Abstract This work aimed to characterize the allspice leaves essential oil (EO) and evaluate its antimicrobial activity against specific food-borne pathogenic microorganisms as well as its in vitro antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of different concentrations (0, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) of allspice EO was also evaluated in mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) during storage of up to 10 days at 2 °C. Allspice EO presented as major compounds eugenol (55.52%), myrcene (22.53%) and chavicol (5.12%), and was effective against Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, having greater (p < 0.05) antimicrobial activity than its main component eugenol. In the in vitro antioxidant assays, the allspice EO had higher radical scavenging activity (90% versus 65%) than eugenol, presenting lower IC50 values (2.71 versus 9.49 µg/mL), but the antioxidant activity by the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) did not differ (p > 0.05) from the synthetic antioxidant butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT). Incorporating allspice EO in MDPM suppressed lipid oxidation during 8 days of cold storage, regardless of the amount used, exhibiting lower (p < 0.05) TBARS values during all storage periods than MDPM without EO. Allspice leaves EO had the high antioxidant potential to be used in MDPM and could also contribute an antimicrobial effect to the product in which the MDPM is used.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o óleo essencial (OE) de folhas de pimenta-da-jamaica e avaliar sua atividade antimicrobiana contra microrganismos patogênicos específicos de alimentos e sua atividade antioxidante in vitro. A ação antioxidante de diferentes concentrações (0, 500 e 1.000 mg/kg) de OE de pimenta-da-jamaica também foi avaliada em carne de frango desossada mecanicamente (MDPM) durante o armazenamento até 10 dias a 2 °C. O OE de pimenta-da-jamaica apresentou como compostos majoritários eugenol (55,52%), mirceno (22,53%) e chavicol (5,12%), e foi eficaz contra bactérias Gram-negativas (P. aeruginosa) e Gram-positivas (Staphylococcus aureus), tendo maior (p < 0,05) ação antimicrobiana do que seu principal componente, o eugenol. Nos ensaios antioxidantes in vitro, o OE de pimenta-da-jamaica apresentou maior atividade sequestrante de radicais (90% versus 65%) do que o eugenol, apresentando valores menores de IC50 (2,71 versus 9,49 µg/mL), mas a atividade antioxidante pelas substâncias reativas ao ácido 2-tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) não diferiu (p > 0,05) do antioxidante sintético butil-hidroxitolueno (BHT). A incorporação de OE de pimenta-da-jamaica no MDPM suprimiu a oxidação lipídica durante oito dias de armazenamento refrigerado, independentemente da quantidade utilizada, exibindo valores de TBARS menores (p < 0,05) durante todo o período de armazenamento do que o MDPM sem OE. O OE de folhas de pimenta-da-jamaica apresentou alto potencial antioxidante para ser utilizado em MDPM e também pode contribuir com um efeito antimicrobiano para o produto em que o MDPM é utilizado.

Resumo O tempo de fermentação do café do norte do Peru é variável (9 a 48 horas), pois os cafeicultores não utilizam processos padronizados, causando uma variação na qualidade dos cafés. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar compostos voláteis tanto em processos de fermentação de café curtos (9 horas) quanto longos (32 horas) de fazendas de café no norte do Peru, utilizando SPME-GC/MS para associar a qualidade do café à diversidade dos compostos voláteis formados. As análises sensoriais mostraram que o processo de fermentação curto (SFP) resultou em pontuação 77,8 ± 0,39 com notas de chocolate, madeira, papelão, secas, gordurosas e ásperas, enquanto a fermentação longa (LFP) mostrou pontuações de 85,5 ± 3,16 e atributos cítricos, frutados, florais, caramelo e chocolate. Um total de 90 compostos foram encontrados no SFP, enquanto 141 compostos foram identificados no LFP. Diferenças significativas na abundância relativa de 14 compostos químicos foram verificadas entre os processos SFP e LFP (p < 0,05). A partir destes resultados, a presença de benzaldeído, metional, hexanal, 2-heptanona, pentadecano, 1-butanol-3-metil-acetato e éster etílico do ácido benzenoacético parece ter impacto na qualidade do café. A análise das semelhanças mostrou que as amostras de café após 5 h e 9 h de fermentação no SFP foram muito variáveis, enquanto as amostras de café do LFP mostraram alguma tendência ao agrupamento, o que pode estar relacionado com as diferenças de altitude e temperatura nas fazendas de café, tornando difícil a comparação entre elas. Além disso, este estudo destaca a complexa relação entre a fermentação e o sabor do café, e a influência de vários fatores e variáveis que podem afetar a composição de precursores de sabor e aroma em grãos de café verde, obtidos a partir da fermentação úmida.

