Optimisation of resistant starch II and III levels in durum wheat pasta to reduce in vitro digestibility while maintaining processing and sensory characteristics

Foods with elevated levels of resistant starch (RS) may have beneficial effects on human health. Pasta was enriched with commercial resistant starches (RSII, Hi Maize™ 1043; RSIII, Novelose 330™) at 10%, 20% and 50% substitution of semolina for RSII and 10% and 20% for RSIII and compared with pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina to investigate technological, sensory, in vitro starch digestibility and structural properties. The resultant RS content of pasta increased from 1.9% to ∼21% and was not reduced on cooking. Significantly, the results indicate that 10% and 20% RSII and RSIII substitution of semolina had no significant effects on pasta cooking loss, texture and sensory properties, with only a minimal reduction in pasta yellowness. Both RS types lowered the extent of in vitro starch hydrolysis compared to that of control pasta. X-ray diffraction and small-angle scattering verified the incorporation of RS and, compared to the control sample, identified enhanced crystallinity and a changed molecular arrangement following digestion. These results can be contrasted with the negative impact on pasta resulting from substitution with equivalent amounts of more traditional dietary fibre such as bran. The study suggests that these RS-containing formulations may be ideal sources for the preparation of pasta with reduced starch digestibility.     

Gluten‐free pasta: effect of green plantain flour addition and influence of starch modification on the functional properties and resistant starch content

Green plantain flour (GPF) is rich in indigestible carbohydrates, especially in resistant starch (RS). The objective of this study was to improve the functional pasta properties and RS content by producing gluten‐free (GF) pasta based on rice flour with different amounts of GPF addition (15–60% of total flour blend). Egg albumen (3.5–6.0% of total flour) and dough moisture (36–40%, dough humidity%), at constant emulsifier (0.5% of total flour) addition, were optimised in the first trials. The results showed that an addition up to 30% GPF with higher amount of egg albumen (6%) at dough moisture of 38% provided pasta with acceptable cooking quality and high RS content. Some qualities and/or RS content of GF pasta samples was further improved by adding 30% pregelatinised flours from the native GPF or drum‐dried green banana flour (DDGBF) in combination with applying varied steps of cooking and/or cooling, which were applied after pasta extrusion prior to drying them. The study suggests that GPF, in its native form, but particularly when pregelatinised, is a promising ingredient to be used for the production of GF pasta.     

Use of a toasted durum whole meal in the production of a traditional Italian pasta: chemical, mechanical, sensory and image analyses

The characterisation of traditional Italian pasta obtained by mixing amounts of toasted whole meal with re-milled semolina and other ingredients was obtained by means of physico-chemical, rheological, mechanical, sensory and image analyses. The toasted meal showed higher ash, fibre and protein contents than re-milled semolina. The replacement of percentages of re-milled semolina with the toasted meal and soft flour increased tenacity and decreased extensibility and strength, making the dough less suitable for pasta-making. The P / L values were indices of high starch damage. The replacement of part of re-milled semolina and water with toasted whole wheat meal, soft flour and eggs increased the optimal cooking time and the amount of water absorbed during cooking but made the other cooking parameters worse. The image analysis provided evidence of the changes induced by the use of toasted wholemeal, soft flour and eggs in the microscopic structure of pasta protein and starch.     

Effect of supplementation of wheat flour with resistant starch and monoglycerides in pasta dried at high temperatures

Quality of pastas made from wheat flour (WF) and durum wheat semolina (DWS) with added resistant starch (RS) and distilled monoglyceride was evaluated through a central composite rotational design. A press extruder was used to produce the pasta. Water absorption index showed statistical difference between the WF and DWS indicating that proteins present in each samples were different. Pasta samples obtained with the WF presented a shorter cooking time and less solid loss than those obtained with DWS. Increase in volume and weight gain was similar for both samples. Instrumental texture responses showed that pasta made from DWS had higher values for firmness and springiness and lower for adhesiveness when compare to WF pastas. Nevertheless, pasta made from both samples showed similar behaviours of final RS contents of 4% after cooking. Therefore, they could be considered as a source of fibres according to the Brazilian Laws (3 g dietary fibre/100 g product).     

