Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds contain a high concentration of proteins and biologically active compounds. The protein content is even higher in case of lipid part removal in oil production. The remaining part is considered a leftover, usually being used in animal feed. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical composition of hemp seed cake flour, its nutritional quality and its impact on bread quality parameters. The properties of hemp seed cake flour were assessed in terms of protein quality, mineral composition, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Hemp seed cake proved to be an important source of high-quality protein (31.62% d.m.) with the presence of eight essential amino acids. The biologically active potential of hemp seed cake has been demonstrated by the high content of polyphenols, especially those from the Cannabisin group. Hemp seed cake flour was incorporated in wheat flour at levels from 5 to 40% (w/w) to investigate its influence on bread quality parameters. The addition of hemp seed cake flour increased the total phenol content of bread, thus greatly enhancing the antioxidant activity. The protein content of bread was found to be enhanced from 11.11% d.m (control sample) to 18.18% d.m (for sample with 40% hemp seed cake flour). On the other hand, the addition of hemp seed cake flour led to decreased bread porosity, increased hardness and decreased resilience in the seed cake. Although, all bread samples recorded sensorial attributes ranging between “slightly like” and “like it very much”.

The problem of food with functional ingredients, characterized by low energy intake and a variety of phytonutrients with biological activity, is one of the concerns of the population. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of pumpkin powder and its bioactive components on the quality, color and textural properties of shortbread cookies. In the drying process of pumpkin powder (Cucurbita moschata) at 60 ± 2 °C, the physicochemical parameters did not change significantly in relation to fresh pulp. The chromatic parameters L*, a* and b* showed that the pumpkin powder was brighter than the pulp, with a greater presence of yellow pigments. Pumpkin powder presented a rich source of bioactive compounds (polyphenols flavonoids, carotenoids) with an antioxidant potential of 161.52 mmol TE/100 g DW and 558.71 mg GAE/100 g DW. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and high antifungal activity against Candida albicans were attested. The sensory, physicochemical, texture parameters and color indicators of shortbread cookies with yellow pumpkin powder (YPP) added in a proportion of 5–20% were analyzed. The optimal score was given to the sample of 15% YPP. The use of 15–20% YPP contributed to improved consistency due to the formation of complexes between starch and protein.

One of the economy key sectors of Republic of Moldova and Romania is the wine sector, where a progressive trend has prevailed in recent years. But to increase its efficiency it is necessary to use the raw material in a complex way, producing both famous wines and other necessary products, as well as to comply with the rigors of ecological standards. The issue of wine by-products draws the attention and interest of researchers, regulators, industry and consumers and has urged the European Community to a zero waste economy by 2025. The article deals with the chemical composition of the main parts of grapes which depend on a number of factors, such as variety, climatic conditions of the year, vine and wine making practices, condition of the grapes, their maturity, etc. There have been presented physico-chemical characteristics of the wastes obtained from the grapes processing such as: bunches, grape pomaces, piquette and diffusion juice, seeds, wine yeast, tirighia and vinasse. Thus, by making use of wine wastes, a number of valuable products can be obtained that can be used for different purposes.

The study was conducted to study the sustainability and enhanced nutrition gains obtained from incorporating grape skin powder (GSP) extracted from both Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră grape varieties into yogurt. Grape skins are major leftovers from wineries, having high amounts of phenolic compounds and dietary fiber responsible for their ability to improve the characteristics of food. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of GSP addition at varying concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on the yogurt’s physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, color parameters, and sensory attributes. Analysis revealed that both Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră GSP increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity; however, Fetească Neagră showed greater improvements, with TPC reaching 1.52 mg GAE/100 g and DPPH inhibition up to 26.63%. Although slightly lower, TPC rose to 1.43 mg GAE/100 g and DPPH inhibition increased to 18.93% with Rară Neagră enhancing these parameters conversely. Color changes were observed in fortified yogurts where lightness decreased (L*) and redness increased (a*) due to the pH-dependent anthocyanin stability. Syneresis, indicative of yogurt’s water-holding capacity, was reduced at higher concentrations of GSP from both varieties, suggesting improved textural integrity. Sensory evaluation indicated that consumers generally favored yogurts with lower concentrations of GSP. Yogurts fortified with Fetească Neagră GSP received higher overall preference, while those with Rară Neagră GSP were also well-received for their distinct flavor profiles when used at suitable levels. These results show that GSP from both types of grapes improves the nutritional value of yogurt and complies with the principles of sustainable food production through reutilizing agro-industrial waste.

Nowadays, grapes represent the third most widely cultivated horticulture crop in the world. For the Republic of Moldova, grapes have been recognized as the most culturally important crop. About 70% of the total production of Moldovan grapes is processed in the wine industry, 30 % of which are by-products that tend to be not fully exploited, being frequently burned or landfilled. Due to its chemical composition, grape pomace is one type of agricultural waste that can be used to achieve sustainability in the food business by converting waste into useful resources. In this sense, the pomace chemical composition, with demonstrated antioxidant potential, is a viable source of biologically active compounds, as a cheap agricultural waste product, for the development of functional products. This paper is an overview of the characteristics and potential uses of wine industry waste, namely grape pomace and explores the implementation of eco-friendly technologies that have the potential to convert this perishable material into a unique ingredient, unveiling fresh opportunities for the grape pomace's utilization and consumption.

Impact of plant additives: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) leaves and red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) on the quality of eggless wheat pasta | Eugenia Covaliov, Olga Deseatnicova, Vladislav Resitca, Natalia Suhodol, Grosu Carolina, Siminiuc Rodica | Agricultural Journals