Hemp is considered one of the potential novel crops for human and animal nutrition. This study aimed to determine the complete chemical composition of 29 different varieties of whole hempseeds. Fatty acid composition, amino acid profile, mineral composition, and cannabinoids content were also evaluated. All hempseed varieties were milled to obtain whole hempseed flour. Differences between hempseed varieties were significant (p < 0.05) for all measured parameters. Proximate composition results showed that crude protein and fat contents varied from 21.6–28.9% and 21.1–35.7%, respectively. Fatty acid profiles revealed that the three major fatty acids were linoleic acid (52.79–57.13%) followed by α-linolenic acid (12.62–20.24%), and oleic acid (11.08–17.81%). All essential amino acids were detected in all varieties, with arginine (12.66–17.56 mg/100 g protein) present in abundance, whereas lysine was limiting. Substantial differences were found in the mineral content, and potassium (509.96–1182.65 mg/100 g) and iron (5.06–32.37 mg/100 mg) were the main macro- and microminerals found. All cannabinoids were found in small traces and tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) was only detected in five varieties. To conclude, the nutritional composition of hempseeds with hull makes them suitable to be added into the diets of humans or animals as a highly beneficial novel ingredient.

This study examined the efficiency, purity, functional properties, and nutritional quality of rapeseed protein isolates extracted using alkaline extraction (ALK12) and two deep eutectic solvents (DES) systems – choline chloride:urea (DES1) and betaine:citric acid (DES2), chosen to cover distinct pH ranges. Alkaline extraction achieved the highest protein extraction efficiency (36.9 %), while DES1 achieved the highest protein purity (95.8 %). Alkaline extraction resulted in higher levels of polyphenols and tannins, while DES-based extraction led to higher phytic acid content. DES-based isolates exhibited a more balanced amino acid profile, particularly for sulphur-containing amino acids, making them more valuable protein sources compared to alkaline-extracted proteins. Techno-functional analysis favoured ALK12 for products requiring high water and oil absorption capacity, and foam stability, while DES1, despite lower absorption and foaming capacity, offered good solubility making it suitable for a wide range of applications. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that both ALK12 and DES2 induced significant conformational changes in protein structure, likely due to extreme pH conditions. In contrast, DES1 exhibited a cleaner spectrum and more defined protein peaks, indicating high purity and stable structure. Lab-on-a-chip electrophoresis confirmed a more diverse protein profile for ALK12, while DES1 and DES2 exibited more consistent profiles, suggesting that these systems may preserve higher-order protein structures, such as cruciferin oligomers, and facilitate the extraction of structurally intact proteins. In vitro digestibility results showed more efficient enzymatic breakdown for ALK12 and DES1. These findings suggest that the DES1 system could be a promising, sustainable, and efficient alternative to traditional extraction methods. However, future research should focus on optimisation strategies that consider various factors, refining the method for specific applications.

Sour cherry pomace filling (SCPF) and commercial sour cherry filling (CSCF) produced on a semi-industrial scale were tested and compared in terms of food safety, chemical composition, bioactivity, quality, sensory properties and thermal stability. Both samples were safe for human consumption, thermally stable and there was a lack of syneresis. SCPF had a significantly higher fiber concentration (3.79 g/100 g) due to higher skin fraction and is considered a “source of fibers”. The higher skin fraction in SCPF also resulted in a higher mineral quantity (Fe—3.83 mg/kg fw) in comparison to CSCF (Fe—2.87 mg/kg fw). Anthocyanins concentration was lower in SCPF (7.58 mg CGE/100 g fw), suggesting that a significant amount of anthocyanins was removed from SC skin during juice extraction. However, there was a lack of statistical differences in antioxidant activity between the two fillings. CSCF was more spreadable, not as firm and less sticky, with lower storage and loss modulus values than SCPF. However, both fillings exhibited acceptable rheological and textural behaviour for fruit fillings. According to the consumer pastry test, 28 participants preferred each pastry; thus, there was a lack of preference toward any of the tested samples. SCP could be used as a raw material for the bakery fruit fillings industry, which leads to the valorization of food industry by-products.

Rapeseed proteins, due to their quality and wide availability, have great potential for application in human nutrition. However, their high content of antinutritional compounds poses significant economic and environmental challenges for food industry applications. To overcome these obstacles, various extraction and modification techniques, including enzymatic and ultrasound-assisted methods, were used to enhance protein functionality and improve both nutritional and sensory properties. In this study, the effects of dephenolization on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of rapeseed protein isolate obtained from defatted rapeseed cake were investigated through four different protocols. All obtained protein isolates (PIs) exhibited high protein purity (above 65%), with a notable difference in extraction yield. Furthermore, the extraction process was optimized using an artificial neural network (ANN) model, which demonstrated high predictive performance. The optimal extraction conditions for the dephenolization of rapeseed oil cake were 84% ethanol concentration, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1/60 w/v, and 15 min of ultrasound treatment, resulting in an impressive protein purity of 90.68% with a yield of 29.17%. The obtained proteins were further characterized and compared in terms of protein profile (FTIR and SDS-PAGE), amino acid composition, solubility, and digestibility. The protein isolate (PI) obtained under optimized conditions displayed superior functional properties, underscoring the relevance and necessity of a data-driven, mathematical approach for scale-up and industrial implementation.

Rapeseed proteins can be isolated as high-value components from residual materials of oilseed processing. This review provides an overview of rapeseed protein isolate production, with an emphasis on conventional alkaline extraction and alternative methods. Special attention is given to antinutrient compounds found in rapeseed (glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, phytic acid, and others) and the strategies to mitigate them. Techniques that are effective in not only removing antinutrients but also increasing protein yield and reducing extraction time are discussed, including ultrasound, microwave, and enzymatic pretreatments. Enzymatic hydrolysis for obtaining rapeseed protein hydrolysates is also discussed, along with novel extraction methods for protein isolate production, particularly the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES).