Ningxia is one of the well-known wine producing regions in China. However, the oenological and aroma characteristics of indigenous yeasts remains hidden. The fermentative and oenological properties including stress resistance, hydrogen sulfide, foam production levels; killer phenotype, and flocculation of 89 Ningxia indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates and ten commercial yeasts were evaluated. The fermentative and oenological properties of the tested strains varied significantly. They could resist 500 g/L glucose, 300 mg/L SO2, 14% (v/v) ethanol and pH 2.8, and produce more esters. They also produce low levels of ethanol and could conduct fermentations vigorously and at a high rate. Cabernet Sauvignon wines made with NXU 21-24 showed the high intensity of tropical fruit, dry fruit, temperate fruit, and spicy flavor. The floral flavor in NXU 21-102 fermented wine is very intense. The indigenous S. cerevisiae strains of NXU 21-102 and NXU 21-24 exhibited potential use as starter cultures in wine production.

Adjunct cultures originating from artisanal cheese environments may play an important role in recreating and developing traditional cheese flavours, thanks to their enzymatic activities, involved in different metabolic pathways that occur during cheese ripening. In this work, Ligilactobacillus salivarius SP36, a strain isolated from an old cheese seal, was added as an adjunct culture to the cheese\'s raw milk, and its effect on the microbiological, physical-chemical and sensory characteristics of the cheese was studied. The use of L. salivarius SP36 in cheese manufacturing had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the cheese microbiota, gross composition (fat percentage, protein, total solids, moisture and NaCl concentration), colour or texture of the cheese. However, L. salivarius SP36 increased (p < 0.01) the formation of 25 volatile compounds, including 10 esters, 1 aldehyde, 8 alcohols and 6 carboxylic acids. In addition, cheeses made with L. salivarius SP36 received higher scores (p < 0.01) for aroma intensity and quality than control cheeses. L. salivarius SP36 proved to be a good candidate as an adjunct culture for cheesemaking, since it improved the cheese flavour by making it more intense and recovering typical sensorial notes of traditional cheeses.

UNASSIGNED: The addition of sweet apricot kernel powder, a by-product of apricot processing, to yoghurt appears to be particularly interesting option for the innovation of new food products. This study focuses on the formulation of a novel yoghurt enriched with sweet apricot kernel powder, sugar and milk powder.
UNASSIGNED: Different yoghurts were prepared by mixing sweet apricot kernel powder, sugar and milk powder as ingredients based on the simplex-centroid mixture design. The optimisation process took into account the physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of the yoghurt.
UNASSIGNED: The results showed that the optimum values of sugar, milk powder and apricot kernel powder were 3.07, 2.16 and 2.77 %, respectively. The physicochemical assays showed that the addition of apricot kernel powder led to a significant increase in total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, syneresis, viscosity and acidity. The addition of sugar and milk powder also had a significant effect on the taste, texture and consistency of the yoghurt. Moreover, the enrichment of the product with apricot kernel powder significantly influenced the colour, odour, taste, texture and consistency. In conclusion, the optimised yoghurt enriched with apricot kernel had an interesting phenolic content and antioxidant properties with sensory acceptability, while reducing the amount of sugar and milk powder. This confirms the potential of using sweet apricot kernels as an ingredient in yoghurt production.
UNASSIGNED: The use of a simplex-centroid mixture design to optimise a new yoghurt formulation enriched with sweet apricot kernels shows significant improvements in total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory acceptability. In addition, less sugar and milk powder is needed. The addition of sweet apricot kernels to yoghurt is therefore a new approach to improving its nutritional value and sensory appeal.

