Fermented Quinoa Research Articles

Fermented Quinoa and Canihua in Plant‐Based Diets Increase Iron and Zinc Bioavailability in Growing Rats

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at evaluating the effects of non‐fermented and fermented pseudocereal flours, quinoa and canihua, on iron and zinc bioavailability in Wistar rats. Two diets prepared with 92% fermented quinoa or 79.5% fermented canihua were compared with diets prepared with the same amount of non‐fermented pseudocereals. Other two quinoa diets were prepared with 60% non‐fermented or fermented quinoa and compared with a refence diet which was free of phytates. Body weight, feed efficiency ratio, and the absorption, retention and bioavailability of iron and zinc were evaluated. While body weight and feed efficiency ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in animals after non‐fermented diets, the results of mineral absorption and bioavailability were consistently higher in the diets containing fermented pseudocereals. Iron concentration in the livers of animals after the fermented quinoa (92%) and canihua diet (79.5%), were 34% and 30% higher than after the diets with non‐fermented pseudocereals. Zinc bioavailability, indicated by zinc in femur of animals fed the 60% fermented quinoa diet was 53.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW, comparable to that in animals fed a reference diet with no phytates (58.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW), and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in animals fed the non‐fermented quinoa diet (34.5 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Zinc bioavailability was mainly influenced by phytate content in the diet (R2 = 0.665 and p = 0.000). The retention of iron in the liver (2220 μg g−1 FeInt g−1 BW) was higher in the diet containing 60% of fermented quinoa than in the non‐fermented diet (1429 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Differences in iron absorption were mainly impacted by iron content in the diets (R2 = 0.828 and p = 0.000). In conclusion, the addition of fermented pseudocereals to diets increased the bioavailability of iron and zinc in Wistar rats. These findings will encourage further research into fermented pseudocereals and their potential health effects.

Cross-Over Application of Algerian Dairy Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Design of Plant-Based Products: Characterization of Weissella cibaria and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for the Formulation of Quinoa-Based Beverage.

The food industry constantly seeks new starter cultures with superior characteristics to enhance the sensory and overall quality of final products. Starting from a collection of Algerian dairy (goat and camel) lactic acid bacteria, this work focused on the exploration of the technological and probiotic potential of Weissella cibaria (VR81 and LVT1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R12 strains isolated from raw camel milk and fermented milk, respectively. These bioactive strains were selected for their high performance among ten other LAB strains and were used as starter cultures to develop a novel and nutritionally enhanced dairy-like plant-based yogurt using quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) as a raw matrix. The strains were evaluated for their antagonistic effects against Listeria innocua, Listeria ivanovii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resilience to acidic and osmotic challenges, and tolerance to gastrointestinal mimicking conditions (i.e., pepsin and bile salt). Their aggregation and adhesion profiles were also analyzed. Furthermore, L. plantarum and W. cibaria were tested in single and co-culture for the fermentation and biocontrol of quinoa. The strains exhibited probiotic properties, including a high potential for biocontrol applications, specifically against L. innocua and P. aeruginosa (20 mm diameter zone with the neutralized cell-free supernatant), which disappeared after protease treatment, suggesting that bioactive peptides might be responsible for the observed antimicrobial effect. Additionally, they demonstrated resilience to acidic (pH 2) and osmotic challenges (1M sucrose), tolerance to gastro-intestinal conditions, as well as good aggregation and adhesion profile. Furthermore, the strains were able to produce metabolites of interest, such as exopolysaccharide (yielding up to 4.7 mg/mL) and riboflavin, reaching considerable production levels of 2.5 mg/L upon roseoflavin selection. The application of W. cibaria and L. plantarum as primary starters (both in single and co-culture) for fermenting quinoa resulted in effective acidification of the matrix (ΔpH of 2.03 units) and high-quality beverage production. in vivo challenge tests against L. innocua showed the complete inhibition of this pathogen when L. plantarum was included in the starter, either alone or in combination with W. cibaria. Both species also inhibited Staphylococcus and filamentous fungi. Moreover, the co-culture of mutant strains of L. plantarum R12d and W. cibaria VR81d produced riboflavin levels of 175.41 µg/100 g in fermented quinoa, underscoring their potential as starters for the fermentation, biopreservation, and biofortification of quinoa while also displaying promising probiotic characteristics.

