Sensory and physicochemical properties of whole wheat salted noodles under different preparations of bran

Whole wheat products have gained popularity in recent years due to the health and nutritional benefits, with Asian salted noodles as one formulation. However, there is a general perception of decreased product quality and sensory acceptance of whole wheat noodles This study examined changes to sensory properties, texture (tensile and compressive strength), color, and cooking loss of noodles prepared from blends of wheat flour and bran that underwent five forms of hydro, thermal, pressure and their combined treatments: autoclaving, extrusion, jet-cooking, puffing, and roasting. Including the control (bran without processing) all six treatments were deemed palatable by sensory panel evaluation despite having statistically significant differences in physiochemical and sensory properties. For instance, 10 of the 22 sensory properties demonstrated significant differences among treatments. Bran processing tended to result in weaker (tensile and compressive strength) and stickier noodles while allowing for greater uptake of water during cooking.     

Characteristics of starch synthesis and grain filling of common buckwheat

The common buckwheat ‘cv. Fengtian 1’ (FT1), ‘cv. Yuqiao 4’ (YQ4), ‘cv. Dingtian 2 (DT2)’, and ‘cv. Tongliao (TL)’ were selected to investigate the characteristics of starch synthesis and grain filling. The chlorophyll and chlorophyll a/b contents of leaves in the third stem showed a steady downward trend with the growth of common buckwheat. Whereas, FT1, YQ4 and DT2 showed higher chlorophyll content than that of TL at 7d and 14d. The activity of soluble starch synthase(SSS) and adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGP) in the four tested varieties showed a rapid upward trend until 14 days after heading but then rapidly decreased until 21 days after heading. The average adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase activities of FT1, YQ4 and DT2 were higher than TL, while the average soluble starch synthase activities were similar among the four tested varieties. Consistently, the four tested varieties showed rapid accumulation of starch, amylose, and amylopectin during the prefilling stage, but no difference of starch content was found at maturity. The filling process of the four common buckwheat varieties exhibited an “S” curve. The Richards equation was utilized to evaluate the grain-filling process of common buckwheat. YQ4 showed the largest values of initial growth power (R₀). The time reaching the maximum grain-filling rate (t_max.G) of FT1 was the longest, and the maximum grain-filling rate (G_max) of DT2 was the fastest.     

Effects of semidry flour milling on the quality attributes of rice flour and rice noodles in China

To investigate the effects of semidry-milling on the quality attributes of rice flour and rice noodles, the properties of rice flours and cooking properties of rice noodles prepared with wet-, dry- and semidry-milled rice flours were characterized. The level of starch damage of semidry-milled rice flour at 30% moisture was significantly decreased to the level of wet-milled rice flour (P < 0.05); the whiteness of dry-milled rice flour was decreased compared with wet-milled rice flour (P < 0.05), while that of semidry-milled rice flour was not; the wet- and semidry-milled rice flours showed similar morphology and water hydration properties; the dry milling method reduced significantly the hardness, chewiness, and resilience of rice noodles (P < 0.05) compared with wet-milling, but semidry-milling did not; the cooking qualities of rice noodles produced by semidry-milling were comparable to wet-milling. It indicated the semidry-milling at 30% moisture may provide the protective effects on the characteristics of rice flours, which could be used to produce similar qualities of rice noodles to the wet-milling.     

Contribution of flavonoids to the antioxidant properties of common and tartary buckwheat

The objective of this study was to characterize the flavonoid compounds found in the different grain parts of common and tartary buckwheat, and to determine the contribution of these flavonoids to the antioxidant properties of buckwheat. Eight flavonoid compounds were quantified and their antioxidant activity determined by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Of the flavonoid compounds identified rutin was the most abundant, particularly in tartary buckwheat, in which it comprised approximately 90% of total flavonoid content. Flavan-3-ols were detected in common but not tartary buckwheat, and quercetin was detected only in tartary buckwheat. Flavonoid content—in particular, levels of rutin, orientin, and/or epicatechin gallate—was found to influence the total antioxidant activity of buckwheat. Results from this study indicate that antioxidant activity is not only closely associated with flavonoid content, but that different flavonoids contribute differently to the total antioxidant activity of common and tartary buckwheat.     

