Barley Flour Research Articles

Bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours reinforced with oil palm residues: Characterization and tensile mechanical performance

This study explores the production of bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours, reinforced with varying ratios of oil palm residues. The research emphasizes principles of circular economy and sustainability. Both flours and reinforcements underwent characterization to elucidate how their physicochemical properties affect the mechanical behavior of the bio-composites. Barley flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein (11.11 %), crude fiber (5.64 %), and ash (2.80 %) compared to wheat and cassava flours. Conversely, cassava flour stood out for its high carbohydrate concentration (approximately 97.8 % on a dry weight basis). Characterization highlighted enhanced adhesion between reinforcements in bio-composites with cassava flour, alongside morphological distinctions on fractured surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis unveiled several functional groups in the bio-composites, while thermogravimetric analysis delineated five stages of thermal degradation. In terms of mechanical properties, bio-composites with barley flour showed higher elastic modulus values (970.5 MPa), while those with 12 % OPKS exhibited tensile strengths of 1.7–2.1 MPa. The interaction among components emerged as a fundamental factor influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites, underscoring the necessity of considering reinforcement composition and distribution during fabrication.

Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with support vector machine for the identification of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn) adulteration using wavelength selection algorithms

The frequent occurrence of adulterating Tartary buckwheat powder with crop flours in the market necessitates an urgent need for a simple analysis method to ensure the quality of Tartary buckwheat. This study employed near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the collection of spectral data from Tartary buckwheat samples adulterated with whole wheat, oat, soybean, barley, and sorghum flours. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projection algorithm (SPA) were deployed to identify informative wavelengths. By integrating support vector machine (SVM) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we constructed qualitative models to discern Tartary buckwheat adulteration. The PLS-DA model exhibited prediction accuracies between 89.78 % and 94.22 %, while the mean-centering (MC)-PLS-DA model showcased impressive predictive accuracy of 93.33 %. Notably, the feature-based Autoscales-CARS-CV-SVM model achieved more excellent identification accuracy. These findings exhibit the excellent potential of chemometrics as a powerful tool for detecting food product adulteration.

Barley β-glucan consumption improves glucose tolerance by increasing intestinal succinate concentrations

Barley is rich in β-glucan, which can alter gut microbiota and metabolome profiles, potentially affecting host metabolism. However, the microbiota and metabolites increased by barley β-glucan remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the gut-microbiota-derived metabolite succinate and investigated the microbiome and metabolome profiles altered by barley β-glucan intake. C57BL/6 J mice were fed a standard or middle-fat diet containing barley flour rich in β-glucan or barley flour without β-glucan, and their gut microbiota and metabolome profiles were analyzed. The results showed increased Bacteroides, Parasutterella, and succinate due to barley β-glucan intake independent of diet differences. Next, we used mice lacking slc13a2, a gene that is involved in the cellular uptake of succinate. Wild-type mice showed improved glucose tolerance after the intake of barley β-glucan, but this effect was attenuated in the slc13a2-deficient mice. These results suggest that barley β-glucan intake increases succinate and succinate-producing bacteria and affects glucose metabolism.

The Effects of Adding Extruded Highland Barley Flour on the Thermomechanical Properties of Wheat Flour Dough and the Overall Quality of Fresh Wet Noodles

This study examined how adding extruded highland barley flour (EHBF) affects the thermomechanical properties of wheat flour dough and the overall quality of fresh wet noodles. EHBF increased the gel strength and pasting temperature of wheat flour compared to regular highland barley flour. Moreover, higher EHBF levels reduced dough development time and stability time. EHBF improved the color and springiness of fresh wet noodles and decreased their cooking time and light transmittance relative to the color and springiness of the noodles in the control group. Notably, noodles with 20% EHBF showed a compact microstructure and received the highest sensory evaluation score. Adding EHBF lowered the estimated glycemic index of fresh wet noodles by reducing rapidly digestible starch and increasing slowly digestible starch and resistant starch contents. Thus, EHBF is a promising functional ingredient for enhancing the quality of fresh wet noodles.