Effects of Latilactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation on the bioconversion and antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds in quinoa sprouts

Polyphenols, serving as a significant active ingredient, exert a crucial role in the antioxidant effect of quinoa. Nevertheless, the preponderance of research has predominantly centered on quinoa grains, with a conspicuous scarcity of studies dedicated to quinoa sprouts. In this study, quinoa sprouts were used as substrate, and Latilactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was employed as the fermentation agent. The fermentation parameters of quinoa sprouts were meticulously optimized using a combination of single-factor experiments and response surface analysis, successfully leading to the enrichment of polyphenols. A noteworthy elevation in the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were observed after fermentation, with increments of 46.56% and 57.28%, respectively. Additionally, a statistically significant (P < 0.05) augmentation in antioxidant activity was demonstrated, as measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and reducing power. To gain further insights, metabolomics analysis was conducted, revealing the identity and quantity of active compounds present in the fermented quinoa sprouts broth. Notably, a marked increase in flavonoids like luteolin and quercetin was evident, whereas a substantial reduction in the levels of certain polyphenols, such as dihydrowogonin and quercetin 3-O-xylosyl-rutinoside, was observed after fermentation. The activities of five key enzymes were quantitatively assayed within the metabolic pathway of polyphenols, revealing significant variations. This comprehensive analysis provides a clearer understanding of the metabolic mechanisms underlying the bioconversion of polyphenols during the fermentation process.

Manufacture and characterization of a novel dairy-free quinoa yogurt fermented by modified commercial starter with Weissella confusa.

Non-dairy yogurt is increasingly thought to be healthy food. However, no suitable starters limit its development. This study aimed to develop a novel and functional quinoa yogurt with a modified commercial starter. Compared with the other lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Weissella confusa showed a better fermentation performance of quinoa utilization. The synergistic effect of W. confusa and the commercial starter promoted the growth of LAB. It increased the fermentation rate of quinoa yogurt, further improving its texture, rheological properties, and storage stability. The modified starter significantly increased the nutritional qualities of the quinoa yogurt, including polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, digestive enzyme inhibition, and reduced postprandial blood glucose ability. Additionally, the modified starter enhanced the digestibility and bioaccessibility of polyphenols, protein, and fat in fermented quinoa yogurt. Overall, the commercial starter with W. confusa showed great potential for possible application in quinoa yogurt development.

Fermented quinoa flour: Implications of fungal solid-state bioprocessing and drying on nutritional and antioxidant properties

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a pseudocereal rich in protein and excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Developing new quinoa-based products would be a strategy to extend its consumption. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus and drying (hot-air at 50, 60 and 70 °C and lyophilization) on the nutritional and functional properties of fermented white and black quinoa flours. Changes in proximal composition revealed that white variety was more suitable for solid-state fermentation (SSF), according to the higher biomass production, higher increase of protein (2.11%) and insoluble fiber (7.82%) content. SSF was highly effective in phytic acid reduction (90%) regardless the variety. However, after fermentation, quinoa seeds presented reduced total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity, especially on black variety. Nonetheless, hot-air drying improved the antioxidant properties (increased TPC and antioxidant capacity) and promoted changes in the phenolic profile. These changes were characterized by a release of gallic acid together with a notable reduction of vanillic, caffeic and ferulic acids, quercetin-3-glucoside and/or quercetin. A notable increase of the angiotensin converting enzyme-I inhibitory activity was found on the fermented flours mainly due to SSF.

Effect of Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL 431, L. paracasei LP33) fermentation on free and bound polyphenolic, antioxidant activities in three Chenopodium quinoa cultivars.

