The suitability of gamma irradiation (1, 2 and 5 kGy) for preserving quality parameters of fresh-cut watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) during storage at 4 ± 1 ºC for 7 d was investigated. The storage time decreased the protein content and the main carbohydrates, and increased the levels of malic and fumaric acids, sucrose and monoand polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA). The different irradiation doses did not caused any significant colour change. In general, the 2 kGy dose favoured PUFA and was the most suitable to preserve the overall postharvest quality of fresh-cut watercress during cold storage. In turn, the 5 kGy dose better preserved the antioxidant activity and total flavonoids and favoured MUFA, tocopherols and total phenolics, thus originating a final product with enhanced functional properties. Therefore, the suitability of gamma irradiation for preserving fresh-cut watercress quality during cold storage was demonstrated.
Food processing generates a large amount of bio-residues, which have become the focus of different studies aimed at valorizing this low-cost source of bioactive compounds. High fruit consumption is associated with beneficial health effects and, therefore, bio-waste and its constituents arouse therapeutic interest. The present work focuses on the main Portuguese fruit crops and revises (i) the chemical constituents of apple, orange, and pear pomace as potential sources of functional/bioactive compounds; (ii) the bioactive evidence and potential therapeutic use of bio-waste generated in the processing of the main Portuguese fruit crops; and (iii) potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The current evidence of the effect of these bio-residues as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents is also summarized. Conclusions of the revised data are that these bio-wastes hold great potential to be employed in specific nutritional and pharmaceutical applications.
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