Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Organic and Sustainable Food Production
applsci-logo
Submit to Applied Sciences Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Organic and Sustainable Food Production

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2022) | Viewed by 21209

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ewelina Hallmann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: organic food; nutrition; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Organic food is becoming more and more popular around the world. Different sustainable, organic and biodynamic production leads to the production of high quality food. In the case of fruits, vegetables and animal products, a strictly controlled production method will have much better results when it comes to food quality. The modern consumer is now better educated, and still looking for better food with a high content of bioactive compounds. The high level of biological active compounds can protect the human body against free radical concentration, eliminated toxic oxidative stress, as well as being able to diminish non-infected chronic diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases, different kinds of cancer, obesity, and diabetes type II. In modern literature, we still do not have the best knowledge about different aspects of organic food quality and their effect on the human body and the environment. In this new Special Issue, all research on the problems of production methods, experiments with organic plants and animal foods are appreciated.

Assoc. Pro Ewelina Hallmann
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • organic production
  • plant food
  • animal food
  • sustainability production
  • quality

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 2224 KiB  
Article
Bioactive and Physicochemical Properties of Exotic Fruit Seed Powders: Mango (Mangefiera indica L.) and Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Obtained by Various Drying Methods
by Marta Siol, Anna Sadowska, Katarzyna Król and Katarzyna Najman
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 4995; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104995 - 15 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3440
Abstract
Exotic fruits, which are becoming more and more popular in European countries, contain seeds, which are an unused and useless byproduct of fruit processing. Research conducted in recent years suggests that these unused waste products can be a source of nutrients and bioactive [...] Read more.
Exotic fruits, which are becoming more and more popular in European countries, contain seeds, which are an unused and useless byproduct of fruit processing. Research conducted in recent years suggests that these unused waste products can be a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds in much more concentrated amounts than those found in the flesh of the fruit. Research on the physicochemical properties and the content of bioactive compounds in fruit seeds may allow the assessment of the possibility and purposefulness of their wider application in the production of functional food. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and bioactive properties of exotic, tropical fruit seed powders, such as mango (Mangefiera indica L.) and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seeds, obtained by convective drying (CD) and sublimation drying (FD). In the tested powders, the water-holding capacity and water solubility were determined, the color was measured using the ‘electronic eye’ instrumental method, the taste profile was determined using the ‘electronic tongue’, and the content of selected bioactive compounds—such as tannins (titration method), total polyphenols and antioxidant activity was also determined using the spectrophotometric method. It was found that the studied powders were characterized by low water-holding capacity (1.2–1.6 g/1 g of powder), low solubility in water (9.5–17.4%), neutral color and varied taste profile, depending on the origin of the tested powder. Rambutan seed powders were characterized by a more bitter taste with a higher umami-flavor intensity compared to mango seed powders, which showed a more intense acidic and sweet taste. The conducted research shows that the applied methods of powder production, i.e., drying (to similar aw values) by convection vs. sublimation, had a much greater impact on changes in the content of bioactive compounds than on the tested physicochemical parameters. The freeze-dried seed powders were characterized by a higher content of polyphenolic compounds and a higher antioxidant activity than convection-dried seed powders. Considering the high content of polyphenols and high antioxidant activity, the studied powders may find applications in the production of dietary supplements and in the design of functional foods. Due to the low water solubility index, mango and rambutan powders can be used in the design of products where particle sensitivity is indicated. The use of the investigated exotic fruit seed powders, i.e., mango and rambutan, may not only be beneficial for nutritional reasons, but also may contribute to the reduction of post-production waste, in line with the recently widespread “zero waste” trend. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2248 KiB  
Article
The Physicochemical Properties, Volatile Compounds and Taste Profile of Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Cloves, Paste and Powder
by Katarzyna Najman, Katarzyna Król and Anna Sadowska
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4215; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094215 - 21 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3615
Abstract
Black garlic is produced as a result of the so-called “fermentation processes” of whole heads or cloves kept under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity for several weeks. During this long-term heat treatment, garlic undergoes enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning reactions, which greatly change [...] Read more.
