Durum Wheat Semolina Research Articles

Pasta Structure Affects Mastication, Bolus Properties, and Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Metabolism in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACTBackgroundStructure and protein–starch interactions in pasta products can be responsible for lower postprandial glycemic responses compared with other cereal foods.ObjectivesWe tested the effect on postprandial glucose metabolism induced by 2 pasta products, couscous, and bread, through their structural changes during mastication and simulated gastric digestion.MethodsTwo randomized controlled trials (n = 30/trial) in healthy, normal-weight adults (mean BMI of 23.9 kg/m2 (study 1) and 23.0 kg/m2 (study 2)) evaluated postprandial glucose metabolism modulation to portions of durum wheat semolina spaghetti, penne, couscous, and bread each containing 50 g available carbohydrate. A mastication trial involving 26 normal-weight adults was conducted to investigate mastication processes and changes in particle size distribution and microstructure (light microscopy) of boluses after mastication and in vitro gastric digestion.ResultsBoth pasta products resulted in lower areas under the 2-h curve for blood glucose (−40% for spaghetti and −22% for penne compared with couscous; −41% for spaghetti and −30% for penne compared with bread), compared with the other grain products (P < 0.05). Pasta products required more chews (spaghetti: 34 ± 18; penne: 38 ± 20; bread: 27 ± 13; couscous: 24 ± 17) and longer oral processing (spaghetti: 21 ± 13 s; penne: 23 ± 14 s; bread: 18 ± 9 s; couscous: 14 ± 10 s) compared with bread or couscous (P < 0.01). Pastas contained more large particles (46–67% of total particle area) compared with bread (0–30%) and couscous (1%) after mastication and in vitro gastric digestion. After in vitro gastric digestion, pasta samples still contained large areas of nonhydrolyzed starch embedded within the protein network; the protein in bread and couscous was almost entirely digested, and the starch was hydrolyzed.ConclusionsPreservation of the pasta structure during mastication and gastric digestion explains slower starch hydrolysis and, consequently, lower postprandial glycemia compared with bread or couscous prepared from the same durum wheat semolina flour in healthy adults.The postprandial in vivo trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03098017 and NCT03104686.

Durum Wheat Couscous Grains: An Ethnic Mediterranean Food at the Interface of Traditional Domestic Preparation and Industrial Manufacturing

Couscous is the product prepared from durum wheat semolina that agglomerates by adding water and undergoes physical and thermal treatment. Couscous is a traditional food from Mediterranean countries consumed for many centuries. Between ancestral domestic practices and industrial performance, the diversity of methods for couscous processing meets the needs of different consumers, whether they are concerned about preserving family culinary traditions or discovering innovative foods that respond to changing consumption patterns. In this work, we present the story of durum wheat couscous through several complementary visions and approaches: a “historical and societal“ approach to discover the origins of couscous, its migrations and its unifying role in Mediterranean societies; a “physicochemical” approach to describe the role of wheat components at the heart of couscous grains; a “technological” approach to compare domestic and industrial production of couscous; a “food science” approach to understand organoleptic characteristics of couscous grains; and a “consumer” approach to understand the motivations associated with the consumption of couscous.

Development and Characterization of Novel Macaroni Product Prepared from Grain and Legume

In the current research the functional and value added macaroni was prepared with fortification of lentil, millet, and white rice flour as ingredients with wheat semolina. The proximate composition, physico-chemical analysis such as phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the raw materials were investigated. The cooking quality, color, and sensory properties of different macaroni blends were also estimated. The results showed that the lentil had significant (p &lt; 0.05) higher amounts of nutritional compositions such as crude protein (25.38%) and crude fiber (12.47%). The maximum carbohydrate content (91.47%) was found in rice followed by durum wheat semolina (81.83%) respectively. The significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher phenolic content (12.51 mg/g), flavonoid content (10.32 mg/g), and antioxidant activity such as ABTS (6.59 Mmol TEACg−1), DPPH (4.69 Mmol TEACg−1) and FRAP (8.62 Mmol TEACg−1) were recorded in millets followed by lentil. The solubility decreased steadily from 3.25% in a blend (5) to 1.52% in control semolina flour. The swelling powder of macaroni was decreased with increasing proportion of lentils. The optimal cooking time was also increased with increasing proportion of lentils. The cooking time range was 5.28 min (control) to 7.12 min (blend 5). Therefore, it could be recommended that the use of a small amount of lentils at 10% and 20% are potential to obtaining macaroni with high consumer acceptability. Moreover, the macaroni blends from lentils at 30% blend (4) had medium acceptability.

