Starch from Unripe Apples (Malus domestica Borkh) as an Alternative for Application in the Food Industry

This study investigated the properties of starch isolated from the unripe fruit of two apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh) grown in southern Poland (Central Europe). The chemical composition of both starches, molecular mass, their granulation, thermal characteristics, swelling characteristics, and rheological characteristics were studied. The starches differed significantly in ash, phosphorus, and protein content. The water-binding capacity at temperatures of 25-65 °C was similar, while differences of 20% appeared at higher temperatures. In contrast, a significant difference was found in the solubility of the two starches in the temperature range of 25-75 °C. The study showed that apple starches have a relatively low tendency to retrograde, with the enthalpy of gelatinization for starch from the Oliwka variety being 40% higher than that from the Pyros variety. However, the starches differed in the hardness of the gels formed, i.e., one variety formed soft gels with an internal structure resistant to external forces, while the other formed hard gels.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties and Sensory Aspects of Sponge Cakes Supplemented with Edible Insect Flours

The chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and sensory aspects of sponge cakes with the addition of flours from edible insects (buffalo worm, cricket, and mealworm) were evaluated. The addition of edible-insect flours increased the protein, fat, and dietary fiber content in all cases. The utilization of edible insects demonstrated a notable augmentation in the phenolic compounds (especially protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde, and syringic, ferulic, and sinapic acids). This resulted in an increase in the antioxidant activity measured against the ABTS radical cation, the DPPH radical, and ferric ions. The antioxidant potential, assessed by four different methods, unequivocally confirmed that the aforementioned polyphenolic compounds found in edible insects provide significant radical-scavenging and antioxidant activity in sponge cakes containing them. The polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were significantly lower in cakes with insect flour compared to the standard wheat cakes. Products and raw materials exhibited high values of the n - 6/n - 3 ratio, which may be associated with negative health effects, with a high oleic acid content. The amino acid score (AAS) for the essential amino acids exceeded 100% for all obtained products. The sponge cakes were accepted by consumers and the taste was the most important predictor for overall acceptability, whereas the structure and appearance had less impact.

Pulp from Colored Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as an Ingredient Enriching Dessert Cookies

Freeze-dried pulp from colored potatoes, obtained after starch isolation, is a rich source of polyphenols. Therefore, it can be used to fortify cookies, contributing to a reduction in industrial waste, aligning with the zero-waste technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of adding 5% and 10% pulp from two varieties of colored potatoes on the content of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, physical characteristics, nutritional composition, and the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural and acrylamide of the fortified cookies. The findings revealed that colored potato pulp is an outstanding additive for fortifying cookies with polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols (even two to four times in comparison to control). Cookies containing pulp exhibited even two times higher fiber and protein content (up to 17% more), while the fat and ash content remained unchanged compared to control cookies. Furthermore, they contained 30% less HMF and 40% more acrylamide. These cookies also exhibited good physical properties in the final products. The study demonstrated that pulp from the "Magenta Love" potato variety was significantly more effective in enriching cookies with health-promoting compounds and nutrition value compared to pulp from Marleta Blue.

The Influence of Microwave-Assisted Extraction on the Phenolic Compound Profile and Biological Activities of Extracts from Selected Scutellaria Species

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions (microwave power, extraction time, and ethanol concentration) on the efficiency of the extraction of phenolic compounds from selected plant species belonging to the genus Scutellaria (i.e., Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora). The extracts from selected Scutellaria species were examined to establish the total phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory assay. The phenolic profile of the extracts was characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD/ESI-HRMS/MS). Depending on the type of solvent and the extraction conditions used, the extracts obtained from selected Scutellaria species showed different total and individual phenolic content, as well as different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The results showed that all Scutellaria extracts had high total phenolic content and exhibited strong ferric ion reducing power and free radical scavenging capacity and a significant ability to inhibit the LOX activity. In general, the 70% ethanol extracts contained more phenolic compounds, mainly flavones, flavanones, and their derivatives, and showed greater in vitro biological activity than other extracts. The highest levels of phenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential were found in extracts from the roots of S. baicalensis. Optimal extraction conditions for all the plant materials tested were determined as the microwave power of 63 W, extraction time of 10 min, and 70% ethanol as the solvent.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Composition of Nut Bars with Addition of Various Edible Insect Flours

