Whole Wheat Flour Research Articles

Micronization of wholewheat flour increases iron bioavailability from hydrothermally processed wheat flour dough

Cereal products contribute significantly to dietary intake of essential minerals. In wheat, iron and zinc are stored in specific grain structures including the aleurone, scutellum and embryo. Wheat cell walls are resistant to digestion in the human gastrointestinal tract and therefore this study investigated the hypothesis that physical disruption of the cell walls would increase the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron and zinc from wheat-based foods. Flour was micronized using a combination of roller milling and a micro-mill and this reduced median particle size by two-thirds. Hydrothermally processed wheat flour doughs were subjected to in vitro digestion to determine mineral bioaccessibility. Mineral bioavailability from food digests was measured using human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Iron (but not zinc) bioavailability from wheat foods made using the micronized flour (2.5 ± 0.5 nmol/mg cell protein) was increased significantly compared with foods produced from standard milled flour (1.3 ± 0.1 nmol/mg cell protein; P = 0.031). Micronization of wheat flour has the potential to increase the absorption of the endogenous iron present in cereal foods and this might have health benefits for population groups with poor iron status.

Quality and nutritional attributes of whole einkorn flour and its suitability for fresh noodle production compared to whole wheat flour

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThis study investigated the physicochemical properties, particle size, pasting properties, phenolic acids, carotenoid content, and fresh noodle quality characteristics of whole einkorn flour (WEF) in comparison with whole wheat flour (WWF). Three WEF samples from different cultivation regions in Turkey were analyzed.FindingsThe WEFs exhibited significant variations in all quality characteristics compared to WWF, influenced by different einkorn growing environments. Phenolic acid and carotenoid contents, along with antioxidant activity, were highest in WEF1 and WEF2, highlighting their potential nutritional benefits. Noodles made from WEF3 demonstrated quality equivalent to that of WWF, although their protein content and nutritional value were relatively lower than those of WEF1 and WEF2.ConclusionsThis research demonstrates the potential of WEF for fresh noodle production with quality comparable to WWF. The nutritional value varies by cultivation area, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and growing conditions for optimal results.Significance and NoveltyThis study highlights, for the first time, the nutritional value and quality characteristics of WEF influenced by growing areas, impacting its suitability, equivalent to WWF, for producing fresh noodles.

Role of superfine grinding in whole-purple-wheat flour. Part II: Impacts of size reduction on dough properties, bread quality and in vitro starch digestion

This study aimed to enhance bread functionality while maintaining its organoleptic attributes by employing superfine grinding and purple wheat, through characterizing dough properties, bread quality attributes, and in vitro starch digestibility. Compared with dough made from commercial-superfine-whole-wheat flour, the superfine-whole-purple-wheat dough was less strong, comparably extensible, and higher in gassing power during mixing, moulding and proofing, respectively. The subsequent bread quality analysis of crumb grain features and texture indicated that the bread made from superfine-whole-purple-wheat flour was more porous and softer with a larger specific volume (3.21 ± 0.20 cm3/g) than that made from commercial-superfine-whole-wheat flour (2.30 ± 0.17 cm3/g). Additionally, the superfine-whole-purple-wheat bread had a significantly slower glucose release (k = 0.0048 min−1) during in vitro starch digestion as compared to the superfine-whole-wheat bread (k = 0.0065 min−1). Therefore, this study demonstrates that using superfine-whole-purple-wheat flour leads to bread with desirable quality attributes and potential health benefits compared to conventional whole-wheat flour.

Wheat debranning: effects on mycotoxins, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity.

The debranning process, at an industrial scale, was applied to grains of two wheat cultivars to determine its effect on Fusarium mycotoxin content and antioxidant activity. Grain samples from the BRS Marcante and BRS Reponte wheat cultivars, naturally contaminated by Fusarium, were used in the study. The dry wheat samples were processed on the polisher once or twice and evaluated by hardness index, chemical composition (moisture, protein, and ash), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) levels, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. In the BRS Marcante cultivar, the debranning process only slightly reduced the DON and ZON contents in whole-wheat flours compared with the previous cleaning treatment (no-debranned). In the BRS Reponte cultivar, the DON concentration decreased by 36% at a debranning ratio of 5%, obtained by polishing, compared with prior cleaning treatment (no-debranned). In addition, the polishing reduced the ZON level by 56% compared with the cleaned wheat. The debranning process did not reduce the antioxidant capacity. Therefore, debranning is a suitable technology to obtain safer and healthier food by minimizing the mycotoxin content and retaining antioxidant capacity.

