Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Pearled Wheat and Roller‐Milled Fractions

Wheat contains phenolic compounds concentrated mainly in bran tissues. This study examined the distribution of phenolics and antioxidant activities in wheat fractions derived from pearling and roller milling. Debranning (pearling) of wheat before milling is becoming increasingly accepted by the milling industry as a means of improving wheat rollermilling performance, making it of interest to determine the concentration of ferulic acid at various degrees of pearling. Eight cultivar samples were used, including five genotypes representing four commercial Canadian wheat classes with different intrinsic qualities. Wheat was pearled incrementally to obtain five fractions, each representing an amount of product equivalent to 5% of initial sample weight. Wheat was also roller milled without debranning. Total phenolic content of fractions was determined using the modified Folin‐Ciocalteau method for all pearling fractions, and for bran, shorts, bran flour, and first middlings flour from roller milling. Antioxidant activity was determined on phenolic extracts by a method involving the use of the free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenolics were concentrated in fractions from the first and second pearlings (>4,000 mg/kg). Wheat fractions from the third and fourth pearlings still contained high phenolic content (>3,000 mg/kg). A similar trend was observed in antioxidant activity of the milled fractions with ≈4,000 mg/kg in bran and shorts, ≈3,000 mg/kg in bran flour, and <1,000 mg/kg in first middlings flour. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were highly correlated (R² = 0.94). There were no significant differences between red and white wheat samples. A strong influence of environment (growing location) was indicated. Pearling represents an effective technique to obtain wheat bran fractions enriched in phenolics and antioxidants, thereby maximizing health benefits associated with wheat‐based products.     

Effect of Wheat Bran Fiber and Bran Particle Size on Fat and Fiber Digestibility and Gastrointestinal Tract Measurements in the Rat

The effect of wheat bran (AACC hard red) and bran particle size on fat and fiber digestibility and gastrointestinal tract measurements were investigated with diets containing 5.7–10.7% dietary fiber. Fifty‐six male weanling Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four diets containing 5% cellulose (C5); 10.5% cellulose (C10); 21.5% coarse (2 mm) wheat bran (CB); or 22.2% fine (0.5 mm) wheat bran (FB) in a sixweek study. Dietary fiber digestibilities were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatment diets (CB > FB > C5 > C10) but there was no effect in fat digestibility among treatments. High‐fiber diets fed to rats resulted in significantly greater wet and dry fecal weights than low‐fiber diets. Bran diets resulted in significantly higher fecal moisture than cellulose diets. Cecum lengths increased significantly with bran diets compared with cellulose diets. The CB diet resulted in significantly higher stomach weights than with cellulose diets. Stomachs were heavier and cecal lengths were greater with bran diets than with cellulose diets; however, a high‐cellulose diet resulted in increased colon weight. Except for higher fiber digestibility of coarse bran, bran particle size had no significant effects. Healthful effects of wheat bran may be associated with gastrointestinal morphology and function. Fecal bulking and decreased intestinal transit time can prevent constipation and may dilute or reduce absorption of toxic or carcinogenic metabolites, thus improving gastrointestinal health and lowering the risk of tumor development and cancer.     

Effect of Extrusion on Hypocholesterolemic Properties of Rice,Oat, Corn,and Wheat Bran Diets in Hamsters

Brans from rice, oats, corn, and wheat were cooked in a twin-screw extruder at either high or low energy input, and their cholesterol-lowering effects were compared with those of unprocessed brans when fed to four-week-old male golden Syrian hamsters (n = 10 per treatment) for three weeks. Peanut oil was added to oat, corn, and wheat bran during the extrusion process to match the oil content of rice bran. Diets contained 10% total dietary fiber, 10.3% fat, 3% nitrogen, and 0.3% cholesterol. Plasma and liver cholesterol and total liver lipids were significantly lower with low-energy extruded wheat bran compared with unprocessed wheat bran. Extrusion did not alter the hypocholesterolemic effects of rice, oat, or corn brans. Plasma and liver cholesterol levels with corn bran were similar to those with oat bran. Relative cholesterol-lowering effects of the brans, determined with pooled (extruded and unextruded) bran data, were rice bran > oat bran > corn bran > wheat bran. Rice bran diets resulted in significantly lower levels of total plasma cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with all other brans. Total liver cholesterol and liver cholesterol concentrations (mg/g) were significantly lower with high-energy extruded rice bran compared with the cellulose control group. Plasma cholesterol and total liver cholesterol values with low-energy extruded wheat bran were similar to those with rice bran (unextruded or extruded) diets. Lowered cholesterol with rice bran diets may result in part from greater lipid and sterol excretion with these diets. Results with low-energy extruded wheat bran suggest that this type of processing may improve the potential for lowering cholesterol with wheat bran products.     

