דו״ח מאומת

This study evaluated how genotype and origin shape the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of highbush blueberries grown under harmonized orchard conditions (19 genotypes, including somaclonal variants). Comprehensive profiling covered phenolic subclasses (anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols), antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and color (CIE L*), supported by multivariate analyses. Key results with numerical context. Among cultivars, Brigitta and Draper showed the highest totals of polyphenols (≈511.8-517.3) and anthocyanins (≈310.9-311.5). When comparing matched cultivar names by origin, German-sourced lines generally contained more anthocyanins and polyphenols than Polish-produced counterparts: for Duke, anthocyanins 208.4 vs 78.7-152.2 and polyphenols 401.2 vs 236.9-363.5; for Patriot, 286.9 vs 65.2-245.2 and 495.8 vs 293.5-409.0; for Sunrise, 258.8 vs 172.8-221.5 and 424.6 vs 342.0-411.1 (ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.05 where indicated in tables). Antioxidant assays reflected these patterns with cultivar-dependent nuances: for example, Duke from Poland (DK10) showed higher ABTS (28.0) than the German source (11.1), whereas DPPH differences were modest for Patriot (≈13.8-14.1). Color supported the chemistry: Polish-produced fruits were lighter on average (higher CIE L*), consistent with lower anthocyanins. Genotype × origin interactions are decisive for blueberry chemotype and antioxidant properties. The quantitative differences reported here strengthen the case for authentication and source-aware selection in breeding, nursery supply, and raw-material procurement for functional food applications.…

PMID: 41233536

<h4>Introduction</h4>A recent review of the evidence suggests that berry consumption may have an effect in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.<h4>Objective</h4>To assess the nutritional impact of replacing a serving of commonly consumed fruit with a serving of berries in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Patterns: Healthy US-Style (HUS), Healthy Mediterranean-Style (HMS), and Healthy Vegetarian (HV).<h4>Methods</h4>Using the USDA's food pattern modeling approach, three 7-day replacement menus were developed for the HUS, HMS, and HV patterns at the 2000-calorie level. The menus included one serving of mixed berries replacing one serving of commonly consumed fruits (apples, bananas, or grapes) while meeting recommendations for other food groups. A total of 2 servings of fruit per day were used in the menus. Nutrient and anthocyanin analyses were conducted on the 7-day menus using ESHA Food Processor: 11.14.x software and the USDA Database for Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 3.3.<h4>Results</h4>Replacing a serving of commonly consumed fruit with a serving of berries per day in the 2000 calorie USDA Dietary Patterns resulted in an increase of anthocyanins by 93.8%, with <i>a</i> ≤ 2.0% increase or decrease in calories, macronutrients, fatty acids, and cholesterol. Dietary fiber increased by 4.7% in the HUS and 5.1% in the HMS USDA Dietary Patterns with minimal increases (< 1.5%) in the HV USDA Dietary Patterns. Soluble fiber increased by 10.1%, 5.3%, and 10.2% in the HUS, HMS, and HV USDA Dietary Patterns, respectively. Vitamin C increased by 16% in the HUS, 13.9% in the HMS, and 11.9% in the HV USDA Dietary Patterns.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The addition of berries to the USDA Dietary Patterns increased beneficial dietary components and nutrients with minimal change in calories, macronutrients, fatty acids, and cholesterol.…

PMID: 40503619

Magnetic field-assisted freezing is a novel freezing technology for improving food quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound pretreatment in combination with a static magnetic field on frozen blueberry bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Blueberries were subjected to ultrasound pretreatment and frozen by using a static magnetic field. Bioactive components, antioxidant properties, organic acids, and the flesh color of blueberry were analyzed. The results demonstrated that, compared with -20 °C control freezing (CF), the ultrasound pretreatment combined with static magnetic field freezing (U-MF) better maintained blueberry bioactive components. The anthocyanin and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of U-MF were 33.67%, 29.14%, and 18.65%, respectively, higher than the CF group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging capacities of U-MF were 53.87% and 15.14%, respectively, higher than those of the CF group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). This article provides a theoretical basis for the application of magnetic fields in the frozen preservation of fruits and vegetables.…

