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The aim of the current research was to evaluate changes in the content of total phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activity at different germination stages of triticale, hull-less barley, hull-less oats, wheat, and rye. Grain germination was performed for 12, 24, 36 and 48 h at controlled conditions. Ultrasound assisted extraction was used for isolation of total phenolic compounds. For all extracts the total phenolic compounds content, DPPH radical and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The results of the experiments demonstrated that the highest content of total phenolic compounds and the highest antiradical activity was determined in hull-less barley samples. In all studied grains the content of phenolic compounds increased significantly during soaking and germination process. DPPH radical scavenging activity during germination increased. ABTS+ radical scavenging activity also increased after soaking process and dynamics were cereal type dependent. Pearson's coefficients between the phenolic compound levels and antioxidant activity taking into account all obtained results were high. Very strong positive correlations between the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were determined for triticale during germination. Also antioxidant activity determined by both tests correlated with the highest results for barley and oats. The highest content of total phenolic compounds determines the optimum duration of germination to be 24 hours, except rye samples where the highest value was reached only after 48 hours of germination. Shorter time was required to reach the highest values of DPPH radical activity -- for wheat rye, and triticale, namely 12 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mint is the genus belonging to the Labiatae family and includes a huge diversity of varieties with different sensory properties. An important quality parameter is its colour, and the compounds responsible for it are pigments such as chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids etc. The aim of the current research was to determine the pigment content in the leaves and the stems of different mint varieties grown in Latvia. Mint of nine varieties (Mentha suaveolens 'Apple mint', Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata', Mentha spicata 'Marokko', Mentha piperita 'Swiss', Mentha piperita 'Granada', Mentha piperita f. citrate 'Grapefruit', Mentha piperita 'Chocolate', Mentha piperita 'Almira', Mentha piperita 'Bavarian') collected in Latvia was analysed. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids were determined spectrophotometrically in the acetone extracts of fresh leaves and stems at various wavelength 470, 645 and 662 nm. To analyse a relationship between chlorophyll a and b in the leaves and the stems a calculation of ratio a/b was performed. Additionally the colour of samples was measured in CIE L*a*b* system. For the statistical analysis - linear correlation, analysis of variance, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. The differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Among studied mint leaves the highest content of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids was determined in the 'Bavarian' mint. The colour component L* value for variety 'Bavarian' leaves was one of the lowest among studied samples (showing a darker colour intensity). The stems of the mint variety 'Bavarian' had a high content of chlorophyll especially chlorophyll b. The highest content of carotenoids was determined in Mentha spicata 'Marokko'. Analysing a relationship between the colour components L*a*b* and the content of pigments no significant correlations were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal-derived breakfast products (cereal flakes, bread, and muesli) are increasingly consumed because they are an important source of energy for adults and children. Shelf-life of foods is highly dependent on the permeability characteristics of the packaging materials, which emphasize the importance of packaging design. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of physically-chemical, microbiological and sensory parametrs of cereal muesli with chocolate and apricots during storage. Samples of muesli with chocolate and apricots were packaged in 3 different types of packaging-paper bag, paper tubes and Doypack (stand-up pouches) and stored for 9 months (at 20 ± 2°C temperature and relative air humidity - 55 ± 3%). During the storage moisture content, water activity, total plate count of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (MAFAm), mould and yeast, volatile compounds and sensory quality were evaluated in analysed muesli samples. The lowest moisture content after 9 months storage was determined for muesli samples stored in paper bag. Total number of mesophilic aerobic facultative anaerobic microorganisms (MAFAm, mould and yeast) of muesli in all samples during storage slightly increased. After 9 months storage muesli with chocolate and apricots in the Doypack had the best sensory properties. In muesli with chocolate and apricots there were identified 18 volatile compounds. The results indicated that paper bags were the least suitable for packaging of cereal muesli with chocolate and apricot, because of essential quality changes of samples during their storage. The shelf-life of 9 months can be recommended for cereal muesli with chocolate and apricots packaged in paper tube or Doypack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the health-promoting benefits, the consumption of lentils in East Europe is low, attracting researchers' interest in solving the problem. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative to animal proteins for nutrient-dense plant-based quick meals using roasted lentils as the primary raw material, performing sensory analysis, and evaluating the content of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The consumption of legumes in Latvia is also low, even though most respondents associate the use of legumes with a healthy choice. Roasted lentil quick meals can deliver 15.6% and 26.2% of the reference intake for protein. Furthermore, one-third of the amino acids (AAs) are essential AAs. AA values in prepared quick meals make them promising alternatives to meat products. One portion of ready-roasted lentils with Bolognese sauce provided above 15% of the daily reference intake of thiamin and vitamin B9. One portion of a ready-quick meal of tomato soup with roasted lentils and roasted lentils with Bolognese sauce provided 20.3% and 25.6% of iron, according to daily reference intake. Further studies on the bioavailability of quick meals must be conducted to claim they can replace meat nutritionally.

