Technological and sensorial quality of berry‐enriched pasta

A novel approach to increase calcium and fiber content in pasta using kadamb fruit (Neolamarckia cadamba) powder and study of functional and structural characteristics

Kadamb is a unique and underutilized fruit having rich nutritional profile. The utilization of kadamb fruit in value addition is very limited. In this study, pasta was made using kadamb fruit powder (KFP). The effect of fortification of KFP on the quality parameters (color, solid loss, percent expansion, hardness, bulk density, and overall acceptability) of pasta was studied. Pasta was prepared using semolina as the base ingredient, and various proportions of KFP (ranging from 0 to 20%) were added for fortification. Dietary fiber and calcium contents of dry pasta were increased from 5.21 ± 0.02 to 15.36 ± 0.02 and 17.57 ± 0.15 to 37.97 ± 0.03, respectively. As the proportion of KFP increased, the cooking time, hardness, and percent solid loss of the cooked pasta also increased. The highest values for overall acceptability, hardness, cooking solid loss, and bulk density were achieved with 10% KFP and 90% semolina were 7.93 ± 0.41, 19.92 ± 0.21 N, 6.30 ± 0.46%, and 331.67 ± 9.60 kg/m3 respectively. Percent expansion of the pasta was noted to be around 98.33 ± 6.5%. The optimal proportion of KFP was found to be 10% for achieving the best overall quality attributes. FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analyses were conducted on the pasta, confirming the presence of functional groups and revealing structural changes due to fiber content of KFP. KFP can be used to create functional and nutritious food products, and further research could explore its application in other food formulations as well.

Technological and Sensory Quality of Gluten-Free Pasta Made from Flint Maize Cultivars

The development of quality gluten-free products presents a major technological challenge in terms of structure, texture, and shelf life. However, there is insufficient information available to identify genotypes for obtaining gluten-free maize pasta of good acceptability and technological quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the technological and sensory quality of gluten-free pasta made from different maize cultivars. The flint open-pollinated variety, flint inbred line, and three dent commercial hybrids were used. Grain and flour's physical characteristics and chemical composition were determined. Gluten-free pasta was made via extrusion, and its quality traits were studied. A sensory evaluation test was carried out. Flint cultivars showed the lowest values on swelling index (both 1.77) and water absorption (124.30 and 134.58%). Pasta swelling index showed a negative association r = -0.77 to sodium carbonate retention capacity (p = 8.5 × 10^-5) and water retention capacity (p = 6.6 × 10^-5). Evaluators' preference results showed a higher frequency of choices at the top level of preference (4) for the flint open-pollinated variety C6006. Thus, evaluators' choices showed a positive association between sample preference and firmness. Pasta preference and technological quality have a direct relationship with fast tests over grain, such as test weight and float index.

Dragon fruit peel extract microcapsule incorporated pearl millet and dragon fruit pulp powder based functional pasta: formulation, characterization, and release kinetics study

The pearl millet based functional pasta was formulated by incorporating freeze dried dragon fruit pulp powder and 2% (w/w) microcapsule containing dragon fruit peel extract. The control pasta consisted of 100% pearl millet flour. The other four functional pasta samples consisted of pearl millet and freeze-dried dragon fruit pulp powder (DFP) in the ratio of 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, and 80:20 (w/w), respectively. The inclusion of dragon fruit powder enhanced the swelling index, water absorption index, color, and functional properties of the pasta. The total phenolic content (0.24-0.43 mg GAE/100 g d.w.), antioxidant activity (17.76-30.67%), and betacyanin content (0.149-0.152 mg/g d.w.) of the pasta was increased with the increase of dragon fruit pulp level in the formulation. The release kinetics of phenolic compounds into the simulated gastric juice was modeled using Higuchi and Peppas- Sahlin models. Out of these two models Peppas- Sahlin model (R 2 > 0.980 and R M S E < 1.527 ) found to predict the release of phenolics into simulated gastric juice with respect to time of release when compared with Higuchi model (R 2 > 0.964 and R M S E < 6.126 ). The onset of transition temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization of pasta samples was found to be in the range of 66.321-74.681 °C and increased with the increase of dragon fruit level in the formulation.