Growth and yield response of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) to waterlogging at different vegetative stages

ABSTRACT

This study identified timing (1st, 3rd, or 5th leaf stage) and duration (1, 3, 6, or 10 days) of waterlogging treatment during the vegetative stage that had the most severe effect on yield and elucidated yield determining process. Yield was reduced the most by the waterlogging treatments at the 3rd leaf stage. Among stages, yield was significantly depressed, when the treatment duration was longer than 6 days. Seed weight of the 1st branches declined more under waterlogging treatments than did that of main stem and 2nd branches, accounting for approximately 55% of total seed weight in all treatments. On the other hand, the decline in node and branch numbers was more pronounced for 2nd branches than 1st branches at the ripening stage. The development of the 2nd branches during ripening did not contribute much to increase sink capacity. Development of the main stem and the 1st branches was almost complete until the full flowering stage and shoot dry weight did not increase from the full flowering stage to the ripening stage. Shoot dry weight at the full flowering stage was determined by both leaf number and net assimilation rate (NAR). Flower cluster number at that stage was significantly correlated with total seed weight. These results showed that the critical timing was at the 3rd leaf stage and the critical duration was longer than 6 days and indicated that maintenance of leaf number and NAR and development of flowers on the 1st branches until the full flowering stage would ensure the yield.

Abbreviations: NAR - net assimilation rate, SLA - specific leaf area, g_s - stomatal conductance.     

Effect of gaseous ozone treatment on the microbial and physicochemical properties of buckwheat-based composite flour and shelf-life extension of fresh noodles

In recent years, the application of gaseous or aqueous ozone in the processing of flour and noodles has been reported. However, little information is available about buckwheat-based (buckwheat-wheat-gluten) composite flour treated with gaseous ozone and fresh noodles made from the flour. This study investigated the microbial count, and physicochemical properties of buckwheat-based composite flour treated with gaseous ozone at 2.4 g h⁻¹ for 0, 2.5, 7.5 and 15 min and the shelf-life of fresh buckwheat noodles made from ozone-treated buckwheat-based composite flour (OTBF). Gaseous ozone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the microbial total plate count and increased the CIE L* value, water absorption, development time, and stability time of the OTBF. The peak viscosity, final viscosity, setback, swelling capacity and solubility of the flour were also enhanced by ozone treatment. Scanning electron microscopy showed that ozone treatment facilitated the formation of more clumps and exposure of starch granules in the composite flour. In addition, gaseous ozone treatment at 2.4 g h⁻¹ for 15 min significantly suppressed microbial growth and reduction of L* value, maintained the overall sensory acceptability during the whole storage period, and the shelf-life of fresh noodles prepared from ozone-treated flour was extended to 96 h.     

Investigation of amber durum wheat for production of yellow alkaline noodles

Samples of Canadian amber durum wheat varieties, of various protein content and a composite of export cargo samples, were milled to yield straight-grade and patent flours by reducing semolina and processed into yellow alkaline noodles (YAN). Samples of Canada Hard White Spring (CWHWS) and Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) were included for comparative purposes. YAN from durum wheat displayed a colour advantage over CWRS and CWHWS YAN. The durum YAN displayed an approximate 9–20 unit greater b* (yellowness) value than CWRS and CWHWS at 2 and 24 h after preparation. This relates to greater yellow pigment and flavonoid contents in the durum flours. All durum wheat YAN exhibited excellent noodle brightness, which was retained over time due to lower levels of the enzymes polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). Durum noodles displayed significantly fewer specks than CWRS and were comparable to CWHWS. Durum wheat YAN cooking quality was equal to or slightly superior to CWRS and CWHWS. Durum wheat flour refinement imparted no significant effects on cooked noodle texture (maximum cutting stress, recovery, resistance to compression). However, the various texture parameters improved with durum wheat protein content and gluten strength.     

Milling and Chinese raw white noodle qualities of common wheat near-isogenic lines differing in puroindoline b alleles

Understanding the effects of different alleles at the puroindoline b (Pinb) locus on processing quality will provide crucial information for quality improvement. Seven near-isogenic lines (NILs) planted at two locations in the 2008 cropping season were used to determine the effect of puroindoline b alleles on milling performance and Chinese raw white noodle (CRWN) quality. The Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1a genotype possessed significantly higher values in grain hardness, protein content and starch damage than other genotypes, whereas the Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1d genotype had the lowest grain hardness and starch damage, with higher break flour yield, and less reduction flour yield, higher flour colour L*, and lower flour colour b*, than other genotypes. Farinograph parameters, except for water absorption, were not significantly affected by variation of puroindoline b alleles. Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1e had the highest peak viscosity, whereas the lowest value was observed in a Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1a genotype. For CRWN quality, higher noodle viscoelasticity was obtained in the genotype Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1e and Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1g, whereas Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1d had a lower smoothness score. Genotypes with Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1e and Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1g produced the best total noodle score. It was concluded that genotype Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1d had better milling qualities, whereas Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1e and Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1g had slightly superior CRWN qualities in comparison with other genotypes.     

