Physico-Chemical Changes during Growth and Development of Three Plum Varieties

In order to determine the physico-chemical changes during growth and development of three plum varieties, three species were analyzed (Stanley, Vânăt de Italia and Tuleu Gras) by harvesting the fruits at six different phases of development from the interior and the periphery of the crown. The changes that occurred for the studied samples were the following:  the mass increased from 2.29 g to 37.16 g (Stanley 3.90 g / fruit →30.96 g / fruit, Vânăt de Italia variety 4.42 g / fruit →35.11 g / fruit, Tuleu Gras variety 2.81 g / fruit → 38.29 g / fruit), the diameter increased from 2.52 cm to 5.2 cm (Stanley 3.15 cm / fruit → 5.17 cm / fruit, Vânăt de Italia 3.00 cm  / fruit → 5.20 cm / fruit ,Tuleu Gras 2.63 cm  / fruit → 4.99 cm / fruit), the moisture ranged from 73.83-90.01% (Stanley 79.97% - 88.52% , Vânăt de Italia 75.84% - 87.80%, Tuleu Gras 79.85% - 90.02%), the acidity decreased from 0.48% - 0.07% (Stanley 1.27%→ 0.78%, Vânăt de Italia 1.28%→ 0.80%, Tuleu Gras 1.28%→0.75%), pH increased from 2.52 to 5.2 (Stanley 3.14 → 3.74, Vânăt de Italia 2.72 → 3.78, Tuleu Gras 2.97 → 3.94) and the total soluble solide (TSS) ranged from 6.4-23.95˚Brix (Stanley 6.4˚ → 21.3˚ Brix, Vânăt de Italia 7.05˚ → 23.35˚ Brix, Tuleu Gras 8.55˚ → 23.95˚Brix). The obtained results are helpful for the industry and consumers to choose the suitable plum fruits

Jam Processing on Concord Grapes Variety Polyphenols and Antioxidant Capacity

This objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of jam processing of Concord grapes variaty on the physiochemical properties. The antioxidant phenolic compounds were extracted and analyzed by determining the total phenolic content (Folin Ciocalteu), as well as by employing free radical DPPH. The chemical composition of Concord grapes variety is in agreement with the literature concerning at moisture content, ash content and  total soluble solids. The results showed that grape jam had the highest antioxidant activity than grape juices (26.98 % respectively 12.14 %)  and total phenolic content is bigger in fresh Concord grapes (390 mg GAE/100 g than 235 mg GAE/100g  in grape jam ). Although Concord grapes it should be considered as a raw material for jam processing, they have the same potential as fresh fruits or even higher

New Uses of Hawthorn Fruits in Tonic Wines Technology

Tonic wines are true natural elixirs, having the property to fortify the organism. To achieve a complex product and to supplement the antioxidant properties of the wine, the hawthorn fruits were added. They completed the product by maceration, so that the tonic wine got major active substances which have great medicinal value being effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. The content of polyphenols of tonic wine is about six times higher than in simple wine, the hawthorn representing a product rich in polyphenols (510.2 mg GAE/100g). Antioxidant capacity increased when hawthorn fruits were added, as they have an important contribution in terms of new product antioxidant properties. Hawthorn, honey and rosemary added extra minerals in the total dry extract. The relative density increased due to the substances present in hawthorn. The concentration of alcohol slightly increased due to the fermentation which triggers during maceration. The acidity of the new tonic wine developed here was higher, as compared to the simple wine. Higher acidity also contributed to the palatability, the new tonic wine showing a pleasant refreshing taste