Development and Quality Evaluation of Rigatoni Pasta Enriched with Hemp Seed Meal

Existing food trends and modern consumers' nutritional preferences have led to a rising demand for plant-based sources of protein such as hemp seed meal and the possibility of consumption hemp-rich products, most often in wheat-based staple foods, such as pasta. Pasta, as a conventional food product, is widely consumed worldwide due to its nutritional value, long shelf life, easy preparation, versatility of uses and also relatively low cost, which has made this product popular over time. Five formulations of rigatoni-shaped pasta obtained by partial replacement of wheat grain flour with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% hemp seed meal (HSM) were studied regarding the technological, physicochemical, textural, antioxidant and sensory properties of the pasta samples. The substitution of wheat flour with hemp seed meal (HSM) led to a slight increase in the cooking loss (CL) and optimal cooking time (OCT) compared to the control sample, while the water absorption (WA) and swelling index (SI) decreased during evaluation. The experimental results also showed a decrease in luminosity and fracturability, with an increased firmness of pasta dough. Moreover, the developed pasta showed a significant improvement in antioxidant capacity in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH). The pasta samples with 15% and 20% HSM substitutes experienced a browning process due to the Maillard reactions during drying, as well as a color loss during cooking; however, the color changes did not affect the acceptability of the product. The partial replacement of wheat flour with hemp seed protein highlighted the possibility of developing a new innovative type of pasta that claims a functional benefit and presents an improved nutritional value, mainly due to the partial protein intake, as well as certain benefits for a human diet.

Pasta with Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta): Effect on Structure, Quality, Consumer Acceptance, and Changes in Bioactivity during Thermal Treatment

In this study, kiwiberry lyophilizate (KBL) was incorporated into pasta at different levels (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w). Kiwiberry fruits’ characteristics (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity determination) as well as physical (cooking properties, color, microscopic structure determination, texture, and water molecular dynamics analysis by low-field NMR) and chemical analyses (proximate composition phenolic compounds composition and antioxidant activity) of KBL-enriched pasta were investigated. The replacement of semolina with KBL in the production of pasta significantly changed its culinary properties. Results showed that the addition of KBL leads to a reduction in optimal cooking time and cooking weight (47.6% and 37.3%, respectively). Additionally, a significant effect of the KBL incorporation on the color of both fresh and cooked pasta was observed. A significant reduction in the L* value for fresh (27.8%) and cooked (20.2%) pasta was found. The KBL-enriched pasta had a different surface microstructure than the control pasta and reduced firmness (on average 44.7%). Low-field NMR results have confirmed that the ingredients in kiwiberry fruit can bind the water available in fresh pasta. The heat treatment resulted in increasing the availability of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity (64.7%) of cooked pasta. Sensory evaluation scores showed that the use of 5–10% of the KBL additive could be successfully accepted by consumers.

Sequential steps of the incorporation of bioactive plant extracts from wild Italian Plantago coronopus L. and Cichorium intybus L. leaves in fresh egg pasta

The application of bioactive extracts from Cichorium intybus L. and Plantago coronopus L. species were incorporated as a functional ingredient in fresh egg pasta (Fettuccine). In that sense, a pasta making procedure was accessed using different concentrations of the plant extracts (0.25-0.63 mg/g), drying times (20-420 min) and drying temperatures (40-90 °C; only for P. coronopus enriched pasta), to screen an optimal factor selection in the pasta making procedure and to enhance the bioactive properties of the final product. In the chemical characterisation of the plant extracts, twenty-five phenolic compounds were tentatively identified (twenty compounds belonging to phenolic acid and phenylpropanoid classes and five belonging to the flavonoid sub-class) and a strong synergy between the plant extract concentration and the drying time was showed. The analysed antioxidant properties were enhanced by the phenolic compounds of the extracts and a new functional food with higher bioactive quality was developed.

Pasta Enriched with Dried and Powdered Leek: Physicochemical Properties and Changes during Cooking

Food enrichment is commonly applied to increase the pro-health and dietary value of final products. This study aimed to evaluate how green leek powder (GL) added to semolina influenced the physicochemical, sensory, and cooking characteristics of the pasta. The pasta was prepared by partially substituting semolina with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g/100 g of GL. Then, the pasta samples were assessed for color, cooking properties, sensory features, mechanical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AA). The results indicated that GL significantly decreased the lightness and increased the yellowness of cooked pasta. The total color difference between the control pasta and enriched pasta samples ranged from 2.54 to 6.89 and 5.60 to 11.06 (for uncooked and cooked pasta, respectively). The addition of GL also caused an increase in the optimal cooking time and cooking loss. Moreover, a significant increase in stretching force was observed in cooked pasta. Sensory evaluation revealed that substitution of semolina with up to 2 g/100 g GL did not affect the smell, taste, and color of pasta. Most importantly, GL-enriched pasta was characterized by higher TPC and higher AA compared to the control samples. In summary, our results recommend partial replacement of semolina by GL (up to 3 g/100 g) in pasta production.

