The use of natural ingredients with active functions has been intensively studied in the last years, as a consequence to consumer preferences for organic products. Application of circular economy principles determined a significant research activity in the viticulture field. The use or re-use of vines parts for so-called nutraceuticals or other consumer-goods applications, are basically centered on their phytochemical and microbiological characterization. Eurostat updates ranks Romania fifth among the EU member states, with a total area under vines of 183,717 hectares. Characterization of four Vitis vinifera L. varieties, out of which one pure Romanian variety (Feteasca Neagra), cultivated in organic and conventional vineyards, together with pedoclimatic conditions have been provided. Data on phytochemical parameters and antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from different anatomic parts of grapes were included. Analytical protocols and techniques applied were presented, together with data and results interpretation. Several chemometric algorithms have been used as complementary tools for interpretation of the instrumental analytical data.
Part of the book: Grapes and Wine
Grapes occupy an important position in the human diet, providing both macronutrients and micronutrients indispensable for growth and development. Grapes contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic (nutritional) antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid and bioflavones. High amounts of these valuable compounds are removed through processing, when the skin and the seeds are separated from the pulp. During the vinification process, a large amount of grape pomace is generated that constitutes an important source of value-added products such as phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes. Valorization of wine industry by-products like grape pomace is a suitable strategy for recovering bioactive compounds (mainly polyphenols) and reducing the environmental impact of this industrial waste. The circular bioeconomy refers to maintaining the value of the biological resources in economy for as long as possible, minimizing the waste production. Recovery and utilization of pomace from grape process favors closing the loop to ensure the abovementioned circularity. The experimental screening performed was designed to assess several indices of the polyphenolic composition of several grape byproducts (pomace, steams, and skin and seed mixture), such as total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, and their antioxidant activity, for two white grape Romanian varieties (i.e., Fetească Albă and Tămâioasă Românească).
Part of the book: Functional Food