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This research studies the influence of the addition of defatted press cakes (from the production of hazelnut, camelina, pumpkin, and hemp seed oil) on nutritionally important components: fibre, resistant starch, polyphenols, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and acrylamide in directly and indirectly expanded snacks. The amounts of press cakes added to corn grits were 3, 6, and 9%. Extrusion was carried out in a laboratory single-screw extruder. For indirectly expanded products (SCFX), supercritical CO2 was injected during extrusion, and secondary expansion was completed in the microwave oven. The type and content of press cake, as well as the type of product, significantly influenced total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Press cakes increased the contents of both soluble and insoluble fibre (from 1.94% d. m. and 1.28% d. m. for extrudates without press cakes up to 3.17% d. m. and 6.94% d. m. for SCFX extrudates with press cakes, respectively), and resistant starch was not markedly influenced by their addition. The influence of the content of press cake on HMF was not significant, whereas the type of cake and the type of extrusion influenced HMF significantly. In a raw mixture of corn grits with 3% of pumpkin press cake, HMF was below the limit of detection, and the highest content was found in the classically extruded sample with the addition of 9% of camelina press cake (580 ppb). In all samples, the acrylamide content was below the limit of detection, indicating that safe products were obtained. This research shows potential for the implementation of supercritical CO2 extrusion in the production of safe, nutritionally improved snack products. Future research might bring about the design of cost-effective processes applicable in the industry.

The chocolate industry is constantly developing new products with different fillings, toppings, flavours, etc. Chocolates with alcoholic filling are popular, especially with young adults. In chocolates with alcoholic filling different kinds of thickeners can be used to increase the viscosity of the filling and make production easier. In this study, we examined cocoa shells, a by-product of the chocolate industry, as a new ingredient and thickener of an alcoholic filling. Chocolates with bitter herbal liqueur were produced in a ball mill with four different fillers. A comparison of guar gum and cocoa shell as thickeners was conducted. The influence of the filling ingredients on the stability of the filled chocolate was determined by measuring colour and gloss over 30 days of accelerated fat bloom. The results showed that chocolates for which the cocoa shell was used were more stable than chocolates where guar gum was used. Evaluation of sensory properties of chocolates with bitter herbal liqueur and different thickeners was conducted by the trained sensory panel. The highest-rated, after sensory assessment, were dark chocolates that contained cocoa shells in the filling. Also, an online questionnaire was conducted to examine consumer preference for a new product. According to the results, it can be concluded that the production of this chocolate would be desirable.

Starch sweeteners are commonly used in many confectionery food products. Usually, considering the trend of producing low-energy and low-fat products, these products include fat mimetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fructose sweeteners on the development of functional properties of MCG fat mimetic, such as rheological and textural behavior. Fat mimetics made from Microcrystalline cellulose gel (MCG) consist of colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and were observed in five different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10%). The amount of starch sweetener in the mixture with the fat mimetics was 20%. The effect of pure crystalline fructose and a mixture of crystalline-fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in a ratio of 1:1 was analyzed. Rheological parameters significantly decreased with the application of starch sweeteners. By adding a mixture of starch sweeteners, this decrease was further increased by 10%. At higher gel concentrations of 5, 7, and 10%, the dominance of the elastic modulus G′ was preserved. Texture parameters such as firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index were reduced accordingly. The presence of starch sweeteners significantly disrupted the networking of the three-dimensional structure of the MCG gel and the proper hydration process during the formation of fat mimetics.