Abstract The time of the fermentation process of coffee from northern Peru is variable (9 to 48 hours) since coffee farmers do not use standardized processes, causing a variety of coffee qualities. This study aimed to identify volatile compounds in both short (9 hours) and long (32 hours) coffee fermentation processes from coffee farms in northern Peru using Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) to associate the coffee quality and diversity of volatile compounds. Sensory analyses showed that the short fermentation process (SFP) scored 77.8 ± 0.39 and had chocolate, wood, cardboard, dry, fatty and rough notes, while the long fermentation process (LFP) showed higher punctuations 85.5 ± 3.16 and citrus, fruity, floral, caramel and chocolate sensory attributes. A total of 90 compounds were found in the SFP, whereas 141 compounds were identified in the LFP. Significant differences in the relative abundance of 14 chemical compounds were reported in the SFP and LFP (p < 0.05). From these results, the presence of benzaldehyde, methional, hexanal, 2-heptanone, pentadecane, 1-butanol-3-methyl-acetate, and benzene-acetic acid ethyl ester seems to impact the quality of coffee. The analysis of similarities showed that coffee samples (5 h and 9 h) during the SFP were very variable, whereas coffee samples from LFP showed some tendency to group, which may be related to the difference in altitude and temperature in coffee farms making comparison between them difficult. In addition, this study highlights the complex relationship between coffee fermentation and flavour and the influence of several factors and variables that may affect the composition of flavour and aroma precursors in green coffee beans obtained from wet fermentation.

Abstract Yoghurt as a milk fermentation product has been popular for several years because of its probiotic properties. Probiotic yoghurt is processed by the heated milk then added with lactic acid bacteria and allowed to ferment. However, the series of processes makes some of the nutritional content of milk lost. Therefore, probiotic yoghurt needs to replace this nutritional loss and improve the yoghurt quality. The addition of herbs or natural ingredients could be an effective way to improve the functional properties of yoghurt, such as the addition of Podang Urang mango extract (Mangifera indica L.). This research aimed to recognize the physicochemical, and amino acid profiles of probiotic yoghurt through the addition of Podang Urang mango extract. The addition of Podang Urang mango extracts into yoghurt has significantly affected titratable acid (TA), viscosity, moisture, ash, protein, fat, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, it did not significantly affect water activity and pH. The highest levels of amino acids in yoghurt with the addition of Podang Urang mango extract were leucine and lysine. There was a significant difference in alanine, arginine, tyrosine, proline, and histidine in the percentage of Podang Urang mango extract, while the other amino acids showed insignificant differences.

Abstract The influence of various drying characteristics in the experiment was explored in this study. The drying time and moisture content were used to evaluate the experimental outcomes. The drying of bitter gourd slices using a halogen dryer was done at varied thicknesses (3, 5, and 7 mm) and temperatures (60 °C, 65 °C and 70 °C). The results revealed that the drying time and equilibrium moisture content are considerably affected by the material drying thickness and drying temperature. Furthermore, the Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) model is employed in this study to train and predict the moisture content of bitter gourd as an output parameter. The temperature, bitter gourd thickness, and drying time were considered as input parameters for the GRNN model. Three statistic measures as the R-square, the Root mean square error (RMSE) and the Mean relative percent error (P) were used to validate the accuracy of the trained GRNN model. In training with nine experimental condition datasets, the average score values of R-square, RMSE and P were obtained at 0.995197, 1.498966 and 0.091617, respectively. The test of trained GRNN has been conducted with good agreement between experimental data points and predicted points. The result revealed that GRNN was effective in predicting the moisture content of bitter gourd in a halogen dryer.

