The pericarp browning and postharvest microbiological decay of litchi fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn cv Kwai Mai) significantly reduce its commercial potential in the fresh market. In this study, different combinations of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were applied at 5 ± 1 °C based on the use of natural gases that are innocuous to human health and an alternative to commercially adopted sulfur dioxide (SO₂) treatment. The results showed that control fruits, after 6 days of storage, begin to show the first symptoms of decay, revealed by the appearance of lesions and microbial infections determined by total mesophilic microorganisms and molds. This is not the case in the MAP-treated fruits and the MAP 3-treated (5% O₂ + 20% CO₂ + 75% N₂) fruits that show the best results. The control fruits, moreover, turned completely brown by the end of the storage period. The MAP 3 treatment was the most effective in preventing browning and the loss of the red pericarp color and vitamin content and in maintaining acceptable SSC/TA levels and flavor. In addition, a microbiological analysis revealed that all the MAP-treated litchi fruits did not harbor undesirable microorganisms during the entire cold storage period. In conclusion, the MAP 3 conditions delayed pericarp browning and maintained the better organoleptic quality of litchi fruits.

Mango, a tropical fruit celebrated for its delightful fragrance and high nutritional value, generates significant waste during processing, with approximately 35–60% of the fruit being discarded. However, this waste contains valuable components, such as fibre, carotenoids, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. In an effort to repurpose mango peel, this study dehydrated it to create mango peel powder (MPP), which was then incorporated into sourdough bread to produce functional breads with enhanced nutritional value. Semolina was replaced with MPP at levels of 5% (MPP-5) and 10% (MPP-10) (w/w). After dehydration, the mango peel had a yield of 22%, and the procedure used did not cause any organoleptic changes. The bread fermentation process was conducted at 30 °C for 8 h. During dough fermentation, the pH was monitored, showing a value of 4.14 ± 0.02 in the MPP-10 dough. Overall, the MPP-10 bread received a higher score (6.51) than the control (CTR) bread (5.6) and the MPP-5 bread (6.11). The total phenolic content of the fortified breads ranged from 44.760 to 98.931 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, and the antiradical activity ranged from 15.213 to 29.461 mmol trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC)/100 g, depending on the percentage of enrichment.

In response to the global challenge of food wastage and high perishability of blackberries, this study evaluated the use of ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (US-HAD) to convert downgraded blackberries into powders, comparing it with traditional hot air drying (HAD). US-HAD reduced the drying time and achieved a final moisture content of 12%. Physicochemical analyses (colourimetry, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content) were conducted on fresh fruit, powders, and fortified cookies. US-HAD cookies exhibited promising antioxidant activity, with ABTS values ranging from 8.049 to 8.536 mmol TEAC/100 g and DPPH values from 8.792 to 9.232 mmol TEAC/100 g, significantly higher than control cookies. The TPC was 13.033 mgGAE/g in HAD cookies and 13.882 mgGAE/g in US-HAD cookies. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase in phenolic compounds content in fortified cookies compared to the control. Sensory analysis highlighted a superior blackberry flavour and overall acceptability in US-HAD cookies, with statistical analysis confirming their superior nutritional and sensory qualities. Integrating US-HAD blackberry powder into cookies helps reduce food waste and enhances the nutritional profiles of baked goods, offering functional foods with health benefits. This work provides a scientific basis for developing enriched functional cookies, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative for utilising damaged fruits.

Lychee (Lychee chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit highly appreciated for its vivid red color, sweet flavor, and nutritional properties. However, it is highly perishable, with postharvest losses often due to oxidative browning and dehydration. This study evaluated the organic olive oil coating (OC), a natural lipidic system with the potential to act as a precursor for organogel development, combined with polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) packaging under passive modified atmosphere. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity and divided into two groups: OC-treated and untreated control (CTR). Both groups were stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity and analyzed on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. The OC-treated fruits showed significantly better retention of physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities. The coating reduced oxidative stress and enzymatic browning, preserving color and firmness. The PA/PE packaging regulated gas exchange, lowering oxygen levels and delaying respiration and ripening. As a result, OC fruits had lower weight loss, a slower increase in browning index and maturity index, and better visual and sensory scores than the CTR group. This dual strategy proved effective in extending shelf life while maintaining the fruit’s appearance, flavor, and nutritional value. It represents a sustainable and natural approach to enhancing the postharvest stability of lychee.

The choice of time/temperature combination is critical for ensuring microbiological stability and retaining the characteristic taste of dried blood orange slices. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of hot air-drying technique to maintain the quality characteristic of dried blood orange slices stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Hot air-drying at 70 °C for 12 h preserved shrinkage without altering the longitudinal diameter, though thickness was significantly reduced, especially in samples with passive MAP. Increased hardness and masticability were noted due to water removal, with active MAP maintaining high hardness and colour integrity up to 100 days of storage (D100). Sensory analysis revealed differences in colour intensity and flavour between active and passive MAP-stored slices. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) chromatography identified key chemical compounds contributing to aroma and flavour, highlighting the complex interplay between temperature, storage conditions, and volatile organic compounds production. The study demonstrates that drying combined with MAP storage enhances organoleptic qualities and nutritional value, offering a method to produce a healthy, tasty, and visually appealing snack.