In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

Along this chapter, the effects of food processing on the stability of anthocyanins are explored. Aspects such as pH, temperature, exposure to light, the presence of oxygen, and the need to improve the physicochemical stability of these compounds are discussed. The implications of interaction with enzymes, ascorbic acid, and sugars are discussed, highlighting how these factors influence both the degradation and maintenance of the stability of anthocyanins. Sulfites in the food industry are presented, emphasizing their reversibility at low concentrations and permanent degradation at high concentrations. Emphasis is given to co-pigmentation and metal complexation strategies to improve the stability of these compounds in products such as wines, juices, and foods. The relevance of processing factors in the extraction of anthocyanins is addressed with a focus on the appropriate choice of solvent and extraction techniques. Innovative methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, the use of supercritical fluids, pulsed electric field application, and high-voltage electrical discharge are explored as effective and promising approaches to improve the extraction and preservation of anthocyanins. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->

The gluten-free alternative flours and the application of natural fermentation in the breads production are promising technologies to improving sensory, structural and nutritional properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability and quality of gluten-free breads made with sour dough from wholegrain rice flours (BR and BRY), carioca beans (BP and BPY) and cowpea (BV and BVY). The sour doughs were prepared without and with the addition of biological yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) represented by the letter “Y”. The breads made from these doughs were subjected to the analysis of: pH, titratable total acidity, color, water activity, moisture, image analysis, specific volume, instrumental texture, proximate composition and energy value. The results indicated higher ash, protein and dietary fiber content in BP and BV flours. At the end of fermentation, the BR and BRY masses showed greater acidity. The doughs made with beans showed greater expansion volumes. Lower volume, firmness and hardness were verified for BBRY bread and the opposite was verified for BVB bread. The BBV, BBVY, BBP and BBPY breads had higher ash, protein and dietary fiber contents and lower digestible carbohydrate content. BPB and BVB breads showed higher protein digestibility and the opposite was observed for BBRY (70.60%), BPBY (81.09%) and BVBY (80.89%). The use of bean flour in the preparation of breads resulted in products rich in dietary fiber and proteins, especially carioca beans.