Modification of Emulsifying Properties of Cereal Flours by Blending with Legume Flours

Abstract

Background: The effect of blend formation on emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsifying stability (ES) of some commonly used cereal and legume flours, using different oils, was studied. Methods: The blends of wheat flour (WF), refined wheat flour (RWF) and maize flour (MF) were prepared by mixing with equal proportions of chickpea flour (CPF) (1:1w/w) in a kitchen blender and analyzed for EA and ES using coconut, canola, corn, rapeseed and sunflower oils. Result: Statistically significant variations (p less than 0.05) were observed in the emulsifying properties of the flours and their blends. The blending of cereal flours with CPF showed mixed responses of variation in emulsifying properties from those of the respective pure flours. The EA of the blends was found to be increased from those of the pure WF and RWF but decreased from those of the pure MF and CPF with some exceptions. However, the ES of the blends was decreased from that of the pure WF and increased from those of the pure RWF, MF and CPF. The data would be a valuable contribution to the literature regarding the improvement of functional properties of cereal foods.