Quality improvement of a rice-substituted fried noodle by utilizing the protein-polyphenol interaction between a pea protein isolate and green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract

Improvement of okara noodle quality by modifying the soluble/insoluble dietary fibre ratio

This study investigated the effect of okara modified through cellulase hydrolysis and extrusion on noodle quality. Modification increased the soluble dietary fibre/insoluble dietary fibre (SDF/IDF) ratio in okara, improved appearance, cooking, and texture, and reduced starch digestibility of okara noodles. The 4.0 % cellulase enzymolysis-extruded okara noodles exhibited the quality closest to that of wheat noodles, with an estimated glycaemic index (eGI) < 55 (low-GI). As the okara SDF/IDF ratio increased, the water mobility of noodles decreased, indicating that an increase in the SDF/IDF ratio reduced competitive water absorption of okara. In addition, increased SDF/IDF ratio increased β-sheet content and promoted the enhanced hydrogen bond interactions between proteins and polymerisation between gliadin and glutenin. Moreover, the microstructure of noodles with a higher SDF/IDF ratio of okara was more continuous and compact, further confirming the promotional effect of okara with a higher SDF/IDF ratio on the quality of okara noodles.

Exploration of Calocybe indica mushroom phenolic acid-kidney bean protein complex: Functional properties, amino acid profiles, in-vitro digestibility, and application in vegan product development

The study evaluates the interaction between Calocybe indica mushroom polyphenols (phenolic acid) and kidney bean protein (KBPM), aiming to enhance vegan food quality. The mushrooms exhibited a carbohydrate content of 3.65%, an antioxidant activity of 55.04 ± 0.17%, and a phenolic content of 4.86 mg GAE/g. Caffeic and cinnamic acids were identified through high-pressure liquid chromatography. Various concentrations of KBPM were tested at phenolic acid concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1%, among these, KBPM 0.2 demonstrated the highest binding efficiency of 99.40 ± 0.05%. Notably, this complex improved the protein's functional properties, such as solubility by 11.43%, water and oil holding capacities by 10.62% and 22.04%, and emulsion capacity and stability by 3.69% and 5.83%, respectively, compared to the native protein. The protein-phenolic acid complex also enhanced thermal stability, surface charge, amino acid content, and reduced particle size compared to native protein. These enhancements also improved protein digestibility and sensory attributes in a fruit-based smoothie.

Dissecting Maillard reaction production in fried foods: Formation mechanisms, sensory characteristic attribution, control strategy, and gut homeostasis regulation

Foods rich in carbohydrates or fats undergo the Maillard reaction during frying, which promotes the color, flavor and sensory characteristics formation. In the meanwhile, Maillard reaction intermediates and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have a negative impact on food sensory quality and gut homeostasis. This negative effect can be influenced by food composition and other processing factors. Whole grain products are rich in polyphenols, which can capture carbonyl compounds in Maillard reaction, and reduce the production of AGEs during frying. This review summarizes the Maillard reaction production intermediates and AGEs formation mechanism in fried food and analyzes the factors affecting the sensory formation of food. In the meanwhile, the effects of Maillard reaction intermediates and AGEs on gut homeostasis were summarized. Overall, the innovative processing methods about the Maillard reaction are summarized to optimize the sensory properties of fried foods while minimizing the formation of AGEs.

Improvement of the oxidative stability of instant fried noodles using free and microencapsulated borage (Echium amoenum) and black hollyhock (Altaea rosea var nigra) extracts