The Status of Beekeeping in Simada District, Amhara, Ethiopia, with Its Challenges and Opportunities

The study was designed to assess the existing beekeeping practices, constraints, and potential of honeybee production in Simada district. The study was carried out in four proportionally selected kebeles of highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecology. Accordingly, a total sample size of 146 beekeepers, depending on their potential, was interviewed using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. A semi-structured questionnaire, field observation, and focal group discussion were employed to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The majority of beekeepers in the district are mail-headed, and the majority can read and write. Beekeepers practiced three hive types but mostly used traditional hives. The majority of honeybee colonies are found in midland agro-ecology, but they are not significantly different (P<0.05). About 57.5% of beekeepers obtain their colony through buying, and their colony increases through reproductive swarming. Beekeepers construct both traditional and top-bar hives from the surrounding available material. Frame hives were obtained from GOs on a credit basis. Beekeepers indicated that the majority of honey was harvested in October and November. The second minor harvesting period was from May to June, which depends on the nature of the yearly rainfall conditions. As the respondent's described, they stored honey below one year in a plastic jar, clay jar, and plastic sack when plenty of products were obtained and for medicinal value, unless they used honey during harvesting as a source of income. Predators and pests are major constraints on honey bee production, followed by pesticides and herbicides in the study area. Other identified beekeeping constraints were shown in relative order of importance: drought, death of colony, lack of water, migration, and disease are some of the problems that hinder productivity. Honeybees required feed supplementation during the dry season; about 28% of beekeepers fed their colonies with higher supplements made from February to April. The commonly used supplements were peas and bean flour (Shiro), barley flour (Besso), sugar, honey, and others, including Niger.

The role of β‐glucanase in modifying dough characteristics, texture and in vitro starch digestibility of highland barley‐enriched bread

SummaryThis study aims to evaluate how β‐glucanase impacts dough characteristics, and the in vitro starch digestibility and quality of breads from mixed wheat and highland barley flour at different wheat/highland barley flour weight ratios (70/30 and 50/50). The results showed that β‐glucanase reduced the dough's viscoelasticity and enhanced its extensibility, softness, α‐helix (2.52%–16.12%), β‐sheet (11.10%–31.66%) and free sulfhydryl content (22.70%–34.49%). This helped to mitigate the negative effects of a high β‐glucan content on the wheat/highland barley dough (P < 0.05). Moreover, β‐glucanase improved the specific volume (44.67%–56.56%) and springiness (5.56%–40.41%) as well as reduced the hardness of wheat/highland barley bread (7.50%–71.32%). Furthermore, as the higher content of slowly digestible starch (20.81%–30.84%) reduced the enzymatic rate (k value), β‐glucanase‐treated wheat/highland barley bread exhibited lower starch digestibility (66.17%–71.16%) than white bread (75.37%). Therefore, this study indicated that β‐glucanase played an offsetting role on highland barley bread while maintaining relatively low starch digestibility.

Utilization of roasted barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa) for the development of functional yogurt with special reference to storage stability

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study prepare yogurt enriched with roasted barley and oat flour in different treatments. The manual cleaning of oats and barley was carried out and placed in a traditional sand roaster with an iron pan at 280 ± 5°C for 20 seconds. Roasted barley and oat flours were used in different concentrations of 1:0; 3:0; 5:0; 0:1; 0:3; 0:5; 0.5:0.5; 1.5:1.5; and 2.5:2.5 g/100 g, respectively. The prepared yogurt was stored for 28 days at 4°C, and analyzed during the 7-day intervals. The results showed that roasted barley and oat flours contained higher concentrations of proteins (13.72 & 16.61%) and fibers (16.86 & 3.54%), which aided in the improvement of the properties of yogurt. The pH of the prepared yogurt was decreased (4.5 to 4.2), and titratable acidity was increased (0.61 to 0.70%) non-significantly in all treatments. The syneresis rate was decreased (25 to 19%) with increased concentrations of roasted barley and oats during storage. The microbial analysis of the fortified yogurt decreased the total plate count and total yeast count. Concludingly, roasted barley and oats improved the solid contents along with proteins, fats, and fiber contents of the prepared yogurts, improving the nutritional value of yogurt.