UNASSIGNED: Candy is a popular confection worldwide, and it would be beneficial to society if it were converted into a source of antioxidant molecules to eliminate its adverse health effects. The amount of antioxidants available even in fruit candies is questionable due to the high thermal processing losses they undergo and the presence of various food additives. Plantains (Musa paradisiaca) are less known as good sources of biotherapeutic antioxidants, namely l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, and consumption of this highly nutritious fruit is limited to underdeveloped and developing countries. The objectives of this study are: to develop a functional antioxidant-rich sugar-free plantain-based candy with valuable contents of the mentioned biomolecules in synergy; and to ensure its extended shelf life without compromising its physicochemical properties and functionality by wrapping it with a suitable packaging laminate.
UNASSIGNED: To accomplish the first objective, lyophilized plantain powder, sorbitol and mannitol were used as base materials with minimal additives under minimal processing conditions to reduce processing loss. Sensory, proximate, physicochemical and phytochemical properties, including the antioxidant synergy among the mentioned biomolecules of the developed candies were evaluated. For the second objective, the candies were enclosed in two different flexible packaging laminates and the optimal packaging was determined based on the microbiological safety and sensory appeal of the wrapped candies. Subsequently, the above-mentioned properties of the packaged (in the most suitable laminate) candies were evaluated at regular time intervals during storage for assessment of their shelf life.
UNASSIGNED: The candy had a characteristic flavour of plantain, uniform dark brown colour, rich mouthfeel, pleasant aroma, moderately hard texture and moderate sweetness, along with high antioxidant activity and considerable content of l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin (present as a synergistic consortium). During storage of the packaged candy under ambient conditions, it remained microbiologically safe for up to 56 days, and also maintained sensory attributes, antioxidant activity and synergy compared to the control candy.
UNASSIGNED: This newly developed semi-hard sugar-free candy with high antioxidant content, containing three important antioxidants, namely l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, could be a good source of biotherapeutic molecules and a substitute for commercial candies consumed globally.

Pasta, a globally popular dish, serves as a complete meal around the world. This research aims to improve the nutritional value of pasta by enriching it with vitamin E. Firstly, vitamin E and sesame oil were mixed in different ratios (1:10, 1:5, 10:10) and dissolved in an aqueous medium at 50 °C with different concentrations of Tween 80 (10 %, 20 %, 30 %). Coarse emulsions were formed by gradual addition of the oil phase to the aqueous phase, followed by equilibration using an Ultratrax mixer at 15,000 rpm for 5 min. The target nanoemulsions were then produced using an ultrasonic system. After 30 days of storage, the most stable nanoemulsions containing 10 % Tween 80 and a 1:10 ratio of vitamin E to sesame oil showed minimal changes. In addition, nanoemulsions with 10 % Tween 80 and a 10:10 ratio of vitamin E to sesame oil showed less turbidity than those with 20 % and 30 % Tween 80. Evaluation of enriched pasta for physical, chemical and sensory properties compared to non-enriched samples showed no significant differences in properties such as pH, ash, total solids, texture and colour characteristics (P < 0.05). Enriched pasta samples showed an increase in moisture content of 0.94 % and a decrease in weight loss of 2.13 % compared to the control, with improved brightness (L) and yellowness (b) due to the addition of nanoemulsion. Sensory evaluation showed higher scores for pasta samples enriched with nanoemulsions containing vitamin E compared to control samples. This pioneering study introduces nanoemulsion technology to improve the nutritional profile of pasta by enriching it with vitamin E. The research demonstrates the successful formulation of stable nanoemulsions and their positive effects on pasta properties, suggesting promising avenues for improving public health through innovative pasta enrichment methods.

The development of new dishes in the catering services market requires an understanding of consumers\' needs, expectations, and motivations for their choices. The effect of the serving method of a dessert on customers\' perceptions of its visual appeal, portion size, energy value, and expected price was evaluated. The study involved the presentation of desserts on plates of various sizes, shapes, and colors. The study was carried out among 1005 respondents using the CAWI method. Our findings revealed that along with an increasing plate size from a diameter of ϕ24-27 cm to ϕ31 cm, the ratings of the dish\'s perceived appearance (p ≤ 0.001), portion size (p ≤ 0.001), and energy value (p ≤ 0.01) decreased. Plate shape influenced the perceived appearance of the dessert. When placed on a square platter, round desserts were considerably (p ≤ 0.05) less appealing. The color of the plate had a significant influence (p ≤ 0.001) on the dish\'s perceived appearance and estimated monetary value, and it evoked more sensory-hedonic impressions. Red-plate and white-plate desserts were liked less than black-plate desserts, but color-plated desserts were perceived as more expensive than those served on white dishes. Consumers perceived bright desserts on white plates as traditional, natural, and boring; those on black plates as modern, appetizing, and aesthetic; and those served on red plates as artificial, unsightly, and unappetizing. Higher consumer food neophobia led to a lower rating related to appearance and price perceptions, but elevated perceptions of portion size and energy value appraisal. Our results may be used in the marketing of gastronomic dishes.

