Whole Wheat Flour Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of Nutritionally Superior Baked Products Containing Flaxseed

2 Abstract: The unleavened flat breads were prepared from Whole Wheat Flour (WWF) fortified with 16% Partially Defatted Flaxseed Flour (PDF) and 12% full fat flaxseed flour. Similarly Straight Grade Flour (SGF) used for the production of pan bread was fortified with both 12% PDF and FFF. The resultant unleavened flat breads and pan breads were analyzed for their dietary fiber, amino acid and fatty acid profile. The unleavened flat breads and breads prepared from both PDF and FFF supplemented composite flours yielded significantly higher contents of soluble, non soluble and total dietary fibers. Unleavened flat breads possessed higher dietary fiber content than those of breads. The unleavened flat breads prepared from 16% PDF supplemented WWF possessed significantly the highest content of isoleucine (1.16 g/100 g flour) and the lowest isoleucine content (0.45 g/100 g flour) was found in breads prepared from control flour (100% SGF). The results indicated that contents of all the tested essential amino acids were improved substantially by the supplementation of PDF and FFF in the wheat flours. Unleavened flat breads containing 12% FFF possessed the highest content of palmitic (0.595%) and stearic acid (0.152%). The results further indicate that an excellent ratio of linoleic acid over linolenic existed in the unleavened flat breads and breads prepared from full fat flaxseed supplemented composite flours.

Evaluation of the nutritional and sensory quality of functional breads produced from whole wheat and soya bean flour blends

The use of whole wheat and soybean flour blends in the production of functional breads was studied. The flour blends of whole wheat and soybean were composites at replacement levels of 10, 20, 30 and 40% while the whole wheat flour bread (sample A) served as control. The proximate composition of the various flour blends used for the preparation of the breads were determined using standard methods. The bread loaves were produced using the straight-dough procedure and were subsequently evaluated for their nutritional composition and sensory attributes. The physico-chemical analyses results obtained showed an increase in the range of 11.0% for moisture, 4.37% for protein, 2.40% for fat, 2.35% for crude fibre, 0.85% for ash and a decrease in carbohydrate and energy contents by 20.92 and 44.60% respectively. There was also a decrease in bread volume and dough expansion by 64.50 and 13.0% respectively, with progressive inclusion of the soybean flour. The sensory analysis showed that there was no significant difference observed between the whole wheat bread and the soy bread samples in the sensory attributes of crust colour and crumb appearance, While significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in texture, flavour and overall preference respectively. It was concluded that a substitution of 10% soy flour into wheat flour gave the bread with the best overall quality acceptability. Key words: Whole wheat, soybeans, composite flour, functional bread, physico-chemical composition, sensory attributes.

Dietary Modeling Shows that Substitution of Whole-Grain for Refined-Grain Ingredients of Foods Commonly Consumed by US Children and Teens Can Increase Intake of Whole Grains

Background Currently available whole-grain foods are not frequently consumed, and few children achieve the whole-grain intake recommendation. Objective To investigate the influence on whole-grain consumption of substituting whole-grain for refined-grain ingredients of foods commonly consumed by children. Design Secondary cross-sectional analysis of publicly available food consumption data collected by the US Department of Agriculture. Participants/setting A nationally representative sample of US children aged 9 to 18 years (n=2,349) providing 24-hour dietary recall data in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Main outcome measures Whole-grain intake was modeled by replacing varying proportions of refined flour contained in foods such as pizza crust, pasta, breads, and other baked goods with whole-wheat flour, and by replacing a proportion of white rice with brown rice. Replacement levels were based on the acceptability of whole-grain foods tested among children in elementary schools, and ranged from 15% to 50%; the majority were ≤25%. Statistical analyses performed Sample-weighted mean premodeled and postmodeled whole-grain intake, standard errors, and statistical significance of differences between demographic subgroups were determined using SUDAAN (version 9.0.3, 2007, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC). Result Whole-grain intake increased 1.7 oz eq per day (from 0.5 to 2.2 oz eq/day). Premodeled and postmodeled whole-grain intakes were 6% and 28%, respectively, of total grain intake (7.7 oz eq/day). Major sources of postmodeled whole-grain intakes were breads/rolls (28.0%); pizza (14.2%); breakfast cereals (11.0%); rice/pasta (10.6%); quick breads such as tortillas, muffins, and waffles (10.8%); other baked goods (9.9%); and grain-based savory snacks other than popcorn (7.3%). Premodeled whole-grain intake differed by poverty level, but postmodeled whole-grain intake did not. Conclusions The substitution of whole grain for a specific proportion of refined grain ingredients of commonly consumed foods increased whole-grain intake and reduced disparities between demographic subgroups of children and teens.