Optimizing Barley Flour Protein Extraction via Response Surface Methodology: Characterization and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Optimizing Barley Flour Protein Extraction via Response Surface Methodology: Characterization and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Improving functional and nutritional profiles of barley flours with diverse starch types through pearling

A comparative analysis of chemical, functional, and digestive parameters was conducted on five new barley genotypes designed for food purposes, differing in starch type, β-glucans, and arabinoxylan content. Both whole and pearled grain flours were examined. Amylose exhibited positive correlations with least gelation capacity (r = 0.60), gelation temperature (r = 0.90), and resistant starch (r = 0.80). Waxy varieties showed greater water-holding capacity, viscosity, and rapid digestibility compared to normal and high-amylose varieties. Pearling (10%) decreased arabinoxylans by 48% and proteins by 7%, while increasing β-glucans by 8% and starch by 13%. Additionally, pearling improved viscosity and hydration parameters across varieties. This allowed normal and high-amylose genotypes to enhance their functional properties and nutritional value through increased β-glucan and resistant starch content. This exploration advances the understanding of barley's functional attributes for food industry and underscores the potential of pearling to augment consumer nutritional value and health-promoting properties.

The Potential of Using Bisr Date Powder as a Novel Ingredient in Biscuits Made of Wheat Flour Only or Mixed with Barley.

An overproducing date fruit with limited industrial utilization leads to significant waste and losses, especially in the early stage of date maturity known as bisr. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of bisr date powder (BDP) at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) as a natural sweetener instead of sugar and barley flour as a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals instead of wheat flour (50%) in biscuit production over storage periods of 7, 14, and 21 days. The analysis revealed that the bisr Al-Khalas powder sample had a moisture content of 11.84%, ash content of 2.30%, and crude fiber content of 10.20%. Additionally, it had a low protein (2.50%) and fat (0.77%) content, with total carbohydrates at 82.59%. The gradual substitution of bisr Al-Khalas in biscuit production resulted in an increased moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and iron content, as well as a decrease in total carbohydrate percentage. A chemical analysis of bisr Al-Khalas powder demonstrated high levels of antioxidants, with 248.49 mg gallic acid/g of phenolic compounds, 31.03 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids, and an antioxidant activity ranging from 42.30%, as shown by the DPPH test. The peroxide content was 0.009 mg equivalent/kg. Biscuit samples with different proportions of bisr Al-Khalas showed an improved resistance to oxidation compared to samples without bisr Al-Khalas, with increased resistance as the percentage of replacement increased during storage. Physical properties such as the diameter, height, and spread percentage, as well as organoleptic properties like color, flavor, aroma, and taste, were significantly enhanced with higher levels of bisr Al-Khalas in the mixture. Biscuit samples fortified with 100% pure bisr Al-Khalas powder were found to be less acceptable, while samples with a 25% substitution did not negatively impact sensory properties. In addition, acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were not detected in bisr powder and biscuit samples prepared at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%). In conclusion, the study suggests that bisr Al-Khalas powder, an underutilized waste product, has the potential to add value to commercial biscuit production due to its high nutritional value and extended storage period resulting from its potent antioxidant activity.