This research aimed to analyze the impact of two different non-Saccharomyces yeast species on the aromatic profile of red wines made from the cv. Babić (Vitis vinifera L.) red grape variety. The grapes were obtained from two positions in the Middle and South of Dalmatia. This study compared a control treatment with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) strain as a type of sequential inoculation treatment with Lachancea thermotolerans (Lt x Sc) and Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td x Sc). The focus was on the basic wine parameters and volatile aromatic compound concentrations determined using the SPME-Arrow-GC/MS method. The results revealed significant differences in cis-linalool oxide, geraniol, neric acid, and nerol, which contribute to the sensory profile with floral and rose-like aromas; some ethyl esters, such as ethyl furoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl lactate, ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-hydroxy butanoate, diethyl glutarate, and diethyl succinate, contribute to the aromatic profile with fruity, buttery, overripe, or aging aromas. A sensory evaluation of wines confirmed that Td x Sc treatments exhibited particularly positive aromatic properties together with a more intense fullness, harmony, aftertaste, and overall impression.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sous-vide cooking temperature on the triceps brachii of black goats. Triceps brachii of black goats (12 months) were sous-vide cooked at 55°C, 60°C, and 65°C. The samples were examined for color, scanning electron microscope photographs, sarcomere length, fiber cross-sectional area, cooking yield, shear force, sensory evaluation, and aromatic profile. The results showed that CIE a*, CIE b*, and chroma increased with increasing sous-vide cooking temperature. However, the cooking yield significantly decreased with increasing sous-vide cooking temperature, and the shear forces of the 60°C and 65°C samples showed no significant differences. For sensory evaluation, the 60°C sample showed the highest scores for flavor, texture, and off-flavor. Furthermore, the 60°C sample showed the significantly lowest value of octadienone (aroma characteristics of metallic) intensity (p<0.05). Therefore, sous-vide cooking of triceps brachii of black goats at 60°C is effective in reducing off-flavor and improving tenderness.

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theacrine are involved in imparting tea with its astringent and bitter tastes. This study investigated the effect of theacrine on the astringency of EGCG and its molecular mechanism. Sensory evaluation was used to study the astringent intensities of EGCG solutions in the presence and absence of various concentrations of theacrine. The results indicated a considerable increase in the astringency values of EGCG-theacrine solutions compared with those of EGCG solutions alone. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) were to explore the interaction mechanisms. The results revealed that theacrine increased the particle size of EGCG-proline-rich proteins (PRPs) aggregates with that of EGCG and PRPs alone. MD revealed that theacrine potentially acted as a bridge between EGCG and PRPs, promoting their interaction and intensifying the EGCG\'s astringency. However, theacrine could not bridge two or more mucins owing to the substantial spatial structure of mucin.

This review article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the main determinants of consumers\' acceptance of novel foods (new foods and ingredients) in the EU with emphasis on product\'s intrinsic properties (sensory characteristics) and individual factors (socio-demographics, perceptive, psychological) by adopting a systematic approach following the PRISMA methodology. Case studies on terrestrial (i.e., insects, cultured meat and other animal origin products, plant-based food including mushrooms, plant-based analogues, pulses, and cereals) and aquatic systems (i.e., algae and jellyfish) are included focusing on age-related and cross-national differences in consumer acceptance of novel foods and ingredients. General trends have emerged that are common to all the novel foods analysed, regardless of their aquatic or terrestrial origin. Aspects such as food neophobia, unfamiliarity, and poor knowledge of the product are important barriers to the consumption of novel foods, while healthiness and environmental sustainability perception are drivers of acceptance. Sensory properties are challenging for more familiar ingredients such as plant-based food (e.g., novel food made by pulses, mushrooms, cereals and pseudocereals). Results are discussed in terms of feasibility of introducing these products in the EU food systems highlighting strategies that can encourage the use of new ingredients or novel foods.