Effect of cellulase and pentosanase with lactic acid bacteria to increase gluten formation and elasticity in whole-wheat dough sheets

Whole-wheat flour (WWF) is highly nutritious. However, bran hinders the development of the gluten network and affects the quality properties of whole-wheat products. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase and pentosanase (Cel/Pn) were used to ferment whole-wheat dough sheets (WWDSs) containing bran with varying particle sizes. The effects of enzyme (Cel/Pn)-assisted Lactobacillus brevis (Lbr) and L. plantarum (Lpl) fermentation on the structural and rheological properties of WWDSs were explored. With decreasing bran particle size (BPS), the glutenin macropolymer (GMP) contents of control, Lbr-Cel/Pn- and Lpl-Cel/Pn-treated sheets increased from 3.66, 1.78 and 1.79 mg/g to 4.29, 3.01 and 3.06 mg/g, respectively. The –SH contents of Lbr-Cel/Pn- and Lpl-Cel/Pn-treated dough sheets with BPS <100 μm decreased by 0.38 and 0.37 μmol/L, respectively, and the extension distance of the Lpl-Cel/Pn-treated sheet increased by 52%. After dual enzyme/bacteria treatment, a more stable microstructure was observed in the dough sheet containing finer bran particles. The dual treatment effectively reduced bran-induced damage to the wheat gluten network. Thus, the dual treatment used in this study could potentially be used to improve the quality of whole-wheat products.

Particle size reduction influences starch and protein functionality, and nutritional quality of stone milled whole wheat flour from hard red spring wheat

Flour particle size (PS) distribution plays a crucial role in determining the functional properties of starch, protein, and influences the nutritional properties, which ultimately is reflected in the end-product quality. For stone-milled whole wheat flour (WWF) bakers often prefer finer PS for improved color and texture, despite this can sometimes negatively affect other quality aspects. Therefore, understanding the contribution of PS reduction on the functional properties of stone-milled WWF is crucial. This study investigated Hard Red Spring (HRS) WWF of which the mean PS was reduced from 151 μm to 117 μm, the possible finest PS by a “Kombi mill type A 500 MSM” stone mill. PS reduction increased starch damage from 6.58% to 6.71%. Also, the amylose content reduced from 31.7% to 29.4%. However, an increase in syneresis, solubility, oil-holding capacity, and peak viscosity was observed. Glutopeak and wet gluten showed an increased gluten strength. Glutenin/gliadin, polymeric/monomeric protein ratios, and percentage of unextractable polymeric protein were increased by 2.10%, 4.11%, and 4.55%, respectively, indicating increased availability of proteins with relatively larger molecular sizes by PS reduction. The relative proportion of glutenin and gliadin subgroups were also changed. Dietary fiber and resistant starch contents were found to be lower. However, the reduction in phytic acid and FODMAPs is considered beneficial. PS reduction ultimately improved bread loaf volume and crumb structure. Overall, PS reduction of WWF by stone-milling brought positive changes to several functional properties of protein and starch and positively improved the dough rheology and end-product quality.

Effect of Different Wheat Sprouting Conditions on the Characteristics of Whole-Wheat Flour.

Controlled sprouting promotes physiological and biochemical changes in whole grains, improves their nutritional value and offers technological advantages for breadmaking as an alternative to traditional whole grains. The aim of this study is to find sprouting conditions for the grains of Klein Valor wheat variety (Triticum aestivum L.) that would increase the nutritional value without significantly affecting the gluten proteins, which are essential in wholegrain baked goods. The chemical and nutritional composition, enzymatic activity and pasting properties of the suspensions of unsprouted and sprouted whole-wheat flour were evaluated. This bioprocess allowed us to obtain sprouted whole-wheat flour with different degrees of modification in its chemical composition. Sprouting at 25 °C resulted in an observable increase in enzymatic activity and metabolic processes, particularly α-amylases, which significantly affect the starch matrix and the associated pasting properties. Additionally, there was a smaller but still notable effect on the structure of the cell walls and the protein matrix due to the activation of endoxylanases and proteases. In contrast, sprouting at 15 and 20 °C for 24 h allowed for better process control as it resulted in nutritional improvements such as a higher content of free amino acid groups, free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, as well as a lower content of phytates. In addition, it provided techno-functional advantages due to the moderate activation of α-amylase and xylanase. A moderate decrease in peak viscosity of sprouted whole-wheat flour suspensions was observed compared to the control flour, while protein degradation was not significantly prolonged. Sprouted whole-wheat flour obtained under milder sprouting conditions with moderate enzymatic activity could be a promising and interesting ingredient for wholegrain baked goods with improved nutritional values and techno-functional properties. This approach could avoid the use of conventional flour improvers and thus have a positive impact on consumer acceptance and enable the labelling of the product with a clean label.