This study investigated the oxidative stability of instant fried noodles by applying free and microencapsulated black hollyhock extracts (BHE) and borage extracts (BE) (BE, BHE, ME-BE and ME-BHE). At first, the BE and BHE were encapsulated with whey protein and maltodextrin at a 90:10 ratio through a spray dryer. After evaluating particle characteristics (including anthocyanin content, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), particle size, and morphology), they were added to the noodle formulation (wheat flour 78.5%, NaCl 0.78%, and water 21.21%) at 1% w/w level, and the physicochemical (proximate analysis, pH, color, cooking loss, and texture), sensory properties (taste, odor, color, texture, and overall acceptability), and oxidative stability (acid value, peroxide value, anisidine index, thiobarbituric acid index, conjugated dienes) of the fried noodles were studied. The results showed that the microcapsules had uneven shapes with angular surfaces. There was no significant difference between the zeta potential, particle size, PDI, and encapsulation efficiency of BE- and BHE-loaded microcapsules, and the values reported fell between -34.96 and -34.84 mV, 1.128 and 1.195 μm, 0.247 and 0.283, and 80.08% and 83.47%, respectively. Adding extracts to the functional noodles decreased cooking loss and pH compared to the control. The noodles exhibited a darker color. BE and BHE reduced the oxidation of fried noodle oil, with microencapsulated extracts showing stronger effects during storage (p < .05). Sensory evaluation indicated high acceptability for all samples. Encapsulation effectively preserves the natural antioxidant activities of BE and BHE, providing potential benefits for food processing and storage.

Heat treatment effect on whey protein-epigallocatechin gallate interaction: A fluorescence spectroscopic analysis

This study aimed to examine the interaction mechanism of polyphenol protein in a heat-treated aqueous solution system using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and whey protein (WP) as raw materials. Further, we hypothesized the binding characteristics of these two compounds. The results were as follows: The quenching mechanism between WP and EGCG was characterized as static quenching. As the temperature increased, the binding constant and the binding force between EGCG and WP both increased. The number of binding sites (denoted as n) between WP and EGCG was approximately 1. Hence, WP provided a single site to bind to EGCG to form a complex. The main binding modes between WP and EGCG were hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and they were spontaneously combined into complexes (ΔG < 0). This study provided a basis for the interaction between WP and EGCG under different heating conditions and their combination mode.

Plant-Based Protein-Phenolic Interactions: Effect on different matrices and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

This review summarizes the literature on the interaction between plant-based proteins and phenolics. The structure of the phenolic compound, the plant source of proteins, matrix properties (pH, temperature), and interaction mechanism (covalent and non-covalent) change the secondary structure, ζ-potential, surface hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of proteins as well as their functional properties including solubility, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Studies indicated that the foaming and emulsifying properties may be affected either positively or negatively according to the type and concentration of the phenolic compound. Protein digestibility, on the other hand, differs depending on (1) the phenolic concentration, (2) whether the food matrix is ​​solid or liquid, and (3) the state of the food-whether it is heat-treated or prepared as a mixture without heat treatment in the presence of phenolics. This review comprehensively covers the effects of protein-phenolic interactions on the structure and properties of proteins, including functional properties and digestibility both in model systems and real food matrix.

Interactions of legume phenols-rice protein concentrate towards improving vegan food quality: Development of a protein-phenols enriched fruit smoothie

Phenol-protein interaction is considered an effective tool to improve the functional properties of vegan proteins. The present work aimed to evaluate the covalent interaction between kidney bean polyphenols with rice protein concentrate and studied their characteristics for quality improvement in vegan-based foods. The impact of interaction on the techno-functional properties of protein was evaluated and the nutritional composition revealed that kidney bean was rich in carbohydrates. Furthermore, a noticeable antioxidant activity (58.11 ± 1.075 %) due to the presence of phenols (5.5 mg GAE/g) was observed for the kidney bean extract. Moreover, caffeic acid and p-Coumaric acid were confirmed using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography and the amount was 194.43 and 0.9272 mg/kg, respectively. A range of rice protein- phenols complexes (PPC0.025, PPC0.050, PPC0.075, PPC0.1, PPC0.2, PPC 0.5, PPC1) were examined and PPC0.2 and PPC0.5 showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher binding efficiency with proteins via covalent interaction. The conjugation reveals changes in physicochemical properties of rice protein, including, reduced size (178.4 nm) and imparted negative charges (-19.5 mV) of the native protein. The presence of amide Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, was confirmed in native protein and protein-phenol complex with vibration bands, particularly at 3784.92, 1631.07, and 1234 cm^-1, respectively. The X-ray diffraction pattern depicted a slight decrease in crystallinity after the complexation and scanning electron microscopy revealed the alteration in morphology from less to improved smoothness and continuous surface characteristics for the complex. Thermo gravimetric analysis revealed high thermal stability of the complex with a maximum weight loss at a temperature range of 400-500 °C. Protein-phenol complex added fruit-based smoothie was developed and it was found to be acceptable in terms of various sensory attributes including color & appearance, textural consistency, and mouthfeel as compared to the control smoothie. Overall, this study provided novel insights to understand the phenol-protein interactions and the possible use of the phenol-rice protein complex in the development of vegan-based food products.

