Physical and nutritional evaluation of wheat cookies supplemented with pulse flours of different particle sizes

With the aim to develop functionally and nutritionally improved cookies, the influence of the total or partial replacement of wheat flour by pulses flours on the quality characteristics of cookies was analysed. Blends containing 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/100 g of navy bean, pinto bean, green lentil and commercial yellow pea flours were prepared. Green lentil, navy and pinto bean flours were used at two degrees of milling (fine and coarse). The incorporation of pulse flours significantly affected the physical and chemical parameters of the cookies. Incorporation of fine flours remarkably increased cookies’ hardness and decreased spread while coarse flours marginally reduced both parameters. The greatest impact on the physical characteristics was observed with the incorporation of green lentil flour, where cookies made with coarse flour were of unacceptable structure and were sticky to handle. Cookies baked with pulse flours were higher in protein level and showed increased antioxidant activity compared to the control. Overall analysis indicated that cookies with acceptable physical characteristics and improved nutritional profile could be produced with partial or complete replacement of the wheat flour.     

Physicochemical,antioxidant properties and in vitro digestibility of wheat–purple rice flour mixtures

The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant properties and in vitro digestibility of high‐antioxidant content flours made from different combinations of Thai purple rice flour and refined wheat flour from 25%, 50% to 75% (w/w) were investigated and these were compared with whole flour from purple rice and refined wheat flour. The increase in substitution levels of purple rice flour affected all the functional properties of flours, at the same time the levels of dietary fibre, protein digestibility and antioxidant compositions were also changed. The purple rice flour exerted a particularly strong effect on starch digestibility as the purple rice increased to 50% in the mixture. Moreover, purple rice flour showed lower amounts of rapidly digested starch (RDS), whereas slowly digested starch (SDS) of whole flour from purple rice and 75% substitution purple rice flour was found to be the highest for all samples. The in vitro starch digestibility of all samples also showed a positive correlation between dietary fibre and antioxidant compounds. Overall, the addition of purple rice flour improved the final nutritional properties, notably a lower predicted glycaemic index, and a higher antioxidant potential, which are two important nutritional properties for human health.     

Simplex lattice mixture design approach on physicochemical and sensory properties of wheat chips enriched with different legume flours: An optimization study based on sensory properties

In this study, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of wheat chips enriched with different legume flours were investigated. Wheat chips formulations were composed with the mixture of wheat flour and the mixture of three different legume flours (wheat–legume ratio 80:20). Mixture design approach was used to determine the effect of interactions between pea, chickpea and soy flour on the physicochemical and sensory properties of chips produced with wheat–legume flour mixture. In addition, product optimization was carried out by using ridge analysis to determine the optimum legume flour mixture proportions based on sensory properties of chips samples. Chickpea flour was found to be highest desired component depending on the general acceptability scores of chips. Protein content of chips increased significantly with the addition of soy flour. Optimum limit values of chickpea, pea and soy flour in the legume flour mixture used for the enrichment of the wheat chips were found to be 50–100 g/100 g, 0–60 g/100 g and 0–45 g/100 g legume flour, respectively, with respect to sensory properties. Additionally, ridge analysis results showed that the wheat chips should include only chickpea flour in the legume flour fraction to obtain maximum overall preference score (6.08).     

Nutritional value of broad bean seeds. Part 3: Changes of dietary fibre and starch in the production of commercial flours

