In this study the native carotenoids composition in kumquat (Fortunella margarita) (peel + pulp) from Brazil was determined for the first time by a HPLC-DAD-APCI/MS (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry), methodology. Eleven carotenoids were successfully identified and quantified in kumquat: four carotenoids in the free form and seven carotenoids in the esterified form. β-citraurin-laurate was the carotenoid found in the highest content (607.33 µg/100 g fresh matter), followed by β-cryptoxanthin-laurate (552.59 µg/100 g). The different esterified forms of β-citraurin and β-cryptoxanthin represented 84.34% of the carotenoids found, which demonstrates the importance of esterification in natural fruits. β-carotene and free xanthophylls (β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin) represented 5.50% and 14.96%, respectively, of total carotenoids in kumquat. The total carotenoid content of kumquat from Brazil was very high (2185.16 µg/100 g), suggesting that this fruit could contribute significantly to the intake of important bioactive compounds by the population.

Citrus fruit is preferred in the choice of consumers. Kumquat (F. margarita) is an unconventional citrus of increasing consumer interest because of its exotic flavor, and its functional potential that offers health benefits to consumers. It is a fruit traditionally consumed by whole fruit (peel and pulp), giving this fruit a distinctive flavor. For this reason, this study analyzed the physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics of kumquat (peel and pulp). The physicochemical analysis was performed according to the Adolfo Lutz Institute. Analysis of moisture, ashes, macronutrients, and total dietary fiber was carried out according to AOAC. Minerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids were analyzed by HPLC. Phenolic compounds (Folin-Ciocalteu) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) were determined by spectrophotometry. The kumquat had low pH, soluble solids content and low caloric value. It was a source of dietary fiber, minerals (K, Ca, P, Mg) and carotenoids; the most expressive was α-carotene (661.81 μg 100 g⁻¹). The ascorbic acid concentration was 2326.24 μg 100 g⁻¹. α-tocopherol (569.00 μg 100 g⁻¹) was the most expressive component of vitamin E. There was a presence of apigenin and eriodictyol. The fruit (peel and pulp) has a high concentration of total phenolic compounds (98.55 ± 1.93 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹) and good antioxidant capacity (62%) was found. Kumquat is a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and due to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of other essential and beneficial nutrients for a diet, consumption of kumquat can be suggested to complement the diet. This fruit is a viable food alternative, and its consumption should be encouraged, contributing a source of income, sovereignty, and food security.

This study was undertaken to identify the effect of net shading technology on the total capsaicinoids, vitamin C and relative chlorophyll content expressed as SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) values and total marketable fruit yield of ‘Star Flame’ chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) for two harvesting times cultivated under modified atmosphere. ‘Star Flame’ pepper was grown under three (3) different net shading colours (white, red and green). Samples without net shading were used as control. Samples were subjected to chromatographic analyses using HPLC for the determination of total capsaicinoids and vitamin C. Interaction in shading technology and harvest times (p=0.010) had significant effect on total capsaicinoids as a result of green and white shading technologies showing higher differences when compared to control samples. Vitamin C content was observed to have increased in white and red shadings (p=0.001) after the first harvest and gradually decreased after the second harvesting time (p=0.002). Relative leaf chlorophyll content was significantly higher in white shading in the first and second harvest. Samples used as control had significantly higher marketable values when compared to white and green shadings with red recording low marketability of ‘Star Flame’ chilli peppers.

Pitaya (Hylocereus sp.) is an exotic and attractive fruit with promising consumption potential due to its nutritional qualities and its flavor and color. However, this fruit and its nutritional benefits for the human diet are not widely known. This paper compared the biometric and physicochemical characteristics, mineral elements, nutrients, and bioactive compounds of pitaya with white and red pulp. The nutrients and bioactive compounds were analyzed by HPLC. The total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity were determined by spectrophotometry. Pitaya red pulp showed higher vitamin E (140.76 Gg µg·100 g⁻¹), antioxidant capacity (36.41 AAT%), eriodictyol (178.75 µg·100 g⁻¹), and anthocyanins. The α-carotene showed higher expression in the white pulp (110.21 µg·100 g⁻¹). The total phenolic content was similar in both fruits. Pitaya consumption should be encouraged due to the presence of nutrients and bioactive compounds relevant to our basic nutrition.

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) offers a sustainable solution for converting agro-industrial bio-byproducts into high-quality animal protein. This study evaluated two abundant residues from the Santarém region of Portugal, melons and olive pomace, as substrates for larval rearing. Two experimental diets were formulated using these byproducts and compared to a standard Gainesville-based control diet, with all diets adjusted for moisture and protein content. Larval performance was assessed through metrics including individual weight, biomass, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and bioconversion rate. Diets 1 (melon-based) and 2 (melon + 55.2% olive pomace) yielded larval biomass of 1.82 ± 0.17 kg and 1.80 ± 0.11 kg per box, respectively, compared to the control (1.60 ± 0.03 kg). The FCRs were lower in the experimental diets (7.47 ± 0.75 and 7.53 ± 0.49) than in the control (8.42 ± 0.16), and the bioconversion rates were higher (13.48% and 13.31% vs. 11.88%). These results suggest that combining melon and olive pomace improves larval development and conversion efficiency, compared to the literature. This study demonstrates the potential of using local bio-byproducts to enhance insect-based protein production while reducing waste and supporting circular economy practices.

Food waste poses significant environmental, economic and public health challenges. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) represent a promising solution for organic waste valorisation, converting substrates into protein-rich biomass for animal feed and organic fertiliser. However, the use of food waste as an insect substrate remains prohibited in the European Union due to regulatory and safety concerns. This study evaluated the suitability of heterogeneous food waste for BSFL rearing under industrial conditions by comparing larval performance on a standard Gainesville diet (control) and a blend derived from local restaurant waste (test). The 14-day bioconversion assay assessed bioconversion rate (BCR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, average growth rate, and nutritional composition. Compared with the control, the test group showed significantly improved (p < 0.001) BCR (18.34% vs. 11.02%), FCR (5.48 vs. 9.09 kg/kg), survival (69.29% vs. 51.30%), and growth (8.38 vs. 6.59 mg/day). Larvae reared on food waste also exhibited significantly higher protein (19.70% vs. 16.80%), fat (13.70% vs. 7.20%), ash (6.97% vs. 3.51%), carbohydrates (7.00% vs. 3.60%), and fibre (5.20% vs. 2.90%). Overall, heterogeneous food waste is a suitable substrate for BSFL, supporting agrifood sustainability; however, future research should focus on standardisation of these substrates.