Black garlic is produced as a result of the so-called “fermentation processes” of whole heads or cloves kept under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity for several weeks. During this long-term heat treatment, garlic undergoes enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning reactions, which greatly change its taste, aroma, physicochemical, organoleptic and bioactive properties. Black garlic is most often produced in the form of cloves, and recently also in the form of paste and powder. This work focused on the comparison of functional properties of black garlic, such as volatile compounds, taste profile, total polyphenols content, antioxidant activity, color (CIE L*, a*, b*), water activity (aw), pH, soluble solids content (°Brix) and moisture content, depending on the form of its occurrence: cloves, spreading paste and powder. After long-term heat treatment, garlic was characterized by a higher content of dry matter and water-soluble solids, respectively at about 22% and 24% for spreading paste and 166% and 44% for powder. The conducted research showed significant differences in the bioactive properties of the tested garlic samples, with the lowest content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties in fresh, unprocessed garlic (6.05 ± 0.07 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 232.95 ± 4.06 µM TEAC/1 g d.m., respectively), while in garlic subjected to long-term heat treatment, the total polyphenols content and antioxidant potential were two times higher than in the unprocessed garlic. The polyphenol content and antioxidant properties were the highest in the spread garlic (respectively, 15.16 ± 0.08 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 638.46 ± 3.37 µM TEAC/1 g d.m.) and the lowest in the powdered samples (respectively, 11.02 ± 0.51 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 541.71 ± 5.22 µM TEAC/1 g d.m.). Obtained black garlic samples gain completely different sensory characteristics determined using instrumental methods. In black garlic and its preparations, the intensity of unpleasant taste and aroma is reduced as a result of the appearance of metabolites during the long-term heat treatment, which in turn determined the specific, delicate sweet–sour taste and pleasant aroma, completely unrelated to the aroma of the unprocessed product. Taking into account the obtained results, it can be stated that black garlic, in the form of cloves, paste and powder, exhibits completely different properties than white garlic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 833 KiB  
Article
Edible Flowers’ Antioxidant Properties and Polyphenols Content Reflect Their Applicability for Household and Craft Tincture Production
by Maria Śmiechowska, Przemysław Dmowski and Larysa Skowierzak
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10095; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110095 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
The growing interest of consumers in regional and traditional products drew our attention to innovative products manufactured at home and using craft methods, which include, among others, alcohol tinctures of edible flowers. The aim of this paper is to present selected tinctures of [...] Read more.
The growing interest of consumers in regional and traditional products drew our attention to innovative products manufactured at home and using craft methods, which include, among others, alcohol tinctures of edible flowers. The aim of this paper is to present selected tinctures of edible flowers from home and craft production, their phenol content, antioxidant properties and colour. Novel alcoholic beverages obtained from edible flowers are characterized. The tinctures from wild rose flowers, elderberry, marigold and cornflower were studied. The content of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant properties and the colour of tinctures in the CIE L*a*b* system were analysed. The study showed that edible flower tinctures are characterized by an intense colour, which is not adversely affected by the maceration process. The determined parameters were influenced by the form of flowers (fresh or dried). The total content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the studied tinctures were lower than in the fresh flowers. Edible flower tinctures can be an interesting alternative for both consumers looking for product innovations and alcohol connoisseurs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 670 KiB  
Article
Studies of the Variability of Sugars, Vitamin C, and Chlorophylls in Differently Fermented Organic Leaves of Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)
by Marius Lasinskas, Elvyra Jariene, Nijole Vaitkeviciene, Ausra Blinstrubiene, Barbara Sawicka, Anna Sadowska and Ewelina Hallmann
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9891; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11219891 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665
Abstract
There is currently an increasing interest in functional foods and herbs as an opportunity to enrich one’s diet and at the same time improve one’s health. One of such plants is willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub), which is rich not only in [...] Read more.
There is currently an increasing interest in functional foods and herbs as an opportunity to enrich one’s diet and at the same time improve one’s health. One of such plants is willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub), which is rich not only in polyphenols, carotenoids, but also in sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C. This work purpose was to determine the effect of solid-phase fermentation (SPF) on changes in sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C under different fermentation conditions. Willowherb leaves were fermented for various durations (24, 48, and 72 h), in anaerobic and aerobic terms. The determination of sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C was done using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a spectrometer UV-VIS. The principal component analysis (PCA) was done to estimate the relationships between the different fermentation conditions (methods, as well as duration) and 10 parameters. The study showed: the biggest amounts of total chlorophylls and sugars were present after 72 h of anaerobic SPF, but the amount of total vitamin C was higher in unfermented willowherb leaves. In summary, SPF could be applied to modify chlorophylls and sugar quantities in willowherb organic leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 951 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Ripening Stages on the Accumulation of Carotenoids, Polyphenols and Vitamin C in Rosehip Species/Cultivars
by Brigita Medveckienė, Jurgita Kulaitienė, Dovilė Levickienė and Ewelina Hallmann
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6761; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156761 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3622
Abstract
Our research was aimed at assessing the effect of accumulation of carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin C and ripening stage in the rosehip fruits of two species—Rosa canina, Rosa rugosa and two cultivar—Rosa rugosa ‘Rubra’ and Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’. The amounts of [...] Read more.