Starch is extensively used in the food industry as a texture modifier, a fat substitute, and in other applications. To optimise starch functional properties for specific use, it is subjected to various modifications. High-voltage electrical discharge (HVED) treatment, as a non-thermal and rapid process, was applied in this research as a single method and in combination with phosphorylation in order to explore its potential for improving starch physicochemical properties. Maize, wheat, potato, and tapioca starches were modified, and Na5P3O10 and Na2HPO4 were used for phosphorylation. Starch gelatinisation parameters (by DSC); paste clarity; and contents of amylose, damaged starch, and resistant starch were determined; and FTIR-ATR spectra were recorded. All modifications reduced the enthalpy of gelatinisation and decreased contents of amylose, resistant starch, and damaged starch. The effect of the HVED treatment on starch properties depended on starch type and combinations with chemicals. HVED could act as an aid in the starch phosphorylation process since the properties analysed were more effectively improved when HVED was combined with phosphorylation than by phosphorylation alone.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi učinak živoga mikoriznog cjepiva na dinamiku opskrbljenosti biljnim hranivima vinove loze. Pokus je proveden na kultivaru Graševina (Vitis vinifera L.), cijepljenome na podlozi SO4 u uvjetima Vinogorja Kutjevo. Uzgojni oblik je Guyot, s opterećenjem od 10 pupova. U neposrednu blizinu korijenova sustava inokulirano je 20 ml mikorizne suspenzije koja sadrži oko 2000 propagacijskih jedinica živoga mikoriznog micelija. Istraživanje je provedeno u dvama klimatski vrlo različitim godinama. Prvu godinu istraživanja (2014.) karakterizirale su obilne oborine i manje sunčanih dana, što je rezultiralo kasnijom tehnološkom zrelošću grožđa od 34 dana u odnosu na 2015. godinu, koja je u periodu dozrijevanja grožđa bila iznadprosječno topla i suha. U obje godine istraživanja, u uvjetima slabe opskrbljenosti tla organskom tvari, fosforom i kalijem, mikorizna simbioza utjecala je na veći sadržaj fosfora i kalija u suhoj tvari list kultivara Graševine. U godini s više oborina i manje topline utvrđen je veći sadržaj dušika u listovima trsova s mikoriznom simbiozom. U suhim i toplim uvjetima tijekom cijeloga perioda dozrijevanja grožđa povećan je sadržaj kalcija, a opravdano veći sadržaj cinka, mangana i željeza utvrđen je u periodu neposredno prije tehnološke zrelosti grožđa. Nije utvrđen pozitivan utjecaj mikorize na urod, sadržaj šećera i ukupnu kiselost.

High-voltage electrical discharge (HVED) is considered as a novel, non-thermal process and is currently being researched regarding its effect on microorganisms (decontamination of food), waste water treatment, and modification of different compounds and food components. In this paper, four native starches (maize, wheat, potato, and tapioca) were treated with HVED, phosphorylated with Na2HPO4 and Na5P3O10, and modified by a combination of HVED with each phosphorylation reaction both prior and after chemical modification. Pasting properties, swelling power, solubility, gel texture, and particle size were analyzed. Although HVED induced lower contents of P in modified starches, it had an effect on analyzed properties. The results revealed that HVED treatment alone had a limited effect on pasting properties of starches, but it had an effect on properties of phosphorylated starches, both when it was conducted prior and after the chemical modification, reducing the influence of Na5P3O10 and Na2HPO4 on the decrease of pasting temperature. With minor exceptions, the gel strength of starches increased, and the rupture strength decreased by all modifications. HVED treatment resulted in a decrease of the particle size after the modification of maize and wheat starches, while potato and tapioca starches were not significantly influenced by the treatment.

The availability of reliable sensitive multi-analyte methods for unambiguous determination of mycotoxins is crucial for ensuring food and feed safety, considering their adverse health effects and (co-)occurrence in various foods. Accordingly, a multi-mycotoxin confirmatory method for simultaneous determination of 11 mycotoxins regulated in cereals within the European Union (EU) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and in-house validated to fit the EU legislation requirements for analytical methods. A simple sample preparation was based on a solid–liquid extraction using a solvent mixture acetonitrile/water/formic acid (79/20/1, v/v/v) and a dilution of raw extract using water/acetonitrile/formic acid (79/20/1, v/v/v) before instrumental analysis. Average recoveries in all three validated cereal crop types (maize, wheat, and barley), spiked at multiple levels, were found acceptable for all analytes when matrix-matched calibration was used, ranging from 63.2% to 111.2% and also showing very good repeatability, with relative standard deviations below 20%. Matrix effect (SSE) evaluation revealed maize as the most complex of the three analyzed cereal matrices, with strong SSE (150%) recorded for all 11 analyzed mycotoxins. An additional method verification was performed through successful participation in proficiency testing schemes, with the achieved z-scores generally in the acceptable range of −2 ≤ z ≤ 2. The obtained validation results demonstrated the suitability of the developed confirmatory multi-mycotoxin UHPLC-MS/MS method based on a dilute-and-shoot principle for the simultaneous determination of low concentrations of 11 EU-regulated mycotoxins in cereals, including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins B1 and B2, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and ochratoxin A.