Abstract Health authorities such as the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that while SARS-CoV-2 contamination from surfaces such as food or its packaging is possible, it is not seen as the primary way of contagion. In studies addressing virus survival on surfaces, the virus is no longer detected on porous objects such as corrugated cardboard and fabric after 2 and 5 days, respectively, and also on non-porous surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for periods longer than 7 days. It was also observed that this persistence depends on environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation incidence. The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic also had an impact on food industries, whereby digitalization trends increased, as well as the packaging industry with the expansion of e-commerce, consumer demand for packaging that is easy to disinfect and the development of more environmentally responsible packaging. On the other hand, taking into account the fear of contamination by the virus, consumers felt safer handling disposable products or single-use packaging instead of reusable packaging, which goes against the progressive ban on disposable packaging in regions, such as the European Union (EU). In the post-pandemic, concerns regarding the usage of plastics will be resumed, and in the long term, a reduction in the use of single-use packaging and a growth in recyclable waste generation rates similar to those predicted before Covid-19 is expected.

Resumo Autoridades sanitárias como a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e o Centro para Controle e Prevenção de Doenças dos EUA (CDC) afirmam que embora seja possível a contaminação de superfícies pelo SARS-CoV-2, tais como alimentos ou suas embalagens, esta contaminação não é vista como a principal via de contágio. Estudos sobre a sobrevivência do vírus em superfícies, indicam que o vírus deixa de ser detectado em objetos porosos, como papelão ondulado e tecido, após dois e cinco dias, respectivamente, e em superfícies não porosas, como plástico e aço inoxidável, após períodos superiores a sete dias. Foi verificado também que a persistência depende de fatores ambientais, tais como temperatura, umidade relativa e incidência de radiação solar. A pandemia de Covid-19 também teve impacto nas indústrias de alimentos, com aceleração das tendências de digitalização, bem como nas indústrias de embalagens, com expansão do e-commerce, exigência do consumidor por embalagens de fácil desinfecção e desenvolvimento de embalagens ambientalmente mais responsáveis. Em contrapartida e levando-se em conta o temor com a contaminação pelo vírus, os consumidores se sentiram mais seguros em manusear produtos descartáveis ou embalagens de uso único em vez de embalagens reutilizáveis, o que vai na contramão do banimento progressivo das embalagens descartáveis em determinadas regiões, como a União Europeia. Para o pós-pandemia, a preocupação em relação ao uso dos plásticos será retomada e, em longo prazo, espera-se uma redução do uso de embalagens de uso único e um crescimento das taxas de geração de resíduos recicláveis semelhantes às previstas antes da Covid-19.

Abstract Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a plant that contains many phytochemical constituents such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiacne that have functional activities. Sappan woods have several phenolic compounds such as brazilin, xanthone, flavones and coumarin. In order to extract the phenolic compounds, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) is considered as green technology and gives better quality products with a higher extraction rate, shorter extraction time and less energy. The research investigated the effect of different ethanol concentrations on the sappan wood’s yield and studied the kinetic on its extraction process. Sappan wood was extracted using a type of UAE probe with ethanol concentrations of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% (v/v). For the extract was analyzed its yield, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), antioxidant activity, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy and lees morphology. The kinetic study refers to Peleg’s model and was conducted for temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C. The results showed that the increase of ethanol concentration increased the yield of extract until ethanol was 80% and decreased when the ethanol concentration is higher than 80%. While the TPC slowly decreased, when the ethanol concentration increased. Comparing the UAE and sohxlet methods, UAE gave a higher yield in a shorter time (10.33% in 20 min) than the Soxhlet method (9.67% in 180 min). All the extracts were categorized as high antioxidant material since the IC50 points were lower than 50 ppm. FTIR spectroscopy showed that UAE did not change the functional group of the extract, while Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pictures showed the more obvious cracked and deep holes of UAE’s lees than the Soxhlet’s lees. Peleg’s model was suitable to describe the extraction kinetics with R2 higher than 0.93. Regarding both yield and TPC, a mixture of ethanol-water with ethanol 60% (v/v) could be the optimum solvent concentration (10.33% yield with TPC 2.63 mg GAE/g) for UAE of sappan wood.