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties of Bran in 51 Wheat Cultivars

Whole‐grain‐based diets have been suggested to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. Phenolic compounds, most of which are present in the wheat bran, may be one of the factors contributing to whole‐grain health benefits. We measured the free, bound, and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the bran of 51 wheat cultivars belonging to eight Western Canadian spring wheat market classes grown in a replicated trial at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The free phenolic (extracted with 80% v/v aqueous ethanol) content ranged from 854.1 ± 265.1 to 1,754.9 ± 240.3 μg/g of bran gallic acid equivalent (GAE). Saponification followed by a liquid‐liquid solvent extraction released bound phenols ranging from 2,304.9 ± 483.0 to 5,386.1 ± 927.5 μg/g of bran GAE, contributing 66–82% of the total wheat bran phenolic content. Total phenolic content ranged from 3,406.4 ± 32.3 to 6,702.7 ± 19.6 μg/g of bran GAE, with the average being 5,197.2 ± 804.9 μg/g of bran GAE. Antioxidant activity ranged from 11.86 ± 2.59 to 20.12 ± 0.51%, while the overall average was 15.6 ± 2.2%. Based on varietal means, antioxidant activity correlated with free, bound, and total phenolic content (r = 0.8, P < 0.05).     

Diversity in Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Dent,Flint, and Specialty Corns

Dent, flint, and specialty genotypes of Indian yellow maize were evaluated for phytochemical content and their hydrophilic antioxidant capacity. Solid‐phase extraction coupled with solid–liquid extraction was used to obtain free phenolics and flavonoids from maize samples, reducing the use of excessive solvents and handling time. Bound phenolics were extracted with enhanced acidic hydrolysis to improve extractability. The phenolic contents in Indian maize genotypes ranged from 46 to 79 μmol of ferulic acid equivalents per gram of sample on a dry basis (db). Carotenoids in Indian maize genotypes were found to be equivalent to Chinese yellow maize and ranged from 13 to 24 μg/g of sample (db), whereas tocol content varied greatly in the range of 607–1,238 μg of α‐tocopherol equivalents/g of sample (db). Dent and flint corn did not exhibit differences (P > 0.05) in their phenolic contents, whereas among the specialty genotypes sweet corn contained the highest phenolics but least carotenoids (P < 0.05). Bound extracts appeared to contribute largely to 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of maize genotypes. Sweet corn exhibited higher antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) among all the genotypes. The antioxidant capacities correlated well with the total phenolic contents of the maize genotypes.     

Quantitative Trait Loci for Brown Rice Color,Phenolics, Flavonoid Contents,and Antioxidant Capacity in Rice Grain

Phytochemicals such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are present in rice grains, are associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The phenolic and flavonoid compounds in rice grains also contribute to the antioxidant activity. Biofortification of rice grain by conventional breeding is one way to improve nutritional quality to combat nutritional deficiency. For improvement of the phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, we must understand the genetic bases of the related traits. In the present study, mapping of quantitative trait locus (QTL) for five color parameters, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity was completed using a composite interval mapping approach using a doubled haploid (DH) population. Correlation analysis showed that the five color parameters lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C), and hue angle (H°) were intercorrelated. The phenolic content was positively correlated with the flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001), whereas the flavonoid content had no relationship with antioxidant capacity, but it was positively correlated with color parameters L* and H° (P < 0.05). A total of 21 putative QTL were detected for the eight traits with at least one QTL and as many as four QTL for different traits. Three QTL at the same interval of GA285 and CT580 on chromosome 2 were significant for color parameters L*, b*, and C; the latter two traits also shared another QTL region on chromosome 8. Two QTL on chromosome 2, qPH‐2 and qFL‐2‐1, flanked by CT87 and G1234, were identified for phenolic and flavonoid content with large additive effects, explaining 16.91 and 12.71%, respectively, of the total phenotypic variation. Three QTL located at the same interval of G379A and CT360 on chromosome 7 were detected for color parameters a* and H°, and antioxidant capacity, which might be allelic to the Rd gene that is responsible for the production of the pigment in brown rice. The results of the present study may provide new opportunities for rice breeders with potential markers to improve nutritional quality by marker‐assisted selection approach.     