Pasta is one of the most popular meals in the world. It is affordable, easy to combine with other foods and easy to cook. Unfortunately, pasta is energy-rich and nutrient-poor. Whole-wheat pasta is somewhat better in nutritional quality, but further improvements may be made. One option is to add different raw materials and specific nutritive components (vitamins, polyphenols, fiber, protein, etc.) to semolina. However, this approach changes its physicochemical properties, e.g. cooking loss, texture, etc., which cannot be disregarded. The current research investigates possibilities for production of barley-enriched pasta with acceptable cooking qualities. To ensure the beneficial health effects of β-glucan, β-glucan-rich barley was selected asa starting material. Pasta enriched with 10–50% β-glucan-rich barley flour was produced in the mini-press and the laboratory extruder and then dried at low, medium and high temperature regimes. Colour, cooking quality and microstructure of the enriched pasta were investigated to determine its acceptability. The research showed that barley-enriched pasta of good cooking quality might be produced by selecting an optimal combination of suitable production parameters for forming and drying.

The aim of this research was to examine the influence of pasteurisation of cocoa liquor at different temperatures (115, 120, 125 and 140 °C) and 3-week-storage time at 40 °C on microbial safety, peroxide value, polyphenol, and flavan-3-ol content. Peroxide value of the cocoa liquor increased after both, pasteurisation and storage, but not significantly. Although total polyphenol content decreased, flavan-3-ol content was stable during the investigated period. Microbial quality was satisfying, and the most stable mass was the one treated at 140 °C.

Volatile organic compounds in honey represent a fingerprint of a specific honey and therefore could significantly affect the quality of honey brandy. In addition, during fermentation, yeast synthesise volatiles also affecting aroma and quality of brandy. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of immobilized cell fermentation on volatile aroma of honey brandies produced from acacia and chestnut honey. Aroma profile was determined using GC/FID and sensory analysis was conducted according to German DLG model. The results showed that immobilized cell technique had resulted in honey brandies with lower ester contents, but significantly higher content of volatile organic compounds from honey.

Extruded snacks are products which are easy to consume, tasty, crispy, with thousands of shapes, flavours, textures and are consumed worldwide. They can be expanded directly or indirectly. Directly expanded products are cooked, expanded, shaped and cut off the extruder, dried and packaged. It is a less complicated process than the indirect expansion, products have low bulk density, and are seasoned with different types of flavours and oils. Indirectly expanded products are stable during storage and have high bulk density, provide opportunity to produce a wide range of products. Different types of raw materials (corn, potato, wheat, oat, by-products of food industry, etc.) and combination of ingredients can be incorporated into the products. Non-starch ingredients such as protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals are more likely to be incorporated into indirectly expanded products than into directly expanded products. This makes them delicious, healthier and more interesting to customers. The most commonly used ways of expansion are deep fat frying, hot-air puffing and microwave heating.

Potato starch was extruded and roasted with apple distillery wastewater to produce starch esters substituted with malic acid residues. The starch esterification degree was higher at the higher roasting temperatures. Starch modification contributed to its darker color, its increased resistance to the action of amylolytic enzymes, and its decreased solubility and heat of phase transition. The changes in the other starch properties examined depended on the extrusion and roasting temperatures. The process, which was conducted without a chemical agent—in this case, the process of starch extrusion and roasting with apple distillery wastewater—should be deemed a novel method for resistant starch production.

