Nutritional composition of selected green leafy vegetables,herbs and carrots

Six green leafy vegetables and herbs – spinach, amaranth, bengal gram, cauliflower, mint, coriander and carrots – were analyzed for moisture, protein,ascorbic acid, -carotene, total iron, ionizable iron (as % of total iron) in vitro iron (% of total iron), copper, manganese and zinc. Moisture content of the leaves and carrots varied from 75.1 percent (bengal gram) to 95.4 percent (carrot) and protein from 9.83 percent (carrots) to 30.9 (mint) percent. Ascorbic acid, -carotene, total iron and ionizable iron contents were at a maximum in case of bengal gram leaves whereas level of ionizable iron and in vitro iron as a percent of total iron was highest in carrots. Copper, manganese and zinc contents were maximum in spinach.     

Changes in β-carotene and ascorbic acid content of fresh amaranth and fenugreek leaves during storage by low cost technique

Leafy vegetables are highly perishable and their shelf life depends on duration and conditions of storage. A low cost storage structure was used to extend the shelf life of amaranth and fenugreek and their quality was evaluated on the basis of retention of -carotene, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll during storage. Losses of -carotene ranged from 46.5 to 85.0% for amaranth and 24.0 to 73.0% for fenugreek depending on duration and conditions of storage. Similarly ascorbic acid retention varied from 9–32% for amaranth and 23–80% for fenugreek. Results showed that the degradation of quality parameters was faster at ambient conditions and packaging of leaves in low density polyethylene bags was beneficial in improving shelf life and nutritive value. Low cost storage structure was similar to low temperature storage for retention of -carotene, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content and enhancement of shelf life.     

Amaranth as a rich dietary source of β-sitosterol and other phytosterols

The analysis of 4 commonly available amaranth varieties (Amaranthus K343, RRC1011, K433, K432) revealed the presence of all three major phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmas-terol) with a total sterol content being several fold higher than those found in other studied plants. Substantial differences in total phytosterol content and beta-sitosterol content were found between the amaranth varieties. The most commonly cultivated amaranth variety in the United States, i.e., Amaranthus K343 was found to possess the highest levels of phytosterols of the varieties tested. The possibility of screening for superior amaranth varieties with various health properties is outlined.     

Effect of traditional processing practices on the content of total carotenoid, β-carotene, α-carotene and vitamin A activity of selected Tanzanian vegetables

The α-carotene, β-carotene and total provitamin A carotenoids and the effect of traditional processing practices on the retention of these provitamins were studied using amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves. Results of this study indicated that the content of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene were in the range of 26.79–44.74 mg, 4.16–19.12 mg, and 0.99–10.26 mg per 100 g of dry vegetables, respectively. The vitamin A activities were 4.042, 3.124, 0.829, 2.025 and 1.581 mg RE per 100 g of dry amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves, respectively. The traditional processing practices of sun drying and storage in ventilated containers resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the concentration of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene for all the vegetables. Conventional blanching and cooking resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the concentration of carotenoids in the cowpea, peanut and pumpkin leaves while in amaranth and sweet potato greens, thermal processing resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrese in the concentration of these nutrients.     

Enhancement of Folate Content and Its Stability Using Food Grade Elicitors in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Folate (vitamin B?) content was evaluated in 10 varieties of coriander with the aim of enhancing its concentration and stability, because of three reasons: 1) coriander is among a few widely used greens in the world and suits many cuisines, 2) folate deficiency is prevalent in developing countries causing anaemia, infant mortality and neural tube closure defects, and 3) natural folate is preferred due to doubts about health risks associated with the synthetic form. In C. sativum, the highest folate content of 1,577 μg/100 g DW was found in var. GS4 Multicut foliage of mature plants (marketable stage) with an insignificantly higher content (1,599.74 μg/100 g DW) at flowering, which is a stage not preferred in markets. In callus cultures treated with plant growth regulators (GRs) (6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin and abscisic acid) substantial increase in folate occurred after 6 h, whereas elicitors (methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid) caused rapid 2-fold increase of folate, particularly in response to salicylic acid. Based on these observations, foliar applications were done for in vivo plants, where salicylic acid (250 μM, 24 h) also enhanced folate level by 2-folds (3,112.33 μg/100 g DW), although the content varied with diurnal rhythms. Stability of folates in treated coriander foliage was 10 % higher than in untreated foliage when stored at 25 °C and 4 °C. This study has established for the first time that coriander foliage is rich in folates, which can be doubled by elicitation and impart 10 % more stability than control during processing and storage.     