Bran Characteristics and Bread‐Baking Quality of Whole Grain Wheat Flour

Variations in physical and compositional bran characteristics among different sources and classes of wheat and their association with bread‐baking quality of whole grain wheat flour (WWF) were investigated with bran obtained from Quadrumat milling of 12 U.S. wheat varieties and Bühler milling of six Korean wheat varieties. Bran was characterized for composition including protein, fat, ash, dietary fiber, phenolics, and phytate. U.S. soft and club wheat brans were lower in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and phytate content (40.7–44.7% and 10.3–17.1 mg of phytate/g of bran, respectively) compared with U.S. hard wheat bran (46.0–51.3% and 16.5–22.2 mg of phytate/g of bran, respectively). Bran of various wheat varieties was blended with a hard red spring wheat flour at a ratio of 1:4 to prepare WWFs for determination of dough properties and bread‐baking quality. WWFs with U.S. hard wheat bran generally exhibited higher dough water absorption and longer dough mixing time, and they produced smaller loaf volume of bread than WWFs of U.S. soft and club wheat bran. WWFs of two U.S. hard wheat varieties (ID3735 and Scarlet) produced much smaller loaves of bread (<573 mL) than those of other U.S. hard wheat varieties (>625 mL). IDF content, phytate content, and water retention capacity of bran exhibited significant relationships with loaf volume of WWF bread, whereas no relationship was observed between protein content of bran and loaf volume of bread. It appears that U.S. soft and club wheat bran, probably owing to relatively low IDF and phytate contents, has smaller negative effects on mixing properties of WWF dough and loaf volume of bread than U.S. hard wheat bran.     

Composition and Distribution of Pentosans in Millstreams of Different Hard Spring Wheats

Six commercially grown samples of hard spring wheat were milled using a tandem Buhler laboratory mill. Individual flour streams and branny by‐products, as well as whole‐grain wheat and straight‐grade flour, were characterized in terms of total (TP), water‐extractable (WEP), and water‐unextractable (WUP) pentosans. One representative cultivar sample was analyzed for its ratio of arabinose to xylose (A/X). TP and WEP of whole grain wheat of the six samples had ranges of 5.45–7.32% and 0.62–0.90% (dm), respectively. Neither TP nor WEP of whole grain was related to ash content variation. There was significant variation in the distribution and composition of pentosans in 16 millstreams of all the wheat samples, including bran and shorts fractions; TP and WEP contents had ranges of 1.69–32.4% and 0.42–1.76% (dm), respectively. When ash contents exceeded ≈0.6% (dm), strong positive correlations were obtained between ash and TP contents, and between ash and WUP contents for all the millstreams. Among bran and shorts fractions, TP and WUP content increased in the order of coarse bran > fine bran > shorts; while WEP, WEP/WUP and A/X showed the opposite pattern of variation of shorts > fine bran > coarse bran. Bran and shorts fractions had pentosan contents several times higher than would be predicted from the relationship between pentosan and ash contents of the flour streams. Pentosans therefore represented a much more sensitive marker of flour refinement compared with ash content. Pentosans of endosperm were substantially different in their extractability and composition from those of bran. On this basis, different functionalities of pentosans of bran and endosperm would be expected. Results demonstrated the importance of milling extraction and millstream blending in the functionality and quality of wheat flour for breadmaking.     