Finding the right price: supply chain contracts as a tool to guarantee sustainable economic viability of organic farms

The aim of this study is to analyse the volatility of agricultural commodity prices and assess the effectiveness of supply chain contracts as possible tools to prevent it. The study refers to the cereal sector, which is of vital importance for the agri-food system of the Mediterranean area. Since Italy is the world’s largest producer of durum wheat semolina, the proper functioning of the Italian durum wheat supply chain is central to this investigation. The study was conducted following two different paths of analysis: (1) the calculation of volatility indices using annual and monthly data of durum wheat prices, both organic and industrial, observed in the Bologna Commodity Exchange (AGER); (2) the analysis of two organic durum wheat supply chain contracts, defined by a cooperative involving hundreds of Italian farms mainly from the Marche region and by an agricultural consortium operating in the Adriatic regions. Despite the limited number of cases examined, the present study shows how supply chain contracts can be valid tools for building stable relationships between the various players, from production to processing and distribution, guaranteeing farms fairer and more remunerative raw material purchase prices and higher quality standards.

Influence of the salt addition on the couscous quality

Introduction. Couscous is a product made from durum wheat semolina and water. No other ingredient is added except salt. The effect of salt on the couscous quality is poorly understood, and has never been studied. Objective. The effect of adding salt was studied on the quality of couscous. Material and methods. Two commercial semolina were used. During the couscous manufacture, the rolling yields were determined. After pre-cooking and drying couscous, the particle size analysis enabled us to determine the mean equivalent diameter (D50), and the geometric standard deviation(Sg). In order to assess color and culinary quality of couscous, brown index, yellow index, swelling capacity of couscous, caking index, and water solubility index were determined on dry couscous. Results. The salt addition had an effect on the rolling operation yields. The percentages of couscous and lumps decreased with the salt addition, whereas the percentages of non-agglomerated semolina increased. The particle size showed that the D50 lowered with the salt addition. On the other hand, the Sg remained unchanged. Salt addition decreased brown and yellow indexes, caking index, water solubility index, and swelling capacity of couscous. Conclusion. The salt influences the couscous agglomeration by promoting the formation of fine fractions and ameliorates the coloring, and the culinary quality of couscous by improving the stickiness

Optimization of barley flour and inulin addition for pasta formulation using mixture design approach

The aim of the present work was to optimize the formulation of a new functional pasta containing durum wheat semolina, whole barley flour, and inulin ingredients to enhance both the technological and textural properties of this product using the mixture design approach. Optimally formulated pasta with acceptable technological and textural properties as close as possible to those of control pasta was studied. The microstructure analysis of cooked and uncooked pasta was performed. Cox response trace plots revealed that the increasing amounts of whole barley flour and durum wheat semolina resulted in an increase in the cooking quality parameters and yellowness. However, pasta firmness was negatively influenced by inulin and whole barley flour addition. The ingredient composition of the optimally formulated pasta, which leads to the best technological and textural properties, was 94.8% durum wheat semolina, 3.7% whole barley flour, and 1.5% inulin. This optimal formulation had an optimal cooking time of 335.24 s, a swelling index of 2.15%, and a cooking loss of 10.44%. The firmness values and the color parameters were also satisfactory. The microstructure of the optimally formulated cooked pasta showed the presence of few not gelatinized starch granules incorporated into the protein matrix as compared to the control pasta. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Three ingredients, durum wheat semolina, whole barley flour, and inulin, were used for the production of new functional pasta using a mixture design approach. The obtained optimally formulated pasta, with good technological and textural properties, was rich in several dietary fibers. This allows the application of whole barley flour and inulin in the cereal industry and can be of interest to the human diet.

Assessing the Rheological Properties of Durum Wheat Semolina: A Review.

Empiric rheology is considered a useful tool for assessing the technological quality of wheat. Over the decades, several tests have been adapted from common to durum wheat, and new approaches have been proposed to meet the needs of the players of the durum wheat value chain. Breeders are looking for reliable methods to test the functional quality of wheat lines at early stages, where there are limited amounts of sample; millers need fast and reliable methods for checking wheat quality right at the point of the receiving station; and pasta-makers are looking for suitable methods to predict end product quality. This review provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the rheological tests currently used to evaluate the quality of durum wheat semolina, with the emphasis on Europe. Moreover, the relationships among the parameters obtained from different rheological approaches are extrapolated from the literature and integrated with the data obtained from 74 samples of durum wheat semolina. Although numerous efforts have been made to propose rapid and reliable tests for semolina characterization, the ideal test has yet to be proposed, indicating that researchers and pasta companies need to focus on perfecting the way to assess the quality of durum wheat and pasta.

Effect of Moringa oleífera pod addition on the digestibility, cooking quality, and structural attributes of functional pasta

The current study aimed to formulate pasta by replacing durum wheat semolina (DWS) with Moringa oleífera pod powder (MOPP) in various proportions (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/100 g; w/w, dry basis). The effect of supplementation of MOPP on nutritional, cooking, textural, and consumer acceptability was investigated. The nutrient composition, polyphenol content, and antioxidant potential of semolina pasta improved (p ≤ .05) with increasing MOPP levels (0%–20%). All MOPP-enriched pastas exhibited a shorter cooking time and an acceptable limit of cooking loss (≤8%), as specified by the FSSAI. The addition of MOPP reduced protein digestibility, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, while the scores for cohesiveness and springiness did not differ significantly (p > .05). Infrared spectroscopy revealed a higher intensity of functional groups for fortified pastas than the control sample. MOPP pastas showed good sensory acceptability up to 15% substitution level (except at 20% MOPP) and are above the ‘slightly like’ scale on the hedonic rating. The current findings suggest that the inclusion of 15% MOPP in DWS may be a suitable option for making pasta with improved nutritive and functional value without compromising sensory acceptability. Practical applications The current study investigates the effect of incorporating Moringa oleífera pod powder on the quality characteristics of traditional pasta. Enriched pasta demonstrated acceptable cooking, textural, and sensory properties up to a 15% incorporation level. The increased antioxidant content of enriched pasta suggested that moringa pod could be used to develop functional products with a variety of health benefits. Furthermore, the findings of this study will inspire agricultural produce, ensuring nutritional security by reducing reliance on conventional crops and lowering finished product prices.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a Functional Component in Durum Wheat Pasta Production: Impact on Chemical Composition, In Vitro Glycemic Index, and Quality Properties.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a good source of biologically active compounds with proven beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nettle herb supplementation on chemical composition, including the content of selected minerals and pigments, the in vitro glycemic response, and the cooking and sensory quality of extruded pasta. Tagliatelle-shaped pasta was produced under semi-technical scale by partial replacement of durum wheat semolina with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% of lyophilized nettle. The partial substitution with freeze-dried nettle caused a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the content of minerals, especially calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium in the products. The calcium content in the pasta fortified with 5%-addition of stinging nettle was 175.9 mg 100 g−1 and this concentration was 5.8 times higher than in the control sample. At the same time, high content of chlorophylls and carotenoids (237.58 µg g−1 and 13.35 µg g−1, respectively) was noticed. Enriching pasta with a 0–5% addition of stinging nettle resulted in a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the content of the total dietary fiber (TDF) (from 5.1 g 100 g−1 to 8.82 g 100 g−1) and the insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) (from 2.29 g 100 g−1 to 5.63 g 100 g−1). The lowest hydrolysis index of starch (HI = 17.49%) and the lowest glycemic index (GI = 49.31%) were noted for the pasta enriched with 3% nettle.

Effects of shorts, by-product of milling, on the chemical composition and quality properties of pasta

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wheat shorts, a milling by-product, on some properties of pasta. For this purpose, wheat semolina was replaced with wheat shorts at 15, 30, and 45% levels in pasta formulation. Some physical, chemical, and sensory properties of pasta samples were evaluated and compared with control samples prepared with durum wheat semolina. As the concentrations of shorts increased in the pasta formulation, the brightness values decreased and the redness values increased. The ash, fat, total dietary fibre, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and mineral content increased with the use of shorts. The highest solid loss value (10.28%) was found in pasta samples containing 45% shorts. The addition of shorts up to 30% presented similar overall acceptability scores to control pasta samples. As a result, it was observed that as the shorts content of the samples increase, the nutritional value and the levels of some components that affect health positively, increase as well. So, the samples containing 30% shorts appear to be at forefront due to health effects and overall acceptability scores.

