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Innovative Application of Fermented Red Bean Seeds in Constructing Foods with Increased Biological Activity
Legumes are an interesting matrix for food production. The aim of this study was to develop functional plant-based snacks using fermented red bean (RBB) seeds enriched with the following additives: marjoram—RBM (2%); carrot—RBC (30%); and red beetroot—RBRB (15%). In the process of constructing the snacks, the focus was on the maximum use of the raw material, including aquafaba, to improve nutritional properties, sensory acceptability, and biological activity. The chemical composition, protein digestibility, antioxidant activity, and phenolic content were analyzed. In addition, the effect of the in vitro digestion process on biologically active compounds and their interactions with intestinal microflora was analyzed. Sensory analysis and consumer evaluation were performed. It was found that fermentation with lactic acid bacteria increased the content of total protein (by 2%), reducing the presence of substances (by 8%) and phenolic compounds (by 13%) in red bean seeds. Snacks with marjoram (RBM) showed the highest antioxidant activity (increase by 42%) and content of polyphenolic compounds (increase by 25%) compared to the basic variant (RBB). During digestion, the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity reached the highest values in the last section of the digestive tract, i.e., in the large intestine, with RBM achieving the best results (5.61 mg GAE/g and 28.82 mg TE/g). The snack variants with red beetroot (RBRB) and marjoram (RBM) were rated the best by consumers. The results obtained confirm that the obtained snacks can be innovative products with health-promoting properties, and marjoram turned out to improve their properties, including antibacterial ones.
The antioxidant properties of selected varieties of pumpkin fortified with Iodine in the form of potassium Iodide and potassium iodate
This study aimed to investigate the use of selected pumpkin varieties as carriers of potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) at different concentrations (2.3, 0.23, and 0.023 mg/100 g). It was hypothesized that the concentrations and form of iodine fortification in pumpkins affect the antioxidant activity of pumpkins. The results showed a high recovery of the introduced iodine in all pumpkin varieties after drying, as well as high iodine stability during storage, especially for KIO3. However, statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between the forms and concentration of iodine and the ABTS cation radical and the DPPH radical test results. In the systems with iodine concentration at 0.023 and 0.23 mg/100 g, the antioxidant activity did not change. However, for all pumpkin varieties fortified with a KIO3 concentration at 3.9 mg/100 g (2.3 mg/100 g of iodine), a statistically significant decrease in free-radical scavenging was confirmed. Therefore, for maximum effectiveness in pumpkin’s free-radical scavenging indices, it is suggested to introduce iodine in the form of KI and KIO3, but in controlled concentrations. However, KIO3 should be added at a maximum amount of 0.39 mg/100 g.
Mapping Consumer Preference for Vegan and Omnivorous Diets for the Sensory Attributes of Flour Products with Iodine-Fortified Plant-Based Ingredients
Objectives: Flour products with iodine-fortified dried vegetables can be a good source of iodine. However, in addition to iodine stability, the sensory quality of these products is also important. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of adding iodine-fortified dried vegetables to flour products (gnocchi and ciabatta) on their sensory quality and map consumers (vegan/omnivore diets) as potential consumers of fortified flour products with iodine-fortified dried vegetables. Methods: A quantitative analysis of the sensory desirability and profiling were used to achieve the work objective. Results: It was confirmed that there was no relationship between the form of iodine (without iodine/KIO3/KI) and the intensity of all definite descriptors of colour, aroma, and taste. We also confirmed the relationship between the vegetable type and the descriptors’ intensity. It was confirmed that the positive attribute with the highest impact was the pumpkin taste, and the attribute with the most negative impact was the cauliflower aroma. This was true for consumers on vegan and omnivore diets, and they confirmed the most positive attitude toward the taste of pumpkin. Conclusions: Introducing dried iodine-fortified vegetables (gnocchi dumplings 24%; ciabatta rolls 5%) allows for the high sensory desirability of designed products. Introduced iodine (gnocchi dumplings 30 mg I/100 g; ciabatta rolls 9–11 mg I/100 g) does not change products’ sensory profiles.