Predicting hot-press wheat tortilla quality using flour,dough and gluten properties

A cost-effective, faster and efficient way of screening wheat samples suitable for tortilla production is needed. This research aimed to develop prediction models for tortilla quality (diameter, specific volume, color and texture parameters) using grain, flour and dough properties of 16 wheat flours. Another set of 18 samples was used to validate the models. The prediction models were developed using stepwise multiple regression. Dough rheological tests had higher correlations with tortilla quality than grain and flour chemical tests. Mixograph mixing time and dough resistance to extension (from extensibility test using a texture analyzer) were correlated best with tortilla quality, particularly tortilla diameter (r = −0.87 and −0.86 respectively, P < 0.01). Insoluble polymeric proteins (IPP) and gluten index were significantly correlated with tortilla diameter (r = −0.70 and −0.67 respectively, P < 0.01) and specific volume (r = −0.73, P < 0.01). Tortilla diameter was the quality parameter best explained (R² = 0.86) by the prediction models using mixing time and dough resistance to extension. Rheological parameters such as rupture distance and maximum force were also successfully predicted. These prediction models, developed from linear equations, will be an easy and fast tool for breeders to advance or eliminate wheat lines specifically bred for tortilla production.     

Assessment of antioxidant activity and rheological properties of wheat and buckwheat milling fractions

This study examined the antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extracts of wheat milling fractions (wheat flour type 500 and type 850, and bran) and their polyphenol and tocopherol content, and rheological characteristics of wheat dough supplemented with buckwheat flours (light and wholegrain). The results obtained in this study were correlated with our previously published data on wheat flour type 400, wholegrain wheat flour and buckwheat flours.Buckwheat flours exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) antiradical activity on hydroxyl (OH), superoxide anion (O₂⁻) and (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radicals, antioxidant activity and reducing power than all investigated wheat milling fractions when their corresponding IC₅₀ values were compared.The rheological parameters of wheat dough supplemented with light and wholegrain buckwheat flour (0-50%) were obtained by using Mixolab. Results indicated changes in protein and starch properties of dough.The obtained results indicate the benefit of using buckwheat flours in wheat-based food products, i.e. their contribution in functional and tailor-made-food production.     

Partial least-squares regression study of the effects of wheat flour composition,protein and starch quality characteristics on oil content of steamed-and-fried instant noodles

Steamed-and-fried instant noodles represent a fast growing product category; however, concern has been raised about high residual oil content by both consumers and manufacturers. To understand how wheat flour characteristics affect the oil content of instant noodles, samples of five Iranian hexaploid landraces, five US/Canadian samples, and seven local commercial wheat flours were analyzed for composition, protein and starch quality, and noodle-making quality. Partial least-squares regression (PLS) analysis between composition, protein quality properties and wheat starch gel properties (independent variables, X) and oil content of instant noodles (dependent variable, Y) resulted in a model that could explain 76.3% of the variability with a cross-validated correlation coefficient of 58.2%. PLS regression coefficient analysis showed that protein content and protein quality were the most important factors, and were negatively correlated with oil content of instant noodles. Starch quality properties, gel hardness, gumminess and chewiness as well as pasting properties were other important contributors. Starch gel hardness, gumminess and chewiness were positively correlated with oil content of instant noodles, while pasting properties were negatively correlated.     

High pressure processing manipulated buckwheat antioxidant activity,anti-adipogenic properties and starch digestibility

Effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on buckwheat nutritional properties is investigated in this study. The results indicated that the digestion of buckwheat starches of untreated and HPP treated at room temperature (RT) showed an “internal corrosion” pattern. However, an “exocorrosion” digestion behavior was observed for the starches of HPP treated sample at 45 °C, which might be due to the formation of amylose–lipid complexes during the process as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). HPP treatment at 45 °C increased the antioxidant activity of the buckwheat as measured using 1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazylvalue (DPPH) and iron chelating capacity (ICC) compared to untreated sample (P < 0.05), which might be associated with the release of bound phenolic compounds. More importantly, this is the first study to investigate the ability of buckwheat extract for inhibiting the formation of fat droplets using a C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cell line, and found that the extract of buckwheat after HPP treatment at 45 °C demonstrated significant anti-adipogenic effects. This study suggested the HPP treatment at an increased temperature (45 °C) achieved a better nutritional value of the buckwheat than both untreated and treated at RT.     