Role of Hydrocolloids in the Structure, Cooking, and Nutritional Properties of Fiber-Enriched, Fresh Egg Pasta Based on Tiger Nut Flour and Durum Wheat Semolina.

The aim of this work concerns the manufacturing process of fresh egg tagliatelle labeled as a “source of fiber” based on tiger nut flour and wheat semolina. An attempt to improve the quality attributes and cooking properties of the obtained product was made by means of structuring agents. More specifically, a combination of three hydrocolloids (carboximethylcellulose, CMC; xanthan gum, XG; and locust bean gum, LBG) was tested. A Box–Behnken design with randomized response surface methodology was used to determine a suitable combination of these gums to achieve fewer cooking losses, higher water gain and swelling index values, and better texture characteristics before and after cooking. Positive effects on textural characteristics were observed when incorporating XG into the pasta formulation. Cooking and fiber loss also significantly diminished with the XG-CMC combination over 0.8%. No significant effect was found for the other evaluated parameters. A synergistic interaction between LBG and XG was only significant for the water absorption index. The cooked pasta was considered a source of fiber in all cases.

Incorporation of coconut milk residue in pasta: Influence on cooking quality, sensory and physical properties

A study was conducted to explore the potentiality of coconut milk residue (CMR) for cold extrusion (pasta preparation). Proximate analysis revealed that coconut milk residue is a rich source of crude fibre (24.03%) in addition to crude fat (41.55%), crude protein (5%), total carbohydrates (26.24%) and ash content (0.97%) at 2.23 per cent moisture. The effect of coconut milk residue upon replacing durum wheat semolina on cooking qualities, colour parameters, textural property and overall sensory acceptability of pasta samples were evaluated. Incorporation of coconut milk residue significantly influenced the observed parameters (P&lt;0.01). Cooking time was unaffected by incorporating milk residue up to 10 per cent (P&lt;0.05). Though the addition of residue increased the gruel loss (0.84 to 1.34%), the per cent loss was below the technologically acceptable limit (&lt;8%). A similar effect was visualized in water absorption. Conversely, the firmness gets reduced with an increased concentration of coconut milk residue beyond 10 per cent. Pasta with 5 per cent and 10 per cent coconut milk residue were accepted as that of control by the sensory panel. Free fatty acid content was not affected by the period of storage (P&gt;0.05). Thus, the study recommends incorporating 10 per cent coconut milk residue in durum wheat semolina for pasta preparation. Moreover, the entrepreneurs engaged in the coconut milk/milk powder and virgin coconut oil industry would be benefitted by adopting this venture, wherein they would be able to fetch huge additional income by placing their residue product on an upgraded fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) value chain.

Evaluation of Glycemic Index of Six Different Samples of Commercial and Experimental Pasta Differing in Wheat Varieties and Production Processes.

Pasta is a staple food of the Mediterranean Diet, and it is traditionally made of durum wheat semolina. In Sicily, durum wheat production and its transformation into semolina, bread, and pasta are well-developed economic sectors. For pasta, there is a wide supply of commercial brands, whether coming from conventional industrial manufacturing or from medium to small and local handcrafted production. Both conventional durum wheat and local durum wheat landraces, such as Timilia and Russello, are used for pasta production, but local landraces are, for the most, transformed into handcrafted pasta. The market of local landraces durum wheat pasta has risen in recent decades, in Sicily and in Italy as well, boosted by a perceived high nutritional and healthy value of these wheat derivatives. In particular, a popular and scientifically unproven idea suggests that a reduced glycemic response might be elicited by these pasta landraces. Therefore, to test this hypothesis, the main objective of the present study was the evaluation of the glycemic index (GI) of four samples of Timilia and Russello handcrafted pasta and two samples of conventional durum wheat pasta. The study enrolled fourteen healthy weight male and female volunteers aged from 18 to 46; eight test sessions were performed twice a week, every session testing a pasta sample (six sessions) or the glucose solution chosen as reference food (two sessions). The standard methodology for GI measurement was followed during each step of the study. The six tested pasta samples were characterized regarding their composition (protein, fiber, and starch content) and their whole production processes (milling method and milling diagram of flour or semolina, drying temperature, and diagram of pasta shape). The six tested pasta samples showed GI values ranging from low (34.1) to intermediate (63.1). Timilia and Russello pasta are the first GI calculations available. The two samples made of conventional grains showed lower values of GI (34.1 and 37.8). The results do not support the popular idea of a reduced glycemic response elicited by Timilia and Russello wheat landrace pasta; the tested samples showed GI values in the range of 56.2 to 63.1. However, some consideration should be made of factors other than wheat varieties and related to production processes that may have affected the final GIs of the pastas. Even if the study is not designed to discriminate among factors related to wheat varieties or processes used to produce different pasta, it is a preliminary step in the characterization of the healthy potential of the local wheat landraces, popularly called ancient grain. A future implementation of the local wheat landraces supply chain should pay attention to all the factors above, from a better seed identity certification to the production process in order to further improve the healthy value of these staples of the Mediterranean Diet.