Reducing the Flocculation of Milk Tea Using Different Stabilizers to Regulate Tea Proteins

The regulation of flocs derived from polyphenol–protein formation in milk tea has not been fully explored. In this study, the flocculation of milk tea was regulated by adding 10 kinds of stabilizers with different characteristics. The stability coefficient and centrifugal precipitation rate were used as indexes. The optimal concentration ratio of the complex stabilizer was identified using the response surface methodology (RSM), being 0.04% for Arabic gum, 0.02% for β-cyclodextrin and 0.03% for Agar. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the characteristics of different stabilizers in milk tea, and our findings were as follows: (1) The relative strength of the peaks in different stable systems was different. The absorption peaks were mainly near the wave numbers 3376 cm−1, 2928 cm−1, 1655 cm−1, 1542 cm−1, 1408 cm−1, 1047 cm−1 and 925 cm−1. (2) The milk tea system was an amorphous structure. The diffraction peak of the composite system was observed to be about 20°. The crystallinity of the milk tea in the compound group was 33.16%, which was higher than that of the blank group (9.67%). (3) The compound stabilizer reduced flocculation, and the stabilizing agents improved the surface order of milk tea. These results indicate that the combination of polysaccharide stabilizers (Arabic gum and agar) and oligosaccharide stabilizers (β-CD) in certain proportions can regulate the flocculation of milk tea and improve its stability. The potential research avenues involving polyphenol–protein complex instability systems and their applications in food development are expanded by this work.

Understanding of physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of ovalbumin-sodium alginate composite nanoparticle-encapsulated kaempferol/tannin acid

In this research, ovalbumin (OVA) and sodium alginate (SA) were used as the materials to prepare an OVA–SA composite carrier, which protected and encapsulated the hydrophobic kaempferol (KAE) and the hydrophilic tannic acid (TA) (OVA–SA, OVA–TA–SA, OVA–KAE–SA, and OVA–TA–KAE–SA). Results showed that the observation of small diffraction peaks in carriers proved the successful encapsulation of KAE/TA. The protein conformation of the composite nanoparticles changed. OVA–TA–SA composite nanoparticles had the highest α-helix content and the fewest random coils, so the protein structure of it had the strongest stability. OVA–TA–KAE–SA composite nanoparticles had the strongest system stability and thermal stability, which might be due to the synergistic effect of the two polyphenols, suggesting the encapsulation of KAE/TA increased the system stability and the thermal stability of OVA–SA composite nanoparticles. Additionally, the composite nanoparticles were endowed with antioxidant ability and antibacterial ability (against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) in the order OVA–TA–SA > OVA–TA–KAE–SA > OVA–KAE–SA based on the difference in antibacterial diameter (D, mm) and square (S, mm²), indicating that polyphenols enhanced the antibacterial and antioxidant ability of OVA–SA composite nanoparticles, and the enhancement effect of TA was stronger than that of KAE. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of OVA–SA composite nanoparticles in the delivery of bioactive compounds.

Ovalbumin (OVA) and sodium alginate (SA) were used as materials to prepare an OVA–SA composite carrier, which encapsulated the hydrophobic kaempferol (KAE) and the hydrophilic tannic acid (TA) (OVA–SA, OVA–TA–SA, OVA–KAE–SA, and OVA–TA–KAE–SA).