Wheat bread making (WBM)-like seed proteins (WSPN): A new family of small prolamins in barley

Expression level of the gene Wheat Breadmaking (TaWBM) has been shown to be correlated with bread quality, and influences the rising of the bread loaf. We found that a family of the wbm homologous genes are present not only in wheat, but also in oat, rye and barley. However, a WBM protein has never been demonstrated experimentally. We have identified the existence of a family of WBM-like Seed Proteins (WSPN) from the prolamin fraction of barley flour, encoded by three closely linked genes on the long arm of chromosome 7H, analysing the gene expression by qPCR and relative protein levels by mass spectroscopy. All three genes are expressed specifically in seeds with no detectable expression in the leaves. The barley WSPNs share a common gene structure with a single exon containing an open reading frame in the size 253–313 bp, with the first 80 bp predicted by TargetP 2.0 to encode a sorting peptide. Furthermore, they all contain the conserved motif C–P-X-G-X4-C-X(4–8)-C-X-C. Structure prediction with Alphafold 2.0 suggest that this motif is a structurally conserved microdomain consisting of two antiparallel strands where the cysteines align.

Enhancing the quality of highland barley noodles by Lactobacillus plantarum pre-fermentation: Insights into its underlying mechanism

To improve highland barley noodles (HBNs) quality, the highland barley flour (HBF) was pre-fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum in this study. The changes in the quality of HBNs, the hydration properties and microstructure of the dietary fiber (DF), and the conformation and cross-linking of the protein in HBNs were measured. With the extension of pre-fermentation time (0–4 h), the overall acceptance of HBNs increased from 7.83 to 8.27, along with a 5.9% reduction in hardness and a 4.5% increase in springiness of HBNs. Meanwhile, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that the physical structure of the DF gradually disintegrated, which caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in its water retention capacity. In addition, spectral analysis showed a continual increase (from 19.62% to 30.15%) in β-turn content of the protein. The content of the free sulfhydryl group and sodium dodecyl sulfate extractable protein (SDSEP) decreased by 18.1% and 4.12%, respectively. However, with the further extension of pre-fermentation time (6–8 h), the degradation in HBNs sensory quality occurred, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in pH (5.95–5.01). These findings suggested that a moderate duration (4 h) of HBF pre-fermentation could effectively improve the quality of HBNs.

Effect of Acute Consumption of Crackers Enriched with Grape Seed Flour or Barley Flour with Added β-Glucan on Biomarkers of Postprandial Glycemia, Lipidemia, and Oxidative Stress: A Crossover Study

Effect of Acute Consumption of Crackers Enriched with Grape Seed Flour or Barley Flour with Added β-Glucan on Biomarkers of Postprandial Glycemia, Lipidemia, and Oxidative Stress: A Crossover Study

Characterisation of wholegrain composite for pretzels: a comprehensive nutritional and functional analysis

SummaryWholegrain composite flours are used for bakery products to enhance their nutritional value and to decrease the reliance on wheat importation as well as to ensure food security in most developing countries. This work aimed to optimise oat, maize, barley and wheat flour levels in the development of nutritionally enriched wholegrain pretzels. Composite flour blends were prepared by mechanical mixing of oat flour (OF), barley flour (BF), maize flour (MF) and wheat flour (WF) in the following proportion: WF (100%) (T0 – control), W:B (90:10) (T1), W:M (90:10) (T2), W:O (90:10) (T3), W:B:M:O (85:5:5:5) (T4), W:B:M:O (76:8:8:8) (T5) and W:B:M:O (70:10:10:10) (T6). Wholegrain composite flour mixes were analysed for their proximate composition and antioxidant properties. The fat, protein, ash and moisture content significantly changed (P &lt; 0.05) in all treatments, while the fibre content increased. DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content showed significant changes compared to the control. A rapid visco analyser determined multigrain flour's rheological and pasting properties, and the values showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences for peak viscosity, final viscosity and pasting temperature. The final product was analysed for proximate analysis, texture, colour and sensory evaluation. The increase in moisture, protein, fibre and ash content of the product was observed. Moisture, fat and fibre content of pretzels exhibited significant correlations (P &lt; 0.05) with the sensory parameters. A grouping of the samples in function of the chemical and sensory characteristics was depicted from the principal component analysis. Texture and colour analysis showed significant differences (P &lt; 0.05). Sensory evaluation results showed that the overall score for acceptability found for composite flour mix which contains 10% barley, 10% oat and 10% maize with wheat in a 30:70 ratio was accepted by the consumer. Consumption of wholegrain pretzels as snack food can contribute to a nutritious and balanced diet.

