Studies on drying and storage of chilgoza (Pinus gerardiana) nuts
Present studies were undertaken with the aim of screening a suitable mode of drying and packaging material for storage of chilgoza nuts. A temperature of 55 °C was found most suitable for the drying of nuts in cabinet drier. Cabinet drier was found the best drying mode among four for drying of chilgoza nuts on the basis of quality characteristics such as moisture, water activity and sensory attributes. Further, out of five packaging materials selected in the study, glass jar followed by aluminium laminate pouch was found to be suitable for the packing and storage of dried nuts in ambient conditions for 6 months on the basis of retention of better physico-chemical and sensory attributes.
Oil content, stability and fatty acid composition of the main varieties of Catalonian Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.)
Abstract The oil content, stability and fatty acid composition were determined in the main varieties of Catalonian hazelnuts (Negret, Pauetet, Gironell, Grifoll, Culpla and Morell). Packed column gas and capillary chromatography and the Rancimat method were used. The percentage of oil, its stability and linoleic acid content were found to depend on the variety and farming method (dry farming or irrigation). A difference of 43% in the results obtained for oil stability was detected, the Culpla variety showing the greatest stability and Negret the least. The Negret variety also presented the greatest variance in linoleic acid content, ranging from 11.70% to 20.10%. Irrigation reduces the oil content, increases the percentage of linoleic acid and reduces stability in most varicties.
Keeping Farmers on the Land: Adding Value in Agriculture in the Veneto Region of Italy
Italy's relatively small area, high population density, and high land and labor costs have created the challenges of ensuring profitably for agricultural producers, slowing urban encroachment onto arable land, and keeping farm families on land that has been handed down within the families for generations. As part of the solution to these issues, the European Union is enacting policies to reduce producer dependence on direct subsidies while increasing the competitiveness of agricultural products and returns to producers, reinvigorating rural communities, and encouraging environmentally sound production methods. These regulations provide incentives for producers to add value to their products by obtaining legal recognition of typical products, participating in agritourism, and helping to promote traditional products for regional food systems. This paper examines how E.U. and national policies are encouraging farmers in the Veneto region of Italy to adopt an agricultural production model that encourages limited production of high-quality, high-value products and more diversified land use.