Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second most widely consumed drink after water, with an annual production of 6.5 million tons worldwide. Black tea (78%) and green tea (20%) account for the majority of global tea production, resulting in large amounts of waste, such as tea flowers, which are an underexploited resource. The theoretical fresh weight of Assam tea flowers alone is 1.4–4.6 billion kg per year, but only 600–3000 kg per ha of dry matter is recovered after processing. This review discusses the biochemistry of tea flowers, which are rich in catechins (24.85–28.02 mg g−1), polysaccharides (30–38%), and saponins (0.47–4.23%). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity properties have been reported in preclinical models, but the human equivalent doses (243 mg per day to 2.4 g per day) are considered impractical. Hot air and microwave drying methods are optimal for preserving phenolic compounds, but freeze-drying preserves the highest quality at a high cost. Toxicity studies have revealed low toxicity (LD50 > 12 g kg−1) with a safe daily intake of 24 g for a 60 kg human; however, efficacy, variety standardization, EU novel food approval, and US GRAS status are yet to be established. The next research priorities should focus on human bioavailability, allergenicity, and processing effects. Until then, tea flowers should be considered novel food ingredients with traditional use rather than evidence-based functional foods.

ABSTRACT This study contributes to advancements in agricultural technology and food security by employing YOLO‐based deep learning techniques on Raspberry Pi for fruit segmentation and quality assessment. The research utilizes two object detection architectures, namely YOLOv5 and YOLOv7, to segment mandarin oranges using state‐of‐the‐art deep learning architectures. The dataset encompasses three classes: over‐ripe, ripe and unripe mandarin oranges. Polygon techniques are applied during preprocessing to ensure precise segmentation. YOLOv5 demonstrates impressive performance, achieving a recall score of 0.984 and a precision score of 0.977 for both box detection and mask segmentation, with mean average precisions (mAPs) of 0.994 at an IoU threshold of 0.5. Conversely, YOLOv7 exhibits relatively lower performance, with box detection and mask segmentation accuracies of 0.925 and recall scores of 0.972, yielding mAPs results of 0.992 for box detection and mask segmentation at an IoU threshold of 0.5. Across a broader IoU spectrum from 0.5 to 0.95, YOLOv7 achieves mAPs of 0.882 for box detection and 0.87 for mask segmentation. Utilizing a YOLO‐based deep learning model has led to the development of an accurate and economical system for categorizing oranges based on their maturity levels.

This study explores the intricate relationship between the physical attributes of Naga king chilli and their mass and volume, exploiting this correlation to assess chilli quality and devise innovative post-harvest machinery. Chilli grading plays a pivotal role in post-harvest activities in the pickle industry. This assessment is particularly crucial when dealing with Naga king chilli, as it necessitates size and mass-based categorization to ensure optimal processing standards. A prediction method of the mass and volume of Naga king chilli based on a computer vision system was introduced in this study. The work aimed to predict the mass and volume of Naga king chilli as functions of its physical properties, measured using image processing techniques, using single and multiple variable regression models such as linear, quadratic, rational, and exponential. Various mass and volume models are studied to determine their relationships with physical characteristics such as length, width, perimeter, projected area, and elongation ratio. In a single variable mass and volume models, the length-based rational and quadratic models showed the best fit, with R² values of 0.89 and 0.85 and RMSE values of 0.053 and 0.075, respectively. In addition, for multivariable models, the exponential model for both mass and volume were the most suitable regression model, with R² values of 0.92 and 0.90 and RMSE values of 0.046 and 0.062, respectively. The findings of the study revealed that the multivariable model has a better fit than a single variable.

Grains undergo several biochemical changes during their post-harvest stages and are affected by various contaminants that can impact their quality. It is important to monitor the quality of grains throughout its supply chain and storage to maintain food safety, as it is a staple food for a large population worldwide. Several methods are there to monitor the quality of grains, but colorimetric methods are significant as they offer advantages such as high sensitivity, specificity, rapid detection, and cost-effectiveness, making them valuable tools for food safety monitoring. In this review, the role of colorimetric sensors in detecting various contaminants, including mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides, as well as in the quantification of key nutritional components such as proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, is discussed aiming at their applicability in grain quality assessment. The advancement in sensor technology, such as integrating smartphone-based detection methods, nanotechnology, and paper-based sensors has facilitated real-time and on-site analysis and addressed the growing demand for efficient and portable sensing solutions. Future directions in the field focus on improving sensor selectivity and sensitivity, prioritizing the development of robust, multifunctional sensors to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, contaminant-free grains.

