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By including oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) leaves (OL) during the extraction process, the nutraceutical benefits of argan oil (AO) can be significantly increased. Thanks to the employed technique (enrichment through extraction), without resorting to organic solvents. The current work aimed at developing of a green enrichment of argan oil with 2 and 5 % of OL. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding OL and its impact on AO oxidative stability under accelerated oxidation for four months. AO physicochemical characterization consisted in measuring quality indices, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, pigments, and sensory analysis throughout the storage period. In general, AO samples containing OL exhibited increased phenolic, chlorophylls, and carotenoid contents and lower peroxide and p-anisidine values. AO shelf-life was extended thanks to OL, which slowed down the process of lipid complete oxidation. From a sensory standpoint, a rancid taste was found in the unenriched AO, while the taste and color of oregano were more intense in the AOs supplemented with OL at 5 %. This innovative approach boost AO value in various industries and exemplifies the endless possibilities that emerge when we explore the synergy between different natural elements.

The influence of the addition of Curcuma longa (turmeric) powder to Ottobratica variety extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by using malaxation or infusion processes to obtain flavoured virgin olive oil (FVOO) was determined. FVOO was monitored during one year of storage at room temperature in the dark. FVOO obtained malaxation process (CM) showed the lowest free acidity value, irrespective of the time of storage considered. C* values of 7.23 vs 6.38 and 6.79 were recorded for the FVOO obtained infusion process (CI) and CM FVOO, respectively. Moreover, CM exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 9.48 and 3.49 μg mL−1 at T0 in DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. However, the addition of turmeric did not improve the bioactivity of the FVOO against key enzymes involved in metabolic syndrome. Collectively our data have demonstrated, once again, how the enrichment of EVOO with an aromatic and functional matrix such as turmeric does not always lead to an improvement in its intrinsic functional characteristics despite the fact that it may be appreciated by the consumer for its sensorial characteristics.

This study aims to examine the bioactivity of Calabrian extra virgin olive oil enriched with bergamot fruits (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poiteau) harvested in Reggio Calabria province (Italy). To extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cv Ottobratica 10 and 20 % of fresh fruit was added during crushing of the olives and 2 % by infusion of freeze-dried bergamot (CFVOOB10, CFVOOB20 and IFVOOB samples, respectively) was added. EVOO, bergamot extract and flavoured samples (FVOOs), were analysed throughout a one-year period. Total phenol content (TPC) as well as total chlorophyll (TChlC) and total carotenoid (TCC) contents were spectrophotometrically determined. In addition, the phenolic profile wasstudied by UHPLC. Free acidity (FA), peroxide values (PV), spectrophotometric indices, α-tocopherol, colour, and antioxidant activity were also assessed. The impact of bergamot addition on lipase, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase was estimated. Expert panellists evaluated the influence on the sensorial attributes, and CFVOOB10 was found to be the most pleasant. CFVOOB10 also showed the lowest PV and the highest FA after the storage. CFVOOB20 showed good protection against lipid peroxidation. Generally, all the FVOOs maintained a better inhibitory activity against the key enzymes related to obesity, compared to the EVOO. Data analyses confirmed that these FVOOs should be considered to be functional with a good sensory profile.

Insufficient disinfection of fresh-cut spinach poses significant health risks, along with potential issues like odor, color changes, and softening during short-term storage. To address these challenges, boric acid solutions were explored as an alternative to chlorine washes, which are known to produce toxic compounds. Among various concentrations, 1 % boric acid exhibited the most effective microbial inactivation, leading to substantial reductions in total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total yeast and mold, and Enterobacteriaceae counts, with reductions of 1.64, 1.38, and 1.77 logs, respectively. Additionally, washing spinach leaves with this solution for 1 min maintained quality parameters, with enhanced antioxidant activity (55.26 mg kg−1 Trolox equivalent), increased total phenolic content (1214.06 mg kg−1 gallic acid equivalent), retention of chlorophyll a (839.16 mg kg−1), chlorophyll b (539.61 mg kg−1) and ascorbic acid content (264.72 mg kg−1). Mechanical properties such as puncture strength (1.81 N) and puncture distance (52.78 mm) also showed favorable outcomes, alongside optimal moisture content at 89.81 %. Notably, residual boric acid content was lowest in spinach leaves (1252.49 mg kg−1) and highest in the wash water (53.88 mg kg−1) after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated maintained tissue integrity, while Hunter Lab readings indicated minimal color changes post-washing. Additionally, sensory evaluations and various physicochemical analyses further supported the efficacy of boric acid washing. Consequently, washing spinach leaves with a 1 % boric acid solution for 1 min yielded favorable results across multiple quality parameters. These findings suggest the potential of boric acid as a safe and effective alternative disinfectant in the fresh-cut produce industry, highlighting its practical implications for food safety and quality. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and optimizing washing protocols for broader applications.

The reduction of saturated fats in baked products has become an important unit operation in the food industry due to the consumers' demand for healthy foods low in saturated fat. In this research, a comprehensive biotechnological technique was explored to enhance the functional, technological, and nutritional characteristics of Urad beans as a fat replacer in biscuits via the combined treatment of gelatinization and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MK-157. Fat in biscuits was replaced with fermented and gelatinized Urad bean flour (FGUBF) by S. cerevisiae MK-157 in the following proportions: 10%, 20%, and 30% wt/wt. The peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities of flour blends decreased. Protein, ash, crude fiber, antioxidants (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, hydroxyl scavenging), bioactive compounds (total phenol content (TPC) & total flavonoid content (TFC)), and α-glucosidase inhibition increased, with the level of fat replacement in flour blends and their biscuits. However, FGUBF reduced the ash (4.32%) and fiber (10.96%) contents compared to the control sample (5.11% and 20.32%, respectively). The TPC and TFC of flour blends increased from 35.49 to 90.01 mg GAE/100 g and from 20.83 to 60.45 mg CE/100 g, respectively. However, baking decreased the values of TPC compared to flour blends, whereas TFC increased, and a similar increase in antioxidant activities was observed for fat-replaced biscuits. Phytic acid and total saponins were drastically reduced after fermentation by 98.83% and 98.85%, respectively. The microstructure of biscuits showed disoriented arrangements of protein, starch, fiber, and their complexes with disrupted gluten networks. Fermentation enhanced the In vitro protein digestibility (74.91 to 89.21%) of samples. Biscuits prepared from 20% FGUBF demonstrated desirable dimensional, textural, and sensory properties compared to control biscuits. Based on the results of this investigation, FGUBF might be recommended as an important natural fat substitute with enhanced nutrient bioavailability, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds for functional foods and nutraceuticals.