Grape pomace represents the main by-product generated during winemaking and is characterised by its richness in polyphenols, dietary fibre, residual sugars, lipids, and triterpenes. These bioactive compounds derived from grapes are known to positively influence oxidative status, metabolic balance, and animal productivity, positioning grape pomace as a promising, environmentally and economically sustainable alternative feed ingredient for conventional feed components. This research evaluated the effects of incorporating different inclusion rates (0, 6, 12, and 18% DM) of ensiled red grape pomace (RGP) into isoenergetic and isoproteic diets on the nutritional and technological characteristics of goat milk. Seventy-two Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were selected and distributed into eight homogeneous groups (n = 9 per group) based on physiological traits. Each diet was randomly assigned to two groups, and the feeding trial extended over eight weeks. After a two-week adaptation to the experimental diets, four biweekly milk samplings were performed to obtain representative bulk tank samples from each treatment group. Milk samples were analysed for gross composition, pH, mineral profile, fatty acid composition, coagulation properties, colourimetric parameters, and antioxidant capacity. The collected data were analysed using a general linear model, considering the effect of the treatment, sampling days, and their interaction (Proc. GLM, SAS v9.4). Dietary RGP inclusion had no significant effect on milk gross composition or on the antioxidant activity of the milk. However, it led to a significant reduction in milk urea content and somatic cell count, alongside improvements in the lipid profile from a human health perspective. The magnitude of the effects observed in the colourimetric parameters (<0.5 units) fell below the threshold of human visual perception and was therefore not considered relevant. RGP-fed milk also showed increased calcium and potassium concentrations, while RGP_12 milk exhibited the highest phosphorus content. In addition, the lowest RGP levels (RGP_6) reduced the rennet coagulation time while increasing milk curd aggregation rate. Despite these targeted effects, the overall milk composition remained stable, which is critical for maintaining its technological functionality.

Pre-harvest bagging protects table grapes from environmental stress, yet its interannual impact on the plant fatty acid profile remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid profile and Atherogenicity Index (AI) and Thrombogenicity Index (TI) as health indices of three traditional cultivars (“Doña María”, “Dominga”, “Aledo”). Grapes were cultivated under bagged and unbagged conditions over two consecutive seasons characterized by contrasting thermal stress, and their lipid extracts were evaluated using gas chromatography and multivariate statistical tools. The analytical results revealed a profile predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid. Both genotype and protective bagging significantly modulated lipid accumulation. Uniquely, the extreme heatwave of the second season triggered a profound lipid remodeling, increasing the total polyunsaturated fraction by over 40% in “Doña María” as a putative adaptive response to maintain membrane fluidity. Nutritionally, all cultivars demonstrated exceptional cardioprotective potential, recording atherogenicity indices below 0.11. These findings provide novel insights into the resilience of table grapes, validating them as a robust source of functional lipids. Furthermore, tracking this lipid remodeling offers the agricultural industry a sensitive biochemical tool to optimize protective strategies and ensure crop quality under increasing climate volatility.

This study evaluated the effects of alternative feed formulations on the proximate composition and lipid quality of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in a long-term feeding trial (May 2022-September 2023). Three isoenergetic and isoproteic diets were tested in replicate tanks: a fishmeal-based control (CTRL), a processed animal protein-based diet (PAP), and a diet including insect meal and microalgae oil (ALT). Diet pellet sizes were adapted to the fishes' developmental stage. Proximate composition and fatty acid profiles were assessed in feed and in fish fillets, with 20 fish analyzed per dietary treatment. The human health lipid indices of the fillets were calculated. Virtual diets were reconstructed to estimate theoretical fatty acid intake across growth, based on feed composition and consumption. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed distinct clustering by diet. Fillets from all diets met European Food Safety Authority criteria for being high in omega-3 fatty acids, with some variation in EPA and DHA concentrations among formulations. The ALT diet showed a 15% higher EPA+DHA content and the greatest fish lipid quality (FLQ) values, even having the lowest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake from feed, partly due to its elevated lauric acid (C12:0) content, which may contribute to rapid energy mobilization and omega-3 preservation. PAP-fed fish showed the most balanced PUFA/SFA and n6/n3 ratios. These findings demonstrate the viability of sustainable feed alternatives for maintaining nutritional quality in gilthead sea bream, supporting aquaculture sustainability without compromising nutritional value.