Effect of Sorghum Flour Addition on In Vitro Starch Digestibility,Cooking Quality,and Consumer Acceptability of Durum Wheat Pasta

Whole grain sorghum is a valuable source of resistant starch and polyphenolic antioxidants and its addition into staple food like pasta may reduce the starch digestibility. However, incorporating nondurum wheat materials into pasta provides a challenge in terms of maintaining cooking quality and consumer acceptability. Pasta was prepared from 100% durum wheat semolina (DWS) as control or by replacing DWS with either wholegrain red sorghum flour (RSF) or white sorghum flour (WSF) each at 20%, 30%, and 40% incorporation levels, following a laboratory‐scale procedure. Pasta samples were evaluated for proximate composition, in vitro starch digestibility, cooking quality, and consumer acceptability. The addition of both RSF and WSF lowered the extent of in vitro starch digestion at all substitution levels compared to the control pasta. The rapidly digestible starch was lowered in all the sorghum‐containing pastas compared to the control pasta. Neither RSF or WSF addition affected the pasta quality attributes (water absorption, swelling index, dry matter, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and springiness), except color and hardness which were negatively affected. Consumer sensory results indicated that pasta samples containing 20% and 30% RSF or WSF had acceptable palatability based on meeting one or both of the preset acceptability criteria. It is concluded that the addition of wholegrain sorghum flour to pasta at 30% incorporation level is possible to reduce starch digestibility, while maintaining adequate cooking quality and consumer acceptability.     

Processing and cooking effects on chemical,nutritional and functional properties of pasta obtained from selected emmer genotypes

BACKGROUND: Emmer wheat (T. turgidum ssp. dicoccum Schrank) is an old Mediterranean crop grown for centuries and progressively replaced with durum wheat. Although most of its supposed nutritional properties have not yet been scientifically proven, emmer seems to be appreciated for its content of dietary fibre, resistant starch (RS) and antioxidant compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the profiles of dietary fibre, starch and antioxidant compounds in raw materials and in semolina of 13 selected emmer lines and their parents (a durum wheat cultivar and an old T. turgidum dicoccum population). Moreover, the cooking effect on functional properties and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of pasta derived from emmer lines and the in vivo effect of pasta on postprandial glucose response were determined. RESULTS: Processing and cooking affected the dietary fibre content of pasta: the insoluble dietary fibre content was increased, while a slight loss of soluble dietary fibre was observed. Cooking also resulted in a noteworthy increase in amylose and RS content. The antioxidant compounds (i.e., tocols and carotenoids) as well as TAC decreased dramatically after cooking. Pasta obtained with an emmer line significantly lowered the glycaemic index, strengthening the concept of pasta product as a source of functional components in the habitual diet. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that emmer semolina is suitable for the preparation of pasta with good organoleptic quality and represents a source of RS and fibre, but processing and cooking negatively affected the amount of antioxidant compounds detected in the wholemeal. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of the Addition of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Flour on the In Vitro Digestibility of Starch and Undigestible Carbohydrates in Spaghetti

Abstract: Spaghetti is considered to be a slowly digestible starch food, a feature ruled by the particular physical properties of the product. Several studies have been reported to increase nutritional value of spaghetti, using legumes. We have studied the addition of common bean flour on the starch in vitro digestibility. Spaghetti was prepared with semolina and different concentrations of common bean flour (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%, w/w). Proximate analysis, optimal cooking time, and cooking loss were estimated in crude spaghetti. Total, available, and resistant starches, indigestible fractions, and in vitro starch hydrolysis kinetics were accomplished in cooked spaghetti. Pasta with 30% and 45% of common bean flour showed higher values of protein. Particularly, the lowest cooking time was observed for composite spaghetti with 45% of common bean flour. There was a significant increase in cooking loss when common bean flour in the composite was added. Composite spaghetti samples with increasing common bean flour showed decreasing values of total starch but an important increase in the resistant starch (RS) level and indigestible insoluble fraction values. Plain pasta made with semolina showed the highest enzymatic hydrolysis rate, which decreased when common bean flour was added to the spaghetti. Spaghetti with a higher level of common bean flour was more slowly available, which may have positive implications for human health.     

