Lactic acid fermentation has been practiced for thousands of years mainly to preserve surplus and perishable foodstuff and also to enhance them organoleptically. Lactic acid fermentation of fruits and vegetables is no exception, leading to the production of a wide range of products, some of which are now considered as characteristic of certain geographical areas and cultures. The aim of this book is to collect, present, and discuss all available information regarding lactic acid fermentation of fruits and vegetables. For this purpose, an international group of experts was invited to contribute their knowledge and experience in a highly informative and comprehensive way. The book consists of fourteen chapters. The first five chapters integrate aspects that apply to all products. Then, chapters 6 to 9 are dedicated to products that have met commercial significance and have been extensively studied, i.e. sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented cucumbers and olives. In chapters 10 to 13, regional products with great potential from Asia, Europe and Africa, as well as lactic acid fermented juices and smoothies, are presented and thoroughly discussed. Finally, chapter 14 discusses the fields in which intensive study is expected to take place in the coming years.

Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Fruits and Vegetables presents an updated, interrelated and sequenced view of the contribution of fruits and vegetables on human health, their aspects of plant metabolism, physical and chemical/compositional changes during the entire fruit development lifecycle, the physiological disorders and biochemical effects of modified/controlled atmospheres, and the biotechnology of horticultural crops. The book is written specifically for those interested in preharvest and postharvest crop science and the impact of physiological and biochemical changes on their roles as functional foods. - Deals with the developmental aspects of the lifecycle in whole fruits - Describes issues, such as the morphology and anatomy of fruits, beginning with the structural organization of the whole plant and explaining the fruit structure and its botanical classification - Addresses biotechnological concepts that control firmness, quality and the nutritional value of fruits

Handbook of Vegetables and Vegetable Processing, Second Edition is the most comprehensive guide on vegetable technology for processors, producers, and users of vegetables in food manufacturing.This complete handbook contains 42 chapters across two volumes, contributed by field experts from across the world. It provides contemporary information that brings together current knowledge and practices in the value-chain of vegetables from production through consumption. The book is unique in the sense that it includes coverage of production and postharvest technologies, innovative processing technologies, packaging, and quality management. Handbook of Vegetables and Vegetable Processing, Second Edition covers recent developments in the areas of vegetable breeding and production, postharvest physiology and storage, packaging and shelf life extension, and traditional and novel processing technologies (high-pressure processing, pulse-electric field, membrane separation, and ohmic heating). It also offers in-depth coverage of processing, packaging, and the nutritional quality of vegetables as well as information on a broader spectrum of vegetable production and processing science and technology. Coverage includes biology and classification, physiology, biochemistry, flavor and sensory properties, microbial safety and HACCP principles, nutrient and bioactive properties In-depth descriptions of key processes including, minimal processing, freezing, pasteurization and aseptic processing, fermentation, drying, packaging, and application of new technologies Entire chapters devoted to important aspects of over 20 major commercial vegetables including avocado, table olives, and textured vegetable proteins This important book will appeal to anyone studying or involved in food technology, food science, food packaging, applied nutrition, biosystems and agricultural engineering, biotechnology, horticulture, food biochemistry, plant biology, and postharvest physiology.

Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry, Nutritional Value and Stability provides scientists in the areas of food technology and nutrition with accessible and up-to-date information about the chemical nature, classification and analysis of the main phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables – polyphenols and carotenoids. Special care is taken to analyze the health benefits of these compounds, their interaction with fiber, antioxidant and other biological activities, as well as the degradation processes that occur after harvest and minimal processing.

Bioactive Food Components Activity in Mechanistic Approach presents the role of functional foods and bioactive compounds in inflammation. This book focuses on bioactive compounds, including phenolics, prebiotics, carotenoids, tocopherols, bioactive peptides, probiotics, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and describes their actions in several diseases, mainly obesity and co-morbidities, inflammatory bowel disease, cognitive decline and cancer, and aging. Intended for food, nutrition, and nutraceutical researchers, as well as those studying related fields, the book offers a mechanistic approach that is currently lacking in the market. Explores the mechanistic approach of functional foods in health and disease Contains definitions, case studies, applications, literature reviews, recent developments and text boxes Provides coverage of phenolic compounds, prebiotics and probiotics, carotenoids, tocopherols, bioactive peptides, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and sulfur compounds

Food Biosynthesis, Volume One in the Handbook of Food Bioengineering series, describes the main aspects related to the biological production of synthetic ingredients and natural foods, highlighting the impact of bacteria and plants in the biosynthesis of key food components. Biosynthesis methods could help solve issues like food shortages, providing consumers with preferred 'natural' food options. This book represents how biologically synthesized ingredients, such as vanilla flavoring, soy, milk and egg substitutes can be utilized as a desired option future foods. It is ideal for scientists and researchers who want to improve their knowledge on the field of food biosynthesis. - Presents practical approaches of biosynthesis and the impact of biological origin on the field of food engineering - Offers alternative applications to produce natural foods - Includes processes and techniques to produce health promoting foods - Discusses the positive effects of biosynthesis on microbial production to enhance food safety - Offers a variety of perspectives on biosynthesis and its benefits for food ingredient production