Bertoni is a plant native to South America that has gathered much interest in recent decades thanks to diterpene glycosides, called steviosides, which it produces. These compounds are characterised by their sweetness, which is 250-300 times higher than saccharose, and they contain almost no caloric value. Stevia is currently also grown outside the South American continent, in various countries characterised by warm weather.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe modern agricultural sector faces the challenge of addressing the needs of the fast-growing global population. This process should be both high-yielding and sustainable, without creating risks for the environment and human health. Therefore, natural products are gaining attention in the production of safe and nutritious food.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutraceuticals and functional foods are gaining more attention amongst consumers interested in nutritious food. The consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of phytochemicals has been proven to provide various health benefits. The application of biostimulants is a potential strategy to fortify cultivated plants with beneficial bioactive compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe use of higher plants for the production of plant growth biostimulants is receiving increased attention among scientists, farmers, investors, consumers and regulators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of converting plants commonly occurring in Europe (St. John's wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, valerian) into valuable and easy to use bio-products.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudies on methods for fixing foods (with a slight loss of bioactive compounds) and obtaining attractive products are important with respect to current technology. The drying process allows for a product with highly bioactive properties. Drying of fruit was carried out in a conventional manner, and in a microwave under reduced pressure at 120 W and 480 W.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the research was to determine the composition of organic acids in fruit of different cultivars of three pumpkin species. The amount of acids immediately after fruit harvest and after 3 months of storage was compared. The content of organic acids in the examined pumpkin cultivars was assayed using the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties, and provide characteristics, of the oil obtained from the seeds of 12 pumpkin varieties belonging to the species Cucurbita maxima Duch. and Cucurbita pepo L. Another objective was to establish which of the two extracting agents, ethanol or methanol, is more effective.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: When evaluated in terms of taste, smell or active ingredients, pumpkin in itself is not very attractive as a raw material. Hence, it is recommended to blend pumpkin with other fruits, which are aromatic, have a defined taste, and contain a large quantity of active ingredients and organic acids to improve its palatibility.
Material And Methods: The pumpkin chosen for the experiments was of the variety Karowita, of species Cucurbita maxima.