Gluten-free pasta production from banana and cassava flours with egg white protein and soy protein addition

Egg white protein and soy protein were incorporated into a banana and cassava flour blend (75:25) to produce gluten-free pasta. The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of the different protein sources on the physico-chemical properties of gluten-free pasta. The levels of protein inclusion were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of composite flour (w/w) for each type of protein. Pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina was used as controls. The protein fortification affected the total starch, resistant starch and protein content of gluten-free pasta compared to semolina pasta. No significant effects of soy/egg white protein addition were found in either insoluble or soluble dietary fibre content. Cooking properties of pasta (optimum cooking time, swelling index, water adsorption index and cooking loss) and texture properties (firmness and extensibility) were affected by the level of protein addition and the type of protein. Results showed the utilisation of 25% cassava flour and protein inclusion have a promising application in gluten-free pasta production.     

Techno‐functional properties of wheat flour‐resistant starch mixtures applied to breadmaking

Resistant starch can be used to reduce the availability of carbohydrates in baked products. In this study, the effect of type 4 resistant wheat starch (RS₄) on wheat flour dough and breads was evaluated. Wheat flour was substituted by RS₄ at 10%, 20% and 30% w/w (RS10, RS20 and RS30, respectively). Rheological and thermal behaviours of dough were evaluated. Besides, bread quality, starch digestibility and bread staling were analysed. All substituted dough exhibited viscoelastic behaviour but lower elastic and viscous moduli. Regarding to bread quality, specific volume and crumb texture were negatively affected in samples with RS₄. However, all samples were technologically acceptable. During storage, crumb hardening was observed in breads without and with RS₄ but amylopectin retrogradation was not particularly affected. The in vitro digestibility of bread with RS showed a lower release of reducing sugars and a lower estimated glycaemic index, suggesting a healthier profile for these breads.     

In-vitro digestibility,textural and quality characteristics of ditalini pasta fortified with green banana flour and its type -IV modified starch

Resistant starch in unripe banana offers a possibility to alter the glycemic properties in convenience foods, such as pasta. In this study, pasta formulations were tried by replacing 30% semolina with varying proportions of green banana flour (GBF) and banana-modified starch (MS). The effect of substitution on physicochemical and functional properties, including in-vitro starch digestibility, antioxidant property and consumer acceptability, was evaluated. Among the composite flours, MS recorded higher swelling power and water holding capacity. The replacement of semolina with GBF resulted in higher resistant starch, 4–5 times enhanced indigestible fraction, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in pasta. Pronounced increment was also observed in potassium, calcium and magnesium content in blended pasta. Optimal cooking time was reduced with the addition of GBF, whereas it was enhanced with MS. GBF and MS in the blends, decreased the hydrolysis rate (up to 24%) and glycemic index (up to 17%) of pasta. However, the addition of MS beyond 10% negatively influenced springiness and chewiness. Microstructural studies explained the positive structural changes with the addition of GBF and MS. Sensory attributes disclosed that the addition of 25% GBF and 5% MS is a desirable proportion for pasta with a functional characteristics.     

Amaranth flour,cassava starch and cassava bagasse in the production of gluten‐free pasta: technological and sensory aspects

The objective of the present research was to analyse the combined effect of pregelatinised cassava starch and bagasse (70:30) flour, cassava starch and amaranth flour on the cooking properties of pasta, verify the acceptance and buying intention of the product with the best technological characteristics, and finally compare them with commercial products made with regular and whole wheat flour. The vermicelli‐type pasta obtained in this study in the proportion of 10:60:30 (pre‐gelatinised flour:cassava starch:amaranth flour) showed the best results in the quality tests, with a cooking time of 3 min, mass increase of 101.5% and 0.6% solids loss to the cooking water, superior to the commercial pasta. Acceptance testing showed that this was a very good pasta (score of 7.2 on a 9‐point scale) and obtained 42% buying intention amongst the consumers. The elaboration of pasta containing pregelatinised cassava starch and bagasse (70:30) flour, cassava starch and amaranth flour was shown to be a feasible alternative with respect to the technological and sensory aspects, and could be consumed by those suffering from gluten intolerance.     

Impact of the addition of resistant starch from modified pea starch on dough and bread performance

The interest in the use of resistant starch (RS) for the development of new bakery products has significantly increased due to its ascribed physiological effects with proven health benefits. The objective of the present work was to analyse the effects of the wheat flour substitution by modified pea starch with high level of RS (PeaP) on breadmaking performance. The effects of PeaP on wheat dough functionality were evaluated by mixing/overmixing properties, texture profile analysis, viscometric profile and thermal properties. Bread quality was evaluated by physico-chemical parameters, crumb texture profile, digital image analysis, nutritional parameters and sensory evaluation. Flour substitution by PeaP up to 20% allowed keeping mechanical, extensional and viscometric parameters without significant hindering of dough machinability. Overdose of modified pea starch (30%) negatively affects dough mixing and overmixing behaviour. As a functional/prebiotic fibre, PeaP addition up to 10–20% of flour replacement entitles the formulation of wheat bread allowing a significant increase in the RS level (from 0.70 to 5.10%), delay/decrease in amylopectin retrogradation, with acceptable changes in bread quality up to 10–20% of flour replacement.     