Aging, particularly in the elderly, is marked by physiological changes that alter protein requirements and utilization, while higher protein intake helps maintain nutritional status and physical function. Fermented dairy products improve protein digestibility and calcium bioavailability, offering benefits for the elderly. Whey protein is a suitable fortifier due to its solubility, digestibility, and acceptance. For these reasons, this study aimed to formulate and analyse whey protein-fortified fermented dairy drinks suitable for home preparation and acceptable to elderly consumers in terms of nutritional, functional, and sensory properties. To facilitate self-care or caregiver-assisted intake, the drinks were designed to be prepared in advance and stored for consumption throughout the day. Changes in sensory attributes, microbial load, physicochemical properties (pH and color), organic acids, sugars, and free amino acids (FAA) were evaluated. Regarding sensory quality, all formulations were free of off-flavors, and notable differences in their profiles allowed for adaptation to different preferences. Microbial counts remained high (>8 log CFU g(-)& sup1;) throughout storage, with quark and kefir-drinks showing the highest stability. The addition of whey protein decreased lightness and increased a* and b*, whereas storage at 24h20C maximized kefir acidification. Lactic acid was the predominant organic acid, and lactose and glucose levels decreased over time due to microbial activity. Finally, storage at 24h20C led to enhanced proteolytic activity; notably, kefir significantly doubled their essential FAA content. Overall, all formulations were shelf-stable under the tested conditions.

Global fish consumption has increased in recent decades, and tuna is among the most popular and widely consumed species worldwide, although demand varies by region. However, tuna, including canned tuna, may contain metal(loid)s such as Hg, As, and Cd, which can pose health risks if intake exceeds established safety limits and recommended intake. This study aimed to evaluate macroelements, microelements and metal(loid)s concentrations in all available private-label (store-brand: 58 types x 2 production batches) canned tuna products commercialized in the Spanish market at the time of purchase from supermarkets in the Vega Baja del Segura region (Alicante, Spain). All available canned tuna types were analyzed, and a novel aspect was correlating element content with FAO fishing area, tuna species, and covering liquid in recently purchased samples. As and Cd levels were highest in tuna from FAO areas 51 and 34, respectively. Significant differences by species were observed only for K, Fe, Cu and Cd. Tuna in brine generally had higher macro- and microelement levels, while tomato sauce samples showed the highest Cd content. The results suggest that the mineral and metal (loid) content in canned tuna is mainly influenced by the fishing zone and the covering liquid, while the species plays a less important role. In line with these results, which highlight the importance of origin and processing in the nutritional and toxicological characterization of canned tuna products. Our findings suggest that preservation techniques aimed at minimizing metal transfer during processing should be considered, particularly through the optimization of covering liquids, especially for products originating from areas where higher concentrations were detected.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) exhibits a high sensitivity to water deficit, making it crucial to comprehend this characteristic in order to optimize irrigation strategies to improve its productivity. Deficit irrigation is widely used under drought conditions to achieve water savings goals. This study examines the impact of sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies-applying 33%, 50%, or 75% of the crop water demand-on yield and quality parameters of two walnut cultivars (Chandler and Cisco) over a three-year monitoring period. These treatments were compared against control trees receiving full irrigation at 100% of crop water requirements (C100). The nut yield was significantly and proportionally reduced under the SDI treatments. In the experiment, the average yield for cv. Chandler amounted to 6.7, 6.4, and 12.2 kg tree-1 under SDI33, SDI50, and SDI75, respectively, which were less than 13.9 kg tree-1 in the C100 plot. Similarly, cv. Cisco yielded 8.0, 11.6, 11, and 15.6 kg tree-1 under SDI33, SDI50, SDI75, and C100, respectively. These findings indicate that the cultivar Cisco exhibits greater tolerance to moderate and intermediate levels of water deficit. Furthermore, the SDI treatments notably influenced several morphological and physicochemical kernel parameters. The key affected attributes include the weight, size, color, profiles of specific sugars, and mineral content (notably potassium, iron, and zinc), as well as the composition of unsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic and cis-vaccenic) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic), with pronounced effects observed particularly under the SDI75 treatment. Thus, deficit irrigation did not drastically affect the kernel quality parameters, and it is also possible to augment them by selecting the appropriate water stress level. Therefore, for both walnut cultivars, approximately 25% of the irrigation water (SDI75), equivalent to an average of 1681 m3 ha-1, can be conserved relative to the total crop water requirement without negatively impacting walnut tree performance in the short to medium term. Here, we show the key role of adjusting irrigation practices by stressing the benefits of SDI that can save water, foster water productivity, and boost walnut health-promoting phytochemicals.

Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) is characterized by its water stress tolerance and adaptability to diverse management strategies, allowing it to maintain or even enhance almond quality while achieving optimal yields. Limited research has been conducted to date on how almond production and quality vary across different water regimes and production systems, or how tree age modulates crop responses to deficit irrigation and organic practices. This study examines the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) under organic (OPS) and conventional (CPS) production systems, analyzing the impact on nut quality (physical and chemical parameters) and its sensorial properties in an almond orchard during seasons in 2019 and 2023, when the trees were 3-years old and when they were close to their yield potential at 7-years old, respectively. The PS and irrigation strategy affected the nut quality, yield, and tree growth. The OPS and RDI methods accumulated season-dependent yield losses in both studied periods. The kernel weight under OPS was lower than CPS in 2019, with these differences being less evident in 2023. The highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound values were obtained with the OPS and RDI methods in 2019, whereas the sugar and organic acid contents showed improvements under the OPS and the RDI strategy during 2019 and 2023, respectively. Finally, significant improvements were observed in relation to the fatty acids profile for nuts harvested under OPS in both seasons, especially in the latter season with RDI. Thus, almond quality can be enhanced by the integration of both OPSs and RDI strategies, although these improvements are dependent on tree age.

Cinnamon adulteration represents a significant threat to food authenticity, consumer health and market integrity. This study aimed to analyse the presence of Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon in supermarkets across the province of Alicante (Spain) and identify markers to distinguish these species using spectrophotometry, chromatography, and sensory analysis. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, was characterized by malic, butyric, sugars and monoterpenes, while C. cassia by aldehydes, sesquiterpenes and coumarin. C. zeylanicum was mainly associated with "citrus" aroma and high intensity, while C. cassia with "sweet" aroma. Four out of 52 volatiles (β-phellandrene, d-3-carene, cryptone, and eugenol) were exclusive to C. zeylanicum and 9 (limonene, eucalyptol, endo-fenchol, Δ-elemene, cyclosativene, 7-epi-sesquithujene, bisabolene, α-calacorene, and cadalene) were exclusive to C. cassia ground cinnamon. Multivariate analysis revealed that only one of the 16 ground cinnamon samples from the Spanish market closely resembled C. zeylanicum, one was a mix of both, and the remaining were identified as C. cassia.

Spanish almond industry expressed concerns over increasing kernel breakage during processing, particularly with the new almond cultivars introduced since 2005. This research aimed to (i) evaluate kernel breakage across different almond cultivars during shelling and blanching in Spanish industrial machines; (ii) identify the main factors contributing to breakage; and (iii) assess the impact of blanching on kernel color. Shelling breakage was lower in 'Belona' (2%) than 'Guara' (7%), potentially attributed to its higher water absorption and round shape. However, blanching, drastically increased breakage in 'Belona' (42%) compared to 'Guara' (29%). A large variability among cultivars ('Carmel' 12%, 'Belona 2' 32% significantly similar to 'Guara' 29%, and 'Lauranne' 43% significantly similar to 'Belona' 42%), was observed, but also between different batches of the same cultivar ('Belona' 42% and 'Belona 2' 32%), probably due to different growing conditions. 'Lauranne' and 'Belona' exhibited a higher tendency to produce halves, whereas 'Guara' produced more pieces. Kernel breakage during blanching was significantly correlated with kernel width (r = 0.57***), protein, (r = -0.83***), and fat content (r = 0.67***). Blanching significantly affected kernel color ('Carmel', 'Belona 2', 'Guara', 'Lauranne', 'Belona'; Delta E = 19, 14, 12, 11, 10, respectively) and was identified as a critical control point for breakage across the processing line.

The bagging technique is a traditional preharvest practice used in Vinalopó Bagged Table Grape production to improve fruit quality and protect clusters from environmental stress. However, its influence on grape volatile composition remains underexplored. This study analyzed the volatile profile of three grape varieties (‘Dominga’, ‘Aledo’, and ‘Doña María’) by comparing bagged and non-bagged clusters to assess the effect of bagging on aromatic compounds. Volatiles were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 35 volatile compounds were identified and quantified, mainly aldehydes, terpenes, and alcohols. The highest concentration was found in non-bagged ‘Dominga’ grapes (57.17 mg kg−1), and the lowest in bagged ‘Doña María’ grapes (16.36 mg kg−1). Although total volatile content did not differ significantly between treatments, differences were observed in the relative abundance of chemical families. Bagged grapes showed higher proportions of aldehydes, such as hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal, contributing to green, fresh aromas, while non-bagged grapes exhibited more alcohols and esters, linked to fruity and overripe notes. This study offers new insights into the role of preharvest bagging in shaping grape volatile composition, contributing to a better understanding of its impact on fruit aroma and quality.

