Aloe-Based Edible Coating to Maintain Quality of Fresh-Cut Italian Pears (Pyrus communis L.) during Cold Storage

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ pears were investigated: EC1 (A. vera gel, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose and pomegranate seeds oil (PSO), EC2 (A. vera gel and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose). Weight loss, firmness and colour decrease more slowly in both EC-treated than in untreated (CTR) slices; soluble solid content increases faster in CTR, indicating a faster ripening process. The specific investigation of undesired microorganisms did not generate any colony in all analysed samples. Sensory analysis confirmed that the tasters preferred the EC2-treated samples, as they were the only ones that did not show undesirable flavours until the last day of storage.

Experimental and Theoretical Fuel Property Comparison of Four Different Waste Biomass with A Commercial Counterpart

This study focuses on determining the fuel properties of apple pulp, pomegranate seeds, pomegranate peel and orange peel wastes and converting them into pellet fuel. Within the scope of the study, the organic wastes were dried, ruined into small pieces and then pressed to take the pellet form. Moisture content, ash content, volatile matter determination, fixed carbon content, total sulfur content, hydrogen content, lower heating value and higher heating value were analyzed as solid fuel characterization process. Experiments were carried out in an internationally accredited laboratory in accordance with ASTM and TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 Standards. Considering the results, it was determined that the pellet obtained from fully dry state pomegranate seed had a calorific value of 4244 kcal/kg, whereas the commercial pellet was 4759 kcal/kg under the same conditions. On the other hand, the moisture contents of the commercial pellet and pomegranate seed sample were 5.42% and 1.83%, respectively. The drying process was one of the costliest stages of pellet production. The low moisture contents can reduce the production cost and shorten the time.

Polyethylene Films Coated with Antibacterial and Antiviral Layers Based on CO2 Extracts of Raspberry Seeds, of Pomegranate Seeds and of Rosemary

The main goal of the work was to create an internal coating based on super critical CO2 extracts of raspberry seeds, pomegranate seeds and rosemary that could be active against chosen bacterial strains. Additionally, the synergistic effect of these substances in the coating were then analysed. The next goal of the work was to demonstrate the antiviral activity of the coatings against phi6 bacteriophage particles (airborne viruses surrogate). The results of the study indicated that three coatings containing a mixture of extracts showed bacteriolytic activity against S. aureus cells and bacteriostatic activity against E. coli and B. subtilis strains. Two coatings showed bacteriolytic activity against a P. syringae strain. As a result of the experiments, a synergistic effect was noted in the active additives/compounds in the coatings. These coatings may be used as internal coatings for packaging films to extend the shelf life of selected food products. All seven coatings may also be used as external coatings with antiviral activity, as these coatings demonstrated significant effects on the phi6 phage, selected as a surrogate for airborne viruses, e.g., coronaviruses. It could be concluded that coatings I–VII will also show antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2 particles.

Comparing the number of Iranian pomegranate genotypes based on morphological and biochemical properties

Punica granatum L. is one of the oldest known edible fruits. Numerous chemical compounds have been isolated from pomegranate seeds, juice, and peels, which have beneficial effects on human health. This study aimed to perform the physicochemical and morphological properties of twenty-four pomegranate genotypes from various provinces of Iran. Fifteen fruits of each cultivar are collected at harvest maturity in the normal ripening period for the pomegranate from the Iranian pomegranate genetic collection in Yazd, Iran. Five fruits were randomly harvested from each of four orientations of the tree, and were immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. Three replicates were maintained for each analysis. The results indicated the highest levels of anthocyanin was observed in S783 and R633, while polyphenols in Q529, the antioxidant capacity in N755 and the total soluble solids levels in R633 and the total acidity levels were found in K477 and E336. On the other hand, the fruit weight (in S948), fruit diameter (in SH1738), crown diameter (in R533), total weight of the seeds (in S948), peel thickness (in S716), peel colour (in S948), and red juice (in S783) are significantly affected by the genotype. At a similarity of 50%, the genotypes were divided into nine sub-clusters including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. These identified genotypes can be rolled out in future breeding programmes.