We report on the impact of flour production from small- and large-seed varieties of broad bean on the quantitative and qualitative distribution of dietary fibre and starch. The experimental material consisted of the seeds of small-seed varieties of broad bean: Gobik and Goral, large-seed varieties of broad bean: Windsor Bialy and Bartom, and pea seeds of Albatros, Karat and Miko varieties (for comparison). The seeds were at full physiological maturity. Soaking and hydrothermal processing were shown to cause multidirectional, statistically significant changes in dietary fibre and starch, depending on both parameters of the process and type of the seeds. The flours of both small-seed broad bean varieties contained 20.15%-28.31%, flours of the large-seed broad bean 23.10%-27.50%, and those from pea seeds 20.13%-22.81% total dietary fibre. Attention should be paid to the considerable, approximately 2-fold increase in the soluble dietary fibre (SDF) content, compared to the raw material. The processing of seeds caused significant changes also with reference to starch. The most considerable changes were observed when the variant with the longest times of soaking (18 h) and heating (45 min) was applied. In the broad bean flours, the content of analytically available starch decreased by 22.94-30.60% and its digestibility was observed to decrease up to 30.25%. The pea flours, however, were characterised by an increased concentration of both forms of starch, especially significant for the digestible starch. The calculated content of resistant starch (RS) differentiated, to a high extent, the flours obtained. Under the same processing conditions, the flours of small-seed Gobik and Goral varieties of broad bean were characterised by a significantly higher RS content than those obtained from the large-seed varieties. A decrease in the starch digestibility rate index (SDRI) values, especially high for the small-seed varieties, should also be emphasised. The results obtained indicate that the nutritional value of flours can be determined by controlled processing parameters.     

Broad bean and pea by‐products as sources of fibre‐rich ingredients: potential antioxidant activity measured in vitro

BACKGROUND By‐products generated during the processing of plant food can be considered a promising source of dietary fibre as a functional compound. The dietary fibre composition, soluble sugars and antioxidant activity of the extractable polyphenols of pea and broad bean by‐products have been analysed in this study. RESULTS: Total dietary fibre using AOAC methods plus hydrolysis (broad bean pod: 337.3 g kg^?1; pea pod: 472.6 g kg^?1) is higher (P < 0.05) in both by‐products than with the Englyst method (broad bean pod: 309.7 g kg^?1; pea pod: 434.6 g kg^?1). The main monomers are uronic acids, glucose, arabinose and galactose in broad bean pods. However, pea pods are very rich in glucose and xylose. The soluble sugars analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography in both by‐products have glucose as the most important component, followed by sucrose and fructose. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (broad bean pod: 406.4 µmol Trolox equivalents g^?1; pea pod: 25.9 µmol Trolox equivalents g^?1) and scavenging effect on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (EC₅₀ of broad bean pod: 0.4 mg mL^?1; EC₅₀ of pea pod: 16.0 mg mL^?1) were also measured. CONCLUSIONS: Broad bean and pea by‐products are very rich in dietary fibre, particularly insoluble dietary fibre and their extractable polyphenols demonstrate antioxidant activity. Therefore they might be regarded as functional ingredients. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality assessment of gluten-free crackers based on buckwheat flour

Formulation and characterization of new products - gluten-free crackers based on two types of buckwheat flour (refined and wholegrain) are presented in this study. Their proximate composition, content of main antioxidant compounds (polyphenols and tocopherols), antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals - DPPH) and sensory quality were analyzed and compared with those of wheat crackers made from refined and wholegrain wheat flours.Protocatechuic acid and ferulic acid were quantified in buckwheat and wheat crackers, while two flavonoids, rutin and quercetin, were quantified only in buckwheat crackers. Content of total phenolics and tocopherols was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in buckwheat crackers in comparison to wheat crackers. Tocopherols in crackers were present in the following order: α- ? γ- > δ-tocopherol. Buckwheat crackers exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) radical scavenging activity on DPPH according to their IC₅₀ values.No significant differences were observed in sensory quality of wholegrain buckwheat crackers in comparison to wheat ones. Crackers made from buckwheat flours can broaden the utilization of buckwheat, increase supply of gluten-free products on the market and may be regarded as health-promoting functional foods, especially for celiac disease patients.     