Dietary fibre, protein profile and technological characteristics of durum spaghetti enriched with refined / whole grain hull-less barley flour

Durum wheat semolina (DWS) was substituted with refined or whole grain hull-less barley flour (RHBF or WHBF, respectively) for producing nutritionally enriched spaghetti. The substitution levels were between 10 and 50%, and spaghetti made of DWS was used as control. Then, ash and protein contents, dietary fibre changes, protein profile and technological characteristics were assessed. Total dietary fibre contents of DWS, RHBF and WHBF were 6.3, 7.6 and 20.8%, respectively. β-glucan contents of RHBF and WHBF were 2.40% and 5.0%, respectively. Ash, protein, total-, soluble- and insoluble dietary fibres and β-glucan contents of uncooked spaghetti products increased according to the control after hull-less barley flour (HBF) substitutions. Resistant starch (RS3) contents of the control and HBF substituted spaghetti products considerably increased after cooking, the increment was more noticeable in RHBF substituted ones. Brightness (L) and yellowness (b) values decreased and redness (a) values increased while increasing of WHBF substitution. The total extractable proteins of uncooked spaghetti products were investigated on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in order to monitor the changes on polymeric protein distributions in HBF substituted spaghetti products. The HBF substitutions could be an effective way to increase the dietary fibre intake, especially β-glucan and resistant starch.

Innovative Development of Pasta with the Addition of Fish By-Products from Two Species.

The fish industry generates by-products that are still nutrient-rich. Its incorporation in pasta production could be an interesting option to get functional food. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the nutritional composition, technological properties and sensory quality of two pastas containing tuna and sea bass by-products, separately. Durum wheat semolina and fish by-product concentrates were used in pasta manufacturing. Fatty acids profile, optimal cooking time, texture profile analysis, color, weight gain, swelling index, cooking losses and moisture were determined and compared with a non-containing fish reference. A sensory analysis was also carried out. In general, results showed a higher content of fatty acids in tuna pasta than in sea bass pasta. The texture profile analysis (TPA) showed lower hardness and fracturability in the fish pasta. Cohesiveness was higher in the tuna pasta while sea bass pasta was brighter. Fish incorporation caused a decrease in weight gain and swelling index and an increase in cooking losses. Sensory analysis established differences in homogeneity, typical aroma, fish flavor, fish odor and elasticity. It was concluded that the use of these by-products results in a more nutritious pasta although tuna content should be reduced (<3%) to improve its sensory profile.

Evaluation of technological properties, microstructure and predictive glycaemic response of durum wheat pasta enriched with psyllium seed husk

Psyllium seed husk (PSH) is a soluble dietary fibre with interesting health benefits, including reduction in blood glucose level in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Its supplementation in pasta represents a challenge due to a negative impact of high PSH levels on product acceptability. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of the substitution of semolina with different levels of PSH on cooking properties, microstructure and in vitro glycaemic response of pasta. Dry pasta samples enriched with PSH were produced by replacing durum wheat semolina with 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg PSH. Cooked enriched pastas were firmer and sticker than the control. Cooking loss increased with increasing PSH levels above 25 g/kg with values below the technological acceptable limit of 80 g/kg. Semolina substitution with 50–100 g/kg psyllium was effective in lowering the predictive glycaemic response of enriched pasta in comparison with the control. Scanning electron microscopy and dough rheology (dynamic frequency and temperature sweep tests) suggested that this decrease was related to the formation of fibre aggregates limiting starch swelling. Semolina replacement with 50 g/kg PSH has the potential to provide a health benefit with minimal impact on cooking features of functional pasta.

Functional, Nutritional, and Sensory Quality of Mixed Flours-Based Breads as Compared to Durum Wheat Semolina-Based Breads.

