susceptible to fungi infestation, e.g. by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Relevant levels of AFB1 > 5 µg/Kg and total aflatoxins (sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) > 10 µg/Kg were found in various samples.

Effect of carbon dots with chitosan coating on microorganisms and storage quality of modified-atmosphere-packaged fresh-cut cucumber

BACKGROUND

In order to inhibit microorganisms and improve storage quality of fresh-cut cucumber, fresh-cut cucumber was treated by carbon dots (CDs) from kelp/chitosan (CH) coating solution with CD concentrations of 0%, 1.5%, 3% and 4.5% and then packaged as well as stored at 4 °C for 15 days. The effect of CDs/CH coating on microorganisms and the quality of modified-atmosphere-packaged fresh-cut cucumber during storage were investigated.

RESULTS

The CDs was monodispersed spherical morphology with size distribution of 0.54-0.83 nm. Interaction of CDs and CH had the generation of strong hydrogen bond. Inhibition zone diameters of CDs/CH coating against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were enhanced with the increase of CD concentrations. Moreover, CDs/CH coating inhibited the growth of total number of colonies, mold, and yeast in modified-atmosphere-packaged fresh-cut cucumber during storage. A coating of 4.5% CDs/CH effectively reduced the losses of weight, firmness, and total soluble solids, the degradation of ascorbic acid content and flavor, and inhibited peroxidases activity, as well as decreased water mobility in fresh-cut cucumber during storage.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that a CDs/CH coating was helpful for inhibiting microorganisms and improving storage quality, and could be an effective method to prolong shelf life of fresh-cut cucumber. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrasound treatment to modified atmospheric packaged fresh-cut cucumber: Influence on microbial inhibition and storage quality

Influence of ultrasound treatment on microorganisms and the quality of modified atmospheric packaged fresh-cut cucumber during storage were investigated. Fresh-cut cucumber was treated with ultrasound (US, 20 kHz) in different time (5, 10 and 15 min) and then modified atmospheric packaged as well as stored at 4 °C for 15 d. The results showed that US treatment inhibited the growth of total number of colonies, mold and yeast in modified atmospheric packaged fresh-cut cucumber during storage. US treatment for 10 min effectively reduced the loss of weight, firmness, total soluble solids and total color change (ΔE), the increase of MDA content and the degradation of ascorbic acid content and flavor, as well as decreased water mobility and maintained cell wall integrity in fresh-cut cucumber during storage. Therefore, these results demonstrated that US treatment was helpful for inhibiting microorganisms and improving storage quality, and could be an effective method to enhance the preservative effect of modified atmospheric packaged fresh-cut cucumber.

Preparative mass-spectrometry profiling of minor concentrated metabolites in Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq by high-speed countercurrent chromatography and off-line electrospray mass-spectrometry injection

Salicornia species have just been introduced to the European market as a vegetable named 'samphire', 'green asparagus', or 'sea asparagus'. Due to its increasing attention, and associated value, minor compounds of Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq were investigated. The use of countercurrent chromatography and mass spectrometry enabled the search for known, as well as potentially novel natural products. Their identification was achieved based on molecular weights and mass-spectrometric fragmentation data. Low detection limits enabled the visualization of all compounds with their identification in almost real time close to the preparative countercurrent chromatography experiment. A list of known natural products from Salicornia genus guided the identification process of compounds occurring in Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq by tandem mass spectrometry fragment comparison. The natural product classes were divided into four groups: chlorogenic acid derivatives; flavonoid derivatives; pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins; and other compounds.

Impact of short-term extreme temperature events on physiological performance of Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods under optimal and sub-optimal saline conditions

Increasing extreme temperature climatic events could exert an important effect on plant photosynthetic performance, which could be modulated by the co-occurrence with other environmental factors, such as salinity, in estuarine ecosystems. Therefore, a mesocosm experiment was designed to assess the impact of temperature events for three days (13/5 °C, 25/13 °C and 40/28 °C) in combination with two NaCl concentrations (171 and 1050 mM NaCl) on the physiological performance of Salicornia ramosissima. Extreme temperature events had a negative impact on S. ramosissima photosynthetic efficiency, this effect being more marked with cold wave at both salinities, compared with heat wave, even in presence of NaCl excess. This differential thermotolerance in the photosynthetic apparatus was ascribed to the greater integrity and functioning of its photosynthetic pathway at high temperature, as indicated by constant gs, Vc,max values at optimal salinity and the higher values of those parameters and gm recorded in combination with NaCl excess. Moreover, S. ramosissima was able to upregulate the energy sink capacity of its photochemical apparatus at elevated temperature and salinity by a greater energy excess dissipation capacity. This could have contributed to reducing the risk of oxidative stress, along with the recorded higher capacity for antioxidant enzyme activity modulation under these conditions.

Phytochemical profiling, polyphenol composition, and antioxidant activity of the leaf extract from the medicinal halophyte Thespesia populnea reveal a potential source of bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals

The present study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, nutritional attributes, and the antioxidant capacity of the medicinal halophyte Thespesia populnea. The metabolite profiling by GC-QTOF-MS analysis identified 37 metabolites among which sucrose, malic acid, and turanose were the most abundant. A total of 18 polyphenols and 17 amino acids were identified by the HPLC-DAD analysis. The most abundant polyphenols in T. populnea were gallic acid, catechin, and myricetin. Other polyphenols like protocatechuic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, and naringenine were also detected in ample amounts. The leaf extract demonstrated higher antioxidant as well as lipid peroxidation inhibition activities. A correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the phenolic compounds viz. gallic acid, catechin, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, cinnamic acid, and coumarin which indicates that these phenolic compounds are the main contributors of the antioxidant potential of T. populnea. The results of this study establish T. populnea as a potential source of nonconventional functional food. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The data presented here indicate that T. populnea can be considered as a nonconventional functional food and potential source of energy, antioxidants, minerals, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds in herbal formulations, food supplements, or nutraceuticals. The metabolites identified from this halophyte have pharmacological and nutraceutical potentials, suggesting T. populnea as an ideal candidate for application in the food and phytopharmaceutical industries to produce health-promoting products, functional foods, and herbal medicines.

Disentangling the effect of atmospheric CO2 enrichment on the halophyte Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods physiological performance under optimal and suboptimal saline conditions

A mesocosm experiment was designed to assess the effect of atmospheric CO₂ increment on the salinity tolerance of the C₃ halophyte Salicornia ramosissima. Thus, the combined effect of 400 ppm and 700 ppm CO₂ at 0, 171 and 510 mM NaCl on plants growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, pigments profiles, antioxidative enzyme activities and water relations was studied. Our results highlighted a positive effect of atmospheric CO₂ increment on plant physiological performance under suboptimal salinity concentration (510 mM NaCl). Thus, we recorded higher net photosynthetic rate (A_N) values under saline conditions and 700 ppm CO₂, being this effect mainly mediated by a reduction of mesophyll (g_m) and biochemical limitation imposed to salt excess. In addition, rising atmospheric CO₂ led to a better plant water balance, linked with a reduction of stomatal conductante (g_s) and an overall increment of osmotic potential (Ѱ_o) with NaCl concentration increment. In spite of these positive effects, there were no significant biomass variations between any treatments. Being this fact ascribed by the investment of the higher energy fixed for salinity stress defence mechanisms, which allowed plants to maintain more active the photochemical machinery even at high salinities, reducing the risk of ROS production, as indicated an improvement of the electron flux and a rise of the energy dissipation. Finally, the positive effect of the CO₂ was also supported by the modulation of pigments profiles (mainly zeaxhantin and violaxhantin) concentrations and anti-oxidative stress enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APx).