Metin Guldas

Phenolics, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of chicory varieties (Cichorium spp.) grown in Turkey

In this study, the changes in phenolics, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity, and bioaccessibility of chicory varieties (Cichorium spp.) in Turkey were investigated. A total of 19 phenolic standards were screened in the chicory varieties studied and the most abundant compounds in the samples, extracted with methanol, were phenolic acids, syringic (2.54mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (1.85mg/kg), whilst (+)-catechin was the major flavanol. The highest flavanol content using either methanol or ethanol was determined in the green chicory samples (0.62mg/kg). The red chicory variety had higher anthocyanin (12.80mg/kg), and contained more phenolics, extractable (8855.50mg GAE/100g) and hydrolysable (7005.51mg GAE/100g), than the other varieties. Also, the antioxidant capacities in this variety, as measured using the CUPRAC assay (570.54 and 425.14μmol Trolox/g dw, respectively), had a wider range of difference than was found in the other assays used. Total phenolics were more bioaccessible from the white chicory variety (61.48%). However, the bioaccessibility of antioxidants was higher in the green chicory variety.

Effects of organic acids to prolong the shelf-life and improve the microbial quality of fresh cut broccoli florets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of specific organic acids for disinfecting fresh cut broccoli floret samples contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2b and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In addition, the effects of organic acids on the microbial load of broccoli samples during storage at +4 °C were determined for 7 days. The organic acids tested were acetic, benzoic, sorbic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, lactic and succinic acids and the concentrations used were 1 and 2% (w/v and v/v). L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium were grown on the selective media before the contamination. The broccoli samples were dipped first into the pathogen solutions containing L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium, then into the organic acids and subsequently counted on Oxford agar and bismuth sulphite agar, respectively. The broccoli samples dipped into the organic acids without pathogen culture were also investigated in terms of total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms,...