The effect of microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment on physicochemical and functional properties of wheat, barley, and rye flours

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of microwave-assisted hydrothermal process on color, solvent holding capacity, damaged starch content, resistant starch content, gelation and textural properties of wheat, barley, and rye flours. The hydrothermal treatment was conducted by adjusting the moisture content of the flours to 20, 25, 30, 35% following drying of the hydrated flours using a modified microwave oven until the moisture content fell below 8%. As a result, a general increase was observed in solvent (water, lactic acid, sucrose, and sodium carbonate) holding capacity, damaged starch content, b* value, chroma (saturation), redness, ΔE value, and gelatinization temperature of the flours regardless of the cereal type. The variations were more pronounced at higher initial moisture contents. On the contrary, the resistant starch content, L* value, whiteness, and breakdown viscosity decreased as a result of the treatment. The hydrothermal treatment resulted in an increase in maximum viscosity, setback viscosity, and gel hardness for wheat flour, whereas it led to a decrease in these parameters for treated barley and rye flours. Moreover, the impact of the treatment varied depending on the initial moisture content, with a more significant effect observed at moisture contents exceeding 25%.

β-Glucan Extraction from Hull-Less Barley by a Novel Approach: Microwave-Assisted Pressurized CO2/H2O

AbstractΒ-glucans (BGs) are dietary fibers with human health benefits. Due to their emulsifying, thickening, and water-holding properties, they are frequently utilized in food formulations. Hull-less barley is one of the important sources of BGs. This research was performed to extract BGs from hull-less barley using microwave-assisted pressurized CO2/H2O (MW-PCO2) extraction, a combination that had never been employed before. The MW-PCO2 extraction conditions (temperature, time and water: barley flour ratio) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design for the maximum BG yield (%). Temperature of 47.74 °C, time of 19.92 min, and water: barley flour ratio of 10.10:1 (g/g) were found to be the optimum conditions for extraction with a BG yield of 62.43%. Additionally, MW-PCO2 extraction was compared with conventional water extraction (CE) and BG extracts obtained by both methods were characterized. Chemical composition, molecular weight, thermal properties, water solubility, water holding capacity, surface morphology, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) of the BG extracts were determined. MW-PCO2 extraction gave higher BG yield and purity, molecular weight, and water holding capacity using less solvent in a shorter time. Furthermore, both extracts have similar morphological images, FTIR spectrum, and thermal properties. The results of this work demonstrate the potential of the MW-PCO2 approach for extracting BGs from hull-less barley with improved selectivity and recovery, which can then be added to a variety of food and drug formulations.

Emerging approaches to improve barley malt processing and quality: Ultrasound-assisted hydration and ethanol pre-treatment to drying

This work aimed to evaluate how two emerging technologies impact the malting process and the quality of barley malt: ultrasound-assisted hydration and ethanol pre-treatment to drying. All three steps of malting (hydration, germination, and drying), as well as the resulting malt's quality indicators, were evaluated. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted (25 kHz; 91 W/L, 20 °C) hydration were carried out, followed by germination, ethanol (99.5%) pre-treatment (immersion 30 min, 25 °C), and convective drying (50 °C, 1 m/s). Texture analysis demonstrated that the different stages of the malting process modify the structure and composition by increasing or decreasing the compression force in the grain. The ultrasound-assisted hydration improved the second hydration stage, where hydration resistances were greater, reducing hydration time by 38%; moreover, ultrasound accelerated the germination step with root growth 1.17 times greater. During drying, ultrasound-assisted hydration followed by ethanol pre-treatment, reduced drying time by 38.5% (barley) and 17.8% (malt). Both evaluated technologies, therefore, intensify the malting process. In addition, it was demonstrated that their use increased the alpha (9%) and beta-amylase (7%) activity in malt and modified paste and gel-forming properties of barley and malt flours. Therefore, these results suggest that the use of ultrasound improved hydration and germination processes, and ethanol pre-treatment accelerated the drying process because of improved mass transfer, both without negative impact on malt quality.

