Combining Maltogenic Amylase with CMC or Wheat Gluten to Prevent Amylopectin Recrystallization and Delay Corn Tortilla Staling

Antistaling properties of a bacterial maltogenic amylase, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and vital wheat gluten on quality of corn tortillas were evaluated during 14 days of storage. Amylopectin recrystallization was the driving force behind the staling of corn tortillas. Increasing levels of recrystallized amylopectin measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) correlated significantly with increased tortilla stiffness (r = 0.43) and reduction in tortilla pliability (r = ‐0.42) during storage. Maltogenic amylase (275–1,650 activity units) made tortillas less stiff but did not preserve pliability and extensibility as effectively as CMC (0.25–0.5%). The combination of 825 MANU of maltogenic amylase (to interfere with intragranular amylopectin recrystallization) and 0.25% CMC (to create a more flexible intergranular matrix than retrograded amylose and amylopectin) produced less stiff, equally flexible, and less chewy tortillas than did 0.5% CMC. Vital wheat gluten was not as effective as CMC in preserving tortilla flexibility or as good as the maltogenic amylase in reducing stiffness. Further research is required to optimize the addition of maltogenic amylases in continuous processing lines that use fresh masa instead of nixtamalized corn flour (NCF) and to determine how these amylases interfere with amylopectin recrystallization.     

Determining the Role of Starch in Flour Tortilla Staling Using α‐Amylase

Effects of α‐amylase modification on dough and tortilla properties were determined to establish the role of starch in tortilla staling and elucidate the antistaling mechanism of this enzyme. Control and amylase‐treated tortillas were prepared using a standard bake test procedure, stored at 22°C, and evaluated over four weeks. Amylase improved shelf‐stability of tortillas. The enzyme also produced a significant amount of dextrins and sugars, decreased loss of amylose solubility, and weakened starch granules. Amylopectin crystallinity increased with time, but was similar for the control and treated tortillas. Staling of tortillas appears to mainly involve the starch in the amorphous phase. As such, amylase activity does not significantly interfere with amylopectin crystallization. It is proposed that amylase partially hydrolyzed the dispersed starch (i.e., mostly amylose), starch bridging the crystalline region, and protruding amylopectin branches. Starch hydrolysis decreases the rigid structure and plasticized polymers during storage. The flexibility of tortillas results from the combined functionalities of the amylose gel and amylopectin solidifying the starch granules during storage. Protein functionality may also be involved in tortilla staling, but this needs further research.     

Effects of Leavening Acids and Dough Temperature in Wheat Flour Tortillas

Functionality of four leavening acids (sodium aluminum phosphate [SALP], sodium aluminum sulfate [SAS], monocalcium phosphate [MCP] and sodium acid pyrophosphate [SAPP‐28]) was evaluated during processing of wheat flour tortillas. Formulas were optimized to yield opaque, large‐diameter tortillas with pH 5.9–6.1. Each leavening acid and sodium bicarbonate was first evaluated at 38°C and then evaluated in combination with fumaric acid at 34 and 38°C. Ionic and pH interactions of leavening salts adversely affected dough properties and resting time. Opacity and pH of tortillas prepared with MCP was lower than for other treatments. Higher dough temperature required more leavening acid and base to compensate for some of the loss of CO₂ incurred during dough mixing and resting at 38°C. The addition of fumaric acid decreased the amount of leavening acid, the dough‐resting time and tortilla pH, and improved storage stability. Combinations of MCP, SALP (or SAS), and fumaric acid produced dough and tortillas with good qualities. Tortillas prepared using SALP (or SAS) and fumaric acid tended to be of better quality.     

In Vitro Starch Digestibility of Tortillas Elaborated by Different Masa Preparation Procedures

Starch digestibility was evaluated in freshly prepared tortillas elaborated from masa obtained from different procedures (laboratory‐made masa, commercial masa, and nixtamalized corn flour) and from laboratory‐made masa with added commercial hydrocolloid, and stored for 24, 48, and 74 hr. Tortillas prepared with commercial masa had the highest available starch (AS) content and the commercial tortillas had the lowest, showing a decrease in AS content when storage time increased. Tortilla of commercial masa showed the lowest resistant starch (RS) content that agrees with the AS measured. However, tortilla of laboratory‐made masa presented the highest AS and RS contents. RS increased with storage time, a pattern that is related to the starch retrogradation phenomenon observed when retrograded resistant starch (RRS) was quantified. Commercial tortillas showed predicted glycemic index (pGI) values of 62–75% using a chewing/dialysis procedure (semi in vitro method). Index values were lower than those determined in vitro. The pGI of tortillas decreased, and the values were different depending on the method used to prepare the masa and tortilla. Commercial tortilla and tortilla of NCF had the lowest pGI. Therefore, the procedure to obtain masa and thereafter obtain tortillas influenced the starch digestibility of the product.     