Penicillium expansum is a necrotrophic plant pathogen among the most ubiquitous fungi disseminated worldwide. It causes blue mould rot in apples during storage, transport and sale, threatening human health by secreting patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite that contaminates apples and apple-derived products. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding the resistance of different apple cultivars to P. expansum, especially ancient ones, which showed to possess certain resistance to plant diseases. In this work, we investigated the polyphenol profile of 12 traditional and 8 conventional apple cultivar and their resistance to P. expansum CBS 325.48. Eight polyphenolic compounds were detected; the most prominent were catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid. The highest content of catechin was detected in ‘Apistar’—91.26 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW), epicatechin in ‘Bobovac’—67.00 mg/100 g of FW, and gallic acid in ‘Bobovac’ and ‘Kraljevčica’—8.35 and 7.40 mg/100 g of FW, respectively. The highest content of patulin was detected in ‘Kraljevčica’ followed by ‘Apistar’—1687 and 1435 µg/kg, respectively. In apple cultivars ‘Brčko’, ‘Adamčica’ and ‘Idared’, patulin was not detected. Furthermore, the patulin content was positively correlated with gallic acid (r = 0.4226; p = 0.002), catechin (r = 0.3717; p = 0.008) and epicatechin (r = 0.3305; p = 0.019). This fact indicates that higher contents of gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin negatively affected and boost patulin concentration in examined apple cultivars. This can be related to the prooxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds and sensitivity of P. expansum to the disturbance of oxidative status.

Resistant starch (RS) is a part of insoluble dietary fiber, and it could be recognized as a functional food ingredient in some types of confectionery products that lack dietary fiber. Unlike dark and milk chocolate, white chocolate does not contain fat-free cocoa solids rich in dietary fiber. In the present study, 5%, 10%, and 15% of white chocolate were substituted with RS in order to improve the nutritional value of enriched white chocolate. The influence of RS on rheological, textural, and thermal properties of the chocolate fat phase was firstly investigated, and then further influence on physical properties, dietary fiber content, and sensory characteristics of enriched white chocolates were investigated. The obtained results showed that enriched chocolates had increased content of total dietary fiber and reduced total fats and protein content in accordance with the added amount of RS. At the same time, RS increased viscosity and reduced the hardness and volume mean diameter in enriched chocolates in accordance with the added amount. RS improved the nutritional composition of white chocolate by increasing the content of dietary fiber. At the same time, RS did not impair the color and sensory characteristics of enriched white chocolates.

The aim of this research was to explore the use of a high-voltage electrical treatment (HVED) as a substitute for heating during the phosphorylation of maize starch. Starch was treated with HVED, phosphorylated with Na2HPO4 or Na5P3O10 with and without thermal treatment and phosphorylated in combination with HVED prior to and after the chemical modification. When starch was phosphorylated with Na2HPO4, HVED was more efficient in catalyzing reaction (3.89 mg P/kg for 30 min HVED in relation to 0.43 mg P/kg for thermal treatment), whereas with Na5P3O10 similar P content was achieved as with thermal treatment (0.76 P/kg for 30 min HVED in relation to 0.86 mg P/kg). The order of HVED and chemical reactions did not have a marked effect on phosphorous content. In combination with Na2HPO4, HVED pre-treatment had a more pronounced effect on the solubility and water absorption, whereas post-treatment was favoured with Na5P3O10. Mean diameter was increased by all treatments, where HVED had a marked effect. Enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 11.76 J/g for starch treated with Na5P3O10 and 10 min-HVED to 13.58 J/g for Na5P3O10 treated sample. G′ and G″ increased after both thermally and HVED enhanced phosphorylations, with a slightly more pronounced effect of the HVED.