Evaluation of amaranth grains for ogi manufacture

Grain amaranth was evaluated for its ogi making quality. Amaranth, which produced lower (70%) yield of ogi than corn (80%), had higher protein content of 12.2% for its ogi than that of corn with a corresponding value of 6.7%. Nutrient losses were lower for amaranth than corn ogi. Amylograph pasting viscosity showed that amaranth ogi had slightly higher peak viscosity and lower setback value than corn ogi. It was apparent that amaranth grains would be suitable for ogi manufacture.     

Carotenoid Content of Commonly Consumed Herbs and Assessment of Their Bioaccessibility Using an In Vitro Digestion Model

Herbs are a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals such as carotenoids, which are known to exert various positive biological effects. However, there is very limited information in the literature regarding the content and bioavailability of carotenoids from commonly consumed herbs. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were first, to determine the carotenoid content of eight herbs namely basil (Ocimum basilicum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), mint (Metha L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.); and second, to assess carotenoid bioaccessibility from these herbs using a simulated human in vitro digestion model. Carotenoid bioaccessibility is defined as the amount of carotenoids transferred to micelles after digestion when compared with the original amount present in the food. The content of individual carotenoids varied significantly among the herbs tested. Carotenoid bioaccessibility varied from 0 to 42.8%. Basil and coriander, and their respective micelles, contained the highest levels of β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein + zeaxanthin. Our findings show that herbs are rich sources of carotenoids and that these foods can significantly contribute to the intake of bioaccessible carotenoids.     

Proximate composition and mineral content of selected Tanzanian vegetables and the effect of traditional processing on the retention of ascorbic acid,riboflavin and thiamine

Proximate composition, mineral content and the effect of traditional processing practices on the retention of ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine were studied using amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweetpotato leaves. Results of this study indicated that, crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate and ash contents were in the range of 20.64–46.56 percent, 2.57–4.34 percent, 35.43–63.50 percent and 8.92–15.69 percent respectively. The mineral content per 100 g of fresh vegetables was in the range of 83.64–229.34 mg, 145.97–780.19 mg, 11.56–21.31 mg, 43.02–110.30 mg, 0.96–5.90 mg and 0.40–2.24 mg for Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe and Zn respectively. For ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine, concentrations in 100 g of fresh vegetables were in the range of 43.78–89.00 mg, 0.62–1.71 mg and 0.09–0.30 mg respectively. The traditional processing practices of sun/shade drying and storing in ventilated containers resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine for all vegetables. Conventional blanching and cooking for up to 15 minutes resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in riboflavin content in cowpea, peanut and pumpkin greens while in amaranth and sweetpotato leaves, thermal processing resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the vitamin. Based on the results of this study, the vegetables were good dietary sources of minerals, carbohydrate and protein.     