Relationship of Gelatinization and Recrystallization of Cross‐Linked Rice to Glass Transition Temperature

Nonwaxy rice starch was cross‐linked with sodium trimetaphosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate to obtain different degrees of cross‐linking (9.2, 26.2, and 29.2%). The objective was to investigate the influence of cross‐linking on thermal transitions of rice starch. Starch suspensions (67% moisture) were heated at 2°C/min using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to follow melting transition of amylopectin. Biphasic transitions were observed at ≈60–95°C in all samples. Melting endotherms of amylopectin shifted to a higher temperature (≤5°C) with an increasing degree of cross‐linking, while there was no dramatic change in enthalpy. Recrystallization during aging for 0–15 days was significantly suppressed by cross‐linking. The delayed gelatinization and retrogradation in crosslinked starch were evident due to restricted swelling and reduced hydration in starch granules. Glass transition temperature (T_g) measured from the derivative curve of heat flow was ‐3 to ‐4°C. No significant change in T_g was observed over the storage time studied.     

Wet‐Milling and Dry‐Milling Properties of Dent Corn with Addition of Amylase Corn

A transgenic corn (amylase corn) has been developed that produces an endogenous α‐amylase that is activated in the presence of water and elevated temperature (>70°C). Wet‐ and dry‐milling characteristics of amylase corn were evaluated using laboratory wet‐ and dry‐milling procedures. Different amounts of amylase corn (0.1–10%) were added to dent corn (with the same genetic background as the amylase corn) as treatments. Samples were evaluated for wet‐ and dry‐milling fraction yields using 1‐kg laboratory procedures. Milling yields for all amylase corn treatments were compared with the control treatment (0% amylase corn or 100% dent corn). No significant differences were observed in wet‐ and dry‐milling yields between the control and the 0.1, 1, and 10% amylase corn treatments. Most of the amylase activity (77%) in wet‐milling fractions was detected in the protein fraction. In dry‐milling, amylase activity (68.8%) was detected in endosperm fractions (fines, small grits, and large grits).     

Nonenzymatic Browning During Storage of Infant Cereals

The browning indicators furosine and color were determined in infant cereals and infant cereals containing powdered milk to evaluate the utility of these parameters for monitoring storage. Studies were made on seven infant cereal samples including both gluten and gluten‐free products. Samples were stored under laboratory conditions at 28°C for four or 16 weeks; or under modified water activity conditions at 25°C or 55°C for one, two, three, or four weeks; or under industrial conditions in air or nitrogen atmospheres at 32°C or 55°C for one, three, six, or 12 months. Furosine levels increased during the storage of infant cereals containing powdered milk under all time, temperature, and water activity (a_w) conditions assayed, except drastic conditions (55°C, a_w = 0.65). Color values increased in infant cereals with gluten (7‐cereal and 8‐cereal samples), regardless of milk content, when they were stored under drastic conditions (55°C or 25°C with normal or modified water activity). However, the gluten‐free infant cereals (rice‐corn and rice‐corn‐soy samples) that have a characteristic yellow color showed no increase in color during storage. The extent of the Maillard reaction was greatest in the infant cereals that included milk in their formulation.     