The application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation to the production of probiotic beverages is a common method for modifying the health-related functional characteristics and phytochemical content of such beverages. This study evaluated the effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIB1899, Lactobacillus casei CRL 431, and Lactobacillus paracasei LP33 on the total phenolic contents (PCs), flavonoid contents (FCs), phenolic profiles, and antioxidant capacities of the solvent-extractable (free) and cell-wall-bound (bound) fractions in quinoa varying in bran color. Compared with unfermented beverages, LAB fermentation significantly increased the free PCs and free FCs by 15.7%-79.4% and 7.6%-84.3%, respectively. The bound PCs increased, whereas bound FCs decreased in fermented black and red quinoa juice. The increments of procyanidin B2 , protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, rutin, and kaempferol through 30h fermentation exceeded 189%-622%, 13.8%-191%, 55.6%-100%, 48.5%-129%, and 120%-325%, respectively. However, the contents of catechin, procyanidin B1 , and ferulic acid decreased with fermentation. Overall, L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL431, and L. paracasei LP33 strains may be suitable for producing fermented quinoa probiotic beverages. L. acidophilus NCIB1899 was superior for fermentation to L. casei CRL431 and L. paracasei LP33. Red and black quinoa had significantly higher total (sum of free and bound) PC and FC concentrations and antioxidant capacities than white quinoa (p<0.05) because of their higher concentrations of proanthocyanins and polyphenol, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, different LAB (L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL431, and L. paracasei LP33) were singly inoculated on aqueous solutions from quinoa to ferment probiotic beverage and to compare the metabolic capacity of LAB strains on nonnutritive phytochemicals (phenolic compounds). We observed that LAB fermentation greatly enhanced the phenolic and antioxidant activity of quinoa. The comparison indicated that the L. acidophilus NCIB1899 strain has the highest fermentation metabolic capacity.

Effect of the controlled fermented quinoa containing protective starter culture on technological characteristics of wheat bread supplemented with red lentil.

Selected antifungal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from mature spontaneous quinoa sourdough was used as potential starter culture to produce loaf wheat bread containing controlled fermented quinoa (CFQ) supplemented with red lentil (RL) flour. Phylogenetic evolutionary tree led to the identification of Enterococcus hirae as the selected LAB isolate. Furthermore, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between bread containing CFQ and control in terms of hardness. The highest loaf specific volume and overall acceptability were also observed in control sample and wheat bread containing CFQ + RL, respectively. Meanwhile, the rate of surface fungal growth on wheat bread enriched with CFQ was significantly lower than the other samples. In accordance with a non-linear multivariable model, positive and negative correlations were observed between porosity and specific volume (+ 0.79), and also specific volume and crumb hardness (- 0.70), respectively. Accordingly, CFQ can be used as bio-preservative to produce clean-label supplemented wheat bread.

Study on the preparation process of quinoa anti-hypertensive peptide and its stability.

Quinoa seeds are a food resource rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other functional components such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and saponins. The seeds have become favored by modern consumers due to being gluten-free and featuring a high protein content. This study focused on the preparation of quinoa peptides by short-time enzymatic-assisted fermentation. Quinoa flour (QF) was mixed with water in a certain ratio before being enzymatically digested with 0.5% amylase and 0.1% lipase for 6 h. Then, 16 bacterial taxa were used for fermentation, respectively. The peptide content in the resulting fermentation broths were determined by the biuret method. The dominant taxon was then identified and the peptide content, amino acid distribution, and molecular weight distribution of the prepared quinoa peptides were analyzed. Further, the temperature, pH, metal ions, organic solvents, ion concentration, and anti-enzyme stability of the quinoa anti-hypertensive peptides of different molecular weights after fermentation with the dominant taxon were investigated. Finally, the inhibitory activity of fermented quinoa peptides on bacteria was studied. The results show that the peptide content of the fermentation broth reached 58.72 ± 1.3% at 40 h of fermentation with Lactobacillus paracasei and the molecular weights of the hydrolyzed quinoa peptides were mainly distributed below 2 kDa by polyacrylamide gel. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition and peptide retention of the 0-3 kDa quinoa peptides were screened to be high and stable. At the same time, the inhibitory activity of quinoa peptide after fermentation on E. coli was obvious. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on quinoa peptide and its application in industrial production, and also lays a foundation for the later application of polypeptides in new food and chemical products.

Enhance Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Improve the Function of Fermented Quinoa by Cold Stress

Quinoa is an excellent source of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a natural four-carbon non-protein amino acid with great health benefits. In this study, the quinoa was treated by cold stress before fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance the amount of GABA. The best Lactobacillus plantarum for GABA production was selected from sixteen different strains based on the levels of GABA production and the activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Cold stress treatments at 4 °C and at -20 °C enhanced the amount of GABA in the fermented quinoa by a maximum of 1191% and 774%, respectively. The surface of the fermented quinoa flour treated by cold stress showed more pinholes, mucus, faults and cracks. A Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) analysis revealed that cold stress had a violent breakage effect on the -OH bonds in quinoa and delayed the destruction of protein during fermentation. In addition, the results from the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) showed that the cold stress reduced the peak viscosity of quinoa flour. Overall, the cold stress treatment is a promising method for making fermented quinoa a functional food by enhancing the production of bioactive ingredients.