Quercetin-Fortified Animal Forage from Onion Waste: A Zero-Waste Approach to Bioactive Feed Development
There is a high demand for the development of new carriers for pharmaceutical forms for human, veterinary, and animal-feeding use. One of the solutions might be bioactive compound-loading pellets for animal forage. The aim of the work was to assess the physical and sensory properties of forage with the addition of onion peel and off-spec onions as a source of quercetin. The feed was prepared using an expanding process (thermal–mechanical expanding process). Quercetin content was evaluated in raw onion and in final-product feed mixture samples (before and after expanding, and pelleting). The obtained feed was subjected to sensory analysis, testing for expanded pellet uniformity, water absorption index (WAI), the angle of a slide, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed a high recovery of the quercetin after the expanding process (approximately 80%), and a significantly reduced intensity of onion odor, which was confirmed compared to the non-expanded onion, which is beneficial. Furthermore, digital and optical microscopy were applied for structure analysis. Microscopic imaging results confirmed that the onion structures were visible in the whole length of feed material and analyzed cross-sections. The results can be an introduction to further research on developing products that use the expanding and pelleting process to exploit the peel and off-spec onions, as well as other waste raw materials.
The effect of a vegan diet on the coverage of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iodine among people from Poland
The aim of this research was to estimate the effect of a vegan diet on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) coverage for iodine in people from Poland. It was hypothesized that the problem of iodine deficiency is a concern, especially among vegans. The survey study was conducted in the years 2021–2022 on 2200 people aged 18–80 with omnivore and vegan diets. The exclusion criteria in the study were pregnancy and lactation. The study found that the coverage of RDA for iodine among people with a vegan diet was lower than among people with an omnivore diet (p < 0.05); 90% of the participants with a vegan diet had an iodine intake below 150 µg/day. Plant-based dairy and meat analogs were consumed by vegans frequently and in large portions, but none were fortified with iodine. It was found that iodized salt was each group’s primary source of iodine. However, it was observed that the iodine supply from this source was limited among vegans, especially in female subjects, who consumed less salt and smaller portions of meals. That is why consideration should be given to the iodine fortification of plant-based foods commonly consumed by vegans.
The Effect of Ultrasound and Lactic Acid Fermentation on the Selected Quality Parameters and Bioactive Compounds Content in Fermented Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)
Increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables can be achieved by creating new products. A promising method seems to be the directed fermentation of vegetables. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment (US; 25 kHz; 5 min) and the lactic acid bacteria strain (LAB; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG) on the quality of fermented pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). The pumpkin was inoculated with 5 log CFU/g of specific LAB strain. Fermentation was carried out for 7 days at 35 °C. Some samples were US treated at the washing stage. During fermentation, there was an increase in the LAB count of 3 logarithmic cycles compared to the initial inoculum. For L. rhamnosus, preceding fermentation by US treatment contributed to an increased bacteria count of 4 logarithmic cycles. In the case of fermentation with L. rhamnosus, the lactic acid content was significantly higher than for L. plantarum. These samples are also characterized by higher sensory properties, desirability of taste, and overall desirability. Fermentation contributed to a decrease in carotenoid and phenolic compounds content and an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the pumpkins, regardless of the bacterial strain.
Application of Chia and Flaxseed Meal as an Ingredient of Fermented Vegetable-Based Spreads to Design Their Nutritional Composition and Sensory Quality
Fermented vegetable spreads could offer an opportunity to diversify the range of plant-based foods. The challenge in developing the spreads is to achieve high quality, including stable consistency, consumer desirability and high nutritional value. The aim was to evaluate the application of chia and flaxseed meal for fermented zucchini-cucumber spread production. The effect on the chemical composition, phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality of the vegetable spread was evaluated. Its color, viscosity, and microstructure were also analyzed using instrumental methods. The meal addition varied from 4.0 to 14.0%. The spread with meal addition had higher fat, protein, ash, and dietary fiber content than the control. Total free phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity also increased, and chia seed meal impacted the parameters more. On the contrary, flaxseed meal improved more the product’s consumer desirability than chia. Both were effective gelling agents that increased viscosity and enhanced product spreadability, and only flaxseed meal showed a masking ability. Its addition reduced the perception and intensity of the bitter, tart, and sour taste. The spread formula consisting of fermented zucchini and cucumber with 9 to 11.5% flaxseed meal addition was the most recommended to achieve the product with high consumer desirability.