Influence of polyphenol-metal ion-coated ovalbumin/sodium alginate composite nanoparticles on the encapsulation of kaempferol/tannin acid

In this research, ovalbumin (OVA) and sodium alginate (SA) were used as the materials to prepare OVA-SA composite carriers, which protected and encapsulated the hydrophobic kaempferol (KAE) and the hydrophilic tannic acid (TA). To achieve the purpose of targeted delivery, the TA-Fe³⁺ coating film was prepared. Results showed that the observation of small diffraction peaks in carriers proved the formation of TA/Fe³⁺ coating film on the surface of four composite nanoparticles (pOVA, pOVA-SA, pOVA-KAE-SA, and pOVA-KAE-TA-SA). The protein structure of the composite nanoparticles coated with TA/Fe³⁺ changed, and the order of the changes was pOVA-KAE > pOVA > pOVA-KAE-SA > pOVA-KAE-TA-SA > pOVA-SA. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the chromophore -C=O and the auxo-chromophore -OH are in the opposite position in the benzene ring of TA, and the two substituents have opposite effects and synergize, resulting in the different degrees of redshift of the composite nanoparticle λ_max. Additionally, pOVA-SA had the highest α-helix content and the lowest random coils, conferring the protein structure the strongest stability. The coating of TA/Fe³⁺ increased the system stability and the thermal stability of the composite nanoparticles. Additionally, the carriers were endowed with antioxidant activity, and their antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was pOVA-KAE-TA-SA > pOVA-KAE-SA > pOVA-KAE > pOVA-SA > pOVA based on the difference in antibacterial diameter (D, mm) and square (S, mm²). pOVA-KAE-TA-SA had the strongest antioxidant activity and antibacterial ability, which improved the bioavailability of TA/KAE. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of OVA-SA composite nanoparticles in the delivery of bioactive compounds.

Interaction mechanism between soybean protein isolate and citrus pectin

In this study, citrus pectin (CP) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) were used as raw materials to prepare a complex. The interaction mechanism and structural changes between SPI and CP were deeply studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. The results show that CP has a strong quenching effect on SPI's endogenous fluorescence, and with the addition of CP, the endogenous fluorescence intensity of SPI decreased from 13,565.2 to 6067.3. The CP quenching of SPI is static quenching, and the number of combined bits is 1.26. The results of three-dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that the addition of CP reduced the polarity of SPI amino acid residue microenvironment and changed the protein structure. Hydrophobic interaction exists between CP and SPI. The results of three-dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that the addition of CP reduced the polarity of the amino acid residue microenvironment of SPI and changed the protein structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that CP could change the secondary structure of SPI by decreasing the α-helix and β-sheet, increasing β-rotation and irregular curl, destroying the ordered structure of SPI and increasing the polarity of the amino acids exposed to the solution. The microstructure analysis shows that SPI-CP composite system has honeycomb structure and dense pores. From the perspective of reaction thermodynamics, it was found that the addition of CP could improve the thermal stability of SPI and increase the denaturation temperature of SPI from 119.73 to 132.97°C. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of protein-pectin complexes and provides reference for their application in food grade gels and Pickering emulsions.

Effect of Frying Process on Nutritional Property, Physicochemical Quality, and in vitro Digestibility of Commercial Instant Noodles

The effects of frying process on the nutritional property, physicochemical quality, and in vitro digestibility of instant noodle products are investigated in this study. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) were also used to explore the changes in the microstructure and protein transformation. Noodles, after the frying process, showed a lower proportion of carbohydrate, protein, fiber, and also total starch and digestible starch, but higher content of fat and resistant starch in the proximate analysis. The frying process was also considered to improve the texture, surface color, and sensory properties of instant noodle products, accompanied by better cooking quality, including shorter cooking time and lower cooking loss during the rehydration. The honeycomb-like, porous, and less uniformed structure, and also the higher levels of β-sheets and β-turns, and the lower proportion of α-helixes of protein structure from fried instant noodle was also observed. The in vitro digestibility of starch and protein were downregulated in the fried group (81.96% and 81.31, respectively, on average) compared with the non-fried group (97.58% and 88.78, respectively, on average). Thus, the frying process lowered the glycemic index and regulated protein secondary structure by inhibiting continuous digesting enzyme activity, generating starch-lipid complexes, and changing the levels of protein transformation. In conclusion, our findings will provide an innovative evaluation of the frying process on instant noodles and even other various starch-based prepared food products.

