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”.

This review is devoted to an analysis of the hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds’ nutritional aspects and food production perspectives, that can become a valuable source of multifunctional components for functional food production. Cannabis sativa L. is a multipurpose crop with lowenvironmental impact traditionally cultivated in Western cultures for fiber production. The propagation of synthetic fibers and the production of intoxicating drugs from certain narcotic strains resulted in the banning of its cultivation. Thus, culturing the varieties that are widely known as „industrial hemp“ has only been practiced for the past two decades. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is grown not only for its economic importance but also for the seeds’ nutritional value. Hemp seeds consists of 25–35% lipids with perfectly balanced fatty acids (FAs); 20–25% proteins, which are easy to digest and contain all essential amino acids; 20–30% carbohydrates, mainly dietary fiber; and vitamins and minerals. Besides its nutritional value, hempseed is also rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as bioactive peptides, polyphenols with high free radicals scavenging activity, and cannabinoids. Therefore, this study reviews the scientific knowledge about Cannabis sativa L. seeds and their progressive aspects of cultivation, functional and therapeutic potential, and its use in functional food production.

This study explores the production and valorization of hemp seed cake protein concentrate (HPC) as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of choux pastry products, specifically éclairs. By integrating varied concentrations of HPC (0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) into traditional formulations, the physicochemical properties, proximate composition, amino acid profile, and sensory characteristics of the resulting pastries were assessed. Sensory attributes were assessed using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) method, where a trained panel selected applicable descriptors from a predefined list. Results indicated that the incorporation of HPC significantly increased protein content from 8.23% in the control sample (HPC0%) to 11.32% in the HPC20% formulation and improved moisture retention, leading to greater exterior and interior éclairs volume, increasing from 42.15 cm³ to 51.5 cm³ and from 18.34 cm³ to 38.47 cm³, respectively. Furthermore, sensory evaluation revealed pronounced differences in attributes such as flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel, with optimal sensory profiles noted at 10% HPC inclusion. The amino acid analysis demonstrated a balanced composition, particularly of essential amino acids, emphasizing HPC’s potential as a valuable protein source, with significant contributions from leucine (8.17 g/100 g protein), isoleucine (5.56 g/100 g protein), and phenylalanine (6.31 g/100 g protein), as well as notable levels of immunoactive amino acids such as arginine (10.92 g/100 g protein) and glutamic acid (20.16 g/100 g protein). These findings highlight the significant nutritional benefits of HPC enrichment, supporting the development of healthier bakery products and contributing to sustainable food practices within the industry.

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.