关中平原农户冬小麦养分资源投入的调查与分析

针对目前我国化肥用量激增的现状和农民养分资源投入中存在的问题,在关中平原冬小麦种植区域选取3个区/县进行冬小麦养分资源投入调查分析。结果表明：2009年小麦产量适中的农户占38.3 %;偏低的农户占26.7 %;很低的农户占22.5 %;偏高的农户占11.7 %;很高的农户占0.8 %。冬小麦的纯N平均用量为191.0 kg.hm-2;P2O5平均用量为129.9 kg.hm-2;K2O平均用量为43.8 kg.hm-2。氮肥投入量适中的农户占12.5%;偏低的农户占17.5 %;很低的农户占20 %;偏高的农户占11.7%;很高的农户占38.3%。磷肥投入量适中的农户占8.3%;偏低的农户占37.5 %;很低的农户占19.2 %;偏高的农户占23.3%;很高的农户占11.7%。钾肥投入量适中的农户占6.7%;偏低的占5.0 %;很低的占85.8 %;偏高的占1.7%;很高的占0.8%。养分资源投入以无机为主,有机为辅;投入形式以基施为主。     

Chemical Composition and Bile Acid Binding Activity of Products Obtained from Amaranth (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Amaranthus cruentus</Emphasis>) Seeds

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the greatest cause of mortality in the world, and dislipidemia is appearing as one of the most important risk factors. The binding of bile acids (BAs) has been hypothesized as a possible mechanism by which dietary fibers lower blood cholesterol levels. Besides the fibers, other components in the amaranth seeds may be related to this hypocholesterolemic effect. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the BA binding capacity of some products obtained from defatted amaranth flour (DAF) and from the amaranth protein concentrate (APC). The alkaline residue, rich in fibers (8.6%), presented the lowest binding activity for the BAs tested, with the exception of glycocholic acid. The DAF showed intermediary binding activity for all the BAs tested, although similar to that of the APC for deoxycholic acid, and to that of the amaranth protein hydrolysate (APH) for taurocholic acid. The DAF and APC showed binding activity for secondary bile acids toxic to the intestinal mucus. From the results, amaranth products were shown to have the ability to bind BAs, but it was not possible to affirm whether the main component responsible for this activity was the proteins, fibers or eventually some other non-evaluated component.     

不同热风干燥温度对高良姜片品质特性的影响

为明确热风干燥温度对高良姜片品质特性的影响,以高良姜为原料,分别对60、70、80、90 ℃条件下干燥获得的高良姜片的干燥时间、色泽、总酚、总黄酮和挥发性成分进行了比较分析.结果表明:高良姜片的干燥时间随温度升高而减小,60℃时干燥时间为29h,90℃时缩短为11h;高良姜片L*值随温度的升高而增大,a*值和b*值则整...     

High economic returns from companion and relay cropping of bread wheat and menthol mint in the winter–summer season in north Indian plains

A total of 17 cropping schedules for the winter (rabi)–summer (zaid) season of north Indian plains were compared for the yield and economics of produce per hectare of land. In comparison to wheat, the sucker-planted mint crop was estimated to bring in a 32% higher income. The co-cultivation of wheat with sucker-planted mint gave 15% more productivity over wheat alone and 70% over mint alone. The relay cropping of wheat followed by transplanted mint had the highest productivity, 45% higher than that of co-cultivated wheat and mint. The cultivar HD 2285 of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Himalaya/Kosi cultivars of mint (Mentha arvensis L.) were found to fit well in the co-cultivation and relay cropping schedules using wheat and mint crops. The results allowed recommendation of the following rotations for high yield together with resource conservation, permitting intensive agriculture by farmers with small holdings in Indo-Gangetic plains: (1) rice/greengram/blackgram, transplanted basil, wheat+mint, pigeonpea, chickpea, transplanted mint; and (2) pigeonpea, wheat, transplanted mint, rice, transplanted basil, wheat+mint.     