Edible insects represent a new functional source of nutrients that can contribute to solving nutritional deficiency problems. The antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds of nut bars with the addition of three edible insects were evaluated. Acheta domesticus L., Alphitobius diaperinus P. and Tenebrio molitor L. flours were used. A 30% share of insect flour in the bars resulted in significantly greater antioxidant activity (TPC increased from 190.19 for standard bars to 309.45 mg catechin/100 g for bars with 30% addition of cricket flour). Insect flour contributed significantly to an increase in 2,5-dihydrobenzoic acid (from 0.12 for bars with a 15% share of buffalo worm flour to 0.44 mg/100 g in the case of bars with a 30% share of cricket flour) and chlorogenic acid in all bars (from 0.58 for bars with a 15% share of cricket flour to 3.28 mg/100 g for bars with a 30% addition of buffalo worm flour), compared to the standard. The highest content of tocopherols was found in bars with cricket flour, compared to standard bars (43.57 and 24.06 mg/100 g of fat, respectively). The dominant sterol in bars enriched with insect powder was cholesterol. The highest amount of it was found in cricket bars, and the lowest in mealworm bars (64.16 and 21.62 mg/100 g of fat, respectively). The enrichment of nut bars with insect flours raises the levels of valuable phytosterols in the final product. The addition of edible insect flours reduced the perception of most sensory attributes of the bars, compared to the standard bar.

Apple Pomace as an Ingredient Enriching Wheat Pasta with Health-Promoting Compounds

The global overproduction of apples is associated with large amounts of post-production waste, for which new forms of utilization should be sought. Therefore, we aimed to enrich wheat pasta with apple pomace in various percentages (10, 20, 30 and 50%). The content of total polyphenols, individual polyphenols (using UPLC-PDA-MS/MS methods) and dietary fibre, chemical composition and physical properties of the resulting pasta were determined. The addition of apple pomace to pasta resulted in increased levels of pro-health compounds: total polyphenols, phenolic acids, quercetin derivatives, flavon-3-ols and dihydrochalcones as well as dietary fibre. Decreases in hardness and maximum cutting energy were also observed in pasta supplemented with apple pomace compared to control pasta. Water absorption capacity was not influenced by the addition of apple pomace, with the exception of pasta made with 50% apple pomace.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Status of Cookies Supplemented with Apple Pomace

The post-production leftovers after the pressing of apple juice are a rich source of health-promoting compounds, which could be used in the food industry for the manufacture of dietary foods, applicable also for people with celiac disease. This raw material is currently little used, and the cost of its disposal is considerable. Therefore, an attempt was made to enrich gluten-free cookies with different proportions of apple pomace. The content of individual polyphenols determined by the UPLC-PDA-MS/MS method, basic chemical composition, physical properties of cookies with 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% apple pomace, were evaluated. It was found that apple pomace in gluten-free cookies caused an increase in the content of phenolic acids, quercetin derivatives, flavan-3-ols and dihydrochalcones. An elevation in protein, fat, and minerals was also observed. The growing share of apple pomace caused a significant increase in the content of total fiber, soluble, and insoluble fractions, but resulted in an increase in the hardness and darkening of the cookies while reducing their volume.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF NEW SLOVAKIAN BLACK OAT VARIETIES