Acceptance of Two US Department of Agriculture Commodity Whole-Grain Products: A School-Based Study in Texas and Minnesota

Whole-grain intake among children and adolescents is below national recommendations, prompting efforts to increase intake in schools. The purpose of this study was to compare the acceptance of whole-grain pancakes and tortillas to refined grain counterparts when served as part of the school meal. Data were collected at 10 schools in Minnesota and seven schools in Texas during the Spring and Fall semesters of 2009. Three pancake and two tortilla products of varying red or white whole-wheat flour content were each served an average of four times per school. Aggregate plate waste was collected and percent consumption used to assess acceptance. Students rated each product on overall liking, taste, color, and softness on 5-point (elementary schools) or 9-point hedonic scales (middle and high schools). Analysis of covariance was used to compare intake and rating scores of all products. For all children, intake of whole-grain products was substantial (percent consumption ranging from 67% to 75%). No differences were noted in consumption of whole-wheat pancakes compared to refined wheat pancakes, while consumption of whole-wheat tortillas was lower than refined products. In elementary schools, overall liking scores of pancakes made with red whole-wheat and both types of whole-wheat tortillas were lower than refined products. However, in middle and high schools, overall liking scores of 100% red whole-wheat pancakes and 66% white whole-wheat tortillas were similar to refined products. Substituting refined grain with whole-grain options represents a viable approach to increasing consumption of whole-grain products in schools.

Comparison of autoclave, microwave, IR and UV-C stabilization of whole wheat flour branny fractions upon the nutritional properties of whole wheat bread

In this study, whole wheat bread (WWB) prepared by whole wheat flour (WWF) which its branny fraction (35 ± 1% w/w whole flour) previously was stabilized with different processes. Branny fractions obtained by milling of two different Bezostaja-1 wheat samples (medium and high strong) at 65 ± 1% wheat flour extraction ratio. These fractions were stabilized using autoclave (AU), microwave (MW), infrared (IR) and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) methods. Then, WWF obtained by remixing of stabilized branny fraction (35 ± 1% w/w) and wheat flour (65 ± 1% w/w) of same wheat samples. Following this process, WWB was made from WWF. WWB were analyzed to determine their nutritional properties as crude protein, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), phytic acid content, total and HCl-extractable mineral concentrations, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and total dietary fiber (TDF). While IVPD, TPC and antioxidant activity of WWB increased together with all stabilization methods, a significant (P < 0.05) loss was observed on phytic acid content of the WWB. Especially, UV-C and IR treatments had positive effects on TPC and antioxidant activity. AU and MW stabilization methods increased total mineral and HCl-extractable minerals of WWB. As a result of this study, all stabilization processes had an improving effect on nutritional characteristic of WWB.

Color of Whole‐Wheat Foods Prepared from a Bright‐White Hard Winter Wheat and the Phenolic Acids in Its Coarse Bran

The color of wheat kernels often impacts the color and thereby the value of wheat-based foods. A line of hard white winter wheat (B-W HW) with bright appearing kernels has been developed at the Kansas State Agricultural Research Center. The objective of this study was to compare the color of several foods made from the B-W HW wheat with those of 2 hard white wheat cultivars, Trego and Lakin. The B-W HW kernels showed higher lightness (L*, 57.6) than Trego (55.5) and Lakin (56.8), and the increased lightness was carried over to its bran and whole-wheat flour. Alkaline noodle and bread crumb made from the B-W HW whole-wheat flour showed slightly higher lightness (L*) than those made from Trego and Lakin. The sum of soluble and bound phenolics extracted from the 3 wheat brans, which had not been preextracted to remove lipids, was found to be 17.22 to 18.98 mg/g. The soluble phenolic acids in the brans were principally vanillic, ferulic, and syringic. The bound phenolic acids in the brans were dominated by ferulic, which accounted for 50.1% to 82.2% of total identified bound phenolic acids. Other bound phenolic acids were protocatechuic, caffeic, syringic, trans-cinnamic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, and vanillic. The lightness (L*) values of coarse wheat brans correlated positively with their levels of bound protocatechuic (r = 0.72, P < 0.01) and p-hydroxybenzoic acids (r = 0.75, P < 0.01).

Value addition of traditional wheat flour vermicelli.