Physical Quality and Carotene Content of Solar-Dried Green Leafy and Yellow Succulent Vegetables

The effects of vegetable type, vegetable dimensions, and solar drier load on dehydration rate; and texture, color, water activity, and carotene content of solar-dried carrots, sweet potatoes, and collard greens were studied. Mean dehydration rates (moisture loss,%/hr) for solar dried loads of 430 g/m² and 715 g/m² were 3.3 ± 0.30% and 3.8 ± 0.20% for carrots and sweet potatoes, respectively. Loads of 360 g/m² and 465 g/m² of collard greens had dehydration rates of 6.3 ± 0.10% moisture loss per hr. The results showed that vegetable type accounted for significant differences (p < 0.01) in dehydration rate, and beta-carotene content. Vegetable dimensions affected (p < 0.05) water activity. Solar drier load affected water activity (p < 0.01), and hue angle (p < 0.05). Beta-carotene contents (dry basis) of dehydrated carrot, sweet potato, and collard treatments were 10.9–17.4%, 7.6–9.8%, and 11.9–21.5%, respectively. Among the carrot treatments, the 5-mm thick slices packed at a load of 715 g/m² contained the highest beta-carotene (17.4%, dry basis) and vitamin A activity (362 IU/g, dry basis), and good physical properties. For collard greens, the 2-cm and 3-cm wide strips packed at 360 g/m² loads had the best combinations of high beta-carotene (21.5% and 17.2%, dry basis, respectively), vitamin A activity (357.2 and 293.1 IU/g, dry basis, respectively), and optimal color, texture, and water activity. Beta-carotene losses due to solar dehydration were 48.9–67.5%, 4.0–5.8%, and 1.9–19.8% (dry basis) in carrots, sweet potato and collard greens, respectively.     

荔枝果实干制加工的热烫和无硫护色工艺

荔枝是我国南方一种重要的热带、亚热带水果,具有较高的营养价值和商业潜力.然而,在高温高湿季节,采后荔枝果实极易发生腐烂变质、果皮褐变、病原菌侵染等品质劣变现象.因此,荔枝果实除鲜食外,常被加工成不同的商业产品,特别是荔枝果干.干制荔枝由于干制加工时间较长,易发生果皮褐变,导致其外观色泽、产品质量和风味丧失,最终限制荔枝...     

Digital imaging as a tool to study the structure of porous baked foods

Processing of images captured by a digital camera showed to be useful in studying the microstructure (porosity characteristics and fractal dimension) of leavened baked products. Five different samples were baked including a control and 4 other samples in which wheat flour was partially replaced with other plant flours. Pasting temperature (°C) ranged from 72.94 to 76.25 with chickpea flour showing the highest value. The sample containing amaranth flour presented high porosity (8.23%) with high number of large pores. Whereas, the number of pores was highest for teff flour with 209 pores. This is an indication of weak potential of amaranth flour in stabilizing gas cells. The fractal dimension ranged from 1.644 to 1.683, where amaranth flour showed the lowest fractal dimension. The pore characteristics evaluation, pore size distribution, number of pores, mean area and largest area of pores were influenced when gluten was reduced. Processed images proved that coalescence can be a cause of large pore development when gluten is partially removed.     

渭北旱塬农户冬小麦养分资源投入调查与分析

为了解目前我国化肥用量的现状和农民养分资源投入中存在的问题,在渭北旱塬冬小麦种植区域选取3个区/县进行了冬小麦养分资源投入的调查分析.结果表明,2009年小麦产量适中的农户占10.0％,偏低的农户占7.5％,很低的农户占79.2％,偏高的农户占3.3％,很高的农户占0.0％.冬小麦纯N平均用量为191.5 kg·hm-2,P2O5平均用量为121.2 kg·hm-2,K2O平均用量为74.4 kg·hm-.氮肥投入量适中的农户占30.0％,偏低的占5.0％,很低的占4.2％,偏高的占22.5％,很高的占38.3％.磷肥投入量适中的农户占14.2％,偏低的占41.7％,很低的占15.0％,偏高的占15.8％,很高的占13.3％.钾肥投入量适中的农户占2.5％,偏低的占2.5％,很低的占78.3％,偏高的占5.0％,很高的占11.7％.养分资源投入以无机为主,有机为辅;投入形式以基施为主.     

