Improving the protective features of fresh pistachios against chilling injury and enzymatic discoloration through the synergistic application of Ajwain seeds essential oils (Trachyspermum ammi) and carboxymethylcellulose

The thymol fraction present in Ajwain seed essential oil (Aj) exhibits antioxidant properties that can mitigate horticultural crop losses after harvest. This study was designed to analyze the influence of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC 0.5 %) in combination with three concentrations of Aj (400, 800 and 1200 mg L−1) on fresh ‘Ahmad Aghaei’ pistachio fruits. After […]

Processing and Real-Time Monitoring Strategies of Aflatoxin Reduction in Pistachios: Innovative Nonthermal Methods, Advanced Biosensing Platforms, and AI-Based Predictive Approac

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination in pistachios remains a critical food safety and trade challenge, given the potent carcinogenicity of AF-B1 and the nut’s high susceptibility to Aspergillus infection throughout production and storage. Traditional decontamination methods such as roasting, irradiation, ozonation, and acid/alkaline treatments can reduce AF levels but often degrade sensory and nutritional quality, implying the […]

Evaluation of the crop sequence boundary (CSB) dataset for field boundary mapping and spatial overlap analysis supporting pesticide risk assessment

Accurate delineation of field boundaries is essential for translating pixel-level remote sensing data into actionable field-scale agricultural decision-making. This study evaluates the accuracy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Crop Sequence Boundaries (CSB) dataset, which derives crop field polygons from eight years of Cropland Data Layer (CDL) data by analyzing crop rotation history […]

Nighttime Pistachio Consumption Alters Stool Microbiota Diversity and Taxa Abundance Compared with Education to Consume 1-2 Carbohydrate Exchanges (15-30 grams) over 12 Weeks in Adults with Prediabetes: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Prior research has demonstrated that pistachio intake influences gut microbiota composition; however, there has been limited investigation of pistachio-related gut microbial modulation in populations with impaired glycemia. Objectives: The aim was to examine the effect of nighttime pistachio intake for 12 wk on the stool microbiota of adults with prediabetes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) […]

From waste to wrap: Pistachio shell powder–reinforced chitosan biocomposite for eco-friendly packaging

Chitosan (Cs) is a biopolymer which has exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability and antibacterial properties. On the other hand, pistachio shell (Ps) powder is environmentally friendly, sustainable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Therefore, the combination of these two biomaterials may lead to a biocomposite with numerous attractive properties. In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of a […]

Advancements and Impacts of Cold Plasma Technology on Dried Nuts and Related Products

In this review, various dried nuts such as almonds, pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, mixed nuts, and others were subjected to different cold plasma (CP) techniques under varying processing parameters (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, time). The review examines the impact of these treatments on microbial reduction, sensory attributes, and physicochemical properties of the dried nuts. The […]

The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial

A healthy diet is essential for optimal brain health and many bioactives from food are linked to cognitive benefits. To examine whether walnuts led to cognitive improvements throughout the day, 32 healthy young adults, aged 18-30, were tested in a double-blind, crossover pilot study, to compare the effects of a breakfast containing 50 g walnuts […]

Effects of Longer-Term Mixed Nut Consumption on Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations in Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Background: Recently, we reported that longer-term mixed nut intake significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, but these markers may not fully capture lipoprotein-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objectives: This randomized, controlled, single-blinded, crossover trial in older adults with overweight or obesity examined the effects of longer-term mixed nut consumption on lipoprotein particle size, […]