Pectin is a branched heteropolysaccharide consisting of long-chain galacturonan segments and other neutral sugars such as rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and xylose. It forms a matrix with celluloses and hemicelluloses and contributes to the cell structure. Due to the presence of several sugar moieties and different levels of methyl esterification, pectin does not have defined molecular weight like other polysaccharides. Pectin has wide applications. It is used as emulsifier, gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer, and fat or sugar replacer in low-calorie foods. Pectin and pectinderived oligosaccharides can also be used as an important ingredient in functional foods. In recent past, a new application envisaged for pectin polymers as edible films or coating. These films act as natural barrier for exchange of moisture, gases, lipids, and volatiles between food and environment, and protect fruits and vegetable from microbial contamination. The degree of esterification of pectin and other structural modifications defines the functional properties. Herein, various functional properties of pectin in relation to food processing and packaging are discussed.
Summary
In the present study, the influence of Beta vulgaris root powder (BVP) incorporated at 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% levels on the empirical and fundamental rheological characteristics; dough texture properties; nutritional and bioactive components in the doughnut were carried out. The addition of BVP, decreased the WAC (58.4%–51.2%), DDT (6.19–1.31 min), extensibility (148–95 mm), and springiness (4.56–3.24 N) and viscosity parameters to varying extent. The frequency sweep test indicated that both the dynamic moduli increased and G' was higher than G" at all levels indicating the solid elastic structure of the dough. The dimensional characteristics of the doughnuts indicated a decrease in volume (103.3–85 mL) and an increase in weight (35.8–46.7 g) and compression force (11.6–14.5 N). The sensory studies indicated that 10% BVP incorporated doughnut was highly acceptable with higher dietary fibre content. The higher retention of betacyanin (17.88 mg 100 g−1), betaxanthin (12.9 mg 100 g−1), betanin (6.61 mg 100 g−1), TPC (25.74 mg GAE 100 g−1), TFC (77.08 mg QE 100 g−1) and TAC (28.76 mMTE 100 g−1) was observed.
Hinokitiol (β‐thujaplicin, volatile oil extracted from the wood of Hiba arborvitae [Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae], cypress family) is a natural preservative, antimicrobial, and chelating agent, used to prevent decay and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. In the present study, we used nonwoven rayon sheets impregnated with hinokitiol to conduct packaging studies. Mature green tomatoes var. “KEK‐1” were packaged under three packaging conditions, ie, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), MAP + hinokitiol (MH), and perforated film package (as control), and their quality attributes were compared during storage. The packaging materials used were low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film (40 μm) and fresh sheets of nonwoven rayon impregnated with hinokitiol. O2 in the MAP packaged tomatoes were retained throughout the storage period (3% to 5% O2). Results showed that MH had slightly improved quality attributes throughout the storage period when compared with MAP alone. Expression levels of LeACS, LeADH, and LeTBG4 genes were higher in 5 and 9 days of control when compared with MAP and MH. “KEK‐1” tomatoes had longer shelf life under MAP and MH packaging and maintained the quality at 15°C. Hence, the effect of the MAP with bioactive packaging treatments could be effective in the future application for the extension of shelf life and quality of fruits and vegetables.
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