Effects of orange peel powder on rheological properties of wheat dough and bread aging

Orange peels, the major byproduct of orange fruit processing, are a good material for functional food production because of their excellent physiological and health function. The effects of orange peel powder (OPP) on the rheological and reho-fermentation properties of high-gluten wheat dough and bread staling were investigated. The results showed that OPP significantly modified wheat dough characteristics and bread quality for its fiber, pectin and polyphenol content. Incorporation of OPP in wheat dough mainly caused competitive water absorption. It improved dough water absorption from 59.70% to 66.82% by increasing the development time (from 1.40 min to 4.51 min) and decreasing the retrogradation degree (from 1.01% to 0.68%) at a low content (no more than 5%) but showed adverse effects at higher content because of stronger gluten-dilution action than excessive water sequestration of OPP. It strengthened the dough elasticity by increasing the value of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) of dough samples at all contents, G' and G″ value of dough sample containing 7% OPP was more than twice that of the wheat dough. Alveograph and rheofermentographic parameters confirmed that OPP improved the total volume of CO2 production from 1774.11 ml (wheat dough) to 2,458.30 ml (dough sample containing 7% OPP) but reduced the gas retention coefficient from 71.86% to 66.52% during fermentation accordingly. Additionally, no remarkable deterioration of the bread staling was observed. These results contributed to the interpretation of the action mechanism of OPP modification on the wheat dough structure and further guided the application of OPP on cereal product development.

Utilization of plant-based protein-polyphenol complexes to form and stabilize emulsions: Pea proteins and grape seed proanthocyanidins

Plant-based proteins and polyphenols are increasingly being explored as functional food ingredients. Colloidal complexes were prepared from pea protein (PP) and grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) and the ability of the PP/GSP complexes to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions were investigated. The main interactions between PP and GSP were hydrogen bonding. The stability of PP-GSP complexes to environmental changes were studied: pH (2-9); ion strength (0-0.3 M); and temperature (30-90 °C). Emulsions produced using PP-GSP complexes as emulsifiers had small mean droplet diameters (~200 nm) and strongly negative surface potentials (~-60 mV). Compared to PP alone, PP-GSP complexes slightly decreased the isoelectric point, thermostability, and salt stability of the emulsions, but increased their storage stability. The presence of GSP gave the emulsions a strong salmon (red-yellow) color, which may be beneficial for some specific applications. These results may assist in the creation of more efficacious food-based strategies for delivering proanthocyanidins.

The health benefits, functional properties, modifications, and applications of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein: Current status, challenges, and perspectives

In recent years, the development and application of plant proteins have drawn increasing scientific and industrial interests. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of high-quality vegetable protein in the human diet. Its protein components are generally considered hypoallergenic, and many studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with the consumption of pea protein. Pea protein and its hydrolysates (pea protein hydrolysates [PPH]) possess health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and modulating intestinal bacteria activities, as well as various functional properties, including solubility, water- and oil-holding capacities, and emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties. However, the application of pea protein in the food system is limited due to its poor functional performances. Several frequently applied modification methods, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and combined treatments, have been used for pea protein to improve its functional properties and expand its food applications. To date, different applications of pea protein in the food system have been extensively studied, for example, encapsulation for bioactive ingredients, edible films, extruded products and substitution for cereal flours, fats, and animal proteins. This article reviews the current status of the knowledge regarding pea protein, focusing on its health benefits, functional properties, and structural modifications, and comprehensively summarizes its potential applications in the food industry.

Enhanced stability of berry pomace polyphenols delivered in protein-polyphenol aggregate particles to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model

Stability of protein-polyphenol aggregate particles, created by complexing polyphenols from blueberry and muscadine grape pomaces with a rice-pea protein isolate blend, was evaluated in an in vitro gastrointestinal model. Recovery index (RI; % total phenolics present post-digestion) was 69% and 62% from blueberry and muscadine grape protein-polyphenol particles, compared to 23% and 31% for the respective pomace extracts. Anthocyanins RI was 52% and 42% from particles (6% and 13% from pomace extracts), and proanthocyanidins RI was 77% and 73% from particles (25% and 14% from pomace extracts), from blueberry and grape, respectively. Protein-polyphenol particle digests retained 1.5 to 2-fold higher antioxidant capacity and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, IL6, and IL1β, compared to unmodified extract digests, which only suppressed IL6. Protein-polyphenol particles as a delivery vehicle in foods may confer better stability during gastrointestinal transit, allow protected polyphenols to reach the gut microbiota, and preserve polyphenol bioactivity.

