Composition and Functional Properties of Apogee and Perigee Compared to Common Terrestrial Wheat Cultivars

Abstract

Long duration space missions may include dwarf wheat cultivars to meet closed-loop food system constraints. Composition and functional properties of dwarf wheats (Apogee, Perigee) were characterized and compared to terrestrial cultivars (Parshall, Yecora Rojo, Yavaros 79). Proximate composition was determined using standard methods, and functional attributes were evaluated by mixograph and pasting profiles. Additional analyses measured antioxidant capacity, protein profiles, non-protein nitrogen, lipid oxidation, and starch damage. Apogee and Perigee were compositionally and functionally different from traditional cultivars, having higher protein (18–20%), ash (2–2.4%), and antioxidant (Perigee had 23.7 mol Trolox equivalent/g), and lipid oxidation levels but lower protein quality indicators. There was significant correlation (R2 = 0.84) between ash content and lipid oxidation. Apogee is a better candidate crop than Perigee for a self sustaining environment, but both dwarf varieties could be used for tailored food applications.