Textural Comparisons of Gluten‐Free and Wheat‐Based Doughs,Batters, and Breads

Studies were conducted with two newly developed gluten‐free bread recipes. One was based on corn starch (relative amount 54), brown rice (25), soya (12.5), and buckwheat flour (8.5), while the other contained brown rice flour (50), skim milk powder (37.5), whole egg (30), potato (25), and corn starch (12.5), and soya flour (12.5). The hydrocolloids used were xanthan gum (1.25) and xanthan (0.9) plus konjac gum (1.5), respectively. Wheat bread and gluten‐free bread made from commercial flour mix were included for comparison. Baking tests showed that wheat and the bread made from the commercial flour mix yielded significantly higher loaf volumes (P < 0.01). All the gluten‐free breads were brittle after two days of storage, detectable by the occurrence of fracture, and the decrease in springiness (P < 0.01), cohesiveness (P < 0.01), and resilience (P < 0.01) derived from texture profile analysis. However, these changes were generally less pronounced for the dairy‐based gluten‐free bread, indicating a better keeping quality. Confocal laser‐scanning microscopy showed that the dairy‐based gluten‐free bread crumb contained network‐like structures resembling the gluten network in wheat bread crumb. It was concluded that the formation of a continuous protein phase is critical for an improved keeping quality of gluten‐free bread.     

Dietary Inclusion of Wheat Bran Arabinoxylooligosaccharides Induces Beneficial Nutritional Effects in Chickens

In vivo experiments were conducted to verify whether arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOS) obtained as low molecular mass compounds by enzymic hydrolysis from wheat bran arabinoxylan (AX) can exert nutritional effects. Two feeding trials were performed on chickens fed diets with either wheat or maize as the main component. Supplementation of bran AXOS at either 0.5% (w/w) to the wheat‐based diet or at 0.25% (w/w) to the maize‐based diet diets significantly (P < 0.05) improved the feed conversion rate without increasing the body weight of the animals, thus pointing to improved nutrient utilization efficiency. The positive effect of bran AXOS supplementation on feed utilization efficiency was similar to that obtained by adding an AX‐degrading xylanase directly to the wheat‐based diet. No significant effect on feed utilization efficiency was obtained with another type of nondigestible oligosaccharide such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) derived from chicory roots. Bran AXOS significantly increased the level of bifidobacteria but not total bacteria in the caeca of the chickens, an effect not observed with either xylanase or FOS addition. These data suggest that bran AXOS have beneficial nutritional effects and may act as prebiotics.     

Rice Bran Substituted Turkish Noodles (Erişte): Textural,Sensorial, and Nutritional Properties

Infrared‐stabilized rice bran was substituted into Turkish noodles (erişte) at the levels of 10, 20, and 30%, and the effects of the incorporation on proximate composition, color, cooking properties, thiamin and riboflavin contents, mineral composition, and sensory and textural properties were investigated. Crude fat, protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, Mg, K, P, Mn, Ca, and Se contents of the noodles increased significantly with increasing substitution level (P < 0.05). Optimum cooking time increased with increasing levels of incorporation. Swelling volume and water absorption of the noodles substituted with 20 and 30% rice bran increased significantly (P < 0.05). However, cooking loss was not significantly affected by the substitution. The effect of rice bran inclusion was insignificant on hardness (P > 0.05), whereas adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and springiness of rice bran substituted noodles were significantly lower when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Structure/texture, taste/flavor, and overall acceptability scores of the control noodles and the noodles substituted with rice bran at the level of 10% were not significantly different (P > 0.05). However, substitution levels higher than 10% negatively affected the sensory scores.     

Preparation and Functional Properties of Gluten Hydrolysates with Wheat‐Bug (Eurygaster spp.) Protease

Suni‐bug (Eurygaster spp.) enzyme was partially purified from bug‐damaged wheat and used to prepare gluten hydrolysates at 3% and 5% degree of hydrolysis (DH). Functional properties of gluten and gluten hydrolysates were determined at 0.2% (w/v) protein concentration and pH 2–10. Gluten solubility after enzymatic hydrolysis increased significantly (P < 0.05) up to 89.1, 89.6, and 95.0% at pH 7, 8, and 10, respectively. Emulsion stability (ES) of gluten hydrolysates improved at neutral and alkaline pH (P < 0.05) and emulsifying capacity (EC) increased significantly (P < 0.05) except at pH 10. Foaming capacity (FC) values of gluten hydrolysates were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at pH 6, 7, 8; foam stability (FS) values of gluten hydrolysates were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at pH 6 and 7. Enzymatic modification of gluten by wheat‐bug enzyme resulted in hydrolysates with higher antioxidant activity compared to gluten. Significant correlations (P < 0.001) were found between solubility and EC, ES, FC, and FS values of gluten and its hydrolysates with 3% and 5% DH.     

