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Olive oil, extracted from olive fruits (Olea europaea), is renowned for its distinctive flavour, nutritional richness and health benefits. The aim of this comparative study is to analyze olive oil from several TADLA perimeter units, including Province of AZILAL, FQUIH BEN SALAH, BENI MELLAL, ZAOUIT CHEIKH, and BRADIA. The oil under investigation was extracted from olives of the Moroccan Picholine variety, by a discontinuous system including grinding, pressing and decanting. Significant variations were found at the values of the studied parameters. The results of our study showed that Olive oil from FBS and BM are classified as an extra virgin olive. However, olive oils from ZC, BR and AZ are classified as virgin olive oil. Sample from FQUIH BEN SALAH province had the lowest Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and peroxide values 0.236% oleic acid and 3.434 méqO2/Kg respectively. While the highest FFA value found was the olive oil obtained from AZILAL (1.084% Oléic Acid) and the highest Peroxide value was obtained in the sample from BRADIA (8.108 méq O2/Kg). E232, E270 and delta K values of all samples were under the limit fixed by IOC for virgin olive oil. Polyphenols content of ZAOUIT CHEIKH, FQUIH BEN SALAH and BRADIA oils are relatively high with values equal to 1.347, 1.082, and 1.141mg GA/100ml extract respectively. DPPH test showed that ZAOUIT CHEIKH oil had the greater antioxidant capacity.

Introduction: Melons are highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite and delectable taste. However, the peels of these fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals and sustainable components for innovative culinary formulations, are often discarded as waste. Methods: This study explored the phytochemistry and valorization of three melon fruit, i.e., canary melon (Cucumis melo , var. Fonzy), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus , var. Augusta), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo , var. Cantaloupe), peels in food applications by incorporating into wheat flour biscuits. Peels of fruits were separated, dried and powders were extracted with 70% ethanol. Results and discussion: Comparing the muskmelon fruit peel to the peels of the other two fruits, the muskmelon fruit peel had the significantly (p < 0.05) high ash (8.36%), fiber (12.06%), fat (1.21%), protein (5.02%), mineral contents (Mg 233, Ca 364, K 1605, Fe 49.72, and Zn 2.39 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (167.49 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (79.16 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (56.92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g). Results of the antimicrobial experiments of three melon peels showed that extracts from all peels showed enough antimicrobial activities, nearly comparable to the reference drugs (ampicillin and nystatin), which still showed the highest inhibition zones. Among three extracts, highest zone of inhibition against three bacterial species, i.e., Bacillus cereus (12.03 mm), Escherichia coli (10.02 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (18.08 mm), and fungal species, i.e., Candida albicans (8.09 mm), Aspergillus niger (7.06 mm), and Mucor meihi (7.02 mm) was exhibited by muskmelon peel extract. Moisture, ash, fat, fiber, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of biscuits were increased as a result of incorporating peel flours. Correlation showed TPC and TAA were highly correlated in watermelon (10%; 1). Using principal component analysis, adding 5% canary watermelon peel powder to biscuits improved their healthful and active elements while maintaining sensory features. Baking with 10% muskmelon or watermelon peel powder boosted nutrition and antioxidant activity. After the control, biscuits fortified with 5% melon peel powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) high sensory scores. These findings highlight the value of melon peels as sustainable ingredients, promoting waste reduction and enhancing the dietary and functional benefits of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set out to examine how feeding local ewes a diet including cactus fruit waste, or "cactus silage," affected their milk production and quality as well as how well their lambs did while nursing. On a farm, researchers studied the feeding habits of the Sardi breed, a native sheep species. The animals were divided into two groups; one was given a standard diet (CD) and the other cactus silage (SD). We The milk production was tracked every day and the milk composition features were analyzed every week. There was a 14.8% increase in milk yield, with the SD diet producing an average of 31.15 kg and the CD diet 27.14 kg. A significantly significant difference (p<0.05) in SD was seen in the average daily gain (ADG) of lambs during the lactation period when contrasted with the CD lot. In contrast to the CD lot 154 g/d ADG, the SD lot was 199 g/d. With the exception of fat content, which shown more variability for both treatments (p<0.05), the treatments did not impact the density, freezing point, or protein levels of the milk samples. There was significant fluctuation in the physicochemical properties of ewe's milk over the weeks of lactation, with values ranging from very high (p < 0.001) to very high (p<0.01). Cactus silage (SD) may be a good alternative to the conventional feed for female sheep, according to the research, since it has no discernible negative impact on their productivity. Cactus silage is a cost-effective alternative to other feeds for sheep in arid regions, thus it is reasonable to consider it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the global decline in adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), even within its native region, it is key to identify the factors influencing this trend to mitigate the negative health outcomes associated with westernized diets. To this end, 4025 individuals (49.6% women, 42.6 ± 14.2 y/o) from Greece, Italy, Morocco, Slovenia, and Tunisia remotely completed a series of measures assessing motives, attitudes, and psychosocial factors related to MD adherence, which was evaluated using the MEDAS questionnaire. The results suggested medium-to-low adherence across all countries, with the highest adherence in Italy and Morocco and the lowest in Slovenia. Structural equation modeling revealed that positive attitudes toward the healthiness of food were the strongest predictors of adherence, whereas picky eating was a significant negative predictor in all countries except Greece. Adherence to the MD was positively influenced by health motivations in Morocco and weight control in Slovenia and Greece, while sensory appeal negatively influenced adherence in Italy. Additionally, price and convenience were significant barriers in Tunisia and Greece, whereas a preference for local and seasonal foods promoted adherence in Morocco and Greece. Overall, our findings underscore the need for country-specific interventions and policies that address distinct local factors and motivations to ease favorable shifts in dietary patterns toward MD principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), a plant native to the Mediterranean, is a member of the legume family and its fruit is called a pod. The flesh of the pod (pulp) is very rich in sugar, while the seeds are high in protein. The pod is also a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to its nutritional composition, it is suitable for improving human well-being. This article reviews the chemical composition of locust bean fruit and its biological effects on human health. Understanding the traditional uses of locust bean fruit in relation to its potential as an anti-diabetic agent is important in view of the numerous recent scientific studies on its pharmacological properties. The study focuses on in vivo and in vitro antihyperglycemic research, as well as the nutritional profile and potential food applications of this natural product for food formulation and fortification. Based on its chemical and pharmacological properties, this species is believed to have beneficial preventive and therapeutic effects, particularly in hyperglycemia. Researchers can further extract and isolate bioactive compounds from different carob fractions to develop pharmaceutical products and functional foods for the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of drying by fluidization technology, compared to a traditional solar drying, on phenolic compounds of Moroccan Myrtus communis L. and Olea europaea L. species. Two main parameters of drying by fluidization (air speed (0.3-1 m/s for myrtle leaves and 1-3 m/s for olive leaves) and air temperature (40-60 °C for the two plants leaves)) were modified and controlled. Results showed that high loss values in total polyphenols (TPP) and flavonoids (TF) were observed at (60 °C; 0.3 m/s) for myrtle leaves and at (60 °C; 1 m/s) for olive leaves. However, these compounds were more stable at (40 °C; 1 m/s) for myrtle leaves and at (40 °C; 3 m/s) for olive leaves. Regarding the solar drying method, the results showed that, for myrtle leaves, high losses were observed in the TPP and TF contents, compared to the fluidization method for all processing parameters. For olive leaves, traditional solar drying gives products with phenolic contents similar to those obtained by fluidization drying, especially at (60 °C; 3 m/s). The findings indicated that employing the fluidization drying method might be a suitable approach for enhancing the conservation of bioactive compounds within myrtle and olive leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]