Functional properties of yellow field pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed flours and the in vitro bioactive properties of their polyphenols

Functional and bioactive properties of yellow field pea (Pisum sativum L) seed flour, protein isolate (PPI), two high fibre products (Centara III, Centara IV), and one high fibre–starch ingredient (Uptake 80), were determined. The whole seed flour had superior water and oil absorption capacities but the high fibre flours had significantly higher (p < 0.05) swelling ability. Centara IV and Uptake 80 had the highest gel clarity while Centara IV gel was the most resistant to freeze–thaw treatment. Polyphenolic constituents were extracted singly or sequentially with aqueous methanol and acetone; the whole pea seed flour and the pea protein isolate had significantly more polyphenolic constituents than the fibre products, which also resulted in higher in vitro antioxidant activities (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging ability). Results of renin- and ACE-inhibitory activities were mixed and did not correspond to the overall polyphenolic content and antioxidant test results, probably indicating the importance of components specific to individual extracts.     

Natural fermentation of lentils. Functional properties and potential in breadmaking of fermented lentil flour

The effects of fermentation on functional properties of lentil flour and rheological properties of doughs and breads produced from blends of wheat and fermented lentil flour were studied. Lentil protein solubility was higher at neutral pH than acid pH; the lowest and highest protein solubility values were observed at pH 4.0 and pH 7.0, respectively. Water hydration capacity and fat binding capacity of fermented lentil flour (FLF) were always higher than those of non-fermented lentil flour (NFLF), irrespective of fermentation temperature (28–42°C) and flour concentration (79–221 g/l). Emulsifying properties of NFLF were similar to the properties of other legume flours in the range used in experiment. In contrast, the emulsion capacity and stability of FLF were very low and flours fermented at 42°C did not even form emulsion. Rheological properties of doughs made from wheat-fermented lentil blends were similar to those from wheat flour with the addition of other legume flours such as pea and bean. Good quality breads were produced at 2.5 to 10% NFLF and FLF supplementation (except for bread with 10% FLF addition which was middle quality).     

Utilization of germinated ancient wheat (Emmer and Einkorn) flours to improve functional and nutritional properties of bread

Germinated and untreated ancient (Einkorn and Emmer) and modern (Esperia) wheat flours (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) were used in bread dough to improve functional and nutritional properties of bread according to (3 × 2 × 5) x 2 factorial design. Utilization of wheat varieties in the germinated form increased the ash, total dietary fiber (TDF), total yellow pigment (TYP), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities, Ca, Fe and Mg content of bread, and also the most increments in those values (except TYP) were observed in Emmer flour usage. Germinated wheat flour decreased the mean phytic acid contents of bread samples from 313.32 mg/100 g to 291.81 mg/100 g compared to untreated wheat flour. The use of ancient wheat flour (einkorn and emmer) gave lower bread volume compared to modern bread wheat flour. The use of germinated wheat flour decreased the crust and crumb L* values of the breads but increased the a* and b* values. As a result, increasing ratios of germinated ancient wheat flour increased the functional component and nutritional value of the bread, and at the same time, its usage at low ratio contributed positively to the technological quality of the bread.     

Development of gluten-free cracker snacks using pulse flours and fractions

With nearly two million North Americans suffering gluten intolerance, the objective of this study was to develop gluten-free, pulse-based cracker snacks that exploit the anti-allergenic and health-enhancing nature of pulses ingredients. Nine commercially available pulse fractions (chickpea, green and red lentil, yellow pea, pinto and navy bean flours and pea protein, starch and fibre isolates) were evaluated in a model cracker formulation. Early prototype crackers exhibited light colour, good flavour, and crisp texture. Based on its acceptability data, processing characteristics and consultation with an industry partner, the chickpea cracker formulation was advanced to a commercial-scale processing trial. The physical and nutritional characteristics of these pulse crackers were similar to existing products on the market. The products were scored highly during consumer acceptance testing. Interestingly, the % daily values per serving of iron in the chickpea crackers were 3–6 times higher than existing products. Based on these findings, pulse-based, gluten-free crackers have good potential for both consumer appeal and imparting health benefits.     

