Browsing by Author "Amaral, Olga"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Clean label approaches in cheese production: where are we?Publication . Fernandes, Jaime; Gomes, Sandra; Reboredo, Fernando H.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Amaral, Olga; Dias, João; Alvarenga, NunoThe Clean Label concept has gained significant traction in the cheese industry due to consumer preferences for minimally processed cheeses free from synthetic additives. This review explores different approaches for applying Clean Label principles to the cheese industry while maintaining food safety, sensory quality, and shelf life. Non-thermal technologies, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultra-violet (UV), and visible light (VL), are among the most promising methods that effectively control microbial growth while preserving the nutritional and functional properties of cheese. Protective cultures, postbiotics, and bacteriophages represent microbiological strategies that are natural alternatives to conventional preservatives. Another efficient approach involves plant extracts, which contribute to microbial control, and enhance cheese functionality and potential health benefits. Edible coatings, either alone or combined with other methods, also show promising applications. Despite these advantages, several challenges persist: higher costs of production and technical limitations, possible shorter shelf-life, and regulatory challenges, such as the absence of standardized Clean Label definitions and compliance complexities. Further research is needed to develop and refine Clean Label formulations, especially regarding bioactive peptides, sustainable packaging, and advanced microbial control techniques. Addressing these challenges will be essential for expanding Clean Label cheese availability while ensuring product quality and maintaining consumer acceptance.
- Resistant starch production in wheat bread: effect of ingredients, baking conditions and storagePublication . Amaral, Olga; Guerreiro, Cristina S.; Gomes, Ana M. P.; Cravo, MaríliaResistant starch (RS) is defined as the sum of starch and products of starch degradation not absorbed in the small intestine of healthy individuals. RS appears to confer considerable health benefits. Processing conditions and ingredients may influence the formation of RS in foodstuffs. The aim of the present study was to investigate some of the factors that might influence RS formation in wheat bread, namely (1) formulation; (2) loaf size; (3) baking conditions; and (4) storage conditions. Seven bread formulations were prepared: reference recipe (control) and six experimental formulations. The effect of the loaf size and the baking conditions was also tested. Finally, the effect of storage was tested by keeping control breads under different storage conditions (temperature/time). Moisture and resistant starch contents were evaluated in all breads. A higher level of moisture in the dough and a larger loaf size enhanced the RS content. An extended baking process also favored significantly the formation of RS. Storing the bread at room temperature for 3 days was shown to further increase the RS content. It is possible to increase the RS content of bread by modifying the ingredients ratio and processing conditions.