Fortification of Durum Wheat Fresh Pasta with Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) and Its Effects on Technological, Nutritional, Sensory Properties, and Predicted Glycemic Index

Pasta, a staple food worldwide consumed, was fortified with maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berry powder (MBP) and the effect of MBP inclusion was evaluated concerning technological, nutritional, and sensory properties. Fresh pasta samples were formulated by replacing 0, 7.5, and 15 g 100 g−1 of durum wheat semolina with MBP. The inclusion of MBP did not affect the moisture content, but the water activity decreased in the fortified samples, while pH values decreased with increasing MBP levels in the recipe. The pasta fully cooking time and the swelling index were reduced, while the cooking loss and the firmness increased with increasing MBP levels. In addition, MBP increased the total dietary fiber, ash, and phenol contents, along with the in vitro antioxidant activities. The starch hydrolysis index and the predicted glycemic index of cooked fresh pasta decreased along with the increase of MBP addition. The MPB addition to fresh pasta could represent a valuable strategy for increasing its nutritional value, maintaining pasta’s technological properties without affecting the sensory acceptability.

Advance on the Capitalization of Grape Peels By-Product in Common Wheat Pasta

Capitalization of winery by-products has received high interest among scientists, producers and consumers concerned with healthy diet and environment protection. Grape peels are rich in fiber and polyphenols and can be used as ingredients in pasta matrix in order to increase the nutritional and functional value of such a staple food. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of grape peel flour added in various amounts (1–6%) to common wheat pasta dough viscoelasticity and texture and on pasta chemical composition, color, cooking behavior and texture, revealing at the same time the relations between characteristics. Grape peel flour induced the increase of the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli, dough hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, pasta crude ash, crude fat, crude fiber, total polyphenols and resistant starch contents, pasta water absorption, cooking loss and breaking force as the addition level was higher and compared to the control. On the other hand, dough resilience, pasta luminosity, chewiness and firmness decreased as the amount of grape peel flour raised. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were obtained between the chemical composition and color parameters, while crude fiber, protein and fat were correlated with dough and pasta texture, total polyphenols with resistant starch content, cooking loss with crude fiber and dough textural parameters. The obtained results underlined the opportunity to use a valuable byproduct such as grape peels in novel pasta formulations, being helpful for processors to extend the product variety and to optimize the processes in order to better satisfy consumer’s demand for functional foods.

Glycemic Index Values of Pasta Products: An Overview

Durum wheat pasta is considered a low-glycemic index (GI) food. In recent years, the interest in developing enriched pasta has increased. Since both the formulation and processing technologies may affect the GI, this study aimed to investigate the GI values of pasta products (pp) reported in the literature until 2020. GI values of pp analyzed following the ISO guidelines were included in this survey. A total of 95 pp were identified and, according to their formulation, classified into 10 categories (n, mean GI): category n 1: 100% refined wheat (35, 55); category n 2: 100% whole wheat (6, 52); category n 3: other cereal-based products (8, 52); category n 4: containing egg (5, 52); category n 5: gluten free (11, 60); category n 6: containing legumes (9, 46); category n 7: noodles and vermicelli (9, 56); category n 8: containing vegetable or algae (6, 51); category n 9: containing other ingredients (5, 37); category n 10: stuffed (1, 58). Overall, pasta is confirmed to be a medium–low-GI food, even if a high variability among or within each category emerged. The formulation of enriched pp able to elicit a controlled glycemic response could represent a strategy to improve the nutritional value of pasta.

Current Trends in Enrichment of Wheat Pasta: Quality, Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Properties

Wheat pasta is one of the most important cereal products and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide because of its convenience, simple formulation, long shelf life, and high energetic value. Wheat pasta is usually obtained from refined flour rich in carbohydrates but with low content of phytochemicals, micronutrients, and fibre. The increased demand of consumers for healthy foods has generated interest among both researchers and food producers in developing functional food products. This review showcases the current trends in pasta fortification. Changes in the nutritional value, cooking quality, sensory attributes, and antioxidant properties of durum and common wheat pasta enriched with both plant and animal raw materials are discussed.

Use of Grape Peels By-Product for Wheat Pasta Manufacturing

Grape peels (GP) use in pasta formulation represents an economic and eco-friendly way to create value-added products with multiple nutritional benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the GP by-product on common wheat flour (Triticum aestivum), dough and pasta properties in order to achieve the optimal level that can be incorporated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was performed taking into account the influence of GP level on flour viscosity, dough cohesiveness and complex modulus, pasta color, fracturability, chewiness, cooking loss, total polyphenols, dietary fibers and resistant starch amounts. The result show that 4.62% GP can be added to wheat flour to obtain higher total polyphenols, resistant starch and dietary fiber contents with minimum negative effects on pasta quality. Flour viscosity, dough cohesiveness, complex modulus and pasta fracturability of the optimal sample were higher compared to the control, while chewiness was lower. Proteins' secondary structures were influenced by GP addition, while starch was not affected. Smooth starch grains embedded in a compact protein structure containing GP fiber was observed. These results show that GP can be successfully incorporated in wheat pasta, offering nutritional benefits by their antioxidants and fiber contents, without many negative effects on the final product's properties.