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of milled fractions of different wheat varieties

The health-promoting effects of whole-grain consumption have been attributed in part to their unique phytochemical contents and profiles that complement those found in fruits and vegetables. Wheat is an important component of the human diet; however, little is known about the phytochemical profiles and total antioxidant activities of milled fractions of different wheat varieties. The objectives of this study were to investigate the distribution of phytochemicals (total phenolics, flavonoids, ferulic acid, and carotenoids) and to determine hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity in milled fractions (endosperm and bran/germ) of three different wheat varieties, two of which were grown in two environments. Grain samples of each of the wheat varieties were milled into endosperm and bran/germ fractions. Each fraction was extracted and analyzed for total phenolics, ferulic acid, flavonoids, carotenoid contents, and hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities. Total phenolic content of bran/germ fractions (2867-3120 micromol of gallic acid equiv/100 g) was 15-18-fold higher (p < 0.01) than that of respective endosperm fractions. Ferulic acid content ranged from 1005 to 1130 micromol/100 g in bran/germ fractions and from 15 to 21 micromol/100 g in the endosperm fractions. The bran/germ fraction flavonoid content was 740-940 micromol of catechin equiv/100 g. On average, bran/germ fractions of wheat had 4-fold more lutein, 12-fold more zeaxanthin, and 2-fold more beta-cryptoxanthin than the endosperm fractions. Hydrophilic antioxidant activity of bran/germ samples (7.1-16.4 micromol of vitamin C equiv/g) was 13-27-fold higher than that of the respective endosperm samples. Similarly, lipophilic antioxidant activity was 28-89-fold higher in the bran/germ fractions (1785-4669 nmol of vitamin E equiv/g). Hydrophilic antioxidant activity contribution to the total antioxidant activity (hydrophilic + lipophilic) was >80%. In whole-wheat flour, the bran/germ fraction contributed 83% of the total phenolic content, 79% of the total flavonoid content, 51% of the total lutein, 78% of the total zeaxanthin, 42% of the total beta-cryptoxanthin, 85% of the total hydrophilic antioxidant activity, and 94% of the total lipophilic antioxidant activity. Our results showed that different milled fractions of wheat have different profiles of both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytochemicals. These findings provide information necessary for evaluating contributions to good health and disease prevention from whole-wheat consumption.     

Fermentability of Oat and Wheat Fractions Enriched in β‐Glucan Using Human Fecal Inoculation

Fermentation by human fecal bacteria of fractions of wheat bran prepared by preprocessing technology were examined and compared with a β‐glucan‐rich oat bran and a purified β‐glucan (OG). The wheat fractions were essentially a beeswing bran (WBA), mainly insoluble dietary fiber, and an aleurone‐rich fraction (WBB) containing more soluble fiber and some β‐glucan (2.7%). The oat bran (OB) had more endosperm and was very rich in β‐glucan (21.8%). Predigestion of WBB and OB to mimic the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract gave digested wheat bran fraction B (WBBD) and digested oat bran (OBD), respectively. These predigested fractions were fermented in a batch technique using fresh human feces under anaerobic conditions. Changes in pH, total gas and hydrogen production, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and both soluble and insoluble β‐glucan and other polysaccharide components, as determined from analysis of monosaccharide residues, were monitored. Fractions showed increasing fermentation in the order WBA < WBBD < OBD < OG. Variations in SCFA production indicated that microbial growth and metabolism were different for each substrate. Polysaccharide present in the supernatant of the digests had disappeared after 4 hr of fermentation. Fermentability of oat and wheat β‐glucan reflected solubility differences, and both sources of β‐glucan were completely fermented in 24 hr. Although the overall patterns of fermentation indicated the relative amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, the anatomical origin of the tissues played a major role, presumably related to the degree of lignification and other association with noncarbohydrate components.     