Physical and functional characteristics of selected dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) flours

Many varieties of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are available with entirely different physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. Selected dry bean varieties (red kidney, small red kidney, cranberry and black) were processed into flour and analyzed for the physico-chemical and functional characteristics. The bulk density of the beans flours varied significantly (p < 0.05) from 0.515 g/ml for black bean flour to 0.556 g/ml for red kidney bean flour. The small red kidney bean flour had the highest water absorption capacity (2.65 g/g flour) while black bean flour showed the lowest at 2.23 g/g flour. Significant differences were observed for oil absorption capacities of bean flours, which ranged from 1.23 g/g for small red kidney bean flour to 1.52 g/g for red kidney bean flour. The bean flours emulsion capacity and stability and foaming capacity and stability also varied significantly and was variety-dependent. The highest apparent viscosity, 0.462 Pa.s, was recorded for small red kidney bean flour whereas black bean flour exhibited the lowest value of 0.073 Pa.s at 30 g/100 ml water content in the flour dispersions. The force-deformation curves for doughs from different bean flours showed that black bean flour had the highest peak force or hardness value of 90.7 N followed by doughs from cranberry, small red kidney and red kidney bean flours. The results of this study offer useful data on bean flours' potential uses in different food products.     

Utilisation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L) byproducts in biscuit manufacture

Biscuits were prepared by substituting wheat flour with dehulled pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L) flour (PPDF) or pigeon pea byproduct flour (PPBF). PPBF was obtained by recovering edible cotyledon material from milling byproducts. PPBF had a higher level of protein (29.42 g/100g) compared to PPDF (24.67 g/100g). Composite flour blends were prepared by substituting wheat flour (WF) with either PPDF or PPBF at 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25 incorporation levels. Biscuits were analysed for composition, physical and sensory parameters. Protein content of PPDF and PPBF fortified biscuits increased by 1.3 and 1.4 times respectively compared to control along with a significant increased in fibre content. Results indicate that good quality biscuits with increased levels of protein and fibre can be prepared by substituting wheat flour using 85:15 of PPDF or 90:10 of PPBF without significantly affecting the sensory quality of biscuits. This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of incorporating pigeon pea milling byproducts in the manufacture of biscuits.     

Organoleptic and nutritional evaluation of wheat breads supplemented with soybean and barley flour

Supplementations of soy (full fat and defatted) and barley flours to wheat flours at 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels were carried out to test the effects on organoleptic and nutritional evaluation of the supplemented bread. Additions of 15% barley flour, 10% soy flour (full fat and defatted), 15% barley plus full fat soy flour and 15% barley plus defatted soy flour to wheat flour produced acceptable breads. However, substitution of soy (full fat and defatted) and barley flours to wheat flour separately and in combinations at 20% levels did not produce organoleptically acceptable bread. Various nutritional parameters, such as protein, fat, total lysine, protein digestibility (in vitro), sugars, starch digestibility (in vitro), total and available minerals, antinutrients, dietary fibre and β-glucan were determined in supplemented and control bread. Increasing the level of substitution from 5 to 10% of full fat and defatted soy flour to wheat flour significantly (P<0.05) increased protein (from 12.1 to 13.7 and 12.4 to 13.8%), lysine (from 2.74 to 3.02 and 2.76–3.05 mg/100 g protein) and total calcium (from 70.2 to 81.4 and 71.9–81.8 mg/100 g) contents. However, there was also an increase in phytic acid (238–260 and 233–253 mg/100 g), polyphenol (324–331 and 321–329 mg/100 g) and trypsin inhibitor activity (193–204 and 193–198 TIU/g). When barley flour was substituted separately, and in combinations, with full fat and defatted soy flour up to 15%, this significantly increased the contents of protein, total lysine, dietary fibre and β-glucan. It may be concluded that breads supplemented with barley and defatted soy flour, up to a 15% level, are organoleptically and nutritionally acceptable.     