Effects of Starch on the Digestibility of Gluten under Different Thermal Processing Conditions

Gluten and starch are the primary ingredients of wheat. The complex reaction between gluten and starch will occur during thermal food processing, which will affect digestibility. The effects of proteins on the digestibility of starch have been reported, but the effects of starch on the digestibility of proteins have not been well-researched. In this paper, the effects of starch on gluten digestion during the heating process were studied by the gluten-starch simulated system, and it was found that starch can enhance gluten digestion. When the complex of 1:1 gluten-starch is heated at 100 °C, the digestibility of gluten is higher and more low-molecular-weight peptides are produced. Results from the digestibility and digestion peptide mapping of the gluten-starch complex at different conditions showed that the addition of starch during processing enhanced the digestion performance of gluten. Meanwhile, the secondary structure, intrinsic fluorescence, and microscopic structure of the gluten-starch complex were investigated to understand the mechanism of the enhancement. The digestion performance is related to the secondary structure variation during the thermal processing caused by the hydration increase and disulfide bond reduction. The gluten-starch complex spatial structure is looser than gluten after heating, which could expose more protease cleavage sites. These results suggest that starch can protect gluten from aggregation in water and destroy the spatial structure of gluten with the assistance of heating, exposing more cleavage sites and enhancing gluten digestion.

Effects of green tea contents on the quality and antioxidant properties of textured vegetable protein by extrusion-cooking

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea contents (0, 5, 10, and 15%) on texturization and antioxidant properties of textured vegetable protein (TVP) by using a twin-screw extruder. Extrusion conditions were fixed at 140 °C barrel temperature, 50% moisture content, 100 g/min feed rate, and 200 rpm screw speed. The integrity index, hardness, and cutting strength of TVP significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the increase in green tea levels, while cohesiveness, springiness, water holding capacity, and nitrogen solubility index (NSI) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Increasing the amount of green tea resulted in better DPPH radical scavenging activity, higher total phenolic, total flavonoid, catechins, and caffeine contents. The (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin gallate contents of TVP significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, compared to that of raw materials. The incorporation of green tea in TVP can negatively affect expansion and NSI while positively affect texturization and antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and its Potential to Preserve the Quality and Safety of Foods

Quality deterioration of fresh or processed foods is a major challenge for the food industry not only due to economic losses but also due to the risks associated with spoiled foods resulting, for example, from toxic compounds. On the other hand, there are increasing limitations on the application of synthetic preservatives such as antioxidants in foods because of their potential links to human health risks. With the new concept of functional ingredients and the development of the functional foods market, and the desire for a "clean" label, recent research has focused on finding safe additives with multifunctional effects to ensure food safety and quality. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a biologically active compound in green tea, has received considerable attention in recent years and is considered a potential alternative to synthetic food additives. EGCG has been shown to prevent the growth of different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for food spoilage while showing antioxidant activity in food systems. This review focuses on recent findings related to EGCG separation techniques, modification of its structure, mechanisms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and applications in preserving the quality and safety of foods.

Texture, Color, and Sensory Features of Low-Sugar Gooseberry Jams Enriched with Plant Ingredients with Prohealth Properties

The aim of this research was to evaluate texture, color, and sensory parameters of low-sugar gooseberry jams with added black chokeberry, elderberry, Japanese quince, flax seeds, wheat germ, and inulin. The jams were stored at two temperatures of 10°C and 20°C. The highest gel strength (Fe) was recorded in the jams with wheat germ (2.75 N), flax seeds (2.74 N), and inulin (1.95 N). The brightest color L⁎ was noted in the gooseberry jams enriched with flax seeds and wheat germ, while the darkest color was noted in those with added black chokeberry and elderberry fruit. In the sensory evaluation, the gooseberry jam without plant ingredients, along with the products enriched with black chokeberry, elderberry, and inulin, scored high at almost 5 on a 5-point scale. The remaining jams had scores of 4.4–4.8 points. Cool storage of jams had a better effect on color and texture, while sensory features were affected to a lesser degree.