PMID: 41375951

While sweet cherries (<i>Prunus avium</i> L.) are globally recognized for their numerous potential health benefits, yet limited data exist on New Zealand-grown cultivars. This study examined the nutritional and bioactive profiles of six commercial cultivars-Kordia^®, 'Lapins', Sweetheart^®, Staccato^®, 'Bing', and 'Rainier'-in both fresh and processed (washed and packaged) forms. All cultivars contained notable levels of minerals, phenolics, and essential nutrients. Fresh cherries had higher mineral content (0.3-0.5 g/100 g) than processed ones (0.2-0.3 g/100 g). Carbohydrates ranged from 16.8 to 18.6 g/100 g in fresh and 15.1-17.5 g/100 g in processed cherries. Dietary fiber was slightly higher in processed samples (0.5-0.6 g/100 g) than fresh (0.2-0.5 g/100 g). Potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were more concentrated in fresh cherries. Major phenolic metabolites included neochlorogenic acid (up to 44.26 mg/100 g), (-)-epicatechin (7.89 mg/100 g), quercetin 3-rutinoside (4.34 mg/100 g), and cyanidin 3-rutinoside (80.42 mg/100 g). Processed 'Lapins' and 'Bing' retained high levels of neochlorogenic acid (40.98 and 44.26 mg/100 g), indicating minimal loss during processing. This study offers insights into the nutritional and bioactive composition of New Zealand-grown cherries, emphasizing their dietary value and health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols.…

PMID: 41227718

Fresh fruits, rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, contribute positively to human health. However, their perishable nature and post-harvest shelf life contribute to significant worldwide losses, posing sustainable challenges in quality preservation and reducing waste in fruit production. Thus, many advancements have been developed, including nanotechnology, which can potentially increase fruit production by improving its quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Nanoscience is rapidly advancing as one of the key areas of applied research, offering diverse applications in fruit crops. Nanoparticles used in the form of nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-coatings, nanofilms, and nano packaging have distinct features used for targeted site-specific pest and disease management, smart nutrient supply, and delivery <i>via</i> biosensor(s) in fruit crops. Moreover, they are synthesized efficiently, functioning rapidly in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. These innovations collectively address critical challenges in fruit crop management, including promoting plant growth and stress resilience, boosting productivity, extending shelf life, reducing post-harvest damage, and improving crop quality while mitigating environmental impact and ensuring food safety. This review comprehensively highlights substantial insights into using nanoparticles as a promising technique for increasing fruit crop resilience and ensuring food security in the context of environmental changes, as well as the recent application of nanotechnology at various stages of fruit production.…

PMID: 40574731

Postharvest handling of fresh-cut leafy vegetables such as kale poses significant challenges due to rapid spoilage and nutrient degradation. This study explores the effectiveness of two nano-packaging strategies, carbon quantum dot (CQD) coatings and essential oil-based nano-capsules (EO-NCs), in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut kale up to 40 days of refrigerated storage. CQD-treated samples demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting the lowest weight loss (5.50 g) compared to EO-NC treatments (11.92 g for Thymus daenensis Celak, 12.49 g for Bunium persicum) and the control (27.29 g). CQDs also retained higher levels of chlorophyll (12.61 mg g⁻¹ FW) and ascorbic acid (50.33 mg g⁻¹ FW), surpassing both EO-NC-treated and control samples. Microbial counts were significantly lower in CQD fresh-cut kale (130 CFU/ml), affirming its potent antimicrobial effect compared to EO-NCs and the untreated group (946 CFU/ml). CQDs effectively inhibited oxidative enzymes such as catalase (0.81 U/mg g FW) and polyphenol oxidase (0.79 U/g FW), contributing to reduced browning and spoilage. Antioxidant metrics, including total phenolic content (251.97 µg/ml) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (39.64%), were also enhanced with CQD treatment, highlighting its role in maintaining nutritional quality. While EO-NCs particularly those based on T. daenensis provided moderate preservation benefits, CQDs consistently outperformed them across all parameters. These findings underscore the potential of CQD-based nano-packaging as a promising strategy for enhancing food preservation, reducing waste, and supporting sustainability. Further studies are needed to evaluate commercial scalability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.…

PMID: 41617766