Effects of Resistant Starch and Fiber from High‐Amylose Non‐Floury Corn on Tortilla Texture

A high‐amylose, non‐floury corn, a floury corn, and a 1:1 blend were made into masa and then tortillas. The masa flour made with the high‐amylose corn had a greater amount of resistant starch (RS 28.8%) and a greater amount of total dietary fiber (TDF 42.1%) than that with the floury corn (RS 2.9%, TDF 9.6%), producing a high‐fiber tortilla. The masa was evaluated for pasting properties using a Rapid ViscoAnalyser (RVA). The high‐amylose masa slurry gelatinized little at 95°C. The floury masa had the greatest peak viscosity, whereas the 1:1 blend was intermediate in value. Sensory evaluations of the tortillas for the textural attributes showed the floury tortillas to be chewier, more rollable, and grittier than the high‐amylose tortillas, whereas the blend tortillas were intermediate for most attributes. The cutting force of the high‐amylose tortillas, measured on a texture analyzer, was very low; the blend and floury tortillas required more force. Chewiness was correlated to rollability (r = 0.99, P = 0.05). The %RS and %TDF were correlated to rollability (r = –0.99), and cutting force (r = 0.99). The floury and blend tortillas had firm textures expected of desirable tortillas, whereas the high‐amylose tortillas broke under little force, and would not roll. The high‐amylose tortillas had high amounts of RS and TDF but poor texture. The blend tortillas retained most floury tortilla textural properties, making them suitable products for consumer use.     

Slowly Digestible Starch from Debranched Waxy Sorghum Starch: Preparation and Properties

Effects of debranching time, storage time, and storage temperature on production and structural properties of slowly digestible starch (SDS) were investigated. Waxy sorghum starch was hydrolyzed by isoamylase for various times (0–24 hr), and the variously debranched products were stored at ‐30, 1, and 30°C for 1–6 days. Optimal conditions for SDS production were isoamylase treatment for 8 hr and storage at 1°C for three days, resulting in SDS content of 27.0% in the optimum product. Microscopic observation revealed that rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and SDS were removed from the edges and surfaces of the optimum product by α‐amylase digestion. Digestion conditions that removed RDS and SDS resulted in a residue with a higher transition temperature and enthalpy than raw starch on a differential scanning calorimetric thermogram. Removal of RDS alone did not cause distinct decrements of peak temperature (T_p) and enthalpy (ΔH) compared with stored starch. The optimum SDS product showed an amorphous type of X‐ray diffractogram. Digestive removal of RDS from the optimum product gave a residue with X‐ray peaks similar to B type, which supports that it is partly crystalline. Removal of RDS and SDS gave broader peaks in the X‐ray pattern.     

Characteristics of Granular Cold‐Water Gelling Starches of Cereal Grains and Legumes Prepared Using Liquid Ammonia and Ethanol

Starches of wheat, corn, smooth and wrinkled peas, and chickpeas were modified to a free‐flowing powder of granular cold‐water gelling (GCWG) starch using liquid ammonia and ethanol at 23°C and atmospheric pressure. Amylose content of starches was 26.3% in wheat, 27.1% in corn, 35.4% in chickpeas, 43.2% in smooth peas, and 79.9% in wrinkled peas. The modified starches remained in granular form with an increased number of grooves and fissures on the surface of the granules compared with native starch, while the crystallinity was mostly lost, as shown by X‐ray diffractograms and DSC endothermic enthalpies. Pasting viscosity of modified starches at 23°C was 171 BU and 305 BU in wheat and corn, respectively, and much higher in legume starches, ranging from 545 BU to 814 BU. Viscosities of modified legume starches at 23°C were at least twice as high as those of native starches determined at 92.5°C. Swelling power of modified starches at 23°C ranged from 8.7 g/g to 15.3 g/g, while swelling power of native starches heated to 92.5°C ranged from 4.8 g/g to 16.0 g/g. GCWG starches exhibited higher dextrose equivalent (DE) values of enzymatic hydrolysis, ranging from 25.2 to 27.0 compared with native starches (1.5–2.9). Modified starches from wheat, corn, smooth peas, and chickpeas formed weak gels without heat treatment and experienced no changes in gel hardness during storage, while native starch gels formed by heat treatment showed an increase in hardness by 1.1–7.5 N during 96 hr of storage at 4°C.     