Use of amaranth,quinoa and kañiwa in extruded corn-based snacks

Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) are pseudocereals regarded as good gluten-free sources of protein and fiber. A co-rotating twin screw extruder was used to obtain corn-based extrudates containing amaranth/quinoa/kañiwa (20% of solids). Box–Behnken experimental design with three independent variables was used: water content of mass (WCM, 15–19%), screw speed (SS, 200–500 rpm) and temperature of the die (TEM, 150–170 °C). Milled and whole samples were stored in open headspace vials at 11 and 76% relative humidity (RH) for a week before being sealed and stored for 9 weeks in the dark. Hexanal content was determined by using headspace gas chromatography. Extrudates containing amaranth presented the highest sectional expansion index (SEI) (p < 0.01) while pure corn extrudates (control) presented the lowest SEI and greatest hardness (p < 0.01). SEI increased with increasing SS and decreasing WCM. In storage, whole extrudates exposed to 76% RH presented the lowest formation of hexanal. This study proved that it was possible to increase SEI by adding amaranth, quinoa and kañiwa to pure corn flour. The evaluation of lipid oxidation suggested a remarkable stability of whole extrudates after exposure to high RH.     

Nutritional Evaluation of Wheat–Fenugreek Blends for Product Making

Wheat flour was separately substituted with fenugreek flour (raw, soaked, and germinated) at 5–20% levels for product making. Nutrient analysis of the blends, product development, and their acceptability were carried out. Replacement of wheat flour with fenugreek flour increased the protein, fat, lysine, minerals, and dietary fibre contents proportionately to the level of substitution. Among the composite flours, the blends containing germinated fenugreek flour were found superior in nutritional quality compared to others. However, products, viz., bread, biscuits, noodles, and macaroni prepared from the wheat–fenugreek blends at 10, 15, and 20% levels, were found organoleptically acceptable.     

8份链荚豆种质坪用价值评价

通过观察8份链荚豆种质草坪密度、均一性、颜色、耐践踏性、草坪盖度等5个坪用价值相关指标,根据草坪不同功能确定指标权重后评分,按照分值进行坪用价值综合评价。结果表明：8份链荚豆种质中,评分最高的是湛江圆叶,得分最低的是儋州尖叶。参照综合坪用价值,湛江圆叶、儋州圆叶、儋州高种、海口圆叶适合作观赏草坪和休憩草坪,湛江圆叶和儋州圆叶适合作运动草坪,湛江圆叶和儋州高种适合作保土草坪。     

Antiproliferative Effect of Amaranth Proteins and Peptides on HT-29 Human Colon Tumor Cell Line

Antiproliferative effect of Amaranthus mantegazzianus proteins and peptides released after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (DH% 37.8?±?3.8) was investigated on human colon cancer cell line HT-29. Inhibition of proliferation of HT-29 cells was exhibited after a 24 h treatment with different concentrations of amaranth protein isolate (API) and the peptides released after digestion (DGS), presenting IC₅₀ values of 1.35?±?0.12 and 0.30?±?0.07 mg soluble protein/mL, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase assay indicated that both samples caused the loss of membrane integrity and cell lysis over HT-29 cells, and DAPI fluorescence microscopies evidenced typical apoptotic features. Moreover, Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry showed a significant increase of early apoptotic and late apoptotic/necrotic HT-29 cells compared to untreated ones, and caspase-3 assay confirmed the apoptosis induction with a 43.0?±?10.3 and 65.8?±?12.7% increase of caspase-3 activity produced by a 2 mg/mL treatment of API and DGS, respectively. In conclusion, amaranth peptides successfully released after simulated gastrointestinal digestion would exert a potential antiproliferative activity over HT-29 tumor cells. This effect was linked to the induction of cell necrosis and apoptosis, supporting the idea of using amaranth proteins as a potential food alternative ingredient for functional foods.