Moringa leaves for improving the health benefits of quinoa fermented by probiotics

AbstractThis study evaluates the effect of supplementation with Moringa leaves powder (MLP) at the concentrations of 0.25% and 0.50% (w/v) as additional sources of prebiotics to produce healthier fermented quinoa products. The biological experiment was used to study the influence of feeding with these fermented quinoa products on the blood biochemical parameters in experimental rats. The results indicated that selected probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantaram ATCC 14917 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus EMCC 11102 showed good tolerances to high acidity (pH = 2 or pH = 3), bile salts (0.3% w/v) and NaCl (7.5% w/v) and exhibited notable sensitivity against many antibiotics. Moreover, quinoa products supplemented with MLP at a concentration of 0.50% and fermented by both probiotics exhibited the highest counts of probiotic bacteria (9.32 and 9.12 log cfu/g, respectively) and showed more survival of probiotics than quinoa fermented without MLP (p &gt; 0.05) during storage period. Also, the adding of MLP at both levels increased antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of fermented quinoa by both probiotics, and the highest level exhibited highest values. Interestingly, fermented quinoa containing higher concentration of MLP showed the higher activity in improving serum lipid profile of experimental rats.

Enhancing of nutritional properties of quinoa fermented by probiotics

Fermentation of quinoa by probiotics provides higher nutritional value and can be considered as a significant source of bioactive compounds and alive probiotics for the human body. Moringa leaves powder (MLP) at the levels of 0.25 and 0.50% were used as an additional prebiotic source to supply quinoa fermentation by Lactobacillus plantaram ATCC 14917 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus EMCC 11102 and produce healthier quinoa products. The results indicated that supplementation of fermented quinoa products with MLP at bath levels increased its contents of free phenolics and water extractable arabinoxylans as well as enhanced its antioxidant activity and phytate degradation. Fermented quinoa products with 0.50% MLP showed better chemical properties than fermented quinoa products with 0.25% MLP. Furthermore, supplementation of fermented quinoa products with MLP (0.50%) displayed positive effects on blood glucose levels of the experimental rats. Further studies are required on the test of more kinds of probiotics with different concentration of MLP in quinoa fermentation in the future.

Enhancing the Antibacterial Activity of Quinoa Fermented by Probiotics: In vitro and In vivo Study

Fermentation of quinoa by probiotics provides higher nutritional value and can be considered as a significant source of bioactive compounds and alive probiotics for the human body. Moringa leaves powder (MLP) at the levels of 0.25 and 0.50 % were used as an additional prebiotic source to supply quinoa fermentation by Lactobacillus plantaram ATCC 14917 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus EMCC 11102 and produce healthier quinoa products. The results indicated that quinoa products fermented by probiotics showed different antibacterial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria, and supplementation of fermented quinoa products with MLP at bath levels improved its antibacterial activity in most cases. Also, the coliform group counts of rat feces were reduced after feeding for 30 d with fermented quinoa products supplemented with MLP (0.50%). Furthermore, Fermented quinoa products with MLP exhibited acceptable sensory properties compared with fermented quinoa products without MLP. Supplementation of fermented quinoa products with MLP resulted in improving its antibacterial activity with acceptable sensory properties.

Biotransformation of quinoa phenolic compounds with Monascus anka to enhance the antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity

This research aims to change the phenolic fractions and the bioactivities of quinoa by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with the edible fungus Monascus anka (M. anka). The contents of protein and fat increased in the fermented product, while the carbohydrate decreased. After 6-day fermentation with M. anka, the amount of phenolic compound reached the highest level. The majority of phenolic forms in fermented quinoa were phenolic acids, mainly ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) results showed that SSF was an effective method to transform quinoa phenolic compounds. Free fractions could be rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, suggesting that SSF with M. anka was a useful method to enhance bioavailable antioxidants. Antioxidant ability in vitro results showed that phenolic fractions from fermented quinoa were greater than the unfermented quinoa, and a significant cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) increment of 135% was obtained in the free phenolic fraction of fermented quinoa. Moreover, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities were enhanced with fermentation. Correlation matrix analysis revealed that most of the free phenolic compounds showed strong positive correlations with antioxidant activities and digestive enzyme activities. Consequently, fermentation with M. anka was a particularly promising method to enhance the bioactivity of quinoa.