This study aimed to establish a procedure for pomegranate peel (PP) valorization and attainment of stable extracts with preserved bioactive compounds. The technology applied was spray drying with carbohydrate-based (maltodextrin, MD) and protein-based (whey protein, WP) carrier materials in different concentrations (80, 100, and 120%). What was analyzed was the impact of the type and concentration of carrier material on the stability and quality of the final encapsulated powder. The best results were achieved when the PP extract was microencapsulated with the carbohydrate-based carrier (100%), where it had the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) (88.63%), hygroscopicity (15.17%), and water solubility index (87.04%). The moisture content was in the range of 3.69–4.60% and 4.21–5.84% for MD and WP, respectively, indicating that both are suitable for long-term storage. It was observed that changes in carrier concentration significantly influenced most of the powders’ physicochemical properties. Microencapsulation using MD yielded a higher content of punicalin, punicalagin, gallic, and ellagic acid than those with WP. Overall results demonstrated that carbohydrate-based microencapsulation can be utilized efficiently for the protection of powder stability and phytochemical characteristics.

The prospects of sparkling wine production by the 'Champenoise' method using alginate-immobilised yeast cells were examined. Grape varieties dominant in quantity were selected within the group of recommended and permitted varieties of Kutjevo vineyards, located in the eastern part of continental Croatia. Research revealed that there are no influential variations in the principal physicochemical and sensory characteristics between sparkling wines obtained through immobilised yeast and traditional sparkling method. The analysis of aroma compounds showed minor differences between samples. Observed oenological parameters assessed in the final products did not show any relevant oenological differences, with the exception of alcohol content, which was slightly higher in sparkling wines made with yeast cells immobilised with calcium alginate beads. According to this research, the sensory properties of the produced sparkling wines, compared to sparkling wine produced with free yeast, did not show any significant differences. On the full-scale obtained results indicate that some of the selected varieties can be sorted as suitable for the production of sparkling wine using immobilised yeast cells.

Cilj ovoga rada bio je ispitati utjecaj fermentacije pomoću imobiliziranih stanica kvasca na aromu i senzorska svojstva destilata proizvedenih od dviju sorti smokve koje se uzgajaju u Republici Hrvatskoj (Petrovača bijela i Petrovača crna). Uzorci destilata proizvedeni su klasičnim postupkom i pomoću imobiliziranih stanica kvasca. Profil arome određen je pomoću GC/FID-a, a senzorska analiza provedena je prema njemačkome DLG modelu. Rezultati su pokazali da postupak s imobiliziranim stanicama kvasca daje destilate s višim udjelom etanola i nižim udjelima estera, ali bolje senzorske kvalitete. Taj postupak ima velik potencijal u proizvodnji visokokvalitetnih voćnih destilata.

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of immobilized cell fermentation on aroma and sensory characteristics of distillates produced from two fig varieties commonly grown in Croatia (Petrovača bijela and Petrovača crna). Distillate samples were produced both by classical and immobilized yeast fermentation technology. Aroma profile was determined using GC/FID and sensory analysis was conducted according to German DLG model. Results showed that immobilized cell technique gives distillates with higher ethanol and lower ester contents, but of higher sensory quality. It is a promising technique for production of high quality fruit distillates.

The addition of brewer’s spent grain (BSG), sugar beet pulp (SBP) and apple pomace (AP), on the nutritional properties of directly expanded snack products based on corn grits was investigated. Snack products were produced in a laboratory single screw extruder with the addition of 5, 10 and 15% d. m. of these by-products in corn grits. Chemical composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, dietary fiber, resistant starch, starch damage and pasting properties of the mixtures and extruded samples were determined. Extrusion process and by-product additions had a significant effect on the proximate chemical composition. All three by-products increased contents of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, while the extrusion caused a reduction of insoluble fiber and increase of soluble fiber. After the extrusion process starch damage and antioxidant activity increased, while resistant starch content and total polyphenol content decreased. According to obtained results, it can be concluded that the investigated by-products can be used in the production of nutritionally more valuable corn snacks.