Efficiency of Osmotic Dehydration of Pomegranate Seeds in Polyols Solutions Using Response Surface Methodology

This study investigates the influence of polyol compounds (sorbitol and erythritol) on the osmotic dehydration process of pomegranate seeds. The efficacy of the osmotic dehydration process was estimated based on the determination of water loss, weight reduction, solid gain, and effective diffusivity and also through a comparison of the results obtained between sucrose and polyol osmotic solutions. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the osmotic process. Quality attributes of pomegranate seeds were determined through the assessment of physical (texture and color) characteristics. This innovative research applies alternative solutions in the osmotic process, which until now, have not been commonly used in the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds processing by researchers worldwide. Results revealed the excellent correlation of experimental values with the model. Erythritol and sorbitol exhibit stronger efficiency than sucrose. However, erythritol was not satisfactory due to the high solid gain. Therefore, the sorbitol osmotic agent seems to be the most suitable for the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds. The optimal condition for maximum water loss (38.61%), weight reduction (37.77%), and effective diffusivity (4.01 × 10−8 m2/s) and minimum solid gain (−0.37%) were 13.03 min, 27.77 °Brix, and 37.7 °C, using a sorbitol solution. Results of texture and color revealed the major impact of erythritol and sorbitol osmotic agents on seed characteristics during the osmotic dehydration process.

Activity test of fruit and pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum l) as a hepatoprotector against white male Wistar rats

Introduction: White pomegranate (P. granatum) is a species of the Punicaceae which is thought as hepatoprotector based on its antioxidant secondary metabolite compoundst. Aims: The purpose of study was to determine the hepatoprotector activity of white pomegranate fruit and seeds ethanol extract on male white rats Wistar strain. Methods: This research is laboratory experimental which rats were grouped into 5 groups randomly. Normal, negative (given Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1% orally), test dose 1,2,3 (given extract at a dose of 50 mg /200 g bodyweight of rat, 100 mg/200 g bodyweight of rat and 200 mg/200 g bodyweight of rat in Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1% orally). Negative, test dose 1,2,3 induced with paracetamol 180 mg/200 g bodyweight of rat. Results: From the statistical analysis, it was found that a significant difference between the negative with test dose 1, 2, and 3. The best hepatoprotector activity was produced by the test dose 3 with the percentage reduction in AST levels 91.62% and ALT 90.20%.

Influence of scarification and gibberellic acid on seed dormancy and germination of pomegranate seedlings

Contextualization: Due to the importance of pomegranate among fruit species, studies on the physiology of its seeds and the production of seedlings are essential for the expansion of commercial orchards. Knowledge gap: With the portrayed importance of this crop and its use in various sectors, such as agro-industrial and pharmaceutical products, the development of continuous and straightforward propagation techniques that provide a uniform seedling development will provide favorable conditions for the cultivation and exploitation of the species, improving its use and boosting new research. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of scarification and immersion in gibberellic acid on the dormancy of pomegranate seeds, aiming at accelerating the emergence and improving the initial growth of seedlings. Methodology: The sarcotesta was removed and the seeds were scarified. The treatments consisted of a scarified control, a non-scarified control (seeds with and without scarification), and seeds subjected to the concentrations of 500 mg L-1, 1,000 mg L-1, and 1,500 mg L-1 of GA3. The following variables were evaluated: initial emergence, emergence percentage, mean emergence time, leaf number, stem diameter, shoot length, root length, and total dry matter. Results and conclusions: The pomegranate cv. Valencian seeds do not have tegument-related dormancy. In order to favor the emergence percentage and the initial growth of pomegranate seedlings, mechanical scarification and immersion of the seeds in GA3 are dispensed. Scarification and immersion of pomegranate seeds in 500 mg L-1 of GA3 are recommended to produce seedlings in a shorter time.

Oil Content, Fatty Acid Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Activity of Seed Oils of Ten Moroccan Pomegranate Cultivars

Pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum L.) are quantitatively and qualitatively a relevant agri-food by-product which is rich in molecules beneficial to human health. In order to valorize this resource, this study aims to evaluate and to compare, for the first time, the characteristics of fruit seeds and seed oils of ten pomegranate cultivars grown in the Center of Morocco. Physical and biometric parameters of seeds, fatty acid composition, physicochemical criteria, and antioxidant activity of seed oils were determined. The results showed significant differences between the ten studied cultivars. The seeds yielded oil contents ranging from 17.59% to 24.69% and presented high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exceeding 89%. The major fatty acid was punicic acid, which represented more than 80% of fatty acids, while other fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid could be considered a minority. Oils showed yellow colour due to the contents of chlorophyll (0.12–1.87 mg/kg) and pheophytin (0.39–3.87 mg/kg) and presented high antioxidant activity (IC50: 0.69–1.80 mg/mL). Therefore, the studied pomegranate seeds had a very good oil yield, and these oils have presented an optimal fatty acid composition and high levels of antioxidant activity. Thus, they could be useful in the formulation of novel foods or used as preservatives and functional components in food industry.