Vermicelli is a product prepared by using whole or refined wheat flour. Hard dough is prepared, extruded and dried in the sun. Since wheat flour is deficient in lysine, one of the essential amino acids, the protein quality remains poor. Refining of wheat further reduces nutritional quality. Therefore value addition of vermicelli is of prime importance to improve nutrient content and to save its delicacy. Secondly, use of value added convenient/processed foods can be a solution to the problem of supplementary feeding and under nutrition Gernah et al. (Am J Food Technol 6:404-412, 2011). Three variations of vermicelli were prepared using whole wheat flour (WWF); malted wheat flour (MWF); malted wheat flour, green gram, spinach and sago (MGSS). A spice mix containing powders of tomato, coriander, chillies, turmeric, salt, raw mango powder, black pepper, cloves and asafetida was also prepared. Results revealed that the overall acceptability scores for WWF, MWF and MGSS were 7.3 ± 6.13, 6.5 ± 0.06 and 8.1 ± 0.01 on 9 point hedonic scale. MGSS vermicelli was most acceptable by the panel members than the other counterparts. WWF, MWF and MGSS contained moisture 6.9 to 7.7%, protein 9.3 to 13.5%, fat 1.2-2.7%, ash 2.9 to 5.8%, crude fibre 2.2 to 2.4%, carbohydrates 69.8 to 75.2% and energy 344 to 362kcal/100g respectively. MGSS vermicelli was highest in protein content (13.5%) while energy content was high in WWF. MWF vermicelli had highest amount of total (8.91%), reducing (2.41%) and non-reducing sugars (6.57%). Quality of protein was improved by mutual supplementation of amino acid. Regarding minerals, higher contents of sodium (100mg), calcium (30mg), iron (5.9mg), zinc (1.4mg) were found in MGSS. Vermicelli could be safely stored for 2months period at room temperature (25-30°C).

Development of ready-to-fry frozen vegetable snack and its quality evaluation.

A formulation for the development of a crispy texture of crust in vegetable snack after freezing and frying was standardized using different flours such as whole-wheat flour (WWF), refined wheat flour (RWF), rice flour (RF) and semolina (S). Formulation with 60% WWF, 20% RWF, 10% RF and 10% S was selected based on sensory characteristics (overall acceptability >7.8). Incorporation of RF significantly (P < 0.05) changed the texture of the raw snack as indicated by texture profile analysis. Higher levels of rice flour resulted in whitish color in raw as well as fried snacks. However, the cooking time was more in the snacks fried directly from the frozen state (6.18min) than the frozen-thawed fried snack (4.35min). Quality of the snacks in terms of color values, appearance and texture was found to be superior to the thawed fried snack. During frozen storage of 16months at -20 ± 1°C, the overall acceptability (OAA) and lightness was found to be decreased from the original value. Rancidity parameters in terms of free fatty acids, peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid showed a restricted rise with the progression of storage period. The developed frozen snack was found to be microbiologically safe during the storage period.

Effect of multigrains on rheological, microstructural and quality characteristics of north Indian parotta – An Indian flat bread

Effect of replacement of whole-wheat flour with multigrain blend, MGB (chick pea split without husk, barley, soya bean and fenugreek seeds) at 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/100 g on rheological characteristics of whole-wheat flour and quality of north Indian parotta (NIP) making was studied. Use of increasing amount of MGB from 0 to 40 g/100 g increased farinograph water absorption, decreased dough stability, extensograph resistance to extension, extensibility, amylograph peak viscosity and overall quality score of NIP from 53 to 38 for the maximum score of 60. Use of combination of dry gluten powder, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose separately and in combination significantly improved the overall quality of NIP with 30 g/100 g MGB. Addition of multigrains increased the protein, fat, dietary fiber and mineral contents of north Indian parotta.

High molecular weight barley β-glucan decreases particle breakdown in chapattis (Indian flat breads) during in vitro digestion

Abstract The influence of high molecular weight barley β-glucan on particle breakdown in chapattis during in vitro starch digestion was investigated in this study. Chapattis with 0%, 4% and 8% β-glucan were prepared by mixing whole-wheat flour with commercially available β-glucan enriched barley flour (Barley Balance™). There was an inverse relation between the rate of in vitro starch digestion and amount of β-glucan in chapattis . The rate of starch digestion was influenced by the ability of chapattis to resist particle breakdown. Viscosity of the digests increased with increase in amount of β-glucan in the chapatti samples and this effect was more pronounced in the absence of pancreatin. It may be concluded that this increase in viscosity and the putative increase in undigested chapatti fragments resulting from the presence of β-glucan therein might have reduced the rate of in vitro starch digestion.

