We assessed the antimicrobial activity of reuterin produced in vitro in glycerol aqueous solutions in situ by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 as part of a fermented milk product against starter (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), spoilage (Penicillium expansum), pathogenic (Staphylococcus aureus Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes), and pathogen surrogate (Escherichia coli DH5α) microorganisms. We also assayed the influence of cold storage (28 d at 4°C) and reuterin on the color and rheology of the fermented milk product. We obtained maximum reuterin concentrations of 107.5 and 33.97 mM in glycerol aqueous solution and fermented milk product, respectively. Reuterin was stable throughout its refrigerated shelf life. Gram-positive microorganisms were more resistant to reuterin than gram-negative microorganisms. Penicillium expansum and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 survived at concentrations up to 10 and 8.5 mM, respectively. Escherichia coli DH5α was the most sensitive to reuterin (0.9 mM). The presence of reuterin did not cause relevant changes in the quality parameters of the fermented milk product, including pH, acidity, soluble solids, color, and rheological aspects (storage and loss moduli and viscosity). This study demonstrated the viability of using Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 as a biopreservative in a fermented milk product through reuterin synthesis, without drastically modifying its quality parameters.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a cutting‐edge processing technology attracting research and industrial interest in the food sector due to its potential to produce microbiologically safe products, modify the functional properties of proteins and polysaccharides, and alter biochemical reactions without significantly affecting the nutritional and sensory properties of food. Currently, there are only a limited number of pressure‐treated cheese products available in the market. Nevertheless, results from numerous research studies on various cheese varieties seem promising, especially since HHP technology is today more cost‐effective than in the past. Considering the progress made in the application of HHP on cheese during the past 15 years, this paper reviews the direct application of HHP treatments to cheese and the effects it has on its microbiology and ripening process, as well as on quality parameters such as physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties. Detailed information of published studies is presented with the aim of providing a clear picture of the use of this technology on cheese processing. Areas of research in need of more attention are also identified.

Raspberries are important sources of bioactive compounds, whose synthesis is influenced by the fertilization system and the maturity stage. This study evaluated the effect of organic and conventional fertilization systems on raspberries at three maturity stages, pink, ripe, and overripe. Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds (phenolic profile, vitamin C), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC), phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and APX) were evaluated. The physicochemical determination of the fruit did not reveal differences between fertilization systems. Regarding bioactive compounds, higher content of anthocyanins was found in organic raspberries at all maturity stages. Organic fertilization increased the content of ellagic acid and gallic acid at all stages of maturity. Higher content of caffeic, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic acid, and vitamin C was observed in organic raspberry at the overripe stage. Raspberries grown with organic fertilization exhibited higher values of antioxidant capacity by the DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC methods at all maturity stages. Raspberries under organic fertilization showed significantly greater activity of CAT, SOD, APX, GPX, and PAL. The present study suggests that organic fertilization induces oxidative stress causing an increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms, enhancing bioactive compound production, and improving antioxidant capacity in raspberries.

Capsaicinoids content and proximate composition of Mexican chili peppers, widely used in the State of Chihuahua, México, were determined. Capsaicinoids content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Proximate composition was determined by official AOAC methods. Scoville Heat Units (SHU) were also calculated. Capsaicin content ranged between 22.8 mg/kg and 9097.3 mg/kg dry matter. Dihydrocapsaicin content ranged between 36.8 mg/kg and 4023.6 mg/kg dry matter. Scoville Heat Units ranged between 961 and 211,248. Moisture content was determined with differences (p < 0.05) among chili pepper types and cultivars ranging from 54.8 g/kg dry matter to 130.1 g/kg dry matter. Ash content (p < 0.05) ranged from 58.1 g/kg dry matter to 96.1 g/kg dry matter showing statistical differences. Protein content ranged from 120.5 g/kg dry matter to 152.2 g/kg dry matter showing no statistical differences. Fat content (p < 0.05) ranged from 22.6 g/kg dry matter to 137.6 g/kg dry matter showing statistical differences.