Chemical,biological and sensory evaluation of pasta products supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours

α‐Galactoside‐free lupin flour has been used to supplement durum wheat semolina flour in order to increase the nutritive value of pasta products. Supplemented pasta products had a shorter cooking time, higher cooking water absorption, cooking loss and protein loss in water than control pasta prepared with only semolina. Sensory evaluation of cooked pastas showed that products supplemented with 80 g kg^?1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Emir flour or with 100 g kg^?1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Troll flour showed the same acceptability by panellists as the semolina pasta. These levels of supplementation were selected for further studies. The cooked α‐galactoside‐free lupin/semolina pastas showed higher amounts of protein, dietary fibre, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and antioxidant capacity than control pasta and a reasonable level of vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂ and vitamin E. Biological assessment of cooked pastas indicated that the true protein digestibility did not change after the fortification of semolina but protein efficiency ratio increased sharply in the pasta supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours (2.07 and 1.92 for Emir and Troll lupin varieties, respectively) in comparison with the control pasta (1.11). It is concluded that the α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours are an adequate ingredient to improve the nutritional quality of pasta products without adding flatulent oligosaccharides. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of whole amaranth flour on bread properties and nutritive value

This study investigated the effect of replacing wheat flour by whole Amaranthus cruentus flour (up to 40 g/100 g) to evaluate its potential utility as a nutritious breadmaking ingredient. The incorporation of amaranth flour significantly increased protein, lipid, ash, dietary fibre and mineral contents. Breads with amaranth have significantly higher amounts of phytates and lower myo-inositol phosphates, which could predict low mineral bioavailability at high levels of substitution (30–40 g/100 g). An increase in crumb hardness and elasticity was observed, and tristimulus colour values were significantly affected when the amaranth concentration was raised. Mineral contents, both micro- and macroelements, were increased significantly by the wheat flour substitution. Whole amaranth flour could be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour in bread formulations, increasing the product’s nutritional value and raising dietary fibre, mineral and protein levels, with a significant slight depreciation in bread quality when used in proportions between 10 and 20 g/100 g. Thus, the inclusion of amaranth flour could be limited to a maximum proportion of 20 g/100 g, thereby maintaining both product quality as well as the nutritional benefit of this ingredient.     

Gluten‐Free Snacks Using Plantain–Chickpea and Maize Blend: Chemical Composition,Starch Digestibility,and Predicted Glycemic Index

An increase in celiac consumers has caused an increasing interest to develop good quality gluten‐free food products with high nutritional value. Snack foods are consumed worldwide and have become a normal part of the eating habits of the celiac population making them a target to improve their nutritive value. Extrusion and deep‐frying of unripe plantain, chickpea, and maize flours blends produced gluten‐free snacks with high dietary fiber contents (13.7–18.2 g/100 g) and low predicted glycemic index (28 to 35). The gluten‐free snacks presented lower fat content (12.7 to 13.6 g/100 g) than those reported in similar commercial snacks. The snack with the highest unripe plantain flour showed higher slowly digestible starch (11.6 and 13.4 g/100 g) than its counterpart with the highest chickpea flour level (6 g/100 g). The overall acceptability of the gluten‐free snacks was similar to that chili‐flavored commercial snack. It was possible to develop gluten‐free snacks with high dietary fiber content and low predicted glycemic index with the blend of the 3 flours, and these gluten‐free snacks may also be useful as an alternative to reduce excess weight and obesity problems in the general population and celiac community.     

Utilization of germinated and heat-moisture treated brown rices in sugar-snap cookies

Utilization of germinated brown rice (GBR) in sugar-snap cookies and effect of heat-moisture treatment of the GBR were investigated. Brown rice was germinated at 30 °C for 48 h and then a heat-moisture treatment was conducted for the moistened GBR (17 g/100 g moisture content) at 100 °C for 4 h. Sugar-snap cookies were prepared with white rice, brown rice, GBR and the treated GBR flours, as substitutes for wheat flour (30–100 g/100 g). All cookies containing rice flours, regardless of germination and heat-moisture treatment, required significantly less force to compress than did the wheat flour cookie, and this softening effect was increased as the level of rice flour substitution increased. The cookies made with the GBR flour displayed inferior physical characteristics compared to those with wheat flour, but the cookies containing the treated GBR flour showed improved physical properties with lower moisture content and higher spread factor than those containing untreated GBR flour. The cookies containing the treated GBR flours showed relatively a low degree of firming during the ambient storage. The overall results showed that the cookies with acceptable quality and improved nutrition could be prepared by partial or complete replacement of wheat flour with the heat-moisture treated GBR flour.     

