Lipid and protein stability of partially defatted walnut flour (Juglans regia L.) during storage

Effects of Packaging Materials on Structural and Simulated Digestive Characteristics of Walnut Protein during Accelerated Storage

Walnuts are rich in fat and proteins that become oxidized during the processing and storage conditions of their kernels. In this study, the effect of three packaging materials (e.g., polyethylene sealed packaging, polyamide/polyethylene vacuum packaging, and polyethylene terephthalate/aluminum foil/polyethylene vacuum packaging) were investigated on the oxidation, structural and digestive properties of walnut kernel proteins. Results showed that the amino acid content gradually decreased and carbonyl derivatives and dityrosine were formed during storage. The protein molecule structure became disordered as the α-helix decreased and the random coil increased. The endogenous fluorescence intensity decreased and the maximum fluorescence value was blue-shifted. After 15 days of storage, surface hydrophobicity decreased, while SDS-PAGE and HPLC indicated the formation of large protein aggregates, leading to a reduction in solubility. By simulating gastrointestinal digestion, we found that oxidation adversely affected the digestive properties of walnut protein isolate and protein digestibility was best for polyethylene terephthalate/aluminum foil/polyethylene vacuum packaging. The degree of protein oxidation in walnuts increased during storage, which showed that except for fat oxidation, the effect of protein oxidation on quality should be considered. The results of the study provided new ideas and methods for walnut quality control.

Comparison of the Oil Quality of Light and Dark Walnuts under Different Storage Conditions

The skin of the walnut kernels can get dark during the pre- and post-harvest stages of the production. Dark kernels are less palatable for most consumers but are still edible and maybe preferable, especially in the ground form, for industrial use. In this study, we investigated the differences between oil oxidation indexes, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions of the oils, total polyphenol contents and antioxidant capacities of the extracts of light and dark walnuts. In addition, we evaluated the effects of packaging under nitrogen and vacuum-packaging techniques and storage temperature on these characteristics of both light and dark walnuts during storage for 6 months. Peroxide values and free fatty acid contents of all samples were higher at the end of storage compared to initial values, being more noticeable at 20°C than at 4°C. Increases in the free fatty acid contents were quite higher in dark walnuts than the light ones (6.1 and 3.1 fold, respectively) and the highest values of conjugated diene and peroxide were determined in the samples packaged under air and stored at 20℃. Dark walnuts had lower total phenolic, α- and γ-tocopherol contents and antioxidant activities compared to the light ones. Total phenolic and tocopherol contents decreased over time. We conclude that due to the antioxidant compounds in the fruit, oxidation parameters of dark walnuts are still acceptable at the end of 6-month storage even in the packages with air and at non-refrigerated conditions.

Effect of roasting conditions on the composition and antioxidant properties of defatted walnut flour

BACKGROUND

Walnut oil extraction by pressure systems produces a press cake as a by-product, with many of the beneficial walnut properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the composition and antioxidant properties of walnut flours submitted to different roasting protocols (50, 100 and 150 °C during 30, 60 and 120 min).

RESULTS

All walnut flours had about 42% protein and a significant amount of dietary fibre (17%), not being affected by the roasting process. Nonetheless, the fat content increased around 50% in walnuts flours subjected to longer and higher roasting temperatures (150 °C). The lipid fraction showed a good nutritional quality with a high vitamin E content (mainly γ-tocopherol) and fatty acid profile rich in linoleic and linolenic acids. The high phenolic content also provides great antioxidant capacity to the flours.

CONCLUSION

Mild roasting of walnuts did not affect the quality of the flours that could be used as a functional ingredient in the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on physicochemical and functional properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) protein isolate

BACKGROUND

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a good source of protein that has potential application in new product formation and fortification. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (300-600 MPa 20 min) on physicochemical and functional properties of walnut protein isolate (WPI) using various analytical techniques at room temperature.

RESULTS

The results showed significant modification of solubility, free sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity with increased levels of HHP treatment, indicating partial denaturation and aggregation of proteins. Differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectrum analyses demonstrated that HHP treatment resulted in gradual unfolding of protein structure. Emulsifying activity index was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after HHP treatment at 400 MPa, but significantly decreased (P < 0.05) relative to the untreated WPI with further increase in pressure. HHP treatment at 300-600 MPa significantly decreased emulsion stability index. Additionally, HHP-treated walnut proteins showed better foaming properties and in vitro digestibility.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HHP treatment could be applied to modify the properties of walnut proteins by appropriate of pressure levels, which will help in using walnut protein as a potential food ingredient.