Structural and mechanical properties of Turkish delight production using fruit and vegetable paste

The purpose of the study is to determine the structural and mechanical properties of Turkish delight based on the fruit and vegetable paste made from pumpkin, quince and apples, made according to the developed technology. The developed method of production of Turkish delight with fruit and vegetable paste allows to achieve a double effect of the introduction of technology, namely to increase the content of functional ingredients in Turkish delight, as well as to achieve a technological one. Which consists in improved structural and mechanical properties of the locum mass and the finished product, and also allows to achieve original sensory characteristics without the use of dyes and flavorings. The significant content of pectin substances (4.31 % per 100 g) in the fruit and vegetable paste made it possible to achieve a reduction in the recipe content of starch in the technology of Turkish delight. This was confirmed by determining the structural and mechanical properties of the mass and the finished product. Thus, the rational content of starch is set at the level of 80 % of its prescription amount. According to the nature of the curves of the dependence of viscosity on the shear rate and the presence of the ultimate shear stress, locum mass belongs to non-ideally plastic solids. The viscosity index of the locum mass sample with paste and reduced starch content by 20 % has a value similar to the control. Also positive is the shortening of the process of cooking the locum mass in a vacuum-evaporator by 15...20 minutes due to its higher initial dry matter content compared to the control sample. The determination by an expert group of scientists of the indicators of quality in terms of structure and appearance according to a five-point rating showed that the obtained Turkish delight with paste has better indicators. The developed Turkish delight technology can be recommended for healthy nutritio

Chemical composition of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ascocarps of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) were found in natural oak and beech forests on calcareous soils, at altitude of 840–850 m, near the town of Šipovo in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), with the help of trained dogs.  Until now, no one in B&H has researched the chemical composition of summer truffle. The aim of the work is to analyze nutritional value, elemental composition, and the assortment of fatty acids in the freshly collected ascocarps and to compare achieved results with the results from the literature related to the summer truffle ascocarps found in some other locations, then with the ascomata of other species of truffles, and with the fruiting bodies of some above-ground edible mushrooms. Chemical analysis showed that Tuber aestivum contains about 75.5 % water and about 25.5 % dry matter. The most common group of compounds were carbohydrates, followed by proteins, while the mineral component and fats were much less presented. Among analyzed elements, the most prevalent was potassium with an average concentration of 26,409 mg/kgDW and the least represented was lead with an average concentration of 0.45 mg/kgDW. The main part of the mineral spectrum consisted of three elements: K, P and Ca, with a share of 95.3 %. In ascocarps of summer truffle, 24 fatty acids were detected, of which 13 were saturated and 11 unsaturated. The ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was 58.34 % to 41.66 %. The most common among saturated fatty acids was palmitic with a share of 25.89 %, while the most common unsaturated fatty acid was elaidic with a share of 28.17 %. No ingredients have been found in the fruiting bodies that would make them unfit for human consumption in any wa

Changes in structural units in dough and bread from wheat flour with the addition of pumpkin cellulose in combination with phospholipids

Unfavorable ecological and food security situation in the world causes frequent spread of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, the number of cases of irritable bowel syndrome is increasing, especially among the young working population. Diet therapy, which includes increasing the amount of dietary fiber in combination with phospholipids, is effective for the prevention of these diseases. A perspective raw material with a high content of dietary fibers is pumpkin cellulose, which can be added to the recipe of bakery products instead of part of wheat flour. The aim of the work was to find the effect of pumpkin cellulose in combination with sunflower lecithin on the conformational changes of the structure of dough and bread from wheat flour and the completeness of assimilation of products with this raw material by the organism. It was established that the infrared spectra of wheat flour, pumpkin cellulose and sunflower lecithin differ in reflection intensity and character. In the process of dough fermentation, the conformational transformations deepened with an increase in the amount of replacement of wheat flour with pumpkin cellulose, and the reflection coefficient increased. For bread samples, the reflectance coefficient was lower compared to dough, but there were almost no differences in the location of the spectra. In general, the biological value of samples of bread with additives was lower than the control sample, however, the high content of dietary fibers in pumpkin cellulose makes it a promising raw material for enriching bakery products with a valuable nutrient and giving bread health properties. The rational amount of replacing wheat flour with pumpkin cellulose is no more than 7 %, taking into account the decrease in the biological value of bread with this raw materia

Effect of storage conditions on the physical properties of coffee beans with different qualities

