Advances in the Elemental Composition Analysis of Propolis Samples from Different Regions of Turkey by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the elemental composition of 47 propolis samples collected from different regions of Turkey by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. According to the results, the most abundant elements in propolis samples were the Ca, K, and Si with the mean values as 1556, 1383, and 731 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, there were high degrees of positive and strong correlations of Al with S (0.925) and Fe (0.926) and Ca with Mg (0.970). According to cluster analysis results, the Aegean, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions showed strong similarities, whereas Southeastern Anatolia propolis samples were remarkably different. The elements considered as toxic for human and environmental health such as Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and W were at the trace amounts as < 10 mg/kg. When assuming 1 g raw propolis is consumed daily by a 60-kg adult, the analyzed propolis samples were not a source carrying the negative effects of these elements. However, they could be an indicator of environmental pollution.

Expected glycemic impact and probiotic stimulating effects of whole grain flours of buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth and chia.

Chia, amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat grains have been widely used in food formulations because of their high and balanced nutritional properties. Since all grains are not equally nutritious, there is a requirement for comparing the health-related effects and processing performance of a variety of whole grains. The expected glycemic index (eGI) flours of chia was determined to be quite low, and flours except quinoa can be classified as low GI foods. The highest resistant starch (RS) content (4.76 g/100 g) was found in amaranth flour, and it was followed by buckwheat (1.27 g/100 g). The amaranth had the highest stimulation effect on the growth of probiotics and increased the count of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum as 4.57 and 2.26 log CFU/ml, respectively. Moreover, chia flour showed a positive effect on the growth of L. acidophilus whereas it negatively affected B. bifidum compared to the control. A significant correlation was detected between rapidly available glucose content and eGI. On the other hand, a significant relationship between RS and the growth rate of probiotics was reported.

Impact of inert and inhibitor baking atmosphere on HMF and acrylamide formation in bread.

The baking in N2 and CO2 atmosphere decreased by 50% the acrylamide, while this level was 99% in SO2. The highest acrylamide content was detected in the control sample as 39.03 µg/kg. Additionally, the lowest HMF content was determined in S-bread as 14.85 mg/kg. The baking atmosphere has a significant impact on L* and a* colour values of bread. The highest L* value was measured in S-bread as 71.2, whereas it was the lowest in the control sample as 49.1. According to the Pearson results, acrylamide showed a negative correlation between L* value. However, no correlation was detected between colour values and HMF. Acrylamide had a positive correlation with flavour, although it did not affect the taste features of bread. No correlation between HMF and sensory properties was determined. The result of the study suggested that inert or inhibitor baking atmosphere may help prevent the Maillard reactions in bakery products.

Microbiological and chemical properties of wet tarhana produced by different dairy products.

This study investigated the use of kefir, yogurt and their combination in the production of wet tarhana with an aim to increase the nutritional value of the end product. Along with microbiological and chemical properties, the volatile compound composition of wet tarhana was also evaluated. Wet tarhana revealed an increase in the lactic acid bacteria count (LAB) with the addition of kefir. After fermentation, counts of total yeast, LAB, and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria were 7.57, 8.26 and 7.64 log CFU/g, respectively. The values of pH and titratable acidity were measured as 4.78 and 4.68% in terms of lactic acid, respectively, at the end of fermentation. Lactic acid content increased from 3.31 to 10.82 g/kg throughout fermentation. A total of 72 volatile compounds were recorded during fermentation and 44 of these were identified by GC-MS. The most abundant compounds identified in the tarhana samples were hexadecanoic acid and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid. Moreover, ABTS antioxidant activity results of all formulations were measured in the range of 15.86 and 19.31 µmol TE/g at the end of fermentation and it was independent of the fermentation period.

Physicochemical, Thermal, and Sensory Properties of Blue Corn (Zea Mays L.).

The aim of this study was to investigate some physicochemical and sensory properties of blue corn cultivated in Turkey. The length and width of the cob with kernels, hectoliter, and 1000-kernel weight of blue corn were measured as 7.66, 2.02 mm, 84.40 kg/100 L, and 44.27 g, respectively. The gelatinization onset, peak, and end temperatures were measured as 61.12 °C, 64.35 °C, and 75.65 °C, respectively. The water activity, moisture content, total protein, lipid, and crude fiber contents of the blue corn sample were detected as 0.44, 9.39%, 13.13%, 4.30%, and 2.68%, respectively. Total starch and resistant starch contents of blue corn were determined as 63.94% and 8.89%, respectively. Also, total monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity of blue corn were detected as 915.43 mg CGE/kg and 7.99 µmol TE/g, respectively. Additionally, the major fatty acids detected in blue corn samples were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Blue corn can be utilized in the production of enjoyable and healthier snacks, such as popcorn and chips, because of its color and high phenolic, anthocyanin, and fiber contents.