Over the past few decades, microwave processing and its high potential capabilities have attracted food scientists. Application of microwave for microencapsulation is an innovative and new method in which the shell, due to having different dielectric constant, can fuse and cover core. In this research, the citric acid powder at various size ranges was microencapsulated by casein and inulin, using a domestic microwave oven. Then, for sensory evaluation purposes, they along with uncoated citric acid and commercial microcapsules were incorporated in chewing gum formulation. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations revealed the potential capability of this technique at micronized scales. Moreover, findings on some sensory characteristics showed practical and efficient applicability of inulin-coated microcapsules in chewing gum where its sensory scores were competitive and even much better than commercial ones. In addition, these observations elucidate a new approach for producing functional, nutritional and dietetic chewing gums.
The objective of this study was to explore the effects of ultrasound probe diameter, reactor diameter, and juice level in the reactor upon effectiveness of ultrasound waves on decontamination of sour cherry juice. Results showed that the effects of probe diameter, reactor diameter and reactor height were significant (P<0.01). In addition, by increasing the probe diameter from 30 to 40 mm no significant effect was seen in reactors with 65 and 75 mm diameter; however, for 85 mm diameter reactor, the effect of ultrasound waves diminished and, as a result, the total microbial count increased. Increasing the probe diameter from 20 to 30 and then 40 mm, on the average decreased the total microbial count by 15% and 5%, respectively. This effect was obvious at 85 mm diameter, and any increase in height steepened the slope of total microbial count. Finally, using the response surface method (RSM), optimum values were obtained for reactor diameter, reactor height, and probe diameter.
The uniform and quick germination of seeds is crucial for better growth, yield and quality traits of vegetable crops. Likewise, the seeds of the bitter gourd have a thick and hard seed coat, germination and field emergence are always problematic for this crop. One of the best, economical, readily available,method for reducing seed dormancy and promoting germination is pre-sowing seed treatment. Therefore, a field trail was conducted at Horticultural Garden, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam to explore the efficacy of seed primimg on bitter gourd germination and growth attributes. The experiment was run in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), consisted of two varieties, Karan and Jaunpur-I, and two priming sources, zinc solutions (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% w/v) and distilled water. The seeds were primed for 24 hours. Additionally, the untreated seeds were used as control. The results revealed that seed priming treatments significantly influenced bitter gourd's growth traits (P<0.05), except for pH, TSS, ash, and moisture. Moreover, increasing zinc concentrations were associated with a decreasing pattern in seed germination and growth-related attributes. The optimal results were achieved with 0.1% zinc priming, showed 90% seed germination, minimum flowering time (44.33days), fresh fruit weight (152.57g), fruit length (18.54cm), fruit diameter (18.7cm), and fruit plant-1(39.17). Notably, all parameters, except seed germination percentage, aligned closely with results obtained from distilled water priming. The varietal comparison revealed non-significant differences in most parameters except fresh fruit weight and pH, while the interaction between bittergourd varieties and seed priming treatments significantly influenced fruit length and fruits plant-1. The study concluded that seed priming with the lowest concentration of 0.1% zinc effectively enhanced bittergourd germination and growth attributes. However, for optimal growth, zinc priming at 0.1% could be replaced by priming in distilled water.
In this research the effect of conventional and ohmic pasteurization and storage time at different temperatures on some bioactive components of Aloe vera gel juice was investigated. Aloe vera gel juice was pasteurized conventionally and ohmically at 90 oC for 1 min. The effect of pasteurization on vitamin C, total phenolic content and juice color was evaluated. The samples pasteurized conventionally, stored up to 30 days at 4 and 25 oC. The effect of storage time on the stated components and also on glucomannan of the juice was evaluated. The results showed that pasteurization reduced vitamin C content and decreasing of vitamin C during ohmic heating was more than conventional heating. Total phenolic content increased during ohmic pasteurization more significant than conventional pasteurization. Browning index of samples after pasteurization increased but there were not any differences between browning index of samples pasteurized conventionally and ohmically. During storage at 4 and 25oC, total phenolic content remained stable, but vitamin C contents reduced from 84.47 to 54.96 at 4oC and 46.82 at 25oC mg vitamin C/100 g d.m and glucomannan contents reduced from 2.11 to 1.77 at 4oC and 1.71 g/L at 25oC.. Browning index increased significantly at both storage temperatures, which was more intensive at 25 than 4 oC.