Antioxidant; larvicidal and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of cashew nut shell liquid constituents

Anacardic acid; cardanol and cardol; the main constituents of natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL); were obtained by solvent extraction and assayed for antioxidant; larvicidal and antiacetylcholinesterase activity. Their relative percent composition was obtained by HPLC analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH and ABTS(+) tests; which showed cardanol as the most active; followed […]

Effects of roasting on taste-active compounds of Turkish hazelnut varieties (Corylus avellana L.)

The effect of roasting on taste-active components of 18 native hazelnut varieties; grown in the Giresun province of Turkey; was assessed. Samples were examined for their sugars; organic acids; condensed tannins; and free phenolic acids. Six sugars (fructose; glucose; sucrose; myo-inositol; raffinose; and stachyose); seven organic acids (oxalic; maleic; citric; malic; lactic; succinic; and acetic); […]

Dropping macadamia nuts-in-shell reduces kernel roasting quality

BACKGROUND: Macadamia nuts ('nuts-in-shell') are subjected to many impacts from dropping during postharvest handling; resulting in damage to the raw kernel. The effect of dropping on roasted kernel quality is unknown. Macadamia nuts-in-shell were dropped in various combinations of moisture content; number of drops and receiving surface in three experiments. After dropping; samples from each […]

The effect of a beta-mannanase-based enzyme on growth performance and humoral immune response of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of whole dates

The use of low-quality whole dates in broilers' diets was evaluated. The apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of whole dates and date pits was determined with or without a beta-mannanase-based enzyme (Hemicell–a registered trademark of ChemGen Corp.; Gaithersburg; MD. Dried Bacillus lentus fermentation solubles with 158 million units/kg minimum enzyme activity. Recommended usage rate is 0.4 […]

Almond quality as influenced by radio frequency heat treatments for disinfestation

Increased regulation of chemical fumigants has forced the almond industry to seek alternatives for postharvest control of insect pests in raw almonds. This paper reports developments of non-chemical treatment for postharvest disinfestation of almonds using radio frequency (RF) energy. A pilot-scale 27 MHz RF unit was used to evaluate effects of a RF treatment protocol […]

Study on antioxidant activity of common dry fruits

This study investigates the antioxidant activity of different dry fruits (almonds; walnut; cashew nut; raisins and chironji) through several chemical and biochemical assays: reducing power; lipid peroxidation damage in biomembranes and determination of antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD and CAT). To estimate the total phenolic content; the assay using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used. The EC(50) values […]

Influence of Processing on the Allergenic Properties of Pistachio Nut Assessed in Vitro

Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is a tree nut that has been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This study was undertaken to investigate the distinctions between different cultivars of pistachio nut and the influence of different processing on the IgE-binding capacity of whole pistachio protein extracts. The influence of different processes on allergenicity was investigated using […]

First Report on Mould and Mycotoxin Contamination of Pistachios Sampled in Algeria

Mycotoxin contamination of pistachios represents a serious food safety hazard. The aim of this study was to evaluate fungal contamination and aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) occurrence in pistachio sampled in Algeria and to study the mycotoxigenic capacities of the isolates. A total of 31 pistachio samples were collected from retail outlets from different […]