Storage Conditions Affecting Increase in Falling Number of Soft Red Winter Wheat Grain

Falling number (FN) of wheat grain, a measure of preharvest sprouting, tends to increase during storage; however, grain and storage conditions that impact FN changes are poorly understood. Wheat grain samples of varying FN from several cultivars were obtained by artificial sprouting, by incubating wheat stalks, or directly from the field and were used to determine the effects of cultivar, storage temperature, grain moisture content, and initial FN on changes in FN and α‐amylase activity. Increases in FN of artificially sprouted grain during storage were affected by temperature but not evidently by grain moisture in the range of 10.0–13.0%. The FN of artificially sprouted grain increased when stored at 5, 23, and 35°C for 20 weeks by averages of 9.4, 24.1, and 34.4, respectively. The influences of storage temperature and initial FN of grain obtained from incubated stalks were different between cultivars when stored for 8 weeks. Wheat grain obtained directly from the field also exhibited significant increases in FN during 8 weeks of storage at 5, 23, and 35°C with average increases of 10.0, 27.1, and 38.5, respectively. The impact of α‐amylase activity on the increase in FN during storage was evident only for field‐harvested grain of varying FN. α‐Amylase activity exhibited a negative logarithmic relationship (R² = 0.87) with FN in field‐harvested grain. The magnitude of the changes in α‐amylase activity varied by cultivar.     

Effect of Sucrose on Glass Transition,Gelatinization, and Retrogradation of Wheat Starch

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the effect of sucrose on wheat starch glass transition, gelatinization, and retrogradation. As the ratio of sucrose to starch increased from 0.25:1 to 1:1, the glass transition temperature (T_g, T_g′) and ice melting enthalpy (ΔH_ice) of wheat starch‐sucrose mixtures (with total moistures of 40–60%) were decreased to a range of −7 to −20°C and increased to a range of 29.4 to 413.4 J/g of starch, respectively, in comparison with wheat starch with no sucrose. The T_g′ of the wheat starch‐sucrose mixtures was sensitive to the amount of added sucrose, and detection was possible only under conditions of excess total moisture of >40%. The peak temperature (T_m) and enthalpy value (ΔH_G) for gelatinization of starch‐sucrose systems within the total moisture range of 40–60% were increased with increasing sucrose and were greater at lower total moisture levels. The T_g′ of the starch‐sucrose system increased during storage. In particular, the significant shift in T_g′ ranged between 15 and 18°C for a 1:1 starch‐sucrose system (total moisture 50%) after one week of storage at various temperatures (4, 32, and 40°C). At 40% total moisture, samples with sucrose stored at 4, 32, and 40°C for four weeks had higher retrogradation enthalpy (ΔH) values than a sample with no sucrose. At 50 and 60% total moisture, there were small increases in ΔH values at storage temperature of 4°C, whereas recrystallization of samples with sucrose stored at 32 and 40°C decreased. The peak temperature (T_p), peak width (δT), and enthalpy (ΔH) for the retrogradation endotherm of wheat starch‐sucrose systems (1:0.25, 1:0.5, and 1:1) at the same total moisture and storage temperature showed notable differences with the ratio of added sucrose. In addition, T_p increased at the higher storage temperature, while δT increased at the lower storage temperature. This suggests that the recrystallization of the wheat starch‐sucrose system at various storage temperatures can be interpreted in terms of δT and T_p.     

Chemical and Physicochemical Properties of Maize Starch After Industrial Nixtamalization

Processing conditions similar to traditional nixtamalization are now used by the industry in the production of dry maize flours (DMF). The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of industrial nixtamalization on maize starch. Thus, dent maize grains were sampled from storage silos and the starch isolated (S). From the same batch of maize, DMF was obtained and the starch isolated (S‐DMF). The amylose content in the starches was quite similar (21.5–23.4%) and characteristic of a dent maize. However, nixtamalization increased the calcium content in S‐DMF. The starches investigated exhibited the typical A‐type diffraction pattern after 40 days of storage at 11–84.1% rh. However, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that annealing of maize starch occurred during storage at 30°C. On the other hand, industrial nixtamalization has both a melting and annealing effect on maize starch. Thus, the operative glass transition temperature (T_g), and the DSC parameters that define starch gelatinization (T_p and ΔH) showed that the proportion between crystalline and amorphous regions within the starch granule and the extent of physical damage to starch were modified by nixtamalization. As an example, T_g for S was between 60 and 62.5°C, while the S‐DMF had a T_g of 45–55°C for damaged starch and 65–70°C for annealed starch. Additionally, the extraction of the nonconstitutive starch lipids provided starches with more consistent thermal properties, particularly in the behavior of gelatinization at different water content. This last observation might have important implications in the consistency of starch physicochemical properties and, consequently, in the quality of maize products such as tortillas.     

