William M. Breene

Some compositional properties of camelina (camelina sativa L. Crantz) seeds and oils

Fatty acid profiles (FAP), tocopherol (T), and tocotrienol (T3) contents, total lipid contents, and trypsin inhibitor activity were quantitated from thirteen accessions of camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz), a little-known oilseed. Camelina seeds of ten accessions were also assayed for ß-glucans. FAP (%) of camelina oils were: oleic (14.1 to 19.5), linoleic (18.8 to 24.0), linolenic (27.0 to 34.7), eicosenoic (12.0 to 14.9), erucic (0.0 to 4.0), all others (11.8 to 17.4). Camelina oil T and T3 contents (mg/100 g) were: αT (0.66 to 2.38), ßT (0.38 to 1.45), γT/ßt3 (4.37 to 18.68), δT (0.00 to 0.48), γT3 (0.00 to 0.79), γT3 (0.00), γT3 (0.00). Total tocols were higher in camelina than in canola, crambe, flax, soybean, and sunflower, with γT/ßT3 constituting 82% of total tocols. The oil content of camelina seeds ranged from 29.9 to 38.3%. Camelina seeds did not contain ß-glucans. Trypsin units inhibited ranged from 12 to 28 compared to 111 for raw soybean.

ariations in the Gelatinization Profiles of Cassava, Sagu and Arrowroot Native Starches as Measured with Different Thermal and Mechanical Methods

Gelatinization and pasting profiles of cassava (Manihot esculenta C.), sagu (Canna edulis) and arrowroot (Maranta sp.) starches were determined by Brabender Viscoamylograph (BV) and Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA). The Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used as a thermal method and the TA-XT2 Texture Analyzer as a mechanical method. Sagu and arrowroot starches produced a clear paste and could be substituted for cassava starch; they have the advantage of developing higher viscosity than cassava starch at the same concentration. Some differences were observed among the gelatinization temperatures and rheological parameters by the four methods. It is important to report the methods used to determine rheological parameters.

Protein and Oil Content of Soybeans From Different Geographic Locations

Data on soybean yield, protein content and oil content were provided by three crushing companies. There was a definite trend toward lower protein content in soybeans processed and most likely grown in northern versus southern locations (about 34 to 44 N latitude) in 1986–87 (r=0.77). In 1983–86, protein content was generally lower in soybeans processed in Minnesota than in those processed in Indiana and Illinois. Effects of location on oil content and of year on protein and oil content were less clear. Uniform Soybean Tests data over 11 years and four locations (3 in Minnesota, 1 in Illinois) showed significant effects of year on oil content and of location on yield and oil content, but little effect of either on protein content.

Some compositional properties of seeds and oils of eightAmaranthus species

Grain of 21Amaranthus accessions (eight species) was analyzed for crude fat, fatty acid profiles (FAP), and vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols). Contents of (1→3), (1→4) β-glucan were determined in 12 accessions (four species), and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in 20 accessions (six species). FAP and vitamin E profiles were compared to those of barley, buckwheat, corn, lupin, oat, and wheat oils. Crude fat content ranged from 5.2 to 7.7%, and of the oils examined, amaranth oil was most similar in FAP to corn and buckwheat oils. Amaranth was higher than all but wheat and lupin in tocopherol content but was virtually devoid of tocotrienols, which have been shown to have hypocholesterolemic activity. Amaranth grain did not contain (1→3), (1→4) β-glucans and was low in trypsin inhibitor activity (≤4.3 trypsin units inhibited/mg). Any hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary amaranth are apparently due to substances other than (1→3), (1→4) β-glucans or tocotrienols.

Gelatinization Profiles of Peruvian Carrot, Cocoyam and Potato Starches as Measured with the Brabender Viscoamylograph, Rapid Visco‐Analyzer, and Differential Scanning Calorimeter

The high starch content of underground storage organs of the tropical plants Peruvian carrot (Arracaccia xanthorrhiza B.) and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) are an unexploited source of food and industrial starches. Some of their functional properties were determined using the Brabender Viscoamylograph (BV), Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). BV and RVA pasting properties compared well for all three starches; gelatinization temperature ranges determined by DSC were lower than their BV and RVA counterparts. All starches formed clear pastes. The lower viscosities of Peruvian carrot and cocoyam pastes than that of potato starch suggest they might have applications in food systems requiring clarity at high solids concentrations.

Avocado oil extraction with appropriate technology for developing countries

Some published procedures for extraction of oil from avocado fruit mesocarp tissue were compared and modified for the purpose of creating applicability in developing countries. Highest recoveries were obtained at a 5:1 water-to-avocado ratio, pH 5.5 and centrifugal force of 12,300 ×g. Addition of 5% CaCO3 or CaSO4 allowed extraction without organic solvents. The relationship was linear between heating temperature (75–98°C) and the time for oil release from slurries. Gravity settling for four days at 37°C followed by centrifugation improved oil yield. Optimal oil recoveries were 70–80%.

Influence of insecticidal plant materials used during storage on sensory attributes and instrumental hardness of dry edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Three plant products with known insecticidal properties, a dry extract of flowers ofChrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (Trevir.) Vis. produced in Rwanda, an ethanol extract of seeds of neem,Azadirachta indica A. Juss., and crushed leaves ofTetradenia riparia Hochst Codd., a traditional Rwandan medicine, were mixed with beans,Phaseolus vulgaris L., for storage protection. These plant-protected beans were compared with ‘off the shelf’ beans that were being sold to consumers by the Rwandan National Agricultural Products Marketing Organization (OPROVIA). A trained sensory panel determined that beans treated with neem andC. cinerariaefolium were as acceptable after 8 months storage as those being sold throughout Rwanda by the marketing organization. Beans marketed by this organization were all treated with the standard insecticide application in Rwanda, 0.01% weight/weight pirimiphos methyl in a powder formulation. Instrumental hardness (% hard-to-cook/mean gram force) after 20 months of storage was acceptable for beans stored with neem or withC. cinerariaefolium or with the conventional government application of pirimiphos methyl. Use of either neem orC. cinerariaefolium for storage protection should not affect consumer acceptance of dry beans.

Factors affecting the shelf stability of sunflower nuts

Dehulled, raw, whole sunflower kernels of high-oleic acid (HOA) and high-linoleic acid (HLA) types were shelf-stable at 23 and 37°C for over one year. Dry-roasted HOA kernels were more stable than dry-roasted HLA kernels. Oilroasted HLA kernels were more stable than dry-roasted ones. Stability of roasting oil and storage temperature had no appreciable effect on shelf stability of kernels.