Studies on Polyphenol Oxidase Activity of Heat Stabilized Whole Wheat Flour and its Chapatti Making Quality

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of whole-wheat flour (WWF) as well as its chapatti making quality. Whole wheat flour samples were heat treated through various means such as (i) dipping in boiling water (BW) for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min; (ii) inpack heating under pressure (PH) at 0.352 kg/cm2 for 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 min; (iii) microwave heat treatment (MW) at 900 Watt, 2450 MHz for 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 s. Studies showed that the heat treatment effectively reduced PPO level in whole wheat flour; although, it had adverse effect on the dough-making quality. Based on textural analysis of dough and chapatti as well as sensory scores of chapatti, the conditions for each of the treatments were optimized, i.e., (i) Dipping in boiling water (BW) for 30 min; (ii) inpack heating under pressure (PH) at 0.352 kg/cm2 for 10 min; and (iii) microwave heating (MW) for 80 s. A maximum reduction (71.2%) in PPO activity of WWF using microwave treatment could be achieved followed by PH (56.9%) and BW (38.3%). The changes in colour of unbaked chapattis (flattened circular dough, diameter 150.0 mm and thickness 2.0 mm) and changes in quality of baked chapattis were measured to assess the effectiveness of the heat treatment. The L-value (lightness) decreased from 65.2 to 55.8, 65.7 to 58.3, 65.9 to 61.4, and 64.8 to 49.1 in case of BW, PH, MW treated, and control samples, respectively during the 72 h of storage under refrigeration temperature (5–6°C).

Effect of food matrix on amandin, almond ( Prunus dulcis L.) major protein, immunorecognition and recovery

Amandin, the primary storage protein in almonds, contains key polypeptides recognized by almond-allergic patients. A variety of food matrices representing diverse categories of foods were analyzed to assess the effect of food matrix on amandin recognition and recovery using rabbit polyclonal antibody based immunoassays. Food matrices from dairy, nuts, and vegetables typically resulted in over-estimation of amandin. Some foods representing legumes and cereals resulted in over-estimation while others in under-estimation of amandin. The amandin recovery range was 116–198 μg/100μg (dairy) 110–292 μg/100μg (tree nuts), 43–304 μg/100μg (legumes), 106–183 μg/100μg (most cereals- with the exception of barley, whole-wheat flour, wild rice and raisin bran whole mix). Amandin recovery from spices was typically low (2–85 μg/100μg) with a few exceptions where higher recoveries were observed (121–334 μg/100μg). Salt (black and white), tea, confectionery (sugar, cocoa, dark chocolate), and fruits (1–83 μg/100μg) generally resulted in lower recoveries. Tested food matrices did not adversely affect amandin immunorecognition in Western blots. The pH and the extraction buffer type affected amandin recovery. The results suggest that food matrix effects as well as extraction conditions need to be carefully evaluated when developing immunoassays for amandin detection and quantification.

Quality Evaluation of Different Wheat Varieties for the Production of Unleavened Flat Bread (Chapatti)

Seven wheat varieties i.e. Inqulab 91, Bhakkar 2002, AS 2002, Shafaq 2006, Sehar 2006, Auqab 2000 and GA 2002 collected from different locations of Punjab were subjected to physicochemical, rheological and sensory analysis to determine their suitability for chapatti preparation during 2006-2008. The quality parameters studied were test weight, 1000 kernel weight, foreign matter, broken/shrunken, damaged grains, moisture, ash, protein, wet and dry gluten, falling number and farinographic properties. Chapattis were prepared from whole-wheat flours and evaluated for colour, taste, flavor, texture, chewing ability, folding ability and overall acceptability. Shafaq 2006 had the maximum test weight (81 kg/hl) thousand kernel weight (41.50 g) and minimum non-edible foreign matter (0.24%), moisture (9.11%) and protein (11.53%) Auqab 2000 had the highest other damaged grains (0.79%), lowest falling number (374) and tolerance index (25 BU) whereas Sehar-2006 had the highest protein (12.78%), wet gluten (29.59%), dry gluten (10.20%), dough development time (5.50 min) and lowest edible foreign matter (0.37%), broken/shrunken grains (0.70%) and softening of dough (43.33 BU). Chapattis prepared from AS 2002 were ranked highest and more acceptable than others. The comparison of studied quality parameters of wheat varieties with Pakistan standard specifications revealed good quality wheat.

