Storage Quality and Shelf-life of Native Desi Chicken Meat Pickle at Room Temperature (32 ± 5 ºC)

Pickle from native desi chicken meat was prepared and stored at room temperature (32±5ºC) in polyethylene teraphthalate (PET) bottles. The samples were evaluated for physico-chemical parameters, microbial quality and sensory attributes at regular intervals of 0, 5, 15, 30, 45,60, 75 and 90 days of storage. Non significantly increase in pH values were observed with increasing storage period and value remained below 5.0 up to 60 days of storage period. Non significantly increase in titrable acidity (% acetic acid) and free fatty acids (as % oleic acid) values were observed with increasing storage period. However, significantly decreased in moisture (%) values were observed with increasing storage period. A significant (P<0.05) and progressive increase in Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA) values (mg malonaldehyde / kg) were observed with increasing storage period and increase in TBA values between 0 and 60 days of storage did not turn out to be statistically significant. Microbiological counts were nonsignificantly increased between day 0 to 60, thereafter significantly (P<0.05) increased with the advancement of storage period and throughout the storage period, all microbial counts were within the acceptable limits. Sensory evaluation scores indicate that native desi chicken meat was very acceptable up to 60 days of storage and thereafter native desi chicken meat pickle was moderately acceptable between 60 to 90 days of storage at room temperature (32±5°C)

Pickle Consumption is Associated with Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Iranian Female College Students: a Cross-Sectional Study

Pickle is consumed in high amount among Iranians. Pickle consumption may be related to body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) but limited evidence exist in this regard. The aim of current study was to determine the association between pickle consumption and risk of overweight, central obesity and BP among Isfahanian female youths. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 female students aged 18–27 years randomly selected from students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Diet was assessed by a validated and reliable food-frequency questionnaire. Mean pickle consumption was 15.1 ± 2.2 g/day. Individuals in the highest tertile of pickle consumption had a significantly higher BMI, systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.001, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively), whereas we did not observe significant association for waist circumference (p = 0.21). Total energy intake (p = 0.02) and consumption of carbohydrate (p = 0.01), protein (p = 0.03), and fat (p = 0.05) in the upper tertile was higher than lower tertiles. There was a significant association between pickle consumption and obesity and BP among Iranian female youths. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

Pharmacognostical Potential of Capparis deciduas Edgew.

Capparis decidua (Family, Capparidaceae) is commonly known as ‘Kair’. It is distributed throughout the arid regions of India and other countries. Kair is a caducous plant, so in the foliage condition mainly stem and fruits are common. It is also known as Capparis aphylla. Since the plant is xerophytic, it is generally found in dessert area and is highly draught resistant plant which can survive for long. Tribal people prepare pickle from the fruits of Kair. Some of the communities use Kair fruits as vegetables and food additives. The plant is used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, astringent, digestive, diaphoretic and anodyne. It is reported to possess beneficial effects in various ailments, like rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, liver disorders, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and microbial infections. Studies have revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents especially spermidine alkaloids, glucosinolates and other glycosides, β-sitosterol, rutin, l-stachydrine, hydrocarbons and terpenolides. The present review is an attempt to highlight the traditional uses, pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological reports on Capparis decidua.