Total phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of buckwheat fermented by three strains of Agaricus

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) with three strains of Agaricus (Agaricus blazei Murrill SH26, Agaricus bisporus AS2796 and Agaricus bisporus G1) on the total phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Möench). The results showed that the total phenolic contents of the fermented buckwheat varied with fermentation time and the starter organisms. The total phenolic content of buckwheat fermented with strain SH26 reached its maximum value of 18.07 mg/g after the fermentation of 21 days, which was 3.96 times higher than that of control. The ethanolic extracts of buckwheat fermented by strains SH26 and AS2796 exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties in comparison with the control. However, the ethanolic extracts of buckwheat fermented by strain G1 exhibited less antioxidant properties in comparison with the control. The ethanolic extracts of buckwheat fermented with strain SH26 exhibited the highest reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and ferrous ion chelating ability, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of buckwheat fermented with strain AS2796 exhibited the highest superoxide anion radical scavenging ability.     

Relationship between stem characteristics and lodging resistance of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

ABSTRACT

Stem lodging can limit the grain yield of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), and creates difficulties in harvesting. A 2-year study was conducted to study the relationships between stem characteristics and lodging resistance in Tartary buckwheat. Six Tartary buckwheat cultivars with three stem types (short-stemmed XQ1 and CQ1; mid-length stemmed YQ1 and QK3; and tall-stemmed DAB and DN1) were used. The stem characteristics differed significantly among the three stem types. Mid-length stems had the thickest stem wall, the greatest numbers of large and small vascular bundles, and the lowest stem diameter/stem wall thickness ratio among the three stem types. Mid-length stems had the highest stem breaking strength (SBS) and stem puncture strength (SPS) among the three types of stem. The lignin content was significantly higher in mid-length stems than in tall and short stems. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL), and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), but not 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), differed significantly among the three stem types. In correlation analyses, SBS was significantly positively correlated with stem diameter, stem wall thickness, and the number of large and small vascular bundles, but significantly negatively correlated with stem diameter/stem wall thickness and lodging rate. The lignin content was significantly positively correlated with the activities of lignin-related enzymes and with SBS and SPS, and significantly negatively correlated with lodging rate. The present study provides preliminary insights into the relationship between stem traits and lodging resistance in Tartary buckwheat, laying a foundation for a further understanding of lodging resistance.     

The Contribution of Polyphenols To Antioxidative Activity In Common Buckwheat and Tartary Buckwheat Grain

Abstract

We Examined The Contribution of Polyphenols To The Antioxidative Activity In The Grains of Common Buckwheat “Hitachi Akisoba” (H) and “Kanto No.1” (K) and In Those of Tartary Buckwheat “Rotundatum” (R) and “Pontivy” (P). The Antioxidative Activity In The 80% Ethanol Extracts Was 16.4 and 15.3 ?Mol-Trolox G-¹ Dw In H and K, Respectively, and 52.9 and 57.4 µMOL-TROLOX G-¹ Dw In R and P, Respectively. These Extracts Were Analyzed By Hplc. In Common Buckwheat, (-)-Epicatechin, (-)-Epicatechingallate, and Rutin Were Confirmed. The (-)-Epicatechin Content Was 20.2 and 15.6 Mg 100 G-¹ Dw, and Those of Rutin Were 13.6 and 12.2 Mg 100 G-¹ Dw In H and K, Respectively. (-)-Epicatechin Accounted For About 13 and 11% of The Total Antioxidative Activity In H and K, Respectively, and Rutin About 2% In Both Varieties. Since Each Polyphenol Accounted For Only About One Fifth of The Total Antioxidative Activity, The Existence of Unknown Antioxidants Was Suggested. In Tartary Buckwheat, Rutin Quercitrin, and Quercetin Were Confirmed. The Rutin Content Was 1808.7 and 1853.8 Mg 100 G-¹ Dw, In R and P, Respectively. Rutin Accounted For About 90 and 85% of The Total Antioxidative Activity In R and P, Respectively. Accordingly, Rutin Appears To Be The Major Antioxidant In Tartary BuckwheaT.     