Dry‐Grind Processing of Corn with Endogenous Liquefaction Enzymes

An amylase corn has been developed that produces an α‐amylase enzyme that is activated in the presence of water at elevated temperatures (>70°C). Amylase corn in the dry‐grind process was evaluated and compared with the performance of exogenous amylases used in dry‐grind processing. Amylase corn (1–10% by weight) was added to dent corn (of the same genetic background as the amylase corn) as treatments and resulting samples were evaluated for dry‐grind ethanol fermentation using 150‐g and 3‐kg laboratory procedures. Ethanol concentrations during fermentation were compared with the control treatment (0% amylase corn addition or 100% dent corn) which was processed with a conventional amount of exogenous α‐amylase enzymes used in the dry‐grind corn process. The 1% amylase corn treatment (adding 1% amylase corn to dent corn) was sufficient to liquefy starch into dextrins. Following fermentation, ethanol concentrations from the 1% amylase corn treatment were similar to that of the control. Peak and breakdown viscosities of liquefied slurries for all amylase corn treatments were significantly higher than the control treatment. In contrast, final viscosities of liquefied slurries for all amylase corn treatments were lower than those of the control. Protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber contents of DDGS samples from the 3% amylase corn treatment and control were similar.     

Polyphenolics and Antioxidant Capacity of White and Blue Corns Processed into Tortillas and Chips

White and blue corns of Mexican and American origins were lime-cooked to obtain nixtamals with optimal moisture (48–50%) for tortillas and chips. Blue kernels had less bulk density, softer endosperm and, consequently, required less cooking time than the white kernels. The optimum cooking regime for the white kernels was 100°C for 20 min, while the optimum for both pigmented genotypes was 90°C for 0 min (until the lime-cooking solution reached 90°C). Doughs, tortillas, and chips were characterized by total soluble phenolics (TSP), anthocyanins (ACN), and antioxidant capacity (AOX). A dough acidification procedure using fumaric acid (pH 5.2) was assessed as a means to improve TSP, ACN, and AOX retention. The Mexican blue corn had higher AOX (16%) than the American blue genotype, although the latter had a threefold higher TSP content (12.1 g/kg, dwb). Mexican and American blue corns had higher AOX capacity (29.6 and 25.6 μM trolox equivalents [TE]/g dwb), respectively, than the white corn (17.4 μM TE/g). White corns did not have detectable amounts of ACN, while blue Mexican and American kernels contained 342 and 261 mg/kg. Lime cooking had the greatest negative impact on the stability of TSP, ACN, and AOX. However, the acidification reduced ACN, TSP, and AOX losses by 8–23, 3–14, and 4–15%, respectively. Similar ACN losses were observed for both types of blue kernels when processed into nixtamal/dough (47%); however, ACN losses in tortillas and chips manufactured from the American blue genotype were higher (63 and 81%, respectively) than those of Mexican blue corn products (54 and 75%). ACN losses were highly correlated to TSP (r = 0.91) and AOX capacity losses (r = 0.94).     

Effects of Wheat Protein Fractions on Flour Tortilla Quality

Commercial wheat protein fractions (10) were evaluated during processing for quality of tortillas prepared using pastry, tortilla, and bread flours. Protein fractions that separately modify dough resistance and extensibility were evaluated in tortillas to determine whether the proteins could increase diameter, opacity, and shelf stability. Tortillas were prepared using laboratory‐scale, commercial equipment with fixed processing parameters. Dough and tortilla properties were evaluated using analytical methods, a texture analyzer, and subjective methods. Tortillas were stored in plastic bags at 22°C for up to 20 days. Adjustments in water absorption and level of reducing agent were made to normalize differences in functionality of 3% added proteins on dough properties. Tortilla weight, moisture, pH, opacity, and specific volume were not affected by added proteins, except for glutenin and vital wheat gluten treatments, which had decreased opacity in tortillas prepared from pastry flour. Increased insoluble polymeric protein content corresponded to decreased tortilla diameter and improved shelf stability. Treatments yielding tortillas with improved shelf stability and similar tortilla properties were produced when commercially processed vital wheat gluten products, FP600, FP6000, FP5000, or gliadin were added to pastry or tortilla flour. These wheat protein fractions improved processing and tortilla quality of wheat flours, especially pastry flour, by modifying protein content and quality.     