Nutritional Adequacy of Flour Product Enrichment with Iodine-Fortified Plant-Based Products
This study assessed the nutritional value of designed vegan flour products (Gnocchi and Ciabatta) by adding iodine-fortified dried vegetables. The KI and KIO3 constituted the sources of iodine. The pumpkin, cauliflower, carrot, broccoli and beetroot were used as a matrix for the iodine applied. The nutritional value was tested based on iodine content and antioxidant activity. The content of thiamine was determined in samples of Ciabatta rolls. The antioxidant activity of Gnocchi dumplings and Ciabatta rolls was analysed before and after heat treatment (baking and cooking) and after storage. It was confirmed that the designed cereal products (Ciabatta rolls and Gnocchi dumplings) with the addition of iodine-fortified dried vegetables are a good source of iodine in the diet and can be used as an element of IDD prevention. Consuming 100 g of Ciabatta rolls (1 pc.) provides coverage of iodine demand at the level of ~6% RDA, while 100 g of Gnocchi dumplings (20 pcs.) provides ~19% RDA. The type of iodine carrier (KI or KIO3) and type of vegetable for iodine introduced into cereal products affect the content of selected nutritional value indicators, such as iodine and thiamine content and antioxidant properties of the product.
Analysis of Sensory Attributes and Purchasing Decisions of Plant-Based Beverages of Young Consumers in Poland on a Vegan and Traditional Diet
This study aimed to analyse young consumers’ behaviour in Poland toward the consumption of plant-based beverages as milk alternatives. The sensory analysis included oat, buckwheat, cashew, almond, soy, pea, rice, coconut, hazelnut, and macadamia nut beverages and their mixtures. Quantitative analysis of sensory desirability and sensory profiling were employed to evaluate plant-based beverages. The study was conducted among young people (aged 18–35) who declared a vegan or omnivorous diet. It was found that the most frequently consumed beverages included oat and soy beverages, both among vegan and traditional (omnivorous) young groups. A significantly lower frequency of plant-based beverage consumption was confirmed in the group of people with an omnivorous diet. The taste characteristics in plant-based beverages are a key factor in driving sensory desirability among young consumers. Analysis of the influence of respondents’ declared diet and gender revealed no significant differences in the desirability of the taste of the plant-based beverages. The consumers rated the coconut, pea, macadamia, oat, and rice–coconut beverages as the most desirable in terms of taste. The lowest taste desirability was confirmed for the soy drink despite its high reported consumption. The importance of this study focused on the local market development in vegan food, as well as its potential due to further consumer expectations.
Research on Application of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles L.) and Pork Collagen in Dark Chocolate—Benefits in Prevention of Inflammation In Vitro Model
In the present study, the effect of the addition of quince and collagen type I and III to dessert chocolate on its functional properties was determined. The study evaluated the antioxidant potential of the tested formulations using the FRAP method and the linoleic acid oxidation test and beta-carotene bleaching test. The tested samples were also evaluated for inhibitory activity against enzymes important in preventive health (inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders) namely: AChE, BChE, GR, GPx, COX, and SOD. The addition of quince and collagen to the chocolate samples resulted in higher activity compared to the control sample, as indicated by the FRAP test. The experiment highlighted the impact of including quince fruit on the antioxidant activity of the chocolate samples. Interestingly, merely increasing the quince fruit amount did not consistently enhance antioxidant potential. Specifically, chocolate samples with a lower proportion of quince fruit (2 g/100 g) exhibited greater antioxidant activity when supplemented with collagen I. Conversely, in samples with higher quince percentages (3 g and 4 g), those enriched with collagen III showed higher antioxidant activity. Similar correlations were observed in the linoleic acid oxidation test. Notably, samples containing 3 g and 4 g of quince and type III collagen demonstrated statistically similar highest antioxidant properties. Regardless of the collagen type used, there was no observed increase in activity towards the tested enzymes for samples with the lowest percentage of quince fruit. Both collagen types exhibited the highest activity in the inhibition assay against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase when combined with 3 g and 4 g of quince. Overall, the experimental incorporation of both fruit and collagen enhanced the chocolates’ activity. Similarly to the antioxidant activity findings, chocolates with lower quince fruit quantities showed increased activity when supplemented with collagen III, while those with higher quince content (3 g and 4 g) displayed higher activity with collagen I. Bitter chocolate by itself is an attractive food product, rich in many bioactive compounds. However, enriching it with other attractive raw materials can make its properties and taste even more attractive.