Abstract This work aimed to characterize some of the bioactive compounds of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. fruit to enhance the knowledge of its functional potential. Ripe fruits were collected from the restinga of Maricá, in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. Bioactive compounds were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Ascorbic acid (74.14 mg 100-1 g-1), lycopene (504 µg g-1) and total carotenoids (632 µg g-1) contents were superior to other fruits rich in these compounds. In fact, E. punicifolia fruits are an excellent source of carotenoids and can be considered a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Furthermore, its chemical composition has presented phenolic compounds like gallic acid and anthocyanins. Thus, this underutilized Brazilian fruit stands out as a source of bioactive compounds, presenting a good potential as a functional food, especially due to the high content of lycopene.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar alguns dos compostos bioativos do fruto da Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. para aprofundar o conhecimento do seu potencial funcional. Frutos maduros foram coletados da restinga de Maricá-RJ, Brasil. Os compostos bioativos foram analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Os teores de ácido ascórbico (74,14 mg 100-1 g-1), licopeno (504 µg g-1) e carotenoides totais (632 µg g-1) foram superiores aos de outras frutas ricas nesses compostos. Os frutos de E. punicifolia são uma excelente fonte de carotenoides e podem ser considerados uma boa fonte de ácido ascórbico (vitamina C). Além disso, sua composição química apresentou compostos fenólicos, como ácido gálico e antocianinas. Assim, essa fruta brasileira subutilizada se destaca como fonte de compostos bioativos, apresentando um bom potencial como alimento funcional, principalmente devido ao alto teor de licopeno.

Abstract Apple (Malus Demestica cv. Cortland) is a perishable fruit due to its high moisture content. In this study, apple sticks were dried to increase their shelf life. Osmotic dehydration was used as pretreatment followed by microwave-assisted hot air drying (MAHD) at different temperatures (45 ºC, 55 ºC, 65 ºC) and microwave power densities (0, 0.5, 1 W/g). Optimum process parameters were estimated by the central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the temperature and power density had a significant effect on response variables. Optimum conditions of moisture content (9.54%), time (100 minutes) and change in color (7.54) were found at 65 ºC and 1 W/g microwave power density (MWPD). Then the samples dried at optimum conditions were stored at ambient temperature and analyzed for color, moisture content, texture and total fungal count at regular intervals for 75 days. The results showed a non-significant change in color and fungal counts from 10.45 to 10.73 and from 0.45 to 0.69 log cfu/g respectively, and a significant decrease in moisture content from 10.11% to 5.69% was observed from 0 to 75 days. While increasing firmness resulted in increased force and energy to the breaking point and micrographs of electron microscope showed shrinkage in cell structure along with storage. The brittleness of apple sticks increased significantly during storage but remained acceptable till the end of 75 storage days.