Patients with dysphagia diseases require food with acceptable textural characteristics. Additionally, due to the consumption of smaller portions, these patients receive insufficient amounts of nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop plant-based purée as a meal for an oro-pharyngeal dysphagia (OD) diet, enriched with proteins, fiber and antioxidant vitamins. The suitability of three protein sources-soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate and brown pea protein concentrate-was tested through evaluation of their effect on the rheological properties of protein-enriched plant-based purées for OD diets. Based on the rheological analysis, whey protein was selected for incorporation into the new product formulations. Two prototypes of soups and two prototypes of desserts produced in this study demonstrated acceptable textural properties and high nutritional value.

Sauerkraut juice is rich in bioactive compounds; however, it is considered a byproduct of the production process. An innovative solution was found through the process of spray-drying to obtain sauerkraut juice powder. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical and sensory characteristics of sauerkraut juice powder (SJP) and its application in foodstuffs. For SJP, total phenol content, antiradical activity, and nutritional value were determined, and the results showed that SJP is rich in minerals, especially calcium and potassium, as well as organic acids and vitamin C. SJP contains 12% NaCl and a total phenol content of 359.54 mg GAE 100 g -1 dw. SJP has umami attributes, such as sweet, sour, and salty. Sensory tests-descriptive, rate-all-that-apply, overall liking, and volatile profile determination-were carried out separately in SJP experimental samples with olive oil and sour cream. Among the sweet, sour, and salty flavours, garlic, yogurt, and mayonnaise were also mentioned. In the detection of volatile compounds, leafy and grassy green aromas with light almond were identified in the samples with olive oil and butter and rancid cheese and fishy/amine odours were identified in samples with sour cream. There were significant differences in the overall likability of samples, but the experimental samples with SJP were more popular than control samples; therefore, SJP may be used as a salt alternative in food applications.

Legumes are not valued by all consumers, mostly due to the prolonged soaking and cooking process they require. This problem could be solved by preparing legume-based ready-to-eat snacks. In this study, the effect of two different dies (circular and star-shaped, with cross-sections of 19.6 and 35.9 mm 2 , respectively) on the physico-chemical properties, anti-nutritional compounds, and sensory features of extruded breakfast snacks was determined. Extruded products were obtained from 100% legume flours of red lentil, faba bean, brown pea, and common bean. The extrusion-cooking conditions were 2.5 g/s feed rate; 160 ± 1 °C die temperature; 16 ± 1 g/100 g feed moisture, and 230 rpm screw speed. Star-shaped extrudates showed a lower expansion ratio, degree of starch gelatinization, and water solubility index, as well as higher bulk density, hardness, crunchiness, and lightness ( L* ) values. The oligosaccharides showed non univocal variations by changing the die, whereas phytates did not vary at all. The extrudates from lentil flour (richer in fiber) were the least preferred by sensory panelists, due to their hard texture. However, the spherical extrudates were preferred over the star-shaped product. These results emphasize the possibility of improving the physico-chemical and sensory properties of legume extrudates by selecting a proper die.