Towards sustainable upcycling of side streams of purple bread wheat using dry fractionation: Enhancing bioactive compounds and reducing harmful elements

Side streams from milling result in significant food wastage. While highly nutritious, their harmful elements raise concerns. To repurpose these side streams safely, this study designed a dry fractionation technique for anthocyanin-rich purple bread wheat. Four fractions - from inner to outer layers: flour, middlings, shorts and bran – alongside whole-wheat flour were obtained and examined by microstructure, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin profiles, and essential and harmful minerals. Across the four investigated cultivars, both anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity increased from inner to outer layers. In comparison to flour, cyanidin-3-glucoside concentrations in middlings, shorts and bran were 2–5 times, 3–9 times, and 6–19 times, respectively. Concentrations of Cr, Ni, Sr and Ba progressively increased from inner to outer layers, Pb and Se exhibited uniform distribution, while Al was more concentrated in inner layers. These findings indicate that the fractionation technique is effective in deriving valuable ingredients from underexploited side streams, especially bran.

The combined effects of weather conditions and fertilization on wheat fiber to protein ratio and on dough quality

Owing to the increasing role of fiber-rich wholegrain products in food preparation, it is necessary to determine the optimal ratio of protein to fiber in wholewheat flour. The effects of organic and mineral N fertilizers on the protein content (PC) and total content of arabinoxylans and β-glucans (AX+BG) and their ratio (PC:AX+BG) were investigated here. The effect of this ratio on the dough quality of winter wheat ‘Fredis’ was evaluated. The field experiment was conducted at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in 2014‒2017. The results showed that the total amount of AX+BG was significantly affected only by weather conditions (air temperature and precipitation). Higher total AX+BG was associated with higher water absorption capacity, longer dough development time, and a higher quality number of the dough. Better dough quality indicators were obtained when the PC:AX+BG ratio was in the range of 2‒2.2:1. The value of the PC:AX+BG ratio depended more on fiber content than on PC, because the variation in fiber values between trial years was up to three times greater than that of PC. Better dough quality was obtained from N treatments with higher organic and mineral N amounts and in years with lower or average grain yield.

Inactivation of lipase and lipoxygenase in whole wheat flour using atmospheric cold plasma and steam treatments: Kinetics, mechanism, and impact on its compositional properties

This study aims to utilize two separate techniques, viz., atmospheric cold plasma (voltage: 5–25 kV; time: 1–10 min) and steam treatments (at 100 °C for 1–4 min), to inactivate lipase and lipoxygenase in whole wheat flour (WWF) and assess the impact on its compositional properties. The cold plasma exposure of WWF at 25 kV/6 min resulted in 97.5% and 100% inactivation in lipase and lipoxygenase activity, respectively, whereas corresponding inactivation values after the steam treatment (100 °C/4 min) were 90.6% and 99.7%. The inactivation order (n) of lipase and lipoxygenase during cold plasma treatment was 1.2 and 1.0, respectively. In the optical emission spectra of cold plasma-induced air, the band heads within 328–426 nm confirmed the transition between various reactive nitrogen species (second positive, first negative, second positive, and mono-positive systems). The band-head for OH radicals was recorded at 314 nm. The oxygen molecular band at 739 nm and singlet oxygen transition line at 778 nm were also observed. The cold plasma and steam treatments resulted in a more random coil in lipase's secondary structure. The cold plasma treatment at 25 kV/6 min didn't impact the particle size, density, color profile, and proximate composition of the flour.