Abstract Cowpea is grown mainly in regions with a hot semi-arid climate, where other pulses do not develop satisfactorily. It is the 4th most produced pulse in the world, thus supplying the domestic and export markets. Following the trends of the food products market, a study was carried out to identify the best condition of the extrusion process, to transform these nutritious grains into quality expanded products and ready for consumption. The grains were decorticated and transformed into cotyledon flour. This flour was conditioned and the Evolum HT25 twin screw extruder feeder was adjusted to a rate of 7 kg h-1. A Box-Behnken 23 design was used, considering the following variables and levels: extrusion temperature from 100 °C to 140 °C (in the 7th to 10th zone), screw speed (300 to 700 rpm) and conditioning moisture from 12% to 16%. The temperature affected linearly and negatively (p ≤ 0.05) the sectional expansion index (2.65 to 7.64). The screw speed interfered linearly and positively (p ≤ 0.05) in the longitudinal (1.12 to 9.32) and volumetric (4.91 to 24.15) expansion index, and negatively with the water absorption index (3.05 to 3.86 g g-1). The screw speed (positive linear and negative quadratic), the moisture content (negative quadratic) and the interaction (positive) between the two interfered (p ≤ 0.05) in the water solubility index (25.89% to 33.85%). The hardness value (1.24 to 2.83 N) was affected (p ≤ 0.05) by screw speed (negative linear and positive quadratic), temperature (negative quadratic), moisture (positive quadratic), and interactions of moisture with temperature and screw speed. To obtain a hardness value close to that of commercial extrudates and high-water solubility, the maximum global desirability obtained was 0.81 for extrusion at 135.6 °C, 700 rpm and 12% moisture.

Resumo O feijão-caupi é cultivado principalmente em regiões de clima semiárido quente, onde outras pulses não se desenvolvem satisfatoriamente. É a quarta pulse mais produzida no mundo, abastecendo o mercado interno e de exportação. Seguindo as tendências do mercado de produtos alimentícios, realizou-se o estudo para identificar a melhor condição do processo de extrusão, para transformar esses grãos nutritivos em produtos expandidos de qualidade e prontos para o consumo. Os grãos foram descorticados e transformados em farinha de cotilédones. Essa farinha foi condicionada e o alimentador da extrusora de dupla rosca Evolum HT25 foi ajustado para uma taxa de 7 kg h-1. Um delineamento Box-Behnken 23 foi utilizado, contemplando as seguintes variáveis e níveis: umidade de condicionamento de 12% a 16%, temperatura de extrusão de 100 °C a 140 °C (da 7ª a 10ª zona) e velocidade das roscas de 300 a 700 rpm. A temperatura afetou linear e negativamente (p ≤ 0,05) o índice de expansão seccional (2,65 a 7,64). A velocidade das roscas interferiu linear e positivamente (p ≤ 0,05) nos índices de expansão longitudinal (1,12 a 9,32) e volumétrica (4,91 a 24,15), e negativamente no índice de absorção de água (3,05 a 3,86 g g-1). A velocidade das roscas (linear positiva e quadrática negativa), o teor de umidade (quadrática negativa) e a interação (positiva) entre essas duas variáveis interferiram (p ≤ 0,05) no índice de solubilidade em água (25,89% a 33,85%). O valor da dureza (1,24 a 2,83 N) foi afetado (p ≤ 0,05) pela velocidade das roscas (linear negativo e quadrático positivo), pela temperatura (quadrático negativo) e pela umidade (quadrático positivo), e pelas interações negativas da umidade com a temperatura e a velocidade das roscas. Para obtenção de valor de dureza próximo aos de extrusados comerciais e alta solubilidade em água, a desejabilidade global máxima obtida foi de 0,81 para extrusão a 135,6 °C, 700 rpm e 12% de umidade.

Abstract The determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in bee honey is performed by the spectrophotometric methods Winkler's and White's. The Winkler method reads the absorbances in the visible region of the spectrum, and the White method measures in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions of the spectrum. This study aims to compare the spectrophotometric methodologies of White and Winkler to the determination of HMF in bee honey. For the study, it was used a UV-visible spectrophotometer, 10 mm optical path quartz cuvettes, and ten bee honey samples of different flowering. Absorbances at 550 nm were analyzed by the Winkler method; absorbances at 284 nm and 336 nm in the White method; and a comparison of HMF concentration (mg/kg) was carried out between the methods. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in HMF concentration determined by both methods. The main conclusion is that the Winkler method presents higher HMF values than the White method.