The study seeks to explore the transformative impact of enzymatic modification on dietary fiber extracted from queen pineapple waste, focusing on both its structural and functional characteristics. The study provides important insights into the underlying process of modification and its implications for the quality of dietary fiber by analyzing the structural changes brought about by enzymatic processes. For example, the study improves the water holding capacity from 8.64 to 15.78 g/g and the swelling capacity from 4.23 to 8.68 mL/g. Furthermore, compared to the non-modified dietary fiber, the enzymatic treatment enhanced the hypoglycemic characteristics, such as glucose adsorption capacity (87.18 to 120.52 mM), of the dietary fiber extracted from queen pineapple waste. It also has physicochemical improvements like 3.98 to 7.38 mM/g of cation exchange capacity. Therefore, the modification by enzymes such as cellulase and xylanase enhances the qualities of the extracted dietary fiber (DF), suggesting a promising potential for incorporating queen pineapple waste into various food applications. The enzyme-modified dietary fiber is characterized using FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis alters the chemical composition and structure of dietary fiber. Enzymatic modification increases the potential uses of dietary fiber extracted from pineapple waste in the food industry.

Millet is a long-standing agricultural crop that is cultivated extensively; however, its full potential remains underutilized in various regions. There are different types of millets such as sorghum, finger millet, foxtail millet, pearl millets, kodo millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, and pseudo-millets with varying nutritional composition and different health benefits owing to an array of bioactive compounds present in them. Millets are a reservoir of starch (65–75

Finger millet is a staple grain, a highly nutritious and drought-resistant staple crop, as it can withstand drought and poor soil conditions. Rich in calcium, iron, dietary fibre, and antioxidants, it promotes gut health, bone health, and the prevention of anemia at the same time. The study highlights that as finger millet is stored, several structural changes occur in its protein and starch content. These alterations can significantly impact the nutritional value and overall quality of the grain. For instance, protein denaturation and aggregation may occur, leading to protein solubility and digestibility changes. Moreover, starch retrogradation and amylose–lipid complex formation can affect the texture and digestibility of finger millet-based food products. The review also delves into the various physicochemical properties affected during storage, such as moisture content, color changes, and flavor development, which can influence the acceptability of finger millet products. Understanding these alterations and their underlying mechanisms is essential for devising appropriate storage methods and preservation strategies to maintain the nutritional and sensory attributes of the millet, thereby ensuring its role as a valuable crop for food security and dietary diversity.

Protein enrichment of cassava flour by fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae was developed, and a product was designed and investigated. The study comprised optimization of incubation time for 48 to 96 h at 25 to 35oC of the fermentation design of cassava flour-based substrate. Experimental design for the fermentation optimization for the maximum protein content was performed by using Response surface methodology-Central composite design (RSM-CCD) experimental design with 13 experiments. The optimized conditions for the ideal fermentation process were obtained at 35 °C for 96 h incubation time, leading to optimal protein content (5.43

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) also called ''emperor's rice'' or ''forbidden rice,'' is a nutrient-rich grain distinguished by its unique deep pigmentation and health-enhancing properties. Black rice is approximately six times richer in antioxidants compared to other rice varieties, and its bioactive components play a vital role in improving health and promoting well-being. This review offers an overview of bioactive compounds, functional properties, health benefits demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro studies, and its versatile applications in functional foods. Black rice offers potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular protective effects due to high anthocyanins and bioactive compounds content. Incorporating black rice into daily diets, individuals can benefit from its rich nutrients that may contribute to a healthier future. Black rice can bridge ancient dietary practices with modern health applications, and emerging as a valuable addition to address global nutritional challenges.

Pomelo peel essential oil and curcumin possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, their poor solubility and instability limit their practical applications. To overcome these challenges, a nanoemulsion incorporating both bioactives was formulated and optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Essential oil, Tween 80, and curcumin were selected as independent variables, with DPPH radical scavenging activity, turbidity, and stability as response parameters. The optimized formulation was achieved at 15 mL essential oil, 5 mL Tween 80 and 0.10 g curcumin, with a desirability of 0.772. This desirability indicates that the optimized formulation fulfils the desired goals of selected independent variables and shows predicted versus experimental values with less than 10% deviation, confirming model adequacy. The nanoemulsion exhibited a droplet size of 12.98 nm +/- 0.65 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.287 +/- 0.008, and a zeta potential of -22.4 +/- 0.20 mV, indicating good physical stability. Color measurements (L* = 75.59, a* = 4.52, b* = 79.78) reflected uniform dispersion of components. The formulation showed strong antioxidant activity, elevated total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and effective antimicrobial action against common pathogens. The optimized nanoemulsion showed inhibition zones of 15, 18, 20, 16 and 19 mm against Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, respectively. It remained stable at room temperature for one month without phase separation. These results highlight the potential of the developed nanoemulsion as a functional ingredient for food applications. This study highlights the sustainable utilization of pomelo peel, a by-product of the pomelo fruit after consumption, by harnessing it for essential oil extraction.