Rheological and textural properties of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] grain flour gels

Interest in tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)Trotter] grain in food applications has increased in recent years because of its nutritional merits and the absence of gluten. With the objective of evaluating the suitability of tef for making gel type food products, gel viscoelastic properties of three varieties of tef (one brown and two white) at different concentrations (6, 8, 10, 12 & 14% w/w) were evaluated at 25 °C and 90 °C. The texture and color evolution for 16% (w/w) gels were evaluated. Proximate compositions of the flours were quantified. Rice, refined and whole wheat flours were analyzed as reference. The minimum flour concentration required for gel formation from the three tef varieties was 6–8%, similar to wheat flour. All tef flour suspensions pre-heated to 95 °C led to gels with a solid-like behavior (G′ > G″), both at 25 °C and 90 °C, with higher consistency than wheat gels at the same concentration. The dependence of viscoelastic moduli with concentration fulfilled the power law. The Avrami model was successfully fitted to the textural evolution of tef gels. Important differences were observed among tef and rice and wheat flours, probably contributed by their differences in protein, starch, lipid and fiber constituents. Gelling properties characterized suggest that tef flours would be suitable ingredients in gel food formulations.     

Physico-chemical properties and acceptability of yam flour substituted with soy flour

Yam flour was substituted 10, 20 and 40% with defatted and full fat soy flour. The effect of the substitution on the proximate composition, swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity and Brabender visco amylograph cooking properties of the yam flour and acceptability of the cooked paste (amala), were evaluated. Protein contents of the mixtures were 23.0 and 25.5% on substituting 40% full-and defated soy flours for yam flour; ash and crude fibre contents increased while carbohydrate content, swelling power, Brabender paste viscosities decreased with increase in soy flour substitution of yam flour. Colour, texture, taste and overall acceptability of pastes (amala) from the mixed flours were rated lower than that of yam flour. Up to 10% defated and 20% full fat soy flour substitution for yam flour was acceptable for amala.     

Quality attributes of fermented yam flour supplemented with processed soy flour

Pretreated soy flour was used to replace 10, 20, 30 and 40% of fermented yam flour as a protein supplement. The effect of the supplementation on the physicochemical and sensory properties of amala, a popular West African food made from rehydrated yam flour, was investigated. Blanching (10 min in boiling water) and subsequent fermentation (24 h) as pretreatment methods produced flour that was lighter in color than the unfermented samples. Protein content of the yam-soy mixture increased from 3.5% in the control to 19.7% for 40% soy fortification. Water binding capacity increased from 212.6 g/100 g for the yam flour control to 257.3 g/100 g for the blend with 40% soy flour. However, swelling capacity and solubility were adversely affected with increased soy flour addition as dough became sticky and soft. There was no significant difference in color, taste, flavor or overall acceptability when compared with the control up to 20% soy substitution. Dough with 20% soy flour is a possibility for increasing the protein content of yam flour in human feeding.     

Preparation and characterization of gluten-free sheeted doughs and noodles with zein and rice flour containing different amylose contents

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of zein as a gluten alternative in preparing sheeted doughs with rice flours containing different amylose contents (12, 19, and 26%) that were successfully slit into noodle strands. Rice-zein mixtures with lower amylose contents exhibited lower pasting parameters and the high amylose paste samples possessed more elastic properties. Higher water absorption was observed in the low amylose rice-zein mixture whereas the use of zein were effective in increasing the stability of rice dough regardless of amylose content. In case of thermal conductivity, the noodle doughs prepared with high amylose rice-zein mixture had low thermal conductivity, probably implying a long cooking time. The structure of the rice-zein noodles had a tendency to become firmer with increasing levels of amylose by showing greater breaking stress and resistance to extension that could be correlated to reduced cooking loss.     

The predictive power of batter rheological properties on cake quality - The effect of pregelatinized flour,leavening acid type and mixing time

Rheology of cake batter is considered an important parameter determining cake quality. It is thus frequently used to investigate structural changes in the process of cake making. However, little is known about the relation between batter rheological properties and cake's final properties, concerning volume and texture. In order to explore this relation an extensive experiment covering broad recipe variability was performed using an advanced experimental design approach and subsequent statistical analysis. The mixture of standard with pregelatinized wheat flour had significant main and interaction effects on most responses characterizing cake batter. Leavening acids and mixing time affected only a few of them. The simultaneous influence of ingredients and mixing time was clearly described. Measuring the batter rheological properties immediately after mixing gave sufficient information to significantly estimate in advance the volume of the cakes together with their cohesiveness. This methodology could improve the design of new bakery products with desirable volume and texture.