Increasing preference of consumers and bakers towards bread manufactured with mixed flours and/or sourdough drove us to investigate about influence of flours and sourdough on crumb grain, chemical, sensory, and in vitro glycaemic index (GI) and antioxidant activity of bread. To this aim, we produced and compared six experimental breads: three were based on a mixture of flours (soft wheat, durum wheat semolina, barley, oat, rye, and buckwheat); three were semolina-based breads. Two different sourdoughs (wheat or mixed flours) were assessed. Compared to semolina breads, those containing a mixture of flours showed higher specific volume. The use of sourdough led to increased concentrations of total free amino acids (FAA). Mixed flours bread with addition of mixed flours sourdough was rich in some essential FAA and amino acid derivative bioactive gamma-aminobutyric acid. Type of flours had higher influence than sourdough addition on volatile organic compounds. All the mixed flours breads, although showing profiles of volatile organic compounds differing from those of semolina breads, resulted acceptable. In addition, they had lower GI and higher antioxidant activity than semolina breads. Type of flours had much higher impact on GI and antioxidant activity than sourdough.

Effects of mixing, sheeting, and cooking on the starch, protein, and water structures of durum wheat semolina and chickpea flour pasta

The influence of the pasta preparation stages on starch, proteins, and water structures of semolina and chickpea pasta was studied. The hydrated starch structures (995/1022 FTIR ratio) increased in semolina and reduced in chickpea pasta. The processing stages in semolina pasta led to a significant increase of β-sheet structures (~50% to ~68%). The β-sheet structures content in chickpea pasta was lower (~52%), and was most affected by sheeting and cooking. The water structure was assessed by the analysis of the OH fingerprint FTIR region (3700–2800 cm−1) and showing that water molecules (~90%) are strongly and moderately bound. The chickpea pasta displayed the highest content of strongly bonded water (about 55%) in contrast to the semolina pasta (~48%). A principal component analysis showed that the molecular organization of semolina pasta was mostly affected by dough formation and cooking; the molecular organization of chickpea pasta was determined by the cooking stage.

Partial Replacement of Durum Wheat Flour with the Blend of Non-traditional Cereals and Legume Flour on Pasta Quality: Review

Durum wheat semolina is the only raw material of choice for high quality pasta products. Still the products have lower nutrient quality (protein, vitamins and minerals), high glycaemic response and high gluten allergenicity effect. In addition to durum wheat low yield capacity, it leads the shortage of supply due to low durum wheat local production in developing countries. The aim of this review to assess the replacement of durum wheat with better nutritional quality and locally available cereals and legumes for producing pasta with good nutritional, sensorial, cooking and textural quality. Development of legume fortified pasta products enhance the nutritional characteristics of processed products in terms of protein, dietary fiber and micro-nutrients. In addition, the inclusion of legume flour, as ingredients in pasta products which have lowering glycaemic indices (GI) and allergenicity compared with semolina pasta. Gluten-free spaghetti (unripe plantain, chickpea and maize flours) were similar diameters, water absorption values and overall sensorial acceptability but higher hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness than the control. It can be concluded that nutritional value of pasta can be improved by optimum level of legume and cereals incorporation without any significant effect on cooking, textural and sensorial quality. Keywords : Durum wheat, Milling, Legume, Pasta product, Quality DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/107-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2021

Structural characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of pasta made with durum wheat semolina and chickpea flour

Chickpea flour contains large fractions of protein and dietary fiber, which offer benefits for human health. This work studied the characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of pastas with blends of semolina and chickpea flour. Texture analysis showed that chickpea flour induced significant reductions in hardness and elasticity of cooked pasta. The addition of the chickpea increased protein solubility (150–200%). The accessible thiols showed a marked increase, indicating that the formation of a protein network relied on sulfhydryl crosslinking between proteins and other pasta components. FTIR analysis showed that the above characteristics may be linked to the secondary structure of proteins since chickpea tend to form structures with a high content of β-sheet configurations. The main advantage of using chickpea is in the in vitro digestibility since the effective starch content decreased from 74.67 ± 0.95 g/100 g for semolina pasta to 41.25 ± 1.17 g/100 g for chickpea pasta. The rapidly and slowly digestible starch fractions exhibited notable reductions of up 45%, which was attributed to the formation of complexes and to protective physical barriers of proteins on the starch granule. Non-conventional flours offer certain benefits for pasta formulations, but also certain challenges to stabilizing the pasta structure.