BACKGROUND: The release of grape components during wine making might be related to the mechanical properties of the skin, in particular its hardness. Samples from three varieties collected during the 2005 vintage season in Piedmont, Italy, were tested for their skin hardness using a texture analyser. The goal was to understand the statistical interactions between three factors -variety, cluster position and puncture point -and their influence on the grape skin hardness. A discussion on the relationship between the size of the sample used and the confidence level is also provided.

The concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in yogurt was increased using 5 different vegetable oils obtained from flaxseed, Camelina sativa, raspberry, blackcurrant, and Echium plantagineum. The vegetable oils were added to partially skim milk before lactic fermentation at a concentration adequate enough to cover at least 10% of the recommended daily intake of 2 g/d of α-linolenic acid according to EC regulation no. 432/2012. Microbiological (lactobacilli and streptococci, yeast, and molds), chemical (pH, syneresis, proximate composition, fatty acids, oxidation stability), and sensory evaluations were assessed for all of the fortified yogurts after 0, 7, 14, and 21 d of storage at 4°C. Sensory evaluations were conducted at 21 d of storage at 4°C. Among the yogurts produced, those that were supplemented with flaxseed and blackcurrant oils exhibited the highest α-linolenic acid content (more than 200mg/100 g of yogurt) at the end of storage. The addition of oil did not influence the growth of lactic acid bacteria that were higher than 10(7) cfu/g at 21 d of storage. All of the yogurts were accepted by consumers, except for those supplemented with raspberry and E. plantagineum oils due to the presence of off flavors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different storage conditions on the quality of the hazelnut cultivar 'Tonda Gentile delle Langhe'. The traditional method of in-shell nut storage, in storage room at ambient temperature, was compared with preservation of shelled nuts in refrigerated room at 4°C and 55% RH with or without modified atmosphere (1% oxygen, 99% nitrogen). In order to evaluate nut quality, the following parameters were considered: humidity, lipid content, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the seed; acidity and peroxide value of the oil. The results showed that the acidity and the peroxide value were the most discriminating parameters. After one year of storage, the acidity of hazelnuts stored at ambient temperature (0.47% oleic acid) was higher than the value considered the acceptable limit after storage (0.40% oleic acid), while the storage at low temperature permitted to maintain a low level of acidity and lipid oxidation, with the best performance in modified atmosphere (0.13% of oleic acid and 0.11 mEq O 2 /kg). In conclusion, the in-shell storage of hazelnuts at ambient temperature was able to preserve the kernel below threshold limits of acidity and oxidative degradation up to a period of 8 months; the application of refrigeration was necessary to maintain a high quality up to one year. The use of modified atmosphere is recommended for a longer period of storage.

No abstract

Five different vegetable oils were used in the production of fresh cheese to increase the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly α-linolenic acid (ALA), the most important omega-3 fatty acid of vegetable origin. Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of functionalized cheeses were evaluated after 1 and 3 days of ripening at 4 °C while the consumer appreciation was evaluated in the final product at 3 days of ripening. After 3 days, the cheeses with Camelina sativa and Echium plantagineum oils added exhibited the highest retention of PUFAs (mostly ALA) compared to those with flaxseed, raspberry and blackcurrant oils. The addition of oil showed little effects on physico-chemical characteristics and also consumers' evaluation highlighted that all of the fresh cheeses were considered acceptable although those with flaxseed and raspberry oils were the most appreciated.