Journal of Agriculture and Food Research最新文献

This study optimised ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) temperature, time, and ethanol concentration to investigate total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay) from hog plum peel and seed. Optimisation used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) of three factors at three levels. The variables for both peel and seed were temperature (40–60 °C), time (30–60 min), and ethanol concentrations (40–80 %). Fifteen experimental runs were conducted, using a second-order polynomial model (quadratic) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to predict the responses and validate the model. The results revealed that the moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, and carbohydrate content of hog plum seed and peel differences in their nutrient content. Additionally, peel contains a TPC of 95–104 mg GAE/100 g DM, DPPH activity of 68–92 %, and TFC of 1.622–2.312 mg QE/g DM, while TPC varies between 97 and 110 mg GAE/100 g DM, DPPH activity ranges from 71 to 95 %, and TFC of 1–22 mg QE/g DM for seed. The R² value of both peel and seed for TPC, TFC, and DPPH activity was 0.99, indicating that the quadratic model is satisfactory for analysing interactions between response and independent variables. Furthermore, RSM analysis identified the optimal extraction conditions of both peel and seed for maximising TPC, TFC, and DPPH activity at a temperature of 59.82 °C, a time of 41.08 min, and 76.64 % ethanol concentration. Under the optimal settings, the observed values were 108.34 ± 7.23 (peel) and 101.45 ± 3.65 mg GAE/100 g DM (seed) for TPC, 2.98 ± 2.10 (peel), and 3.98 ± 1.34 mg QE/g DM (seed) for TFC, and 85.13 ± 5.43 (peel), and 84.35 ± 4.10 % (seed) for DPPH activity. This study establishes a framework for further investigation into UAE parameters and extraction solvents to enhance the extraction efficiency of hog plum seed and peel.

This study investigated the variability of antioxidant compounds and capacity of four wild edible fruits from Mozambique: Adansonia digitata (AD), Dialium schlechteri (DS), Garcinia livingstonei (GL), and Syzygium cordatum (SC), collected over three consecutive years from seven locations. Antioxidant compounds including total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and vitamin C, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by three methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Results in dry basis for TPC ranged from 42.8 ± 1.05 to 65.4 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g, TFC from 8.6 ± 0.03 to 66.7 ± 1.41 mg RE/g and, vitamin C from 1.7 ± 0.28 to 40.1 ± 0.35 mg/100 g. TAC-DPPH ranged from 53.5 ± 1.80 to 88.3 ± 0.29 μmol TE/g, TAC-ABTS from 52.8 ± 0.50 to 136.7 ± 0.97, μmol TE/g, and TAC-FRAP from 12.4 ± 0.79 to 75.0 ± 2.32 μmol TE/g. AD exhibited the highest TPC and vitamin C, indicating higher antioxidant capacity. Notably, yearly variations had a more pronounced impact on antioxidant compounds than locations. It was found a yearly variation of about 30 % for TFC in SC and vitamin C in AD. Despite these variations, these underutilized fruits hold potential nutritional and health benefits and can be used in food product development.

Agriculture is vital to Ethiopia's economy, yet postharvest losses persist, threatening food security and economic growth. The literature indicates that losses range from 15 to 45 %, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Agro-processing offers a promising solution by adding value to raw products. This article examines Ethiopia's potential in agro-processing, aligning with existing agricultural policies. Techniques such as drying, canning, freezing, and packaging can optimize agricultural potential and minimize losses. Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources, Ethiopia can leverage its market-oriented approach to establish integrated agro-processing systems. A holistic approach is necessary, requiring the Ethiopian government to develop an integrated policy framework with incentives for investment and technology adoption. Improving infrastructure, enforcing quality standards, and strengthening market linkages are essential. Climate-smart practices and information technologies can enhance long-term viability. Collaborative efforts can drive sustainable development and prosperity through agro-processing in Ethiopia.

The aim of this research was to show that the absorption of divalent cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) in Theobroma cacao L. seedlings can be controlled and adjusted by remediation with maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs), i.e., leading to the low tolerance limits established by the European Union (EU) in 2014 for Cd in products made from cocoa. The research had two stages; the first one involved the medium scale synthesis of 92 g of 15 nm γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs via room temperature chemical co-precipitation of ferrous salts and their characterizations using diverse physicochemical techniques. In the second stage, and for the first time, three doses of these γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs (1, 2, and 4 g) were applied to the substrate of cocoa seedlings of genotypes ICS 39, ICS 95, and CCN 51 for three months of exposure. A morphological analysis revealed non-significant toxic effects on the seedlings’ height, leaf area, and stem diameter among the genotypes and tested doses. The results of the atomic absorption analysis of the treatment with 4 g of γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs showed a concentration of 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ of Cd²⁺, a limit lower than the control and the recommended value by the 2014 EU regulation. Thus, the transport and/or absorption of the Cd²⁺ toxic metal were significantly inhibited, since up to 74 % of Cd²⁺ uptake in the genotype ICS 95 was experimentally observed. Also, the environmental Fe-dynamics in the seedlings and soils demonstrated no transport of γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs to the seedlings. Thus, the study found that the Cd²⁺ adsorption in remediated soil using γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs involves three steps: electrostatic exchange, Fe-oxide adsorption, and substrate-γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs complexation and precipitation.