Effect of Pleurotus eryngii Mushroom β‐Glucan on Quality Characteristics of Common Wheat Pasta

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of β‐glucan‐rich fractions (BGRFs) from Pleurotus eryngii mushroom powder on the quality, textural properties, and sensory evaluation of common wheat pasta. Pasta was prepared from semolina flour and common wheat flour by replacing common wheat flour at 2%, 4%, and 6% with BGRFs. Semolina flour showed significantly higher viscosities than common wheat flour samples. However, all viscosities, except the breakdown viscosity, were reduced with increasing percentages of BGRFs. Replacement of the common wheat flour with BGRFs resulted in a reddish brown colored pasta with a lower L* value and a higher a* value. The common wheat pastas containing up to 4% BGRFs were not significantly different from semolina pasta with regard to cooking loss. Addition of up to 2% BGRFs had no significant impact on swelling index and water absorption. The addition of BGRFs in common wheat flour had a positive effect on the quality of common wheat pasta and resulted in hardness values similar to those of semolina pasta. In a sensory evaluation, cooked pasta with 2% BGRFs had the highest overall acceptability score. In summary, the results showed that common wheat flour containing 4% BGRFs could be used to produce pasta with an improved quality and texture properties similar to semolina pasta.     

Effect of durum flour enrichment with chickpea flour on the characteristics of dough and lasagne

The ability of chickpea flour to enrich pasta products (e.g. lasagne) was studied. In addition, the influence of protein and other components upon the rheological properties of the dough and the cooking quality of the wheat–chickpea blends was determined. Supplementing lasagne with 5–20% w/w chickpea flour improves the physical characteristics of dough, which achieves optimum strength and extensible properties thus allowing the lasagne to maintain a firm and elastic form. Organoleptic properties (colour, flavour and overall acceptability) improved with a low proportion of chickpea flour, especially for 5% w/w substitution. For supplementation ≥ 30%, while the content of the total protein increased along with the level of fortification, lasagne processing, handling and cooking characteristics deteriorated proportionally. This could be attributed primarily to the gluten fraction, which decreases upon being diluted by the added chickpea protein. The rheological properties of high supplemented dough products (30–50% w/w) have low extensograph values and the lasagne obtained has a brown colour and a soft mushy taste that is unacceptable to consumers. So, durum wheat flour can carry 5–10% (w/w) of chickpea flour and still meet the specification of pasta products in terms of firmness, cooking quality and sensory evaluation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of toasting on the carbohydrate profile and antioxidant properties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) flour added to durum wheat pasta

The effects of the toasting process on the carbohydrate profile and antioxidant properties of chickpea flour were studied, along with the cooking behaviour, and antioxidant and nutritional properties of pasta enriched with the chickpea flour. The toasting process increased the resistant starch, insoluble dietary fibre and antioxidant properties of the flour. Addition of chickpea flour (raw and toasted) to durum wheat semolina changed the carbohydrate profile in the uncooked and cooked enriched pasta, especially with the toasted chickpea, and worsened the overall quality of the pasta. The increase in total phenolic content and total free phenolic acid content in the uncooked pasta was due to positive effects of addition of the chickpea flours, while the increase in the bound phenolics fraction in the cooked pasta was from the durum wheat, which was crucial for its high concentrations of ferulic acid. The increase in the free fraction of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity in cooked pasta was consistent with the addition of chickpea.     

