Investigation of physicochemical, bioactive and functional properties of traditional pine cone molasses

In this thesis, it is aimed to investigate the bioactive and functional properties of pine molasses, which is a traditional product locally identified with Kastamonu, and also to determine its quality qualities. It was determined that the cones and shoots of Black Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana), Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani) trees, which are widely found in the forest flora of the region, were used in the production of 15 pine molasses obtained from different locations. As it is a traditional and homemade product, it has been determined that it is produced with close formulation and production techniques. The pH, color, electrical conductivity, ash, HMF, protein, antioxidant activity, total phenolic substance, sugar and mineral substance profiles were examined in the samples in order to determine the general quality, physicochemical and nutritional qualities of the supplied pine molasses. In pine molasses samples, pH between 3,47 and 4,75, Total titration acidity 1,28-2,56%, Viscosity 150,42-11 164,67 cP, ° Brix 64,63% -78,68%, Electrical conductivity values 376,67- 944,67 (µS / cm), HMF 4,54-1 101,58 mg / kg, ash content 0,24% - 0,96%, protein content 0,701% - 0,057%, and color values respectively between L*: 0,41-29,04; a*: 6,54-44,11; b*:3,16-36,45, were determined. In the analysis performed to determine the micronutrient contents of the samples, while K, Ca, P, Mg, Na elements were determined at higher levels, Zn, Fe, Mn minerals were found to be at lower levels, and some samples did not contain Se. The total mineral substance content in terms of the examined elements was determined in the range of 6 595,30-497,06 mg / kg. Sugar profiles of pine molasses samples varied considerably; fructose content 5,92% - 30,23%, glucose content 12,03% -36,48%, sucrose content 4,67-45,32%, F / G ratio 0,49-0,84, total sugar content 49,31% -75,80%, the amount of invert sugar was found between 17,95%-66,71%. Among the bioactive properties, the total amount of phenolic substance was determined between 875,00-2 750,00 µg GA / g and the amount of antioxidant activity between 44,06% and 89,77%. HMF amount in pine molass samples, where traditional cooking was applied in open boilers with different cooking times, equipment and heating, has been determined in a wide range of 4.54-1101,58 mg / kg. As the studies in the literature and local folk treatment methods show, pine and its fractions are among important medical materials. The results of antioxidant activity, phenolic substance and mineral composition as a result of the thesis study also support this. On the other hand, it is thought that studies on the production and consumption of functional food and alternative uses as food supplements are promising, provided that the production methods of pine molasses made by traditional methods are developed and sustainable standardization is carried out.