Dolichos lablab ( Lablab purpureus ) is a multipurpose crop with uses in agriculture, nutrition, medicine, and traditional cooking. It is rich in protein, with up to 28% content, as well as iron (150–157 mg) and zinc (25–35 mg) per 100 g of dried leaves. It has shown promising medicinal properties like antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hepatoprotective, antilithiatic, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects, thus can combat oxidative stress and enzyme-related disorders. It is identified as an efficient cover crop that can improve soil fertility by supplying organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. This is its contribution to sustainable agriculture. In nutrition and health Dolichos beans have the potential to address bone disorders and are found to inhibit bone density loss and promote bone union thus can be used in osteoporosis management. The Lectin content of Dolichos lablab has been investigated with the identification and characterization of specific lectins like Gal/GalNAc lectin (DLL) from seeds of this plant. These lectins have shown sugar specificity and are relevant in various fields such as stem cell preservation. The genetic diversity and breeding of Dolichos lablab have been explored and characterized the morphology of improved genotypes. It belongs to the family Fabaceae with 2n = 22 chromosomes. It has high genotypic as well as phenotypic coefficient of variations viz., 32.10–32.71% of pod width, 25.10–29.45% of primary branches per plant, 21.94–24.76% of fresh pod yield per plant, and average weight of pod is 20.94–24.04%. Also, Dolichos lablab has been tested for proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin inhibitors, cysteine proteases, and aspartic proteases and found useful in enzyme technology and bioprocessing. This review looked into the micronutrient diversity of Dolichos lablab germplasm like Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Potassium, and Phosphorus, and its significance in agriculture, nutrition, and medicine. Its uses from soil improvement to medicinal properties make it a versatile crop that can be further explored and used in different fields.

This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound -assisted extraction (UAE) process for finger millet starch and to evaluate its effects on quality characteristics. The conventional alkaline-assisted extraction (AAE) was used as a control. The sonication time and amplitude showed a pronounced effect on starch yield than solute/solvent ratio. Sonication at 57

ABSTRACT Fruit and vegetable waste constitutes a major share of global food waste, posing environmental and economic challenges. Addressing this issue requires sustainable and innovative strategies to reduce waste and recover valuable resources, contributing to both ecological balance and circular economic growth. This review explores and evaluates a range of methods for the valorization of fruit and vegetable waste, with particular emphasis on bioremediation techniques. It highlights fermentation processes and microbial applications, especially involving Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to generate bioethanol and other bio‐based products. Fruit and vegetable waste has been effectively used to produce biosolvents, which serve as dual‐purpose agents in plastic cleaning and various industrial processes. Fermentation of these wastes also leads to the production of biocatalytic enzymes that enhance the treatment of industrial waste and aquaculture sludge. These approaches contribute to the generation of renewable energy and demonstrate the waste's versatility in resource recovery. The transformation of fruit and vegetable waste into valuable bioproducts supports environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on non‐renewable resources and lowering waste‐related environmental impacts. The findings underscore the need for integrating emerging technologies into mainstream waste management practices to enhance economic viability and advance the development of a circular bioeconomy.

The work aimed to fabricate and characterize starch-based eutectic emulsion gel with curcuminoids. The study was also aimed at understanding the release behavior of curcumin and the toxicity of the gel. Curcuminoids were extracted from Curcuma caesia rhizome using a deep eutectic solvent composed of fructose and lactic acid. The extracted phytochemicals were integrated into a rice starch-based emulsion gel matrix, forming a biopolymer network via controlled thermal and high-speed homogenization processing. The physicochemical, functional, rheological, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties of the emulsion gel were thoroughly characterized. Higher water holding capacity (19.26 %) and lower syneresis suggest a stronger gel network with better water entrapment. The curcuminoid extract significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the antioxidant capacity and retention of curcumin within the gel matrix. Rheological studies demonstrated viscoelastic behavior, suitable for functional food applications. The emulsion gel showed high antimicrobial activity but low cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of eutectic emulsion gels as an innovative platform for the delivery of plant-derived bioactives, combining the functional attributes of starch and the therapeutic potential of Curcuma caesia.

The food processing industry generates large amounts of by-products, many of which remain underutilized and contribute to environmental challenges. Utilizing agro-waste is essential for promoting food security and sustainability. This study explored the use of enzyme-modified dietary fiber (EMDF) derived from Queen pineapple waste to enhance the functional properties of bread. EMDF was incorporated at varying levels (1

Monkey jackfruits are rich in vital nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, establishing them as a valuable dietary resource. A comprehensive phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins, imparting potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties to the fruit. Furthermore, this review highlights the fruit's pharmacological promise, demonstrating its efficacy in managing diabetes, promoting cardiovascular health, and addressing skin disorders due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial attributes. Beyond their medicinal significance, monkey jackfruits have earned a place in culinary arts, finding utility in a diverse range of dishes, from savory curries to delectable desserts. Their unique flavor profile and meat-like texture position them as a compelling meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of monkey jackfruits, emphasizing their nutritional richness, phytochemical potential, pharmacological applications, and culinary versatility.