Extrusion Conditions Modify Hypocholesterolemic Properties of Wheat Bran Fed to Hamsters

Wheat bran was extruded in a twin‐screw extruder at five specific mechanical energy (SME) levels (0.120, 0.177, 0.234, 0.291, and 0.358 kWh/kg, dwb) and the cholesterol‐lowering effects were compared with those of unprocessed wheat bran when fed to four‐week‐old male golden Syrian hamsters (n = 10/treatment) for three weeks. Diets contained 10% total dietary fiber, 10.3% fat, 3% nitrogen, and 0.4% cholesterol. Plasma total cholesterol and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower with 0.120 kWh/kg extruded wheat bran diet compared with the unextruded wheat bran control. Total triglycerides were significantly lower with 0.120 and 0.177 kWh/kg wheat bran diets compared with those fed 0.291 and 0.358 kWh/kg extruded wheat bran diets. Cholesterol digestibility, total liver cholesterol, and total liver lipids were significantly lower with all the extruded wheat bran diets compared with the unextruded wheat bran control. Cholesterol digestibility for the 0.291 kWh/kg wheat bran diet was also significantly lower than all other extruded diets. Significantly more sterols were excreted with diets containing 0.291 and 0.358 kWh/kg extruded wheat bran compared with the unextruded wheat bran control. Wheat bran extruded with 0.291 kWh/kg diet resulted in a 13% reduction in plasma cholesterol and a 29% reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Considering lowest cholesterol digestibility, significantly higher sterol excretion, desirable plasma lipo‐protein cholesterol profile, significantly lower liver weight, total liver lipids, and liver cholesterol, the wheat bran extruded at 0.291 kWh/kg appeared to have the most desirable healthful potential. Data suggest that cholesterol‐lowering potential of wheat bran could be enhanced by optimizing the energy input used in the extrusion process.     

Physiological Responses of Men and Women to Barley and Oat Extracts (Nu‐trimX). I. Breath Hydrogen,Methane, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

While consumption of diets high in fiber is perceived to result in undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms, the fermentation of undigested carbohydrate in the large intestine may, in fact, have beneficial health effects. In this study, we compared the effects of oats, barley, and their extracts with a glucose control for 24 hr on breath hydrogen and methane production as a marker of colonic fermentation and also assessed gastrointestinal symptoms. Nine men and 11 women (35–57 yr) consumed 1 g/kg of body weight of carbohydrate as glucose or 0.66 g/kg of body weight sugar and 0.33 g/kg of body weight as oat bran, barley flour, oat extract, or barley extract (Nu‐trimX) in a Latin square design. Expired alveolar breath samples were collected after instruction at fasting, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 24 hr after consumption of the test meals. All test meals increased breath hydrogen and methane (both P < 0.0001). Hydrogen, but not methane, responses to barley, oats, and extracts of each were higher (barley > oats, P < 0.05) than responses to glucose (P < 0.0001). Reported gastrointestinal symptoms were not related to specific test meals. Oats and barley, as well as their extracts, can be consumed in greater amounts by Americans to increase soluble fiber and lower fat intake, and thus lower risk factors for chronic disease.     

Effects of Drain and Harvest Dates on Rice Sensory and Physicochemical Properties

Timing of field draining and harvesting of rice with meteorological conditions can allow growers to foster conditions for high head rice yield (HRY). The effects of timing of draining and harvesting on rice sensory and physicochemical properties are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of varying drain and harvest dates on the sensory and physicochemical properties of M‐202 grown in California under controlled field conditions. Drain date had a significant (P < 0.05), but very small, effect on amylose and protein contents, with amylose being highest at the late drain date and protein being the lowest at the early drain date. Breakdown and setback were lowest for early and normal drain dates, respectively; however, no significant (P > 0.05) differences in texture were measured as a result of these parameters being low. Drain date did not affect the volatile composition or flavor of the rice. Harvest date had no effect (P > 0.05) on amylose content and a significant (P < 0.05), but very small, effect on protein content. Harvesting at the earliest date (9/30) resulted in rice with higher setback and lower breakdown than at the last date (10/16) and, subsequently, the early harvested rice, when cooked, was harder, more cohesive, and absorbed less saliva in the mouth. However, the differences in texture measured by the panelists were very small and would possibly not be noticed by untrained palates. The lowest levels of the lipid oxidation products 1‐pentanol, hexanal, and nonanal occurred in rice with the lowest harvest moisture content (HMC): rice harvested on 10/13 and 10/16. Differences in levels of lipid oxidation products and branched chain hydrocarbons did not lead to significant (P > 0.05) differences in flavor. In summary, M‐202 demonstrated stable composition, physicochemical properties, flavor, and texture across drain and harvest dates.     