Effects of whole wheat flour on frozen dough and steamed bread during freeze-thaw cycles

The research on Chinese steamed bread (CSB) with whole wheat flour (WWF) is limited and has not been discussed during freeze-thaw. This study investigated the effects of WWF addition on the dough and CSB quality during freeze-thaw cycles. The results of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and dynamic rheological properties demonstrated that the WWF reduced the adverse changes of freeze-thaw treatment on the dough. Characteristics, texture, and cross section analysis of CSB showed that WWF (20%) could relatively maximize stability. To study the mechanism, arabinoxylan (AX) and water-extractable arabinoxylan (WEAX) from WWF were added to dough. Consistent with WWF, it was found that they could improve freeze-thaw tolerance of frozen dough and CSB. Meanwhile, WEAX (1.12%) could better increase quality and freeze-thaw tolerance of CSB. The results presented in the study indicate that the anti-freeze-thaw effects of WWF could be attributed to AX and WEAX.

Physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional and bioactive constituents, in vitro digestibility, and techno-functional properties of bioprocessed whole wheat flour.

This study investigated the impact of bioprocessing techniques (germination, solid-state fermentation, the combination of germination, and solid-state fermentation) on the physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional and bioactive constituents, in vitro digestibility, and techno-functional properties of whole wheat grains were investigated. Bioprocessed whole wheat flour (WWF) samples and the raw flour (control) were prepared using standard procedures. Proximate, anti-nutritional, mineral and amino acid (AA) compositions, protein digestibility, antioxidant activities, starch characteristics, and techno-functional properties were studied using standard methods. The bioprocessing methods increased (p≤0.05) the protein (13.37-16.84g/100g), total dietary fiber, mineral constituents, resistant starch (7.19-9.87g/100g), slowly digestible starch, phenolic content, antioxidant activities (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity), most AAs, and protein digestibility. Also observed were decreases (p≤0.05) in rapidly digestible starch, phytic acid, tannin, and trypsin inhibitor activity. The adopted bioprocessing techniques modified the thermal, functional, color, and pasting properties of the WWF and resulted in molecular interactions in some functional groups, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, compared to the raw flour. The combination of germination and fermentation improved the physicochemical (titratable acidity=4.93%), protein (16.84/100g) and starch digestibility (resistant starch=9.87%), antioxidant (FRAP=78.90mg/GAE/100g), and mineral contents (calcium=195.28mg/100g), modified the pasting (peak viscosity=90.34 RVU), thermal (peak temperature=64.82°C), and color properties of WWF with reduced anti-nutritional factors. The combination of these processing techniques could serve as a natural and low-cost technique for the modification of whole wheat functionality and subsequently as an improved functional ingredient during food product development.

Phenolic compounds in purple whole-wheat flour and bread: Comparative analysis

Whole-wheat flour of purple wheat varieties contains anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity, which makes it a potential raw material for functional foods. The content and composition of phenolic compounds in whole-wheat flour depends on the genotype and weather conditions; in the bread, however, they also depend on the bread-making technology. This article offers a comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in purple whole-wheat flour and bread baked from this flour.&#x0D; The study featured purple soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of two varieties, Nadira and Line 193, which were harvested in 2016 and 2017, and corresponding bread samples. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content were measured spectrophotometrically while the qualitative analysis relied on the method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). &#x0D; In the hot and dry year of 2016, the content of bound phenolic acids reached 2.0–2.4 mg/g dry weight in the flour of both genotypes. In the cool and humid year of 2017, the content of anthocyanins in the Nadira flour increased by 2.7 times and amounted to 0.65 mg/g dry weight. However, the corresponding bread sample had a much lower phenolic content: soluble phenolics were halved, anthocyanins dropped by 3–4 times, and bound phenolic acids went down by 7–17 times. The content of bound phenolic acids in the flour correlated positively with the content of free phenolic acids in the bread. The HPLC analysis revealed an increase in the content of free hydroxycinnamic acids in the bread: p-coumaric acid was the most abundant and amounted to 0.14–0.22 mg/g dry weight.&#x0D; Conventional State Standard 27669-88 for bread making resulted in a total decrease in anthocyanins, bound phenolic acids, and most free phenolics. Therefore, this technology cannot be applied to functional bread. The results can help develop a breadmaking technology for purple wheat varieties.

Development of Low Glycemic Index Pancakes Formulated with Canary Seed (Phalaris Canariensis) Flour.