Introduction: The objective was to develop and validate an instrument that measures different determinants of people's food choices and simultaneously accounts for a variety of factors: health, emotions, price and availability, society and culture, environment and politics, and marketing and advertising., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study focusing on food choice determinants. It was carried out in 16 countries in 2017 and 2018. This study included 11,960 volunteer adult participants from different countries. The data was validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)., Results: Validation using CFA with SEM revealed that multi-factor modelling produced first- and second-order models that could be used to define the EATMOT scale, the first presenting better fitting indices, with the goodness-of-fit and comparative-fit indices very close to 1, as well as root-mean-square-error-of-approximation, root-mean-square-residual and standardised-root-mean-square-residual at practically zero., Conclusion: The validated EATMOT scale guarantees confidence in the information obtained through this instrument, and can be used in future studies to better understand food choice determinants in different geographical areas and help plan strategies to improve healthy eating patterns and diminish the burden of non-communicable diseases., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist., (© 2021 Raquel P. F. Guiné, João Duarte, Ana Cristina Ferrão, Manuela Ferreira, Paula Correia, Ana Paula Cardoso, Elena Bartkiene, Viktória Szűcs, Levente Nemes, Marija Ljubičić, Maša Černelič-Bizjak, Kathy Isoldi, Ayman El Kenawy, Vanessa Ferreira, Evita Straumite, Małgorzata Korzeniowska, Elena Vittadini, Marcela Leal, Lucia Frez-Muñoz, Maria Papageorgiou, Ilija Djekić, published by Sciendo.)

Quinoa epitomizes the drive for healthier foods with ethnic concepts in developed countries, particularly among millennials. As a result, the popularity of quinoa as a gluten-free alternative has steadily grown over the last 20 years. Despite this, little is known about the impact of specific varieties on processed foods. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of quinoa varieties (variety and content) on the mechanical and textural properties of buckwheat-based extruded pasta (spaghetti). Peruvian native (var. rosada taraco , kuchivila , negra collana, and mistura ) and Latvian-grown (var. titicaca ) varieties were independently incorporated to pasta between 5 and 20% ( w / w ). Pasta containing 20% quinoa var. negra collana , which presented the largest content of fiber and lowest content of saponin, was strongly associated to structural resilience (i.e., cohesiveness, firmness). Conversely, pasta containing 20% quinoa var. Titicaca appeared structurally weak (i.e., smooth). The addition of saponin-containing varieties to pasta (20%), such as rosada taraco and mistura , resulted in resilient structures with little effect on taste (incl. bitterness). Despite initial stability, pasta containing 20% quinoa var. kuchivila suffered heavy structural damage. In conclusion, the relationship of compositional, mechanical, and textural properties of pasta was strongly variety-dependent.

Triticale has been suggested for human consumption due to its valuable nutritional composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate volatile compound dynamics in the technological processes of triticale bread and triticale bread with sourdough prepared using Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis based cultures. Two types of sourdough ready-to-use sourdough and two-stage sourdough were used for bread making. Triticale bread without sourdough was used as a control. Volatile compounds from a headspace of flour blend, sourdough, as well as mixed dough, fermented dough, bread crumb and crust were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Alcohols, mainly 1-hexanol, were the main volatiles in the triticale flour blend, whereas in the headspace of sourdough samples ethyl-acetate, ethanol and acetic acid dominated. Two-stage sourdough after 30 min fermentation showed the highest sum of peak areas formed by 14 volatile compounds, resulting in substrates for further aroma development in bread. A total of 29 compounds were identified in the bread: in the crumb the dominant volatile compounds were alcohols, ketones, acids, but in the crust-alcohols, aldehydes, furans dominated. The use of two-stage sourdough provided a more diverse spectrum of volatile compounds. Such volatile compounds as ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-hydroxy-2-butanone, 2-methylpropanoic acid, and acetic acid were identified in all the analysed samples in all stages of bread making.