Grape pomace is the principal by-product of the winemaking industry, with an estimated global production of 14 million tonnes annually. Traditional livestock systems often incorporate local agroindustrial by-products into ruminant diets, and grape pomace is particularly notable for its high concentrations of bioactive compounds. These grape-derived molecules may exert beneficial effects on animal oxidative balance, biochemical status and productive performance, offering an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative to conventional feed ingredients that may be incorporated into the milk produced. This study evaluated the impact of incorporating varying inclusion levels (0, 5, 10 and 15% DM) of ensiled white grape pomace (WGP) into isoenergetic and isoproteic diets on the nutritional and technological characteristics of goat milk. Eighty-eight Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were selected and allocated into eight homogeneous batches (n = 11 per batch) based on physiological traits. Following a pre-experimental sampling, each diet was randomly assigned to two batches, and the feeding trial lasted eight weeks. After a two-week dietary adaptation period, four biweekly samplings were conducted to obtain representative bulk tank milk samples from each batch. Milk samples were analysed for gross composition, pH, mineral profile, fatty acid composition, coagulation properties, colorimetric parameters and antioxidant capacity. WGP consumption significantly increased milk fat content, improved the lipid profile from a human health perspective, accelerated curd aggregation and elevated the yellowness index. Moreover, notable changes were observed in the antioxidant activity of the milk. Despite these effects, the overall composition of the milk remained largely unchanged, which is a key factor in preserving its technological properties. Nevertheless, the final product demonstrated enhanced biological quality, reinforcing its value as a functional food for human consumption.

Jerez vinegar is a high-quality wine vinegar produced in the Vinagre de Jerez denomination of origin (Spain) and is traditionally aged in wood barrels for over 10 years. Considering the long aging process, a practical technique to accelerate the aging process was simulated. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasound and microwave treatments as alternative aging methods for fresh Jerez vinegars with oak chips, and to investigate their effects on phenolic content, volatile compounds, and colorimetric and sensory properties. Fresh control samples with oak chips were treated using ultrasound (US) in an ultrasonic bath three times: 0.5 h (US1), 2 h (US2), and 10 h (US3). Microwave (MW) treatments were performed using a domestic microwave oven with three power/time combinations: 640 W for 10 min (MW1), 640 W for 20 min (MW2), and 800 W for 10 min (MW3). Compared with the fresh control (4230 µg/kg), US- and MW-treated samples showed a significant reduction in total phenolic content, decreasing to 3943 µg/kg in the US1 sample and to 3988 µg/kg in the MW2 treatment. Moreover, volatile substances significantly decreased from 1019 mg/L in the fresh control to 623 mg/L in the US3 treatment and 716 mg/L in the MW1 sample. Regarding sensory properties, US3 and MW1 treatments exhibited marked distinctions in certain odor and flavor attributes when compared with the fresh control. As a result, both techniques modified the phenolic, volatile and sensory profiles. Further research is needed to fully mimic the aging process, but US has proven to be a promising technique.

Kernel breakage is the major economic challenge for the Spanish almond industry. Thus, this study aimed to determine the kernel breakage during the shelling operation by (ii) identifying the primary breakage factors, and (ii) evaluating the impact of water conditioning on final kernel quality. Twelve almond samples, of which 9 intraspecific hybrids were specially selected to enlarge the variability range. Kernel breakage ranged between 5 and 71%, with HYB8 registering the lowest breakage values and HYB5 the highest. Cultivars, ‘Vairo’, ‘Guara’, and ‘Lauranne’ showed also substantial breakage rates (40, 45, and 56 %). More absorbed water (r=-0.71**), elasticity (r=-0.60*), wider (r=-0.70*) and rounder (r=-0.65*) fruit with higher fat content (r=-0.84***), reduced breakage in shelling operation. Meanwhile, almonds with a higher shell strength (r=0.63*), more elongated (r=0.67*), with higher skin (r=0.69*) and fiber content (r=0.58*) were more susceptible to breakage. Water conditioning produced a color change in kernel, while the oil acidity was similar before and after (0.1%) the conditioning process, meaning that, this was fast and correct enough to avoid enzymatic degradation. In the absence of significant technological advancements, further research must focus on optimizing water conditioning processes and standardizing cultivars to reduce kernel breakage in the Spanish almond industry.