Effect of Guar Gum on Dough Stickiness and Staling in Chapatti-An Indian Unleavened Flat Bread

Chapatti, Indian unleavened flat bread made of whole-wheat flour, is traditionally prepared in households by hand sheeting of dough followed by baking on hot griddle and is consumed fresh. Investigations were made to study the effect of guar gum on whole wheat chapatti dough stickiness and its effect on staling of chapatti during storage. Guar gum was incorporated at various levels ranging between 0.25-1.0% w/w of whole wheat flour. Chapatti dough was prepared and evaluated for dough stickiness using Chen-Hoseney dough stickiness probe. Chapattis were prepared and monitored for staling parameters such as water soluble starch (WSS), moisture content, in vitro enzyme digestibility (IVED), extensibility and tear force, both when fresh and after storage for three days at room temperature (30±2 °C) and refrigerated temperature (4±1 °C). From the study it was observed that guar gum prevented staling in chapattis as was monitored through various parameters. Moisture, WSS, IVED content in guar gum incorporated chapatti was higher than the control chapatti. The force required to tear fresh chapattis was decreased with hydrocolloid addition however guar gum addition at 0.75% w/w of whole wheat flour gave the softest chapatti. Extensibility of stored chapatti was significantly decreased with storage, both at room and refrigeration temperature. However, refrigerated chapatti containing guar gum showed less loss in extensibility, up to a period of three days.

Effect of flour type on Maillard reaction and acrylamide formation during toasting of bread crisp model systems and mitigation strategies

Abstract Maillard reaction along with caramelisation are the main chemical reactions occurring in bakery products. They are referred to as non enzymatic browning. In this work, the effect of flour type (wheat, rye and whole-wheat flours) and process conditions were investigated by using a bread crisp model system made up of flour, water and yeast. The bread was toasted at different temperature for different times. In a second set of experiments several additives (glycine, 0.1% on flour; asparaginase, 2000 U kg −1 of flour and an antioxidant extract from green tea) were added to the basic formulations in order to test their ability in reducing the formation of potentially harmful Maillard reaction compounds such as HMF and acrylamide. Browning development and water content along with antioxidant activity were also monitored. Rye model systems produced more HMF and acrylamide at all temperature tested, while wholewheat systems produced less HMF, but more acrylamide than wheat one. The addition of glycine was effective in reducing acrylamide formation, and it increased browning development, antioxidant activity and HMF formation. Asparaginase reduced acrylamide formation up to 88% and had no effect on browning development and antioxidant activity. The addition of exogenous antioxidant compounds from green tea did not produce clear effect on acrylamide formation, thus it was not useful as mitigation strategy in bakery products, likely because of the low fat content.

Phytate and mineral elements concentration in a collection of Italian durum wheat cultivars

Mineral deficiencies are prevalent in human populations and the improvement of the mineral content in cereal products represents a possible strategy to increase the human mineral intake. Nevertheless, most of the inorganic phosphorus (P i) present in mature cereal seeds (40–80%) is stored as phytate, an anti-nutritional factor that forms complexes with minerals such as Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe reducing their bioavailability. The present study was undertaken: (i) to determine the variation in phytate and mineral concentrations in the whole grains of 84 Italian durum wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.) cultivars representative of old and modern germplasm; (ii) to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction effects; and (iii) to examine the interrelationships among mineral concentrations in durum wheat with the final aim to identify superior durum wheat cultivars that possess low phytate content and high concentration of mineral elements in their whole-wheat flour. The cultivars were grown in field trials during 2004–2005 at Foggia, Italy and during 2005–2006 at Foggia and Fiorenzuola d’Arda—Southern and Northern Italy. The phytate content was estimated indirectly by using a microtitre plate assay evaluating the P i absorbance at 820 nm, while the Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Mg, Na and Zn mineral contents were determined by ICP/OES. The contents of Zn and Fe across years and locations ranged from 28.5 to 46.3 mg/kg for Zn with an average of 37.4 mg/kg and from 33.6 to 65.6 mg/kg for Fe with an average of 49.6 mg/kg. P i grain content was between 0.46 and 0.76 mg/g showing a positive correlation with all minerals except Cu and Zn. Although breeding activity for Fe and Zn would be difficult because G × E interaction is prevalent, multi-location evaluation of germplasm collection help to identify superior genotypes to achieve this objective. The results here reported open the possibility of designing a specific breeding program for improving the nutritional value of durum wheat through the identification of parental lines with low-P i and high minerals concentration in whole grains.

