Genotype influence on shelf life behaviour of minimal processed loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit: the role of sugar, acid organics and phenolic compounds

Background Loquat cultivars cultivated in Southern Italy are very appreciated by consumers for their sensorial characteristics, such as persistent aroma and taste. Apposite maturity indexes for peeling and processing loquat fruit were investigated to increase diffusion of minimally processed loquat. The genotype’s effect on the minimally processed loquat fruit shelf life and quality harvested at commercial maturity (80% yellow color) was investigated on peeled fruit stored at 5 °C for 10 days. The role of sugars, organic acids and phenols composition was observed through in depth qualitative analysis. In addition, several qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the quality of minimal processed fruit. Results Loquat fruits harvested at commercial ripening stage performed very good palatability and flesh color persistency. Late ripening fruits genotypes shown a low rate of pulp oxidation and quality decay, while early ripening fruits were not suitable for fresh-cut. Genotype had a great influence on weight loss, β-carotene content, fruit respiration, ascorbic acid and total phenols content during the shelf life. Conclusions This work shows how the amount of the composition of sugars and organic acids as an intrinsic characteristic of genotype influences the quality of loquat fruits minimal processed. The higher values of glucose, sorbitol and ascorbic acid accumulated in the cv ‘Nespolone Trabia’ contributed to a reduction in chilling injury and oxidative stress after cutting. Graphical Abstract

Effects of Storage Conditions on Quality Change of Minimally Dried Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) Bulbs

Quality of minimally processed jackfruit bulb was evaluated during storage at different storage times, temperatures, and types of packaging. The jackfruit pulps were first dried at 45 °C, stored in polypropylene plastics, zipper bags and plastic boxes. Quality parameters were evaluated every 5 days and based on phytochemical changes such as vitamin C, polyphenol, and antioxidant activity. Results revealed that polypropylene plastics were the best packaging product for retention of vitamin C content (5.837 mg/100g) antioxidant activity (7.458%) and phenolic compounds (2526.603mg/100g) after 30 days of storage. Figures for plastic boxes were 5.641 mg/100g, 5.249% and 2361.657 mg/100g, respectively. Similarly, zipper bags were 5.32 mg/100g, 5.895 % and 2173.867 mg/100g respectively. Sensory evaluation in terms of taste, color, texture, and overall acceptability showed that polypropylene packaging gave favorable scores and the products were highly accepted by trained evaluators.

Nutritious mushroom protein crisp – healthy alternative to starchy snack

Global salty snacks category had reached USD 137 billion in sales in 2018. Due to growing health concerns and awareness, consumers are looking for healthy snack choices by avoiding ingredients such as fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium and selecting baked and salt free multigrain chips. A sizable number of consumers are concerned about snack nutrition and look for quality ingredients and minimally processed foods called as “Good Health Snack (GHS)”. In this work, we present the development of method of producing and testing mushrooms protein crisps (MPC), a healthy alternative to conventional starchy snacks that are rich in protein, nutraceutical compounds, minerals, vitamin, dietary fiber, and immunity inducing beta-glucans. The methods of producing MPC with different seasoning and hydrolyzed protein, calorie, nutritional and chemical composition, consumer response, shelf life after packing and market analysis are described. These systematic studies will help to market potential of this product which is a healthy alternative to other calorie rich snacks sold in the market benefiting the consumers. Graphical abstract