Consumers prefer food products that, in addition to nutritional properties, also have effects beneficial to health. Non-conventional food plants such as canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) constitute an alternative in the food industry due to nutritional properties, chemical, and bioactive potential. The aim of this research was to develop pancake formulations with the inclusion of canary seed flour to evaluate their proximate composition, overall score, taste and texture sensory acceptability, and glycemic index. Pancakes based on whole-wheat flour mixed with canary seed flour were developed at four substitution levels (control 0, 10, 30, and 50%). The formulations exhibited attractive nutritional properties, mainly due to the levels of protein (~ 8.7%), minerals (~ 5.1%), and total dietary fiber (4.7-5.9%). The overall score and taste showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between the formulations. The flours with 10 and 30% showed high sensory acceptability with scores of 6.22 and 6.67 respect to 7-point hedonic scale, between the categories "I like it" and "I like it a lot". All formulations presented a low glycemic index (34-39%) that was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) as the level of substitution increased. The findings represent a new approach to the use of canary seed in the development of healthy food products.

Modeling the Influence of Pearl Millet on High‐Fiber Bread: An Investigation into Nutrition, Microstructure, Thermal Stability, Crystallinity, Rheology, and Glycemic Response

AbstractThis study aims to optimize the formula for whole pearl millet flour (WPMF) high‐fiber bread using a central composite rotatable design‐response surface methodology (CCRD‐RSM). Whole pearl millet flour (WPMF), whole wheat flour (WWF), and gluten powder (GP) are chosen as independent factors, with a tested range set for each factor. Twenty blends of WPMF (9.65–85.34 g), WWF (16.47–58.52 g), and GP (1.31–4.68 g) are used. The analysis is based on textural characteristics, overall acceptability, and crumb color. Results show that increasing the WPMF level in bread increase the firmness, gumminess, chewiness, and a* and b* color values. It decreases the crumb cohesiveness, resilience, and overall acceptability. The optimized WPMF high fiber bread formula is 63.17 g WPMF, 50 g WWF, and 3.92 g GP, and can be claimed as clean label bread as no preservatives are added. The optimized WPMF high‐fiber bread shows enhanced nutritional, microstructural, rheological, and crystallinity characteristics. The claim for high‐fiber bread seems justified with fiber content (8.67%). The low estimated glycemic index 33 falls under the category of low GI foods, making it suitable to manage diabetes.

In vitro digestibility of starch and protein in cooked wheat and oat whole flours: A comparative study

Whole grains have garnered significant attention in the food industry due to their retained abundant nutrients when compared to refined grains. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the digestive behavior of starch and protein. This study compared the physicochemical properties and in vitro starch and protein digestibility of cooked whole wheat flour (WF) and naked oat flour (NOF), and evaluated the impact of endogenous components (protein, lipid, β-glucan, and polyphenol) on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of WF and NOF. The result indicated that the final hydrolysis rate of WF samples (starch: 23.2 %∼46.3 %; protein: 23.1 %∼63.0 %) was lower than that of NOF samples (starch: 32.1 %∼61.0 %; protein: 32.3 %∼63.6 %). The removal of different endogenous components led to improved digestibility of starch and protein in both WF and NOF. This study contributes to the understanding of the starch and protein digestibility of whole grains, consequently facilitating the development of whole grain products.

Nutritional Quality, Amino Acid Profile and Phytochemicals of High Protein-fibre Cookies Produced from Whole Wheat, Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato, Defatted Peanut and Rice Bran Composite Flour

This study evaluated the nutritional qualities of cookies from whole wheat (WW), orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), defatted peanut (DPN) and rice bran (RB) composite flour. The flours (WPRG 1, 2 and 3) were formulated at different ratios (5.00-37.50%) and 100% WW flour (as control). The improved protein (13.54 ̵ 18.91%) and fibre (2.96 ̵ 8.65%) of the cookies depicted the positive inclusion of OFSP, DPN and RB flours. However, the essential minerals were significantly (p≤0.05) high in the composite cookies with no traces of heavy metals. Besides, the hydrophobic amino acids (24.10 ̵ 28.91%) and biological value (74.07 ̵ 89.77%) of the cookies showcased their potential bio-availability in some cardio-disease management. Their phenol (100.28-220.35 mg/100g) and tannin (53.40-76.50 mg/100 g) contents significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced their antioxidative power. The cookies produced from 56.25% WW, 18.75% OFSP, 5% RB and 20% DPN composite flour were mostly preferred by the consumers’ ratings. Finally, the added peanut and rice bran flours showed no significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on the physical properties, acceptability and preference of the cookie samples. Hence, we conclude that it is possible to produce better and high nutritional (protein, fibre, etc.) cookies from whole wheat, OFSP, defatted peanut and rice bran composite flours.