EFFECT OF MINERAL FORTIFICATION ON RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

ABSTRACT This study was aimed to evaluate the rheological changes that take place in the dough as a result of addition of elemental iron, ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, zinc sulphate and zinc oxide in various combinations to whole wheat flour (WWF), packaged in polypropylene woven bags and tin boxes and stored for a period of 60 days under ambient and controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Water absorption (WA) capacity, dough development time (DDT) and dough stability time (DS) of the fortified WWF were measured by farinographic method, and peak viscosity was assessed by viscographic analyses. WA capacity and DDT of flours increased during storage. Fortification significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected WA, DDT, DS and viscographic characteristics of the flours. Packaging materials (P &lt; 0.05) influenced WA, DDT and DS, while storage condition had only affected viscographic properties of the flours.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe success of any fortification program depends on the stability of micronutrients and food to which they are added. Exposure of the fortificants to any of the physical and chemical factors including heat, moisture, air, or light and acid or alkaline environments during food processing, packaging, distribution or storage affects their stability. The rheological properties of dough made from fortified flours determine the quality of the fortified end product. Changes in rheological properties as a result of the incorporation of fortificants in the flour, its storage under variable conditions and length of time might have an effect on quality, cost and nutrition of the product.

Potential for Nutritional Enrichment of Whole-Wheat Bread with Portabella Mushroom Powder (Agaricus bisporus (J. Lge) Imbach, Agaricomycetideae)

There is a need to determine new value-added uses for off-grade and/or overmature culinary-medicinal mushrooms (CMMs) in food products. CMMs may provide significant vegetarian sources of vitamin D, selenium, chromium, and antioxidants such as ergothioneine. The objective of this study was to determine the applicability of adding freeze-dried culinary-mushroom powder to bread as a unique nutritional ingredient by evaluating loaf physical and chemical properties. White whole-wheat flour was substituted with Agaricus bisporus (Portabella mushroom) powder at 0%, 5%, 10%, or 20% (w/w) levels. Results showed that loaf size decreased, whereas bread firmness increased, with increasing levels of mushroom powder substitution. Through storage, bread moisture content remained unchanged at 43%, whereas amylopectin recrystallization in control bread was very low (<1.0 J/g) and was negligible in breads prepared with mushroom powder. In summary, this study demonstrated the possibility of using CMM powder as a nutritional supplement for bread that could supply valuable micronutrients such as selenium and vitamin D2, along with the novel antioxidant, ergothioneine.

Spontaneous sourdough processing of Chinese Northern-style steamed breads and their volatile compounds

The effect of amount of flour in the pre-fermented form (10%, 20%, and 30% flour in the pre-fermented form), fermentation time (12, 24, and 36 h), and amount of yeast (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on acidity, specific volume, and crumb texture of Chinese Northern-style sourdough steamed breads were studied. Volatile compounds of the sourdough and non-sourdough steamed breads were also determined. The preferments were produced from spontaneous fermentation using all purpose (APF) and whole wheat flours (WWF). Specific volume was the highest at 20% preferment for APF sourdough steamed bread (ASSB) and 30% preferment for WWF sourdough steamed bread (WSSB). The softest texture was obtained with 20% preferment while at 30% preferment there was excessive gluten weakening due to high acidification. A total of 89 volatile compounds were identified in steamed breads with ethanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol being the most abundant compounds.

Optimization of the Monascus purpureus Fermentation Process Based on Multiple Performance Characteristics

The fermentation process in general is a kind of non-linear and time-variant system. It is necessary to determine optimal conditions in the fermentation process with multiple performance characteristics In this study, a Grey-based Taguchi Method was applied to find the optimal conditions of medium composition to enhance the production of biomass, monacolin K, pigments synthesis, and to reduce the yield of citrinin, metabolites in the Monascus purpureus fermentation process. In particular, the amount of citrinin would cause potential adverse effects on human health and depends on the quality and control of the fermentation process. The results show that the optimal conditions under these multiple performance requirements for Monascus purpureus fermentation are: A4 (1% whole wheat flour), B3 (1% pepton), C1 (1% olive oil), D4 (0.01% KH2PO4), E1 (pH=3). That combination can yield iomass at 2.065 g/100mL, monacolin K at 150.052 ppm, yellow pigment (OD400) at 4.082 ppm, orange pigment (OD460) at 4.231 ppm, red pigment (OD400) at 8.105 ppm, respectively, with ctirinin yield reduced to 0.082 ppb. The optimal combination obtained from this study could be a reference for production line fermentation processing.