Black and red cereal grains, rich in anthocyanins, have recently gained a lot of interest in the food industry due to health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition (crude protein, starch, ash, fat, β-glucans), biological activity (antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins) and technological properties (farinograph, amylograph and extensograph) of new Slovakian black oat varieties Hucul and Norik. Technological properties were observed by incorporation of whole-grain oatmeal flour to standard wheat flour T-650 in amount 3, 6 and 9%. The grains of selected varieties were grinded and resulting whole-grain oatmeal flour was used for analyses. The crude protein content was in both varieties in amount ~ 11%; starch content ~ 44% and ash content in amount ~ 2.6%. The Norik variety showed a higher content of fat – 5.80%, β-glucans – 4.29%, and total carotenoids – 7.47 μg.g-1. In Hucul variety was detected a higher content of total polyphenols – 0.19 mg GAE.g-1(GAE – gallic acid equivalent) and anthocyanins – 22.00 μg.g-1. The antioxidant activity (DPPH method) was approximately at the same level in both evaluated varieties – 3 mg TEAC.g-1 (TEAC – Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). There were several differences in mineral composition between observed varieties. The Norik variety showed higher content [mg.100 g-1] of Fe – 5.94, K – 397.56, Na – 6.33 and P – 365.51, while in Hucul variety it was detected higher content of S – 142.89 and Zn – 2.05. Other mineral compounds were not significantly different. Amylograph device shown that with an increasing addition of black oat flour, the amylograph maximum fell down with the best value at 9% addition with compared to standard flour – 1593 AU. Farinograph values on the contrary, showed the good quality of standard flour but parameter water absorption was better with addition of oat flour due to non-starch polysaccharides presented in oat. Extensograph device showed that increasing addition of oat flour decreased resistance to extension. Colorant cereals generally can increase biodiversity in agriculture, and can be attractive raw materials for production foods with added value.

Apple Pomace as a Source of Bioactive Polyphenol Compounds in Gluten-Free Breads

Gluten-free products based on starch and hydrocolloids are deficient in nutrients and do not contain pro-health substances. Therefore, they should be enriched in raw materials naturally rich in antioxidants, especially if they are intended for celiac patients, prone to high oxidative stress. Apart from the traditionally used pseudo-cereals, seeds, vegetables and fruits, innovative substrates such as the by-product (especially in Poland) dry apple pomace could be applied. The study material consisted of gluten-free bread enriched with apple pomace. The content of individual polyphenols, the content of total polyphenol and flavonoids, and also the antioxidant potential of the bread were determined by the UPLC-PDA-MS/MS methods. It was observed that apple pomace was a natural concentrate of bioactive substances from the group of polyphenols. In summary, gluten-free bread with 5% content of apple pomace showed the highest organoleptic scores and contained high levels of phenolic compounds. The values of total phenolic content, and the amounts of flavonoids, phenolic acids and phloridzin in this bread were 2.5, 8, 4 and 21 times higher in comparison to control.

Pulp obtained after isolation of starch from red and purple potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as an innovative ingredient in the production of gluten-free bread

Starch based gluten-free bread (formulations containing mixture of corn and potato starch with hydrocolloids) are deficient in nutrients and do not contain health promoting compounds. Therefore they could be supplemented with raw materials rich in such components, especially antioxidants. Among them pseudo-cereals, seeds, fruits and vegetables are often applied to this purpose. Potato pulp produced by processing red fleshed (Magenta Love) and purple fleshed (Violetta) varieties could become a new innovative substrate for gluten-free bread enrichment, because of high levels of endogenous polyphenols, namely flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and especially anthocyanins with high antioxidant potential, as well as dietary fiber. Study material consisted of gluten-free bread enriched in the pulp. Dietary fiber, acrylamide content and antioxidant and antiradical potential of the bread were determined. Sensory evaluation included crumb elasticity, porosity and other characteristics, taste and smell. Among all analyzed gluten-free breads, the sample containing 7.5% share of freeze-dried red potato pulp Magenta Love was characterized by high content of phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, pronounced antioxidant activity, low levels of potentially dangerous acrylamide and good physical and sensory characteristics. Therefore such an addition (7.5% Magenta Love) could be recommended for industrial production of gluten-free bread.