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Rheological and Microstructural Properties of Gluten

To investigate the effects of frozen storage on the rheological and microstructural properties of gluten, two model systems were investigated: System A, gluten and water; System B, gluten, water, and NaCl. The storage time was varied from 1 to 16 weeks and the storage temperature was varied from ‐5 to ‐30°C. After thawing, uniaxial and biaxial deformations, and stress relaxation measurements were performed on gluten. In System A, the major effects were noticed when the gluten was stored at ‐5°C. Frozen storage induced a decrease in stress and in strain at breaking, but an increase in modulus (stress/strain) under uniaxial deformation. In System B, only stress relaxation measurements showed differences between the fresh gluten and the gluten stored at ‐18°C. These results suggest that at ‐5°C, gluten strands form more entanglements. Microscopic analyses of frozen gluten showed that, during the freezing step, ice crystals compressed the gluten. A significant phase separation was observed between gluten and ice but no difference was observed between the storage time and storage temperature. However, after thawing, gluten microstructure exhibited a structure similar to the fresh gluten, and the structure looks like a sponge (a fine gluten structure with tiny water pockets).     

Effect of Holding Temperature on the Structures of Mung Bean Starch Gels and Noodles

The effect of storage temperatures (‐10, +1, and +10°C) on the structural organization of mung bean starch gels and noodles was studied by acid hydrolysis, X‐ray diffractometry, and gel‐permeation chromatography. The gels showed higher susceptibility to acid compared with the noodles as shown by the rate constants of the first stage of hydrolysis (k = 5.37–12.17 × 10^‐2/day and k = 4.19–4.61 × 10^‐2/day for gels and noodles, respectively). Acid hydrolysis showed no difference in the amount of resistant residues of both gels (42–46%) and noodles (44–45%), except for gels (38%) stored at ‐10°C. The acid‐resistant residues of both the gels and noodles had a B‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern (major reflections at 2θ = 19, 24, and 25°). The acid‐resistant residues of the unstored sample and those stored at ‐10°C for both gels and noodles contained chains with DP 46–54 and after debranching yielded two peaks with DP 29–39 and DP 15–19. The acid‐resistant residues of gels and noodles stored at +1 and +10°C contained chains with DP 35–37 and after debranching showed two chain populations with DP 31–33 and DP 14–19. These results indicate the greater participation of amylopectin in the retrogradation process occurring during storage at +1 and +10°C.     

Wheat Tortilla Quality: Impact of Amylose Content Adjustments Using Waxy Wheat Flour

Amylose content is closely related to wheat flour pasting or thermal properties, and thus affects final food qualities. Fourteen flour blends with amylose content ranges of <1 to 29% were used to study tortilla production and quality parameters. Reduced amylose contents decreased dough stickiness and pliability; low amylose doughs were also very smooth in appearance. Very low flour amylose content was associated with earlier tortilla puffing and poor machinability during baking, darker color, low opacity, larger diameters, and reduced flexibility after storage. Tortilla texture analysis indicated that lowering amylose content gave fresh tortillas higher extensibility; after three or more days storage, however, low amylose flours required more force to break the tortillas and the rupture distances became shorter. These results, as reflected in covariate analysis, were not significantly affected by the flour blend's protein content, swelling volume/power, SDS‐sedimentation volume, mixograph dough development time, or mixograph tolerance score. Based on our observation of an initial increase in extensibility with reduced‐amylose tortillas, adding 10–20% waxy flour into wild‐type flours should be ideal for restaurant (on‐site) tortilla production or circumstances where tortillas are consumed shortly (within a day) after production. The optimal flour amylose content for hot‐press wheat tortilla products is 24–26%.     

Tortilla Bending Technique: An Objective Method for Corn Tortilla Texture Measurement

An objective bending technique was developed to measure corn tortilla texture. During the test, tortilla strips were bent to a 40° angle. The bending technique detected differences in uniformity, thickness, and puffing. Thick tortillas required more force to bend and had greater moduli of deformation values than thin tortillas. The bending technique detected changes in tortilla texture during storage and textural differences among commercial corn tortillas purchased at supermarkets. Experimental error of the method was low for both commercial and laboratory-prepared tortillas. Parameters measured by the bending technique were significantly correlated with subjective rollability and flexibility test scores. The bending technique was sensitive to sample characteristics, fast, simple, repeatable, and provided information regarding the relationship between force (stress) and distance, which could be used to determine the linear region of viscoelastic materials.