Development of an instant-mix probiotic beverage based on fermented quinoa with reduced phytate content

Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.), a South American grain, has great potential for innovation and development of improved food products because of its protein content and nutritional benefits. The study aimed to develop an instant-mix beverage based on fermented quinoa with reduced phytate content and viable lactic bacteria. Two different lactic fermentation processes were designed known as Fermentation type 1 (F1) and Fermentation type 2 (F2) using Lactobacillus plantarum 299v® to obtain fermented quinoa flour. In F1, roasted quinoa grains were fermented for 9 h whereas raw quinoa grains were fermented for 6 h in F2 followed by drying, roasting and fermenting again for 3 h. Phytate reduction, Lactobacillus growth, acidity, protein content, and estimated mineral absorption were evaluated along with organoleptic acceptability of the product. The fermented quinoa samples (frozen at −20 °C and −80 °C) were freeze-dried for the development of instant powder mix beverage with 3 different fruit flavours. Phytate was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in 61.8% and 64.4% in F1 and F2 respectively, which increased the estimated mineral absorption (Phy:Fe, 5.5 and 5.3); (Phy:Zn, 9.3 and 8.8) in both fermentations. High microbial viability was obtained in the fermented freeze-dried samples. The developed instant-mix of pineapple-orange flavour with 5% of fermented quinoa flour showed highest acceptability among all flavours during the sensory evaluation. Thus, fermentation is an effective way to improve nutritional and sensorial properties of quinoa. The developed instant-mix beverage with fermented quinoa had reduced phytate content, high probiotic count and better sensorial characteristics than a commercial product.

Autochthonous microorganisms of white quinoa grains with special attention to novel functional properties of lactobacilli strains

Quinoa sourdough can safely be produced if the hygienic threshold of miss-fermentation during the start-up period is overcome. The aims of the present study are to map the microbiota of spontaneously formed quinoa sourdough without backslopping and select Lactiplantibacillus-strains. Viable count from grains and sourdough were performed and picked isolates were identified by gene sequencing. Lactiplantibacillus interspecies differentiation was evaluated by specific primers targeting the recA region, fermentation capacity and enzymatic abilities applying colorimetric assays, respectively. High initial levels of Enterobacteriaceae and other opportunistic pathogens decreased gradually, and the pH dropped below 4. The results indicate that spontaneous fermentation involves a variety of quinoa autochthonous microorganisms, with low presence of lactobacilli due to the delay lactic acid fermentation. Lactobacilli strains able to ferment xylose and glycerol and metabolize phenolic compounds were identified holding great prospects as suitable starter cultures for production of fermented quinoa products.

Impact of Fermentation on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly singled out as a healthy food with an excellent nutritional profile. Besides being suitable for gluten-free diets, it is rich in proteins of excellent quality and is a good source of minerals and vitamins, as well as of natural antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds. The aim of this work is to present how fermentation can affect phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity of quinoa. It emerged that fermentation can be used to increase phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity in both quinoa seeds and flours. The use of fermented quinoa flours allowed obtaining bread and pasta richer in phenolic compounds and with a greater antioxidant capacity. Fungi are the main starters used in quinoa seed fermentation, while Lactobacillus strains have been applied to produce sourdoughs. Quinoa has been also fermented to obtain yogurt-like beverages with a higher content in phenolic compounds and a greater antioxidant activity. Strains of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. have been used as starters.

Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Quinoa Characteristics and Quality of Quinoa-Wheat Composite Bread.

The application of selected starter cultures with specific properties for fermentation may determine steady lactic acid bacteria (LAB) variety and the characteristics of fermented products that influence nutritional value, the composition of biologically active compounds and quality. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of different LAB on the biochemical characteristics of fermented quinoa. Moreover, total phenolic content (TPC), and the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of protein fractions isolated from quinoa previously fermented with LAB were investigated. Quinoa additives, including quinoa fermented with Lactobacillus brevis, were incorporated in a wheat bread recipe to make nutritionally fortified quinoa-wheat composite bread. The results confirmed that L. plantarum, L. brevis, and L. acidophilus were well adapted in quinoa medium, confirming its suitability for fermentation. LAB strains influenced the acidity, L/D-lactic acid content, enzyme activity, TPC and antioxidant activity of fermented quinoa. The maximum phytase activity was determined in quinoa fermented with L. brevis. The results obtained from the ABTS radical scavenging assay of protein fractions confirmed the influence of LAB strain on the antioxidant activity of protein fractions. The addition of 5 and 10% of quinoa fermented with L. brevis did not affect the total titratable acidity of wheat bread, while 10% of fermented quinoa with L. brevis resulted in a higher specific volume. Fermented quinoa additives increased the overall acceptability of bread compared with unfermented seed additives.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) lowers sugar-induced postprandial glycaemia independently and in a product with fermented quinoa: a randomised crossover trial.