Variation of Phenolics,Tocols, Antioxidant Activities,and Soluble Sugar Compositions in Red and Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) During Boiling

This study systematically examined hydrothermal effects of antioxidant substances, such as total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and proanthocyanidin (TPAC) contents, cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G), peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (P3G), α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols, and α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocotrienols, as well as antioxidant activities, color parameters, and soluble sugar compositions in red and black rice. It showed that color differences (ΔE ) of black rice were higher than those of red rice caused by boiling. The processed red and black rice exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower TPC, TFC, TPAC, C3G, P3G, and antioxidant activities compared with the raw rice except bound TPC and bound antioxidant activity. Interestingly, soluble free p‐coumaric and ferulic acids had higher contents in cooked red rice, and soluble free protocatechuic, vanillic, and sinapic acids had higher contents in cooked black rice. Boiling caused significant decreases of soluble conjugated phenolic acids and significant increases of insoluble bound phenolic acids in both red and black rice. Increases of total free tocol, glucose, and fructose contents were observed in most red and black rice. To increase the contents of some soluble free and insoluble bound phenolic acids, free vitamin E, and monosaccharides in red and black rice, boiled rice might be a good choice.     

Quality Comparison of Rice Bran Oil Extracted with d‐Limonene and Hexane

d‐Limonene, a safe agricultural by‐product, was used to extract rice bran oil and compared against hexane, a petroleum product widely used as a solvent for extracting edible oil. The yield of crude rice bran oils extracted with both solvents in percentage by weight was obtained. The quality of crude rice bran oil was analyzed. The yield and quality of crude rice bran oil from the limonene‐based solvent extraction were almost equivalent to those from the hexane‐based operation. The optimum solvent‐to‐rice bran ratio and extraction time required for d‐limonene extraction of oil, based primarily on crude rice bran oil yield, have been determined to be 5:1 and 0.5 hr, respectively. Despite the absence of antioxidants during the limonene recovery step with vacuum evaporation, the quantity of the oxidation products in the recovered limonene was <1% (wt) of the original limonene solvent. The application of d‐limonene solvent as an alternative to hexane in edible oil extraction could potentially eliminate the safety, environmental, and health issues associated with the use of hexane.     

Effects of genotype and environment on the antioxidant properties of hard winter wheat bran

Recent consumer interest in controlling and preventing chronic diseases through improved diet has promoted research on the bioactive components of agricultural products. Wheat is an important agricultural and dietary commodity worldwide with known antioxidant properties concentrated mostly in the bran fraction. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of genotype (G) and growing environment (E) to hard winter wheat bran antioxidant properties, as well as correlations of these properties to growing conditions. Bran samples of 20 hard winter wheat varieties grown in two locations were examined for their free radical scavenging capacities against DPPH, ABTS cation, peroxyl (ORAC), and superoxide anion radicals and chelating properties, as well as their total phenolics and phenolic acid compositions. Results showed significant differences for all antioxidant properties tested and multiple significant correlations between these properties. A factorial designed analysis of variance for these data and pooled previously published data showed similar results for four of the six antioxidant properties, indicating that G effects were considerably larger than E effects for chelating capacity and DPPH radical scavenging properties, whereas E was much stronger than G for ABTS cation radical scavenging capacity and total phenolics, although small interaction effects (GxE) were significant for all antioxidant properties analyzed. Results also showed significant correlations between temperature stress or solar radiation and some antioxidant properties. These results indicate that each antioxidant property of hard winter wheat bran is influenced differently by genotype and growing conditions.