The quality of coffee starts in the field, and goes through the harvesting and post-harvesting processes, and continues to storage and transportation. The storage of coffee beans aims to stock a product for a certain period of time. However, factors such as quality and metabolism of the grain, water content, environmental conditions of the warehouse, type of packaging, and storage time influence the maintenance of these characteristics, and may negatively affect sensory aspects of the beverage. The use of high-barrier packaging or refrigerated storage practices are alternatives that can ensure grain quality during storage. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of raw coffee beans, of different processing and quality levels, packed in impermeable packages and stored in a refrigerated environment. The specialty coffees were previously sampled and characterized as to the drink, with two lots (one of natural coffee and the other of pulped natural coffee) evaluated with a score of 82 points, and another lot of natural coffee evaluated with a score of 84 points. They were packed in two types of packaging: moisture and gas permeable, and gas, moisture, and light impermeable. The beans were stored in ambient conditions without temperature control and in refrigerated environments. The CO2 concentration inside the packaging was measured, and the physical analyses – water content, color, and apparent specific mass – were performed. According to the results there is less variation in the water content and coloration of the grains stored in high barrier packages. The storage of the beans in refrigerated condition and in high barrier packing is efficient in the retarding of the loss of quality of the coffees during the nine months of the experimen

Thermo-physiological responses and oxidative status of West African dwarf rams fed diets containing supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal

Plant secondary metabolites in Tetrapleuratetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe feed additives alternative to non- nutritive chemical and antibiotics to enhance rumen fermentation and feed utilization efficiency with negative oxidative stress. The study investigated the responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams to the diets containing varying levels of supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal on the oxidative status and thermo-physiological parameters. Thirty five (35) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20±0.2 kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate were measured at two week intervals while blood was collected through jugular veins at the onset and at the end of feeding trial to determine oxidative status parameters in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS).Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). No significant difference observed (p>0.05) in the rectal temperature while the pulse rate and breathing rate increased significantly (p<0.05) till 12th week of the experiment. Increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were recorded on the rams at the end of the feeding trial. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of Tetrapleura tetraptera up to 2 % level reduced the oxidative stress in the experimental animals coupled with better thermo-physiological response

Priming seeds with potassium nitrate is associated with modulation of seed germination and seedling growth ecology of cucumis metuliferus

The horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is mostly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, where it thrives on deep to shallow, well-drained soils. Seed dormancy, which causes poor and delayed germination, has remained a problem for farmers in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, who have begun producing horned melon. Midlands State University conducted a laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of potassium nitrate on seed germination and early seedling growth of horned melon. The experiment was set up in a Completely Random Design (CRD) with seven different potassium nitrate (KNO3) concentrations (0 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2.0 %, 2.5 %, and 3.0 %), each duplicated three times. The data was analyzed using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Genstat 18th edition. The characteristics of germination and early seedling development were assessed. All germination and early seedling development characteristics were significantly affected by potassium nitrate. Germination %, mean germination rate, germination index, mean daily germination percent, synchronization of germination, peak value for germination, and germination value all had a significant influence. Potassium nitrate had a significant influence on mean germination time and time to 50 % germination, with the lowest values obtained on seeds primed with 3 % KNO3. There was a significant difference in seedling height, root length, seedling length, fresh biomass, and dry weight between seeds primed with 2.5 % KNO3 and seeds not primed with 2.5 % KNO3. Farmers are advised to use 2.5 % KNO3 concentration for seed priming for optimal germination and early plant development of horned melo

The biological and environmental features of reproduction and distribution of dominant harmful organisms in modern conditions

The article presents research on the features of reproduction of dominant pests of species of organisms in agrobiocenoses growing cereals, leguminous crops, sunflowers and flowers. The article describes the latest ways to control a complex of soil harmful insect species in short-rotation field crop, as well as aerogenic harmful organisms in the integrated use of plant protection products of nutrition systems. In addition, we have identified individual levels of biologically oriented mechanisms of self-regulation of harmful organisms with measures to stabilize the functioning of agrocenoses, which are supplied with natural adaptive reactions in trophic chains. In the region of observations, the complex of pests is controlled by spiders, nematodes, mites, pathogens, predators and parasites. A variety of causative agents of bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal diseases of phytophagous insects deserve special attention. Parasites and predators appear everywhere with trophic chains in 16 rows of the insect class. In recent years, predatory species of ground beetles from a number of Hymenoptera insects that feed on aphids on corn crops with unreasonable intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers have acquired significant importance. The use of compositions of insecticide + UAN, 32 % for seed treatment of grain crops, allows to save mineral nutrition and get an increase in grain yield up to 27 %. This helps to optimize the state of cenoses and obtain high-quality grain while reducing the cost. Measures have been developed to realize the productivity potential of field crops and flowers through low-cost plant protection measures and to determine the mechanisms for controlling the number of phytophages and the development of dominant types of diseases according to the characteristics of their biology and ecolog