Chocolate is considered as both caloric and functional food. Its nutritional properties may be improved by addition of fiber; however, this may reduce polyphenols content. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of cocoa shell addition (as a source of fiber) and its combination with different ingredients (cocoa butter equivalents (CBE), emulsifiers, dairy ingredients) on polyphenols of dark and milk chocolates. Total polyphenol (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined spectrophotometrically, identification and quantification of individual compounds by high pressure liquid chromatography and antioxidant capacity by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Results showed that even though addition of cocoa shell to chocolate results in reduced contents of TPC, TFC, and individual compounds, it is not significant compared to ones reported by other authors for commercial chocolates. Other ingredients influence determined values for all investigated parameters; however, additional research is needed to reveal exact mechanisms and implications.

Cabbage is an important source of bioactive compound, which is available throughout the year. However, a lot of different traditional, and hybrid varieties with different levels and composition of bioactive compounds can be found on the market. The aim of the study was to obtain quantitative results showing comparative differences between different white cabbages (“Čepinski”, “Varaždinski”, “Bravo”, “Ogulinski”) from Croatia. Morphometric parameters and physicochemical composition were determined while using standard procedures. Phenolic acids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and volatile compounds were analysed by the solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) smethod. The results showed that studied cabbage cultivars differed in physicochemical composition and morphological traits. Six phenolic acids were identified and quantified, whereas a sinapic acid was the most dominant component (65.9–78.15 mg/kg). Aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and terpenes were the major classes of organic volatile compounds present in the studied cabbages. “Čepinski”, which has never been analysed before, showed to contain the highest amount of d-limone (40.75 µg/L) and allyl isothiocyanate (1090.26 µg/L), the most important volatile compounds responsible for the fresh cabbage flavour. The presented results mark off “Čepinski” cultivar as valuable for larger production and further examination.

Cocoa shell is a by-product of the chocolate industry that is rich in dietary fiber and bioactive components. In this research, the influence of high voltage electric discharge (HVED) treatment on chemical and physical characteristics of the cocoa shell, i.e., the effects of applied time and frequencies on grinding ability, water binding capacity (WBC), dietary fibers and tannin content was investigated. HVED had a significant influence on the chemical and physical properties of cocoa shell, all of which could be linked to changes in fiber properties. Along with the fiber content, grinding ability and water binding capacity were increased. These properties have already been linked to fiber content and soluble/insoluble fiber ratio. However, this research implies that change in fiber properties could be linked to tannin formation via complexation of other polyphenolic components. Additional research is needed to verify this effect and to establish mechanisms of tannin formation induced by HVED and its influence on fiber quantification.

Starch has been an inexhaustible subject of research for many decades. It is an inexpensive, readily-available material with extensive application in the food and processing industry. Researchers are continually trying to improve its properties by different modification procedures and expand its application. What is mostly applied in this view are their chemical modifications, among which organic acids have recently drawn the greatest attention, particularly with respect to the application of starch in the food industry. Namely, organic acids naturally occur in many edible plants and many of them are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), which make them ideal modification agents for starch intended for the food industry. The aim of this review is to give a short literature overview of the progress made in the research of starch esterification, etherification, cross-linking, and dual modification with organic acids and their derivatives.

Chocolate production is a complex process during which numerous chemical reactions occur. The most important processes, involving most of the reactions important for development of the proper chocolate flavor, are fermentation, drying and roasting of cocoa bean, and chocolate conching. During fermentation, formation of important precursors occurs, which are essential for further chemical reactions in the following processes of chocolate production. Roasting is one of the most important processes due to the occurrence of Maillard’s reactions, during which aroma compounds are formed. In this paper, we have reviewed the most important chemical reactions that occur with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and polyphenols. Additionally, we present other components that may be naturally present or form during the production process, such as methylxanthines, aldehydes, esters, ketones, pyrazines, acids, and alcohols.

It is well established that part of starch is resistant to human amylases and escapes undigested to large bowel. This fraction of starch is resistant starch. Recent studies have shown that resistant starch may be a substrate for bacterial flora of the colon and serves as prebiotic. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by colonic fermentation of resistant starch may have impact on colonic function and health of humans. This paper summarises current knowledge on properties and health impact of resistant starch.