Our research was aimed at assessing the effect of accumulation of carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin C and ripening stage in the rosehip fruits of two species—Rosa canina, Rosa rugosa and two cultivar—Rosa rugosa ‘Rubra’ and Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’. The amounts of carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin C were determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The obtained results showed that the significantly highest amount (107.15 mg 100 g−1) of total carotenoid was determined in the fruits of Rosa canina at ripening Stage V. While results indicated that significant amount of total polyphenols were established at Stages I and II in the Rosa Rugosa ‘Alba’ and Rosa rugosa ‘Rubra’ cultivars (110.34 mg 100 g−1, 107.88 mg 100 g−1 and 103.20 mg 100 g−1 103.39 mg 100 g−1). At ripening Stage I, in the fruits of Rosa rugosa the greatest increases were established in the contents of vitamin C (3036.08 mg 100 g−1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1713 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Organic and Conventional Cultivations on Antioxidants Content in Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) Species
by Joanna Rachtan-Janicka, Alicja Ponder and Ewelina Hallmann
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5113; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115113 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2893
Abstract
The number of consumers seeking safe and health-beneficial foods is systematically increasing. Consumers demand more environmentally friendly and safe food options coming from organic farming. Blackcurrants fruits are a perfect source of biological active compounds, such as vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids as [...] Read more.
The number of consumers seeking safe and health-beneficial foods is systematically increasing. Consumers demand more environmentally friendly and safe food options coming from organic farming. Blackcurrants fruits are a perfect source of biological active compounds, such as vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids as well anthocyanins. Organic agricultural practices have modified the level of bioactive compounds in blackcurrant fruits. The novelty and the aim of the presented study was to compare the concentrations of selected health-promoting antioxidants in fruits of three blackcurrants (‘Ben Adler’, ‘Tiben’ and ‘Titania’) grown in organic and conventional orchards in Poland. For bioactive compound determination, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used. The obtained results showed that organic blackcurrant fruits contained significantly more vitamin C (9.4 mg/100 g f.w.), total polyphenols (189.2 mg/100 g f.w.), total phenolic acids (10.3 mg/100 g f.w.), and total flavonoids (178.8 mg/100 g f.w.), as well anthocyanins (167.9 mg/100 g f.w.), compared to conventional ones. The selected cultivars and the years of cultivation system affect the concentration of the measured polyphenols, with strong interactions between these factors. The experiment confirms the hypothesis that organic blackcurrants should be a very important part of well-balanced, healthy diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1778 KiB  
Article
Effect of Red Cabbage Sprouts Treating with Organic Acids on the Content of Polyphenols, Antioxidant Properties and Colour Parameters
by Katarzyna Najman and Anna Sadowska
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4890; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114890 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a great deal of consumer interest in consuming vegetables in the form of sprouts, characterized by high nutritional value. The disadvantage of sprouts is the loss of bioactive compounds during storage and the relatively short shelf life, [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been a great deal of consumer interest in consuming vegetables in the form of sprouts, characterized by high nutritional value. The disadvantage of sprouts is the loss of bioactive compounds during storage and the relatively short shelf life, due to the fact that they are a good medium for microorganisms, especially yeasts and molds. The aim of the study was to compare the content of polyphenols, antioxidant properties, color and microbiological quality of red cabbage sprouts preserved by the use of mild organic acids: Citric, ascorbic, lactic, acetic and peracetic. In the study, the content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of sprouts was examined using the spectrophotometric method, instrumental color measurement was done using an “electronic eye” and the content of mold, yeast and the total number of mesophilic microorganisms was determined using the plate inoculation method. Taking into account the content of polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of sprouts, it was found that the addition of all organic acids contributed to the preservation of the tested compounds during their 14-day storage under refrigerated conditions, depending on the type of organic acid used, from 71 to 86% for polyphenols and from 75 to 96% for antioxidant properties. The best results were obtained by treating the sprouts with peracetic acid and ascorbic acid, respectively, at a concentration of 80 ppm and 1%. The conducted research on the possibility of extending the storage life and preserving the bioactive properties of fresh sprouts showed that the use of peracetic acid in the form of an aqueous solution during pre-treatment allows to reduce the content of microorganisms by one logarithmic order. Ascorbic acid did not reduce the content of microorganisms in the sprout samples tested. Considering the content of bioactive ingredients, as well as the microbiological quality of fresh sprouts, it can be said that there is a great need to use mild organic acids during the pre-treatment of sprouts in order to maintain a high level of health-promoting ingredients during their storage, which may also contribute to their prolongation durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic and Sustainable Food Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop