Sophia Alesio

Dr. Sophia Alesio


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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31 December 2025 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
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MEMarica Egidio
Marica Egidio
MARIKA DI PAOLOMARIKA DI PAOLO
MARIKA DI PAOLO
FCFederica Capano
Federica Capano
SASophia Alesio
Sophia Alesio
CCCarmen Cabato
Carmen Cabato
RMRaffaele Marrone
Raffaele Marrone
Goat meat represents a valuable source of high-quality protein and healthy lipids, although its consumption remains limited in Europe. This study aimed to evaluate the qualitative–quantitative changes in the nutritional, rheological, and sensorial characteristics of meat (Quadriceps femoris and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles) from three different autochthonous goat breeds (Garganica, Derivata di Siria, and Capra di Potenza) and a cosmopolitan, genetically selected one (Saanen), reared in Basilicata (Italy), during a 7-day wet aging process. Forty kids (10 per breed) were slaughtered at 50 ± 3 days, and meat samples were vacuum-aged at 4 ± 1 °C and analyzed at 0, 3, and 7 days. Data showed that genotype was the main factor influencing meat quality, while wet aging mainly improved rheological parameters, particularly in LTL muscles. Notably, Capra di Potenza exhibited the most favorable fatty acid profile, with lower atherogenic (average values of 0.80 in LTL and 0.92 in QF) and thrombogenic (average values of 1.49 in LTL and 1.59 in QF) indices, whereas Derivata di Siria showed the greatest oxidative stability (average values of 0.060 in LTL and 0.036 in QF). Overall, local breeds of kids’ groups produced more tender and aromatic meat than Saanen. These findings highlight the potential of native goat breeds for premium meat production and suggest an effective post-mortem aging technique to enhance their quality, promoting the diffusion of niche products as well as biodiversity preservation.

25 March 2025 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMarica Egidio
Marica Egidio
MARIKA DI PAOLOMARIKA DI PAOLO
MARIKA DI PAOLO
LCLoriana Casalino
Loriana Casalino
VVValeria Vuoso
Valeria Vuoso
SASophia Alesio
Sophia Alesio
RMRaffaele Marrone
Raffaele Marrone
This study aims to evaluate the effects of mandarin peel (Citrus reticulata L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album) powders as natural additives on the shelf lives of artisanal Bologna-type sausages by comparing them with a chemically preserved control formulation. In this regard, four mortadella formulations (MTS1, MTS2, MTS3, and MTC) were produced and analyzed for physicochemical, microbiological, rheological, and sensory properties at days 1 (T0), 15 (T1), 25 (T2), and 30 (T3) after vacuum packaging. The results highlighted greater performances in the experimental samples MTS2 (made with common lambsquarters) and MTS3 (made with oregano), particularly in microbiological stability and antioxidant activity, which were similar to those of the control sample (MTC), with TBAR values extremely low, even at the end of the storage for both MTS2 (0.65 mg MDA/kg) and MTS3 (1.11 mg MDA/kg), reflecting effective lipid oxidation control. The sensory analysis further revealed oregano-containing mortadella (MTS3) as the most preferred sample for appearance and taste. These findings suggest that natural additives, like oregano or lambsquarter powders, could replace or complement nitrites in Bologna-type sausages, ensuring product quality, safety, and shelf life while meeting consumer demand for clean-label and chemical-additive-free products. Further research could optimize these formulations to support commercial applications.