In order to investigate the composition of secondary aroma compounds of fresh grape marc distillates as a result of variety and production technology, 30 samples (6 varieties×5 samples) were analysed. White grape marc samples from Malvazija istarska, Chardonnay and Muscat Blanc were obtained as by-products in standard white wine production, while red grape marc samples from Teran and Cabernet Sauvignon were obtained after standard red wine production procedures. Marc from red grape variety Muškat ruža porečki was obtained during the production of rosé wines. All fermented marc samples were distilled using a traditional copper alembic. The obtained distillates were subjected to GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. Malvazija istarska distillates exhibited exceptionally high methanol content. Distillates from white grape varieties were found to be characterized by higher C6 alcohol and 1-propanol concentrations, while red grape distillates contained higher amounts of the majority of alcohols, acids, and esters. In Muškat ruža distillates intermediate concentrations of many important aroma compounds were found. It was concluded that differences in the production technology parameters, depending on the variety, resulted in differences in secondary aroma profiles, most evident between distillates from white and red varieties. These findings were confirmed applying stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA), which resulted in 100 % correct classification of distillates according to the variety and corresponding production technology.

Solving the problem of large quantities of organic waste, which represents an enormous ecological and financial burden for all aspects of the process industry, is a necessity. Therefore, there is an emerged need to find specific solutions to utilize raw materials as efficiently as possible in the production process. The cocoa shell is a valuable by-product obtained from the chocolate industry. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and ash, as well as in some other valuable bioactive compounds, such as methylxanthines and phenolics. This paper gives an overview of published results related to the cocoa shell, mostly on important bioactive compounds and possible applications of the cocoa shell in different areas. The cocoa shell, due to its nutritional value and high-value bioactive compounds, could become a desirable raw material in a large spectrum of functional, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic products, as well as in the production of energy or biofuels in the near future.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of hydrocolloid carrageenan, native tapioca starch and powdered whey on viscosity and thermophysical properties of model ice-cream mixtures with reduced content of sugar and fat. Measurements were performed immediately after mixture preparation and after two months of storage at -18 °C. Results showed that rheological properties of model ice-cream mixtures with reduced content of sugar and fat can be improved by addition of starch and whey, particularly at low temperatures (0 and -5 °C). Improvement of properties at low temperatures is particularly important for before mentioned group of products, as well as the fact that raw materials used in the recipes are cost effective and have high nutritive value. Two-month storage at -18 °C resulted in increase of rheological parameters of all investigated samples. Freeze and thaw temperatures of model mixtures were not changed significantly after two months of storage. On the other hand, enthalpies of freezing and thawing have after storage in the most cases decreased.

Aroma is a phenomenon that occurrs when food and live organism mutually react during the process of consumption. Many factors influence the making of aroma of wine distillates (e.g. cognac) during the technological process of distillation. It is extremely difficult to bring an objective judgement on the influence of individual factors since aroma is very subjective in its nature. The possibility of objective assessment of the influence of grape varieties on wine distillate was performed in this work using a computer in processing the results of cromatographic analyses of aroma substances. The given results were verified by sensor analyses. The achieved results have shown that mathematical model for calculating aroma chromatogram similarity can be successfully used for objective assessment of the influence of individual factors on aroma of wine distillates and that grape varieties have significant impact on aroma and the quality of wine distillates.

Chocolate has been consumed as confection, aphrodisiac, and folk medicine for many years before science proved its potential health benefiting effects. Main compounds of cocoa and chocolate which contribute to human health are polyphenols that act as antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. This paper gives a short overview of scientific literature regarding cocoa polyphenols and influence of cocoa and chocolate on human health. Although research on health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa is quite extensive nowadays and shows potentially beneficial effects of dark chocolate and cocoa, there are still lots of unknowns and some controversies. This is obviously an area that needs more research in order to determine factual influence of chocolate on health.