Direct seeding mulch-based cropping system (DMC) is often touted for providing diverse ecosystem services, but its implementation may impose private costs that often limit its adoption by farmers. This study uses a contingent valuation method and a double hurdle model to estimate Quebec farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for adopting DMC and to analyze the underlying factors associated with WTA. Results show that farmers would demand, on average, 161 Canadian dollars per hectare as compensation for adopting DMC. Our results also indicate that farmers are willing to convert only 25.5 % of their farm size to DMC. While the adoption of DMC is positively influenced by the ease of implementation and farmers’ perception of DMC yield, the WTA for adopting DMC increases with the perceived risk and yield, as well as farm size. Conversely, it decreases with the age of farmers and if the farmers know a DMC producer. The findings of the study suggest that compensating farmers for adopting DMC is encouraging, but compensation alone may not be sufficient to induce the conversion of entire farms to DMC. The study, therefore, calls for further research to investigate why farmers are willing to convert only a quarter of their farms to DMC.

Pectin derived from mango peel biomass offers a noteworthy alternative to starch in food products, potentially assisting in controlling hyperglycaemia by impacting starch digestion. Consequently, this study evaluates the potential of Mahachanok mango peel (MHMP) pectin in glycaemic index (GI) reduction of meat products using simulated in vitro carbohydrate digestion. The physicochemical characteristics of MHMP pectin (MHMPP) were assessed using both FTIR and titration techniques, with microarray polymer profiling employed to analyse the glycan profile. In vitro simulations of carbohydrate digestion were carried out to assess its efficacy. Additionally, meatballs fortified with MHMPP were formulated, and the glycaemic index of the resultant products was ascertained. Microarray polymer profiling revealed distinct glycans in different fractions, including galactose, xyloglucan, and glycoprotein. Microwave extraction of pectin yielded 19.04 % MHMPP content with specific characteristics: L* (58.04), a* (12.80), b* (23.50), 6.81 % moisture content, and 78.63 % solubility. The degree of esterification at 55.73 %, an equivalent weight of 789.26 mg/moL, and a methoxyl content of 8.39 %, evidently identified MHMPP as high-methoxyl pectin. In a simulated system of MHMPP, content correlates with reduced digestion, supported by lowered values across the hydrolysis index (HI), rapidly available glucose (RAG), slowly available glucose (SAG), and expected glycaemic index (eGI). Higher MHMPP levels consistently exhibit a decreased impact on these digestive factors. In a simulated meat product system, increased MHMPP content corresponded to slower digestion rates, indicating its potential to retard digestion, as supported by HI, RAG, SAG, and eGI. The supplementation of 25 % pectin to meatballs is the most successful treatment, as it results in eGI, RAG, and SAG values of 8.71 (mg/g_sample), 6.65 (mg/g_sample), and 1.85 (mg/g_sample), respectively. This study highlights the advantage of MHMP-derived dietary fibre in product development from industrial byproducts, aligning with sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on non-renewable materials.

Indigenous taro is a notable carbohydrate-rich food ingredient with significant dietary fiber. However, its natural itchiness has limited its widespread use. A new non-itchy variant, Febi521, was developed through in-vitro soma-clonal induction. This study aimed to create a high-fiber snack, specifically egg-roll cookies, using non-itchy taro (Colocasia esculenta var. Febi521). The cookies underwent comprehensive evaluation for their physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics, including polyphenol content, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL). By fully substituting taro Febi521 flour in the recipe, we produced egg-roll cookies that were sensorially preferred, high in fiber (19.2 % wet basis), and had a low GI (39) and low GL (3). This formulation also met nutritional requirements for claims related to total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Substituting taro flour increased fiber content threefold compared to wheat flour-based egg-roll cookies. This research highlights the potential of indigenous taro for diverse product development aimed at enhancing fiber intake among the population.

Meat is the main and important source of protein, minerals, and vitamins and plays a crucial role in human nutrition. Based on projections, the consumption of it is expected to increase twofold by 2050 as a result of population growth. Conversely, this surge in meat production gives rise to issues such as the indiscriminate slaughter of animals, the escalation in methane gas production and subsequent exacerbation of the global warming phenomenon, the heightened risk of shared diseases between humans and animals, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens, as well as excessive water usage. There will be a significant amount, therefore, it is imperative to explore novel approaches, such as employing lab-grown meat. Current research in this field is primarily centered around the production of cultured meat. These meats offer numerous benefits, such as their eco-friendliness and their ability to mitigate animal-borne illnesses. In the process of cultivating meat, stem or satellite cells are extracted from the animal's muscle tissue without causing harm to the animal. These cells are then placed in a culture medium containing fetal bovine serum. Subsequently, they employ either edible or non-edible scaffolds as a means of facilitating cell proliferation, which is then introduced into a bioreactor to induce the growth of tissue. Under optimal growth conditions, including appropriate temperature, oxygen levels, nutrient availability, and growth factors, it typically takes approximately 3–5 weeks for a thin piece of meat to develop. Presently, the feasibility of adopting cultured meat production is severely limited by its exorbitant cost, substandard colour and taste, and the lack of acceptance by various religious groups. Enhancing the colour of the meat can be achieved by incorporating edible colour compounds like red beetroot and saffron, while its taste can be enhanced by incorporating fatty acids, fats, and protein. It is important to acknowledge that this technology is still in its initial phases and in order to achieve widespread production, it is imperative to attain a satisfactory level of consumer approval. Furthermore, the adoption of this technology may potentially lead to a decrease in the income of livestock breeders. However, given the inherent risks associated with the livestock industry, it is imperative to proceed in this direction. Also, 3D printing is an advancing digital technology that has a vast market potential in the field of food and nutrition technology. It offers a platform for creating distinctive food products that have improved sensory and nutritional qualities, specifically tailored for a particular consumer. 3D printing has the potential to provide distinct solutions for the crucial challenges in cultured meat production, specifically in controlling the protein, fat, and other nutritional composition, as well as creating a lifelike texture. The main man-made materials used in tissue engineering