Characteristics of starch breads enriched with red potatoes

Starch breads may often be low in nutritional value, in comparison to traditional products, as they contain less dietary fibre, protein and micro and macro elements. As an effect a risk of mineral deficiencies and digestive problems caused by lack of dietary fibre could be expected in persons adhering to gluten free diet. To eliminate such problems, a continuous research on gluten-free bread nutritional enrichment, has been done in recent years. Raw material used to enrich gluten free products should include: inulin, lupine, radish, soy, lucerne sprouts, oilseeds, different type of dried fruits. Among the most commonly used raw materials, there are flours from gluten free cereals and pseudocereals such as buckwheat, amaranth and maize are very popular. It seem that valuable alternative could be considered a red, purple or pink potatoes as starch breads additives. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect addition of freeze-dried color potatoes on crude fiber, polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids and nutritional value of gluten free breads. It could be concluded, that freeze-dried color (red, purple, pink) potatoes enriched the gluten free breads (starch breads) with health promoting bioactive components, like polyphenols, and highly valuable protein. The most promising additive was Magenta Love red potato variety lyophilisates, because gluten free breads enriched with this component were characterized by high protein content and the highest content of free and bound polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins. The presence of all these components increased the nutritional and pro-health value of gluten free product as starch bread.

Gluten-free bread with an addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes as a source of phenolic compounds in gluten-free diet

The basis for gluten-free diet is often gluten-free bread, which is usually characterized by a low-nutritional value, and lacks any pro-health properties. Only after an introduction of gluten-free raw materials, containing high level of bioactive compounds it would be possible to obtain the product with a pro-health potential. The aim of the study was to analyze the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolic content, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins and carotenoids) in gluten-free bread prepared with 5% addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes as well as to assess their antioxidant potential. Summarizing, among the analyzed gluten-free breads with an addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes, the best results could be obtained by using variety Magenta Love (red potato), which provided the highest levels of phenolic compounds and carotenoids and also antioxidant and antiradical activity.

Characterisation of five potato cultivars according to their nutritional and pro-health components

INTRODUCTION

Potatoes are very popular vegetables in Poland, not only in terms that they are easy to prepare, but also by the fact that they combine the wholesomeness of cereals and delicacy and characteristic chemical composition of vegetables, so it is important that they find their place in our diet. Nutritional value of potatoes is determined by the content of nutrients such as protein, starch, fat, minerals, and absence of toxins, as well as by a significant content of bioactive components from the group of polyphenols, which guarantee proper antioxidant activity of this vegetable. The study was performed in order to analyse 5 Polish potato cultivars, according to nutritional components, i.e.: proteins, fat, starch, carbohydrates, ash and biologically active compounds: such as polyphenols, flavonoids, as well as dietary fibre. At the same time antioxidant activity of the cultivars was determined by means of two independent methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material for the study consisted of five varieties of potatoes: Saturna, Hermes, Raja, Rosalind, Courage, which were analysed for the content of nutrients i.e. protein, fat, starch, carbohydrate, ash and biologically active compounds: polyphenols, flavonoids, and fiber. Antioxidant activity of the examined potato varieties was determined by two independent methods.

RESULTS

It was shown, taking into account the nutrients, that the potato variety Raja was characterised by the lowest content of carbohydrate and ash, and high amounts of protein and fat. The highest content of insoluble dietary fibre was determined for Raja, and its soluble fraction for Saturna. The amounts of insoluble fibre were three times as much as the content of soluble fibre in the analysed potato cultivars. The highest total polyphenol content was measured for Saturna, and the lowest for Rosalind. Other cultivars revealed similar amounts of these components (3 mg catechin/g d.m.). The contents of flavonols and flavonoids was not proportional to total polyphenol content in the analysed potato cultivars. Antioxidant activity determined by two independant methods was proportional to total polyphenol content in the analysed plant material.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that the content of pro-health ingredients such as: dietary fiber, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity was preferable for two of the five examined varieties of potatoes: Saturna and Raja.