Effect of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional composition and physicochemical properties of whole-grain highland barley and the application in digestive cookies

This research investigated the enhancement of nutritional composition and physicochemical characteristics of highland barley through solid-state fermentation employing three bacterial strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), Lactobacillus reuteri and Enterococcus faecalis. The results showed that solid-state fermentation significantly increased the contents of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and total polyphenol, while decreased the contents of fat, starch and total dietary fiber (TDF) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the fermented barley flour exhibited improved water and oil holding capacities. Solid-state fermentation altered the structural integrity of highland barley's whole grain and flour, resulting in finer particles. The physicochemical properties of the whole highland barley grain fermented with LAC showed marked improvement. Homemade highland barley cookies prepared with barley flour fermented by LAC, and enriched with ingredients homologous to both food and medicine, were favored by consumers. They also contained higher levels of protein, TDF and SDF compared to commercial cookies. The study indicated solid-state fermentation as a promising approach to enhance the nutritional value and overall quality of whole-grain foods, facilitating the development of products that were both nutritious and appealing to consumers.

Pulsed Electric Field Treatment of Oat and Barley Flour: Influence on Enzymes, Non-starch Polysaccharides, Dough Rheological Properties, and Application in Flat Bread

AbstractThis study examined the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on enzymes, non-starch polysaccharides, and bread-making potential of oat and barley flour. Enzyme activity, microstructure, β-glucan extractability, molecular weight (Mw) and structure of non-starch polysaccharides, dough rheology, and flat bread properties were determined. An exponential decay model explained better the residual activity of oat β-glucanase across electric field intensity than barley β-glucanase. PEF treatment of flour at 12 kV/cm for 162 ms significantly reduced β-glucanase activity (40.2–76.5%) while increasing the concentration of total β-glucans (33.5%) and water-extractable arabinoxylans (36–41%). Mw of linear β-d-glucans decreased (9%) while Mw of branched arabinoxylans increased (6–33%). Scanning electron microscopy showed changes in microstructure of barley proteins. Blending wheat flour (70%) with oat or barley flour (30% weight) after PEF treatment enhanced gluten aggregation energy (29–19%) and breakdown viscosity (18–43%) of dough, as well as increased β-glucan content (21–32%) but reduced specific volume (11–24%). The findings of this study provide a comprehensive insight into the PEF’s potential for retarding enzymatic reactions and preserving integrity of cereal non-starch polysaccharides.

INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN-MINERAL ADDITIVES ON THE QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINTING SYSTEM OF MINUTE SEMI-FINISHED MEAT PRODUCTS

Proteins from hydrolysates of the collagen-containing component have the properties of biological substances and can be used as active components of functional food products. The development of chopped semi-finished meat products using collagen hydrolysates from secondary products of the poultry processing industry is a promising direction in the food industry. The paper presents the results of a study of the influence of a protein-mineral additive from chicken legs (BMD) on the quality characteristics of the minced meat system of minced semi-finished meat products. BMD is obtained by finely grinding chicken legs, using various processing methods and drying to a powdery state. Several types of minced meat systems have been developed. A comparative analysis of the chemical composition and functional and technological properties of minced meat systems was carried out. The feasibility of mechanical and biotechnological methods of influencing secondary poultry products in order to obtain a protein-mineral additive (PMD) and its use in the production of meat products has been experimentally confirmed. Based on the conducted research, we can conclude that replacing wheat bread in the recipes of chopped semi-finished products with BMD helps to increase the protein content. The sample with the addition of a protein-mineral additive containing flax flour has the highest protein content of 26.83%, which exceeds the protein content in the control sample by 5.4%; the addition of BMD with barley flour exceeds the protein content in the control sample by 4.4%. These samples of semi-finished products had lower losses during heat treatment and received high scores during organoleptic evaluation.