Formulation of nutritional and ready to mix gluten-free porridge from proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) little millet (Panicum sumatrense) and legume faba bean (Vicia faba)

Valorization of Local Legumes and Nuts as Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Legumes and nuts are components of high importance in the diet of many countries, mainly those in the Mediterranean region. They are also very versatile and culturally diverse foods found all over the world, acting as a basic protein source in certain countries. Their genetic diversity is needed to sustain the food supply and security for humans and livestock, especially because of the current loss of habitats, species, and genetic diversity worldwide, but also because of the ever present need to feed the increasing human population. Even though both legumes and nuts are considered as high-protein food and environmentally friendly crops, developed countries have lower consumption rates when compared to Asia or Africa. With a view to increasing the consumption of legumes and nuts, the objective of this review is to present the advantages on the use of autochthonous varieties from different countries around the world, thus providing a boost to the local market in the area. The consumption of these varieties could be helped by their use in ready-to-eat foods (RTE), which are now on the rise thanks to today's fast-paced lifestyles and the search for more nutritious and sustainable foods. The versatility of legumes and nuts covers a wide range of possibilities through their use in plant-based dairy analogues, providing alternative-protein and maximal amounts of nutrients and bioactive compounds, potential plant-based flours for bakery and pasta, and added-value traditional RTE meals. For this reason, information about legume and nut nutrition could possibly increase its acceptance with consumers.

New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods: Science, technology, and challenges

Ongoing research in the food industry is striving to replace wheat flour with new alternatives from sustainable sources to overcome the disease burden in the existing population. Celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are some common disorders associated with gluten present in wheat. These scientific findings are crucial to finding appropriate alternatives in introducing new ingredients supporting the consumer's requirements. Among the alternatives, amaranth, barley, coconut, chestnut, maize, millet, teff, oat, rye, sorghum, soy, rice flour, and legumes could be considered appropriate due to their chemical composition, bioactive profile, and alternatives utilization in the baking industry. Furthermore, the enrichment of these alternatives with proper ingredients is considered effective. Literature demonstrated that the flours from these alternative sources significantly enhanced the physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of the doughs. These flours boost a significant reduction in gluten proteins associated with food intolerance, in comparison with wheat highlighting a visible market opportunity with nutritional and organoleptic benefits for food producers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods as an approach that affects human health. Alternatives from sustainable sources are important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Alternatives from sustainable sources are rising due to nutritional and consumer demand in bakery industry. New alternatives from sustainable sources improve physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of dough. Non-wheat-based foods from non-traditional grains have a potential to increase consumer market acceptance.