Abstract This study performed physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses to determine the best formulation and shelf life of a new additive-free Mediterranean diet product. The spreadable creamed product was formulated with roasted peanut (32%) and roasted hazelnut (32%) mixed, and the new product was sweetened with dried grape (15%) and sun-dried apricot (15%). Different storage temperatures as 25 oC, 35 oC, and 45 oC were used for the prediction of accelerated shelf-life. Microbiological analysis, color analysis, water activity, textural analysis, free fatty acidity, peroxide number, and sensory analyses were also performed two weeks periods during the shelf life. At the period, the water activity was measured as below 0.6, and the microbial risk was not observed. The shelf-life at 25oC was estimated as 11 months by making regression analysis with the Arrhenius equation according to the values determined at a storage temperature of 45 oC.

Abstract This study aims to carry out a literature review on the important use of mango residues in the food industry as a new source of starch, the extraction of mango starch from the seeds of the residues, highlighting the properties, the rheology and its different applications in industry. A bibliographic search was carried out in the SciELO, GOOGLE Scholar, PubMed, LILACS, CAPES Journal Portal databases, with the keywords: starch preparation from mango seeds, starch properties, application of mango waste in food and rheology. The articles used in this work were scientific articles in full, available and with free electronic access; national and international articles were also used, delimiting a period of time from 2014 to 2019. It is concluded that several studies have shown that starch used as a renewable source can significantly influence various technological processes in the food industry, both and, mainly in the vital metabolism of human food, as in the texture of products. Thus, the various points commented in this review demonstrate that starch is considered more than an energy component and can be extensively studied in its chemical characterizations and also in its technological and nutritional use.

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo realizar a revisão de literatura sobre a importante utilização de resíduos de manga na indústria alimentícia como nova fonte de amido, a extração de amido de manga da parte das sementes dos resíduos, ressaltando as propriedades, a reologia e suas diferentes aplicações na indústria. Realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados SciELO, GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, PubMed, LILACS, PERIÓDICOS CAPES, com as palavras-chave: preparação do amido a partir de sementes de manga (preparation of starch from mango seeds), propriedades dos amidos (properties of starches), aplicação de resíduos de manga em alimentos (application of mango waste in food) e reologia (rheology). Os artigos usados neste trabalho foram publicações do tipo artigos científicos, todos na íntegra, disponíveis e com livre acesso eletrônico; utilizaram-se também artigos nacionais e internacionais, delimitando um período de tempo de 2014 a 2019. Conclui-se que diversos estudos têm demostrado que o amido utilizado como fonte renovável pode influenciar de forma expressiva em vários processos tecnológicos da indústria alimentícia, tanto e, principalmente no metabolismo vital da alimentação humana, como na textura dos produtos. Assim, os diversos pontos comentados nesta revisão demostram que o amido é considerado mais que um componente energético e pode ser bastante estudado nas suas caracterizações químicas e também no seu aproveitamento tecnológico e nutricional.

Abstract The ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a cactus popularly known as “poor man's meat” due to its popular use related to the protein content found in its leaves and its low cost, thus being classified as an Unconventional Food Plant (UFP). The plant is recognized for the high nutritional value of their leaves, and it can be used in cooking and folk medicine. However, studies on the chemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of ora-pro-nóbis fruits are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds of the stem and leaf flours and fruit pulp of P. aculeata Miller. The stem and leaves were washed and dried in a circulation oven at 60° ± 2 °C, and crushed in an industrial blender. The fruit was washed and macerated in natura, then hydroethanolic extracts were prepared. The content of phenolic compounds was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and the results showed a total phenol content in the stem, leaves and fruits of 0.25; 1.01 and 118.2 mg EAG g-1 of extract, respectively. Antioxidants were evaluated using the DPPH method, obtaining values for stem, leaf and fruit of 1.20; 1.40 and 1.50 mg of fruit g-1 of DPPH respectively, and also by the ABTS method of stem, leaf and fruit of:13.82; 6.30; 3.20 µmol of Trolox g-1, respectively. Thus, P. aculeata Miller presented in its stem, leaves and fruits an expressive amount of phenolic and antioxidant compounds, being a potential resource to contribute to the prevention of several disorders associated with the production of free radicals as well as an alternative in the enrichment of foods and being a useful source for a food additive.