Berries rich in anthocyanins have beneficial effects on postprandial glycaemia. We investigated whether blackcurrant (75 g in a portion) independently and in a product with fermented quinoa induced similar effects on the sugar-induced postprandial glucose metabolism as observed before with 150 g of blackcurrant. Twenty-six healthy subjects (twenty-two females and four males) consumed four test products after fasting overnight in a randomised, controlled crossover design. Each test product portion contained 31 g of available carbohydrates and had similar composition of sugar components: 300 ml water with sucrose, glucose and fructose (SW; reference), blackcurrant purée with added sugars (BC), a product consisting of the blackcurrant purée and a product base with fermented quinoa (BCP) and the product base without blackcurrant (PB). Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min after eating each test product to analyse the concentrations of glucose, insulin and NEFA. In comparison with the SW, the intake of both the BC and BCP resulted in reduced glucose and insulin concentrations during the first 30 min, a more balanced decline during the first hour and improved glycaemic profile. The BCP induced more efficient effects than the BC due to the product base with fermented quinoa. A rebound of NEFA after the sugar-induced hypoglycaemic response was attenuated at the late postprandial phase by the BC and BCP. In conclusion, we showed that 75 g of blackcurrant and the product with fermented quinoa were able to lower postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia.

Effect of fermentation and dry roasting on the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of quinoa.

BackgroundQuinoa is a pseudocereal with relatively high content of proteins and minerals that also contains mineral inhibitors such as phytate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate lactic acid fermentation and dry roasting on the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of quinoa. Various processes were evaluated, and quinoa grains were dry‐roasted, milled, and fermented, either with or without the addition of wheat phytase or activated quinoa phytase (added as back‐slop starter), for 10 hr. In other processes, raw quinoa flour was fermented for 10 hr or 4 hr and dry‐roasted. Hedonic sensory evaluation was then performed to evaluate the acceptability of the fermented flours prepared as porridges.ResultsThe combined dry roasting and fermentation processes significantly (p < .05) degraded phytate between 30% and 73% from initial content. The most effective process was fermentation of raw quinoa flour followed by dry roasting, which improved the estimated zinc and iron bioavailability. Particularly, estimated zinc bioavailability improved from low (Phy:Zn 25.4, Phy·Zn:Ca 295) to moderate (Phy:Zn 7.14, Phy·Zn:Ca 81.5). Phytate degradation was mainly attributed to the activation of endogenous phytase during fermentation. Dry roasting was effective in improving the sensory attributes of the fermented quinoa flour. Porridge made with raw quinoa flour fermented for 4 hr and dry‐roasted was more favorable to overall acceptability than that which was fermented for 10 hr and dry‐roasted.ConclusionFermentation of quinoa flour for 4 hr followed by dry roasting was successful in improving both nutritional and sensory attributes of the final product.

Effects of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional components and antioxidant properties from quinoa

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) (25℃, 35 days) with three filamentous fungi (Helvella lacunosa X1, Agaricus bisporus AS2796 and Fomitiporia yanbeiensis G1) on the nutrient substance and antioxidant properties of quinoa. As a result, it showed that the nutritional components in fermented - quinoa varied with the starter strains. Among the three starter fungi, AS2796 gave the highest protein contents (28.46 g/100g), which was 2.34 times higher than control (unfermented quinoa); F. G1 gave the lowest values of soluble starch and crude fat (18.46 g/100g and 3.31 g/100g), which were 35.2% and 58.5% lower than that of control, respectively; and H. X1 gave the highest content of reducing sugar (5.62g/100g), which was 5.50 times higher than that of control. The total phenolics of quinoa fermented by AS2796 reached its maximum value (1.38mg/g, 35days), which was 1.97 holds higher than control. According to antioxidant test in vitro of ethanolic extracts of fermented quinoa, it showed that H. X1 gave the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power, F.G1 gave the highest superoxide anion radical scavenging ability. Either the starter strains or fermentation time resulted in a significant change in the antioxidant activities.