The study evaluated the effect of organic acids (citric, lactic, L-ascorbic, malic, and L-tartaric) on the stabilization of the color of third-generation potato snacks obtained from dried potatoes of varieties with “red” (Mulberry Beauty) and “purple” (Double Fun) flesh. Descriptive and affective sensory analyses were conducted using trained and consumer panels, respectively. The use of organics acids was successful in avoiding the degradation of the main anthocyanins especially in purple (petunidine-3-p-cumaroylrutinoside-5-glucoside and malwidine-3-p-cumaroylrutinoside-5-glucoside) snacks. Organic acids slightly changed the sensory profile of the potato snacks by increasing some key attributes such as sourness, aftertaste, hardness and crispiness. Red snacks were considered as having a more natural color than purple ones and this perception resulted in higher liking, preference and willingness to buy. The consumer segment more interested in consuming this type of snacks were the young ones, age 18-24. A pretreatment with organic acids (L-ascorbic or malic acids) is strongly recommended when preparing third-generation snacks from colored flesh potatoes.

The use of citrus essential oils nano-emulsions (CEO-NE) plays a crucial role in enhancing food safety. This is achieved through various mechanisms such as the enhancement of organoleptic properties, increased bioavailability of bioactive components from essential oils, controlled release of key compounds for long-term efficacy, and extension of the shelf life of food and beverages (antioxidant and antimicrobial activity). In this work, CEO-NEs, formulated with different types of citrus essential oils, Tween 80, and alcohol, were obtained by magnetic stirring combined with ultrasound method. The main component of CEO-NEs was D-limonene (31.37 % bergamot-loaded nano-emulsions, 48.81 % tangerine-loaded nano-emulsions, 87.82 % orange-loaded nano-emulsions, 87.09 % grapefruit-loaded nano-emulsions, 48.53 % lemon-loaded nano-emulsions). The selected formulations demonstrated a mean droplet diameter of 47.285 nm. The nano-emulsions were stable even after 30 days of storage (except tangerine nano-emulsions). The bergamot-loaded nano-emulsion had the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, while Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes seemed to be more resistant to citrus nano-emulsions.

The development of new fermented milks formulations enriched with fruit by-products may widen the existing market offer of products matching consumer demands on novel, and "no artificial added sugars" products. Unmarketable fig fruit, food by-product, could be considered as a potential ingredient to develop a new dairy product. The aim of this study was to study the consumer acceptance of fermented milk enriched with different percentage of pasteurized fig puree (by-products) and their technological properties. It was found that the quantity of fig puree added influenced fermented milks texture and spontaneous syneresis. Formulations containing 40% fig puree showed the highest values of firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index with improvements seen from 20% fig puree addition. Furthermore, the inclusion of fig puree in fermented milks reduced the levels of lactic acid bacteria comparing with control samples, but the microbial load was higher than 10(6) UFC g(-1) LAB (estimated counts in MRS) and 9 UFC g(-1) LAC (estimated counts in M17). Polyphenolic content increased with fig puree percentage, enhancing antioxidant activity. Volatile compound analysis identified hexanoic acid, acetoin, and butanoic acid as predominant in enriched fermented milks. It is also worth high-lighting that sensory evaluation revealed better ratings for texture and sweetness acceptance in formulations containing 30% and 40% of fig puree, correlating with instrumental data. Overall, the quality parameters were maintained and even improved, leading to high consumer acceptability ratings.

The aim of this study was to obtain extracts of anthocyanin pigments from red and purple-fleshed potato juices characterized by stable color. For this purpose, potato juices were pasteurized at different temperatures or fruit and vegetable concentrates were added to them. Color stability tests of the obtained pigments were carried out in model pH and temperature conditions and after adding to natural yogurt. Both the pasteurization process and the addition of fruit and vegetable concentrates to the potato juices positively affected their color and its stability in time. However, the pasteurization of the potato juices had a negative effect on the content of biologically active compounds, in contrast to the juices stabilized with the addition of fruit and vegetable concentrates. Anthocyanin pigments from red-fleshed potato juices were more stable than those isolated from the purple-fleshed potato juices. The results of model tests of the anthocyanin pigment concentrates from the colored-flesh potatoes and natural yoghurts with their addition confirmed the high stability of the tested concentrates.