The Impact of Sourdough Fermentation on Non‐Nutritive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Flours from Different Phaseolus Vulgaris L. Genotypes

This study dealt with the effect of sourdough fermentation on antinutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities of flours from three Phaseoulus vulgaris L. genotypes with differing composition of lectins. Specifically, cultivar Lady Joy (LJ) devoid of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and enriched in alfa‐amylase inhibitor (αAI), breeding line P500 low in PHA and devoid of αAI, and Taylor's horticultivar, containing normal levels of both proteins. Sourdough fermentation positively affects the nutritional values of all bean flours by reducing some antinutrients, for example, phytic acid while preserving αAI activity. It significantly increased total polyphenols, flavonols, and ascorbic acid content, while reducing flavonoids. No significant differences in antioxidant activity, measured by in vitro and ex vivo assays on human erythrocytes, were found. The kinetic profiles of conjugated dienes analysis showed a strong inhibitory effect on low‐density lipoproteins oxidation of all tested powders, with unfermented flours displaying the best antioxidant activity. Among bean powders, unfermented and fermented LJ showed the highest polyphenols level (4.21 ± 0.18 and 4.96 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g dw, respectively), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values (24.17 ± 0.14 and 24.02 ± 0.93 µmol TE/100g dw, respectively) and cellular antioxidant activity (71.6 ± 7.05 and 62.7 ± 3.3 units, respectively). Finally, since fermentation drastically reduces phytic acid content while preserving αAI activity, fermented LJ represents an important natural slimming supplement.     

Germinated Cajanus cajan seeds as ingredients in pasta products: Chemical,biological and sensory evaluation

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) seeds were germinated for 4 days at 20 °C in darkness in order to improve the nutritional quality of seeds. Germination brought about a sharp reduction of α-galactosides, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity (83%, 61% and 36%, respectively) and an increment of vitamin B₂ (145%), vitamin C (from negligible amounts to 14 mg/100 g d.m.), vitamin E (108%) and total antioxidant capacity (28%). These flours were used as ingredients to produce pasta products in a proportion of 5%, 8% and 10%. The supplemented pasta products had shorter cooking time and higher water absorption, cooking and protein losses in water than had control pasta (100% semolina). From sensory evaluation, fortified pasta generally had acceptability similar to control pasta. Cooked pasta with the highest level of substitution (semolina:germinated pigeon pea flour at 10%) was chemically and biologically evaluated and results showed that protein, fat, dietary fibre and mineral contents were improved. Fortified pasta provided more vitamin B₁, B₂, E and antioxidant capacity than did control pasta. Biological assessment of fortified, cooked pasta indicated that true TD and PER value increased by 12% and 64%, respectively, in comparison with control. The germinated pigeon pea flour can be an excellent ingredient to increase the nutritional value of semolina pasta without affecting the sensory properties.     

Studies on cake quality made of wheat–chickpea flour blends

Legume flours, due to their amino acid composition and fibre content are ideal ingredients for improving the nutritional value of bread and bakery products. In this study, the influence of the total or partial replacement of wheat flour by chickpea flour on the quality characteristics of two kinds of cake was analyzed. The effects of the chickpea variety and the kind of flour used (white or whole) were also considered. Volume, symmetry, chroma, and crust and crumb L^* diminished when increasing the amount of chickpea flour. The replacement of wheat flour by chickpea flour also induced an increase in the initial firmness but cohesiveness and resilience diminished, increasing the tendency to hardening. Among the studied varieties, Pedrosillano and Sinaloa produced cakes with the highest volume. Those varieties also gave layer cakes with the lowest firmness, gumminess and chewiness. White flours produced sponge cakes with higher volume and symmetry than whole flours. No significant differences, however, were observed in layer cakes between white and whole flours. In both layer and sponge cakes, white flour produced cakes with lower firmness, gumminess and chewiness than whole flours.