Author(s): Vilas-Boas, Ana Martins ; Brassesco, María Emília ; Quintino, Andreia C. ; Medronho, Bruno ; Vieira, Margarida C. ; Brandão, Teresa R. S. ; Silva, Cristina L. M. ; Silva, Beatriz ; Azevedo, Miguel ; Pintado, Manuela
Date: 2026
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/54686
Origin: Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Subject(s): Enzymatic hydrolysis; Legume; Modification; Thermal hydrolysis; Valorization
The focus on by-product valorization in the food industry, particularly from the carob pod, underscores a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. This fruit, sourced from the leguminous evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), is renowned for its adaptable flavour and nutritional value, in Mediterranean regions such as Portugal. Its production yields significant by-products, presenting environmental challenges when not managed efficiently. Innovative approaches, including integral carob flour production, aim to optimize utilization while minimizing waste and energy consumption. This study repurposed carob waste to produce novel, value-added ingredients like carob syrup, by thermal hydrolysis of integral carob flour using water at 1:3 solid-to-liquid ratio - obtaining up to 50 % solubility yield. The resulting syrup exhibited 72 % °Brix, a melting temperature (Tm) of approximately 130 °C and predominantly viscous behavior with minimal elastic (solid-like) response. Lastly, the syrup was incorporated into a carob-based brigadeiro, replacing conventional glucose-fructose syrup. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed enhanced bioaccessibility of sugars and phenolics, and increased antioxidant activity during the intestinal phase. Despite sugar availability, the prebiotic activity of the syrup decreased when embedded in the brigadeiro matrix, potentially due to interactions with polyphenols or organic acids. Cytotoxicity and permeability assays confirmed safety at ?0.5 % (w/v) and supported intestinal barrier integrity. These findings support the use of integral carob flour for producing multifunctional ingredients, contributing to circular economy models while meeting consumer demands for healthier, sustainable food products.
