Influence of heat treatment on the sensory and physical characteristics and carbohydrate fractions of french-fried potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Evaluation of selected drying models of white sapote (Casimiroa edulisL.) slices as affected by drying methods and pre-drying treatments

This investigation was performed on the drying modelling of white sapote slices that were influenced by drying methods and pre-drying treatments. The experimentation was performed by two factors: drying techniques and pre-drying treatments. The drying techniques included oven-, solar- and open sun-driers, whereas the pre-drying pretreatments were blanching, sodium metabisulfite, sodium-chloride and control. Behaviours of the drying were plotted with the moisture ratio vs time of drying, moisture content (% db) vs time of drying, and drying rate (g of water/100 g dm/hr) versus drying time (t). At the commencement of the drying progression, the drying rate was increased steadily and reduced through the advancement of drying model parameters a and n (empirical constants) and k (drying rate constant) were determined. Their combinations were optimised to suit the requirements of the minimal value of the sum of square deviation on the expected data values (model values). The models were evaluated with the regression coefficient (R2) and chi-square (χ2), resulting in values of 0.95-0.99 and 0.000132 to 0.00511, respectively. Henderson and Pabis's model demonstrated the highest coefficient R2 values (0.99) for oven-dried drying techniques. Also, the Page model gave the highest R2 value (0.99) for sodium metabisulphite pretreatments. It can be concluded that the Henderson and Pabis model is best suited for oven drying among the drying techniques. In contrast, the Page model best fits sodium metabisulphite among the pre-drying treatments. Hence, Henderson and Pabis, and Page models might describe the drying characteristics of the white sapote fruit slices based on respective drying methods and pre-drying treatments.

Resistant Starch Content in Foods Commonly Consumed in the United States: A Narrative Review

Resistant starch (RS; types 1 to 5) cannot be digested in the small intestine and thus enters the colon intact, with some types capable of being fermented by gut microbes. As a fiber, types 1, 2, 3, and 5 are found naturally in foods, while types 2, 3, and 4 can be added to foods as a functional ingredient. This narrative review identifies RS content in whole foods commonly consumed in the United States. Scientific databases (n=3) were searched by two independent researchers. Ninety-four peer-reviewed articles published between 1982 and September 2018 were selected in which the RS was quantified and the food preparation method before analysis was suitable for consumption. The RS from each food item was adjusted for moisture if the RS value was provided as percent dry weight. Each food item was entered into a database according to food category, where the weighted mean±weighted standard deviation was calculated. The range of RS values and overall sample size for each food category were identified. Breads, breakfast cereals, snack foods, bananas and plantains, grains, pasta, rice, legumes, and potatoes contain RS. Foods that have been cooked then chilled have higher RS than cooked foods. Foods with higher amylose concentrations have higher RS than native varieties. The data from this database will serve as a resource for health practitioners to educate and support patients and clients interested in increasing their intake of RS-rich foods and for researchers to formulate dietary interventions with RS foods and examine associated health outcomes.

Potato product form impacts in vitro starch digestibility and glucose transport but only modestly impacts 24 h blood glucose response in humans

Potatoes are rich in phenolic compounds which have been reported to impact starch digestion and intestinal glucose transport in model systems through phenolic–starch interactions.

Plant nutraceuticals as antimicrobial agents in food preservation: terpenoids, polyphenols and thiols

Synthetic food additives generate a negative perception in consumers. Therefore, food manufacturers search for safer natural alternatives such as those involving phytochemicals and plant essential oils. These bioactive compounds have antimicrobial activities widely proven in in vitro tests. Foodborne diseases cause thousands of deaths and millions of infections every year, mainly due to pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. This review summarises industrially interesting antimicrobial bioactivities as well as their mechanisms of action for three main types of plant nutraceuticals, namely terpenoids (e.g. carnosic acid), polyphenols (e.g. quercetin) and thiols (e.g. allicin), which are important constituents of plant essential oils with a broad range of antimicrobial effects. These phytochemicals are widely distributed in fruits and vegetables and are especially useful in food preservation as microbial growth inhibitors.