Reduction of Salmonella enteritidis population sizes on almond kernels with infrared heat
Catalytic infrared (IR) heating was investigated to determine its effect on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis population sizes on raw almond kernels. Using a double-sided catalytic IR heating system; a radiation intensity of 5;458 W/m2 caused a fast temperature increase at the kernel surface and minimal temperature differences between the top and bottom kernel surfaces. Exposure […]
In Vitro Activity of Almond Skin Polyphenols for Scavenging Free Radicals and Inducing Quinone Reductase
Observational studies and clinical trials suggest nut intake; including almonds; is associated with an enhancement in antioxidant defense and a reduction in the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Almond skins are rich in polyphenols (ASP) that may contribute to these putative benefits. To assess their potential mechanisms of action; we tested the in vitro […]
Investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) seeds
Almonds are known to have a number of nutritional benefits; including cholesterol lowering effects and protection against diabetes. They are also a good source of minerals and vitamin E; associated with promoting health and reducing the risk for chronic disease. In this study we investigated the potential prebiotic effect of almond seeds in vitro using […]
Release of protein; lipid; and vitamin E from almond seeds during digestion
The evaluation of the bioaccessibility of almond nutrients is incomplete. However; it may have implications for the prevention and management of obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study quantified the release of lipid; protein; and vitamin E from almonds during digestion and determined the role played by cell walls in the bioaccessibility of intracellular nutrients. Natural […]
Variability of Oil Content and of Major Fatty Acid Composition in Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) and Its Relationship with Kernel Quality
Oil content and fatty acid composition were determined for two years in the kernel oil of eight cultivars and 47 advanced self-compatible almond genotypes developed in an almond breeding program. Considerable variation between genotypes was found for all parameters. Oil content ranged from 48% to 67% of the total kernel dry weight but was consistent […]
Aspergillus nomius; an important aflatoxin producer in Brazil nuts?
The relation between aflatoxin B1 and G1 was examined in samples from 199 aflatoxin contaminated lots of in-shell Brazil nut imported to Europe. In most of the samples; the relation between B1 and G1 were approximately 50/50 indicating that the major responsible aflatoxin producing fungi cannot be Aspergillus flavus; which produces solely B aflatoxins. Fungal […]
Growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin formation in Brazil nuts
The present study aimed at gaining more knowledge of the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin production in Brazil nuts in relation to humidity conditions and storage time. For this purpose; the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and the increase in aflatoxin levels in Brazil nuts was studied in the laboratory at temperature and humidity conditions […]
Characterization of Aspergillus flavus strains from Brazilian Brazil nuts and cashew by RAPD and ribosomal DNA analysis
Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability in Aspergillus flavus populations from Brazil nut and cashew and develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method. Methods and Results: Chomatography analysis of 48 isolates identified 36 as aflatoxigenic (75%). One hundred and forty-one DNA bands were generated with 11 random amplified […]
Elimination of Aspergillus parasiticus from nut surface with low pressure cold plasma (LPCP) treatment
Low pressure cold plasma (LPCP) using air gases and sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) was developed and tested for anti-fungal efficacy against Aspergillus parasiticus on various nut samples. Artificially A. parasiticus contaminated hazelnuts; peanuts; and pistachio nuts were treated with air gases plasma and SF(6) plasma for up to 20 min duration. The sterilizing effect of LPCP […]
Walnut Polyphenols Prevent Liver Damage Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride and d-Galactosamine: Hepatoprotective Hydrolyzable Tannins in the Kernel Pellicles of Walnut
The polyphenol-rich fraction (WP; 45% polyphenol) prepared from the kernel pellicles of walnuts was assessed for its hepatoprotective effect in mice. A single oral administration of WP (200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) elevation in liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4); while it did not […]