Resumo A ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) é uma cactácea popularmente conhecida como “carne de pobre” devido ao seu uso popular pelo teor de proteína encontrado em suas folhas e seu baixo custo, sendo classificada como uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC). A planta é reconhecida pelo alto valor nutritivo das folhas, a parte mais utilizada na culinária e na medicina popular. Entretanto, trabalhos sobre as características químicas e a capacidade antioxidante dos frutos de ora-pro-nóbis são escassos. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o potencial antioxidante e os compostos fenólicos das farinhas do caule e da folha, e da polpa do fruto da P. aculeata Miller. O caule e as folhas foram lavados e secos em estufa de circulação a 60°± 2 °C, e triturados em liquidificador industrial. O fruto foi lavado e macerado in natura e, em seguida, foram feitos extratos hidroetanólicos. O teor de compostos fenólicos foi avaliado utilizando o reagente de Folin- Ciocalteau e os resultados demonstraram um teor de fenóis totais no caule, nas folhas e nos frutos de 0,25, 1,01 e 118,2 mg EAG g-1 de extrato, respectivamente. Os antioxidantes foram avaliados através do método de DPPH, obtendo-se os valores para caule, folha e fruto de 1,20, 1,40 e 1,50 mg de fruta g-1 de DPPH, respectivamente, e pelo método ABTS, para caule, folha e fruto, os valores de 13,82, 6,30 e 3,20 µmol de Trolox g-1, respectivamente. Desta forma, a P. aculeata Miller apresenta, em seu caule, suas folhas e seus frutos, uma expressiva quantidade de compostos fenólico e antioxidante, sendo um recurso potencial para contribuir para a prevenção de diversos distúrbios associados com a produção de radicais livres e uma alternativa no enriquecimento de alimentos e na alimentação saudável, podendo ser um potencial aditivo alimentar.

Abstract This work aimed to investigate the physicochemical and functional composition of bee pollen produced in different municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil (RN) and commercial samples produced in other places. To perform these experiments, samples of dehydrated bee pollen were crushed and subjected to physicochemical evaluation, instrumental color, fatty acid profile, evaluation of the presence of bioactive compounds [Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), carotenoids] and antioxidant activity (reduction of DPPH radical). The pH of the pollen samples varied from 4.55 to 5.08, the protein from 19.01% to 29.71%, and the ash from 2.44% to 4.27%. All pollen samples showed a yellowish-red hue (a* and b* positive), and the pollen produced in Touros/RN/BR stood out with a lighter color (L* = 32.91). The pollen produced in Touros/RN/BR showed a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of saturated fatty acids (41.60%), whereas the pollen collected in Taipu/RN/BR had a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (7.44%). Pollen samples showed a low concentration of Total Carotenoid Content (TCC) (0.81 to 22.82 µg/g), as well as a high content of TPC (1.79 to 2.28 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (1.40 to 5.70 µmol TE/g) when compared with the consulted literature. According to the obtained results, we could infer that pollen samples from different locations showed variations in physicochemical composition, coloration, fatty acid profile, TPC and antioxidant activity which reflects the geographic diversity inherent to the production sites.

Abstract In this study, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. (sim) fruits were treated with UV-B radiation for 0, 1, 3 and 6 hours with an average fluency rate of 0.67 mW/cm2 at a distance of 30 cm. Fruits were, then, stored at 8 °C to 10 °C for 21 days. During storage, the fruits were analysed for hardness, total soluble solids, and total dry matter every 7 days. The total phenolics, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of the skin+pulp and the seed parts were determined. The results showed that the storage time and UV-B irradiation time significantly affected the antioxidant phenolic content of both skin+pulp and seed parts. The total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity increased immediately after UV-B treatment and decreased during storage. UV-B irradiation slowed down the decrease of antioxidant phenolic compounds in the fruit during storage. This indicated that UV-B irradiation could be a potential way to enhance phenolic antioxidants in fruits rich in phenolics.