Many aspects linked to personal characteristics, society and culture constitute some of the motivators that drive food choice. The aim of this work was to determine in what extent the eating behaviors of individuals are shaped by six different types of determinants, namely: health, emotions, price and availability, society and culture, environment and politics, and marketing and commercials. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, involving a non-probabilistic sample of 11,960 participants from 16 countries. The objective of this work was to validate the questionnaire, so as to make it suitable for application in different contexts and different countries. For that, six scales were considered for validation by confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modelling. The obtained results showed that the six individual scales evaluated presented good or very good fitting indices, with saturation in goodness-of-fit index in all cases. The values of chi-square ratio were 6.921 (for health), 0.987 (environment), 0.610 (emotions) and 0.000 in the remaining cases (convenience, society, marketing). Furthermore, the fit was perfect, with saturation for all indices, in three of the six models (convenience, society and marketing). The results of this wok allowed the validation of the six scales, and the assessing of different types of factors that can influence food choices and eating behaviors, namely in the categories: health, emotions, price and availability, society and culture, environment and politics, and marketing and commercials.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of wheat bread fortification with varied levels (2%, 4%, and 6%) of chia seed powder (full fat) and cakes (defatted, residue after oil extraction). Chia flour was added to whole wheat bread rich in vital wheat gluten for the first time. The breadcrumbs were assessed for their antioxidant activity, nutritional content, textural properties, color, and sensory profiles. The addition of chia seed powder, particularly in high levels, was more effective in improving antioxidant activity compared to bread fortified with chia cakes. Bread supplementation with chia flour improves its nutritional value, especially in the case of chia cakes. A higher moisture content and lower hardness were observed after bread fortification, the influence was more evident with the defatted cake than with seed powder. Fortification with chia flour led to darker breads without significantly affecting their global acceptability. However, the fortified bread showed better values than control in terms of sensory profile. These results suggest that the addition of chia seed powder and defatted cake can enhance the overall whole wheat bread quality. Our results also highlight that bread making could be an unconventional alternative for the exploitation of defatted chia seed.

Malnutrition continues to be a key health problem in developing regions. The valorization of food waste appears as an ideal way to prevent malnutrition and improve people's access to food. Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) and caraway ( Carum carvi L.) oilseeds are commonly used for cuisine and medicinal purposes. However, remaining cakes after oil extraction are usually underutilized. In order to assess the usefulness of these by-products in food applications, this study investigated the effect of their addition to protein bread formulations. Different levels (2, 4 and 6%) of whole seeds and cakes flour were used in the study. Fortified protein bread samples were compared to control protein bread and evaluated for their sensory, color, moisture, hardness properties, nutritional values as well as their biological activity. Results indicated that bread fortification shows a significant effect on bread properties depending on fortification level. A higher acceptability was observed specially for bread fortified with by-products flour. Increased tendencies of color darkness, moisture content, bread hardness, nutritional values as well as total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity compared to control bread were observed as the percentage of fortification increased in both cases. The overall results showed that the addition of cumin and caraway seeds and by-product flour can improve the antioxidant potential and overall quality of protein bread., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The objective of this work was to study the degree of knowledge about dietary fibre (DF), as influenced by factors such as gender, level of education, living environment or country. For this, a descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on a non-probabilistic sample of 6010 participants from 10 countries in different continents (Europe, Africa and America). The results showed that the participants revealed on average a positive but still low global level of knowledge, which alerts for the need to take some actions to further inform the population about DF and its role as a component of a healthy diet. The results also indicated differences between genders, levels of education, living environments and countries. The highest level of knowledge was revealed by the participants from female gender, with higher education and living in urban areas. Concerning the country, the best informed were the participants from Romania, followed by those from Portugal and Turkey while the least informed were from Egypt.

Bakery products, particularly bread, make up a significant share of the food guide pyramid. To help consumers make more informed choices from the bread available in the market, it is essential to provide correct and appropriate information on food labels. The aim of this research was to analyse the information shown on labels for different types of bread produced in Latvia. Different types of bread were chosen from 28 bakeries located in regions throughout Latvia. For statistical analysis, the data were processed using the S-PLUS 6.1 Professional Edition. From the analysis of labels on bread in Latvian, we conclude there is an absence of information about energy; only 4.8% of labels presented energy calculated according to the Nutritional Labelling Regulation 90/496/ECC., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)