Optimization of explosion puffing drying for browning control in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) using Taguchi orthogonal arrays

Health oil preparation from gardenia seeds by aqueous enzymatic extraction combined with puffing pre-treatment and its properties analysis

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, a representative for "homology of medicine and food", can be used to produce pigment and edible oil. Here, aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) combined with puffing pre-treatment was explored to prepare oil from gardenia seeds. Both wet-heating puffing (WP) at 90 °C and dry-heating puffing (DP) at 1.0 MPa facilitated the release of free oil by AEE, resulting in the highest free oil yields (FOY) of 21.8% and 23.2% within 3 h, much higher than that of un-puffed group. Additionally, active crocin and geniposide were also completely released. The FOY obtained was much higher than mechanical pressing method (10.44%), and close to solvent extraction (25.45%). Microstructure analysis indicated that gardenia seeds expanded by dry-heating puffing (1.0 MPa) had a larger, rougher surface and porous structure than other groups. Overall, AEE coupled with puffing pre-treatment developed is an eco-friendly extraction technology with high efficiency that can be employed to oil preparation.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01319-9.

Effect of NaCl Pretreatment on the Relationship between the Color Characteristics and Taste of Cirsium setidens Processed Using a Micro-Oil-Sprayed Thermal Air Technique

Cirsium setidens is commonly used as a food ingredient, and it is typically stored and distributed in a dried form to prolong its shelf life. In a previous study, a micro-oil-sprayed thermal air (MOTA) technique was developed, which effectively enhanced the rehydration properties and improved the color characteristics of Cirsium setidens after processing. Here, we investigated the relationship between the color characteristics and taste of MOTA-processed C. setidens and the effect of NaCl pretreatment, prior to processing, on the final quality of dried C. setidens. NaCl pretreatment, whether combined with the MOTA technique or not, showed improved color characteristics, in which MOTA-and NaCl+ MOTA-processed C. setidens manifested equal color characteristics. In contrast, NaCl + MOTA-processed C. setidens resulted in significantly higher values of sourness and saltiness than MOTA-processed C. setidens when the taste of the rehydrated C. setidens was examined using an electronic tongue (Astree II; Alpha MOS, Toulouse, France). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that sourness and saltness were negatively correlated with Hunter a* values and positively correlated with Hunter L* and Hunter b* values, indicating that the color characteristics of dried and rehydrated C. setidens could be indicators of taste. Furthermore, the amounts of total phenol and chlorophyll were better preserved in C. setidens processed by the MOTA technique with NaCl than by the MOTA technique alone. Our data revealed that the color characteristics of dried plants are associated with the taste of processed C. setidens, and that the MOTA technique with NaCl pretreatment is a useful method for preserving health-promoting compounds during processing.

Instant controlled pressure drop drying: A review on preservation of quality characteristics in fresh produce

This review describes the efficient Instant controlled pressure drop drying technology. The Détente Instantanée Contôlée (DIC), French for Instant Controlled Pressure-Drop drying, has prodigious potential to cause least variations in the quality characteristics of the final dried product. This review article spotlights the principle of DIC with its effect on vitamins (ascorbic acid), bioactive compounds (carotenoids, polyphenols), physicochemical properties (moisture, rehydration capacity, water holding capacity, color, microstructure texture) and sensory properties of fresh produce. DIC is a thermo-mechanical technique accomplished by treating the fresh produce to saturated steam for less time period, which is carried out by an immediate pressure drop to achieve vacuum. This technique also provides reduced drying time, better volume expansion with larger porosity in the final dried product. It leads to a swift vaporization of the water within fresh produce cells. DIC-treated fresh produce are quickly rehydrated and retains sensory and nutrient quality.