The effect of vermicompost and K+amino on the winter rape growth

Vermicompost contains a high concentration of macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and chitinases, as well as immobilized microflora. Vermicompost improves plant germination, growth, biomass, and yield. K+amino is a biologically active liquid soil amendment that is suitable for organic gardens of all types. It is a 100 % veganic growth- and health-promoting liquid microbial inoculant for all plant types, particularly fast-growing crops like vegetables, fruits, and blooms. The purpose of investigation was to look the effect of vermicompost and k+amino on the winter rape germination and growth. Methods: There were six treatments: 1. A rape (means a rape crop in Aru Agricultural Ltd. soil), 2. A rape+YaraBela AXAN 0.3g per pot, 3. A rape+vermicompost 7.9 g per pot in the soil+the vermiextract is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 1:30, 33 ml extract per 1 L water, 4. A rape+vermicompost 7.9 g per pot in the soil, 5. A rape+vermiextract is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 1:30, 33 ml extract per 1 L water, 6. A rape+K+Amino biostimulator is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 5 ml K+Amino per 1 L water. Results: Rape plants were elongated in treatment with YaraBela AXAN. Stem diameter was largest in K+Amino treatment. Root length was lowest in treatment with vermicompst extract (soil was too moisty and compacted). Conclusions: Vermicompost tended to improve plant growth, while stem diameter was largely increased by using k+amino fertilizer. It turns out both actually are good sources of mineral nutrients and also different enzymes and microbes, which help plants gro

Research of phenolic compounds content in yoshta berries for the perspective of cultivation and use in healthy nutrition in the steppe zone of Ukraine

Unfavourable socio-economic conditions and unbalanced nutrition, expressed in the deficiency of biologically active substances, determine the need to use fruit crops as a source of biologically active substances. In world practice, priority is given to fruit plants that have biological activity useful for the human body. The relevance of the concept of balanced natural nutrition is increasing with the growth of the global population. Products containing pesticides, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors or other chemicals are included in the "black" list of all natural food advocates. Jošta fruits is a low-calorie berry, 100 g of berries contain only 45‒48 calories. Nutritional value of yoshta (per 100 g of product): carbohydrates ‒ 9.1 g; fats ‒ 0.2 g; proteins ‒ 0.7 g; water ‒ 80 g. Jošta fruits contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in large quantities, vitamin P (rutin), pectin substances, phytoncides, organic acids, sugar, anthocyanins, potassium, iron, iodine, copper, etc. And the anthocyanins included in its composition accelerate metabolic processes and are capable of breaking down fats. Pectins improve and normalize intestinal microflora, which in turn contributes to cleansing. The aim of the work was the study of Jošta plant as a promising species for further possible ecological diversity of the territory of the right bank of the Dnieper in Ukraine. The rare currant-gooseberry hybrid Jošta plant can be recommended for growing and using fruit products in functional human nutrition. The Jošta can be recommended for the cultivation and use of fruit products in functional human nutrition and, in particular, in the restaurant business namely locavores for the presentation of the author's intellectual interpretation of local product

Use and management of medicinal plants among the Moba in the prefecture of Tone in Togo

Background and research objectives: Finding sustainable management options for the local communities that depend on medicinal plants is crucial in the face of human pressure on these plants. This study contributes to the sustainable management of medecinal plants in Togo. It aims to censusing medecinal plants and pathologies and identify the endogenous sustainable management strategies for medicinal plants in the Moba ethnic group of Togo. Methods: Data was collected through semi-structured ethnobotanical individual interviews with 50 traditional healers, recorded on a Microsoft Excel 10 spreadsheet and processed with the Sphinx5V software and the Microsoft Excel 10 table. Results: 166 medicinal plants were reported in the treatment of 91 pathologies dominated by dysmenorrhoea, stomachache, wounds, general and chronic asthenia, and infantile umbilical hernia. The most represented botanical families were: the Poaceae (12), the Combretaceae (10), and the Euphorbiaceae (10), Caesalpiniaceae (8), and Mimosaceae (7). The most important species according to the Species Importance Value Index (IVIsp) are: Vitellaria paradoxa (159.59), Parkia biglobosa (145.94), Securidaca longipedunculata (145.12), Diospyros mespiliformis (133.51), Annona senegalensis (123.88), Khaya senegalensis (110.52), Cymbopogon proximus (106.88), Cymbopogon giganteus (102.03), Zanthozylum zanthoxyloides (99.005). The most used plant parts are roots (18.6 %), leaves (17.85 %), bark of the trunk (16.66 %), the whole plant (14.28 %) and the fruits (12.30 %). Endogenous management strategies for medicinal plants include in situ protection in fields, reforestation, and respect for totemic trees, groves and sacred forests