Cooking behaviour and acceptability of composite pasta made of semolina and toasted or partially defatted soy flour

The effects of the replacement of increasing amounts of semolina with toasted or partially defatted soy flour on dough rheological indices and spaghetti quality were evaluated. The replacement caused the dough weakening and the increase of the tenacity-extensibility ratio. Due to the competition of soy proteins and starch for water, the substitution of increasing amounts of semolina was able to increase the optimal cooking time without significant changes of the ratio between the increase in weight or diameter and the weight or diameter of dry spaghetti (ΔP/P and ΔD/D) but with a significant slowing of the ΔL/L (ratio between the increase in length and the length of dry spaghetti) increase during overcooking. Around the optimal cooking time, the release of organic matter was higher in pasta made exclusively of semolina whereas the sensory response was similar for control and composite spaghetti. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between protein content of the flour mixtures or dough alveographic indices and the cooking behaviour of semolina-soy spaghetti according to non-linear regression models. In particular, both protein content and alveographic indices allowed to predict approximately 92-94% of the variation of cooking losses and, in a lower measure, the variation of bulkiness and elasticity of semolina-soy spaghetti.     

SEMOLINA AND HYDRATION LEVEL DURING EXTRUSION AFFECT QUALITY OF FRESH PASTA CONTAINING FLAXSEED FLOUR

Flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum L.) is an emerging food ingredient because of its several health benefits. Research was conducted to determine the effects of semolina, hydration level during extrusion and flaxseed flour concentration on the physical and cooking characteristics of freshly extruded pasta. The appearance of fresh pasta reflected the appearance of the ingredients. Fresh pasta became darker and redder as flaxseed flour concentration increased. Flaxseed flour did not affect cooking loss or water absorption during cooking of fresh pasta. However, flaxseed flour reduced the cooked firmness of fresh pasta by decreasing the dough strength. The cooked firmness of fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour was improved by using a semolina that makes a strong dough rather than a weak dough, and by extruding at a low (29%) compared to high (31%) hydration level.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Research results reported in this article would be useful in the development of a processing protocol for fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour and possibly other nontraditional ingredients. The results provide support for the need to use a strong dough-forming semolina and to extrude the semolina–flaxseed flour mixture at a low hydration level (29%) in order to produce a fresh pasta that has desirable cooking/cooked properties.     

Evaluation of the technological and sensory properties of durum wheat spaghetti enriched with different dietary fibres

The incorporation of fibres, whether insoluble or soluble, in durum wheat pasta negatively impacts desirable end‐use properties, especially if incorporated in significant amounts. Fibres can disrupt the starch–protein matrix of the dough during pasta preparation and can also often swell more readily with water than starch, competing with the starch for water during dough development. Similar degrees of substitution with different fibres gave markedly different impacts on firmness, stickiness, cooking loss and sensory attributes, suggesting that results obtained for one fibre cannot readily be generalized to other fibres. The in vitro starch digestibility of the pastas was significantly reduced when resistant starch, β‐glucan‐enriched flour, carboxymethyl cellulose or guar gum was incorporated but increased when pollard or inulin was added. In many instances, different sources of the same fibre gave dramatically different impacts on the properties of cooked durum wheat pasta. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of Quality and Digestibility Characteristics of Resistant Starch-Enriched Pasta

Resistant starches (RS) can be used in food industry to enhance the dietary fiber content of different cereal based products such as pasta and bread. The aim of present study was to develop and evaluate the physical and functional properties of starch-based products enriched with RS. The in vitro enzymatic digestibility, cooking properties, and viscometric characteristics (using rapid visco analyzer = RVA) of the pasta products were determined. The results showed that the addition of resistant starches (RS-s) influenced the quality of both the raw and cooked pastas. Enzymatic digestibility and five RVA parameters (peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, setback, and final viscosity) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in pasta products with added RS. Cooking quality characteristics were unaffected by RS addition. The results also indicated that interactions between RS-s and other flour components may influence the in vitro digestibility of pasta products. According to the sensory evaluation of products, RS-s did not alter the sensory properties of pastas. However, the type of flour had significant effect on the sensory preference.     

Quality characteristics of dried pasta enriched with buckwheat flour

The addition of pseudocereal flours to semolina is becoming more and more popular to improve the nutritional quality of the resultant pasta. The aim of this study was the evaluation of several properties of commercial pasta made from a mixture of buckwheat flour and durum wheat semolina. The characterisation of products, belonging to different producers, focused on the evaluation of chemical and physical properties, such as water uptake and mechanical properties before and after cooking and surface characteristics. A sensory analysis was also performed in order to evaluate firmness, resistance to breaking and overall acceptability. The results highlighted high heterogeneity of the mechanical properties, solid loss and water absorption among the samples. The great variability could be explained by the different processing conditions adopted by each producer, particularly by the procedure used to form and shape the dough into the final product.