A Study of a New Certified Reference Material for Accurate Determination of the Main Fusarium Mycotoxins in Whole-Wheat Flour.

Matrix certified reference materials (CRMs) play a critical role in analytical method validation and the assurance of reliable measurement results. A certified reference material (GBW(E)100813) for whole-wheat flour was developed to ensure an accurate and reliable measurement of the main Fusarium mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3G), and zearalenone (ZEN)). CRM candidates were prepared using sun-drying, grinding, sieving, homogenising, packaging, and gamma irradiation. The final produced CRM was packaged at 50 g per unit and stored at 20 °C. Certification was performed using isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CRM characterization was performed in eight laboratories in accordance with the requirements of ISO Guide 35. The certified values and expanded uncertainties (at a confidence of 95%, k = 2) for DON, NIV, DON-3G, and ZEN were determined to be 0.98 ± 0.12 mg/kg, 1.37 ± 0.20 mg/kg, 242 ± 35 μg/g, and 382 ± 50 μg/g. The CRM was sufficiently homogeneous between and within bottles, and remained stable for up to 12 months at 20 °C and 9 days below 40 °C for transportation. Thus, CRM can be used for quality control and method validation to ensure the accurate and reliable quantification of the main Fusarium mycotoxins in whole-wheat flour.

Classification of different types of flours available in the Romanian market based on the nutrition content

Abstract Flour is one of the most widely used products typically derived from wheat, corn, and rye and is classified based on its nutrition content. The present study aimed to identify and classify the different types of flour (wheat, rye, maize) commercially available in Romania. The market research covered eight types of flour available on the Romanian market: 1. Wheat Flour 000 (N-19), 2. Wheat Flour 550 (N-11), 3. Wheat Flour 650 (N-13), 4. Whole-Wheat Flour (N-15), 5. Durum Wheat Flour (N-8), 6. Spelt Wheat Flour (N-8), 7. Rye Flour (N-15), and 8. Maize Flour (N-23). The classification was carried out by analysing the most important parameters: energy, protein, fat, saturated fatty acid, carbohydrate, sugar, and dietary fibre content, using different statistical methods: descriptive statistics, box plot, hierarchical cluster, and surface radar analysis. The results revealed that white wheat flour represented more than 50% of the analysed samples, and significant differences were found between the tested types of flour. In addition, white wheat flour is characterized with lower dietary fibre, fat and protein content, but it has higher energy content and carbohydrate content. In contrast, whole meal, durum, spelt, and rye flours are characterized by lower carbohydrate and higher fibre and fat content. The hierarchical cluster analysis showed that, on the basis of nutritional similarities and differences, the flours studied in Romania can be grouped into three distinct clusters.

Influence of Poaceae flours on the empirical rheology, processing, quality characteristics of pizza base and digestibility studies

SummaryThe study focused on utilising the flours of the Poaceae family to replace whole wheat flour (WWF) in pizza. The millet blend (MB) was prepared using finger millet and pearl millet flours and mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The WWF was replaced with MB at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% levels and studied its effect on empirical rheology, technical aspects of processing, micro‐structural and nutritional characteristics of pizza base (PB). The incorporation of MB to WWF significantly diminished the water absorption capacity (80–40%) and increased the dough development time (4.27–14.37 min) and stability (2.35–11.07). Starch pasting studies indicated that with the incorporation of MB, the gelatinization temperature increased (63.6–76.3 °C), and all the other viscosity parameters decreased with the incorporation of MB. Texture profile studies showed that the hardness of the PB increased and lost visco‐elastic properties due to the presence of MB. The sensory score indicated that up to 50% incorporation of MB was acceptable, with a 7.5 (MBPB) score. The protein matrix was disrupted, and starch granules leached out due to MB addition. The results of nutritional studies revealed a significant increase in ash (2.01–2.73%), dietary fibre (9.40–11.19), protein (4.96–6.88%) and in‐vitro protein digestibility (41.77–49.80), and decrease in in‐vitro starch digestibility (28.41–17.97%) and estimated glycemic index (59–56) values in MBPB indicating the benefits of utilising millet flours in the new generation foods such as pizza bases for diversification.