Physicochemical characterization and consumer response to new Andean ingredients-based fresh pasta: Gnocchi

Modulation in Techno-Functional, Textural Properties, In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Macromolecular-Structural Interactions of Pasta with Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The replacement of semolina with potato flour (PF) and potato mash (PM) at different levels was assessed for its effects on pasta quality. The results showed that the addition of PF and PM increased the pasting viscosity of the blends; in addition, PF enhanced the functional properties, while PM reduced them. The minimum cooking time decreased with PF and PM, while the PF pasta exhibited a higher cooking loss (5.02 to 10.44%) than the PM pasta, which exhibited a lower cooking loss. The pasta with PF and PM showed an increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid content, with reduced in vitro digestibility as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The PF pasta exhibited lower lightness and higher yellowness than the PM pasta, and its firmness and toughness also modulated owing to the complex interaction between potato starches and the gluten protein matrix, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Sensory data revealed that pasta containing 30% PF and 16% PM was highly acceptable.

Technological, Nutritional, and Sensory Characteristics of Gnocchi Enriched with Hemp Seed Flour

Hemp seed flour (HSF) is a by-product of the hemp oil production process and is a valuable source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. In line with sustainable food production and a circular economy, this research aimed to utilize HSF as fortifying ingredient in the production of gnocchi, a typical Italian potato-based fresh pasta, and to investigate the effects of the addition on the quality and consumers’ acceptability of the enriched products. Three formulations have been developed using 5–20% HSF in substitution of soft wheat flour. Nutritional value, cooking quality, color, texture and sensory profile, and the consumers’ acceptability of gnocchi samples were evaluated, as well as the functional properties of pure and composite flours and the HSF aroma compounds. HSF addition allowed to enhance the nutritional value of gnocchi, gaining the nutritional claim of “source of fiber” in case of formulations with ≥10% of HSF. Moreover, the fortified gnocchi had a high technological quality in terms of cooking loss, cooking resistance and textural properties, and average sensory quality; however, the vegetable and hemp odor and the bitter taste make them not well appreciated by consumers highlighting the need for improving the HSF sensory quality for consumers’ satisfaction.

Effects of Red Rice or Buckwheat Addition on Nutritional, Technological, and Sensory Quality of Potato-Based Pasta

This work investigates the effects of red rice (R) or buckwheat (B) flour addition on nutritional, technological, and sensory quality of potato-based pasta (gnocchi). Three gluten-free (GF) and three conventional (C) samples were produced in an industrial line without any addition or with 20% R or B. R and B addition significantly (p < 0.05) reduced starch content and increased fat amount and ready digestible starch fraction (potential higher glycemic impact). R addition significantly (p < 0.05) worsened GF pasta structure, increasing solid loss in cooking water (5.4 ± 1.2 vs. 4.1 ± 0.5 g/100 g pasta) and reducing product firmness (408 ± 13 vs. 108 ± 2 N). B addition resulted in intermediate consistency (243 ± 8 N), despite the highest total fiber content and weight increase during cooking. Similar trends were found in C samples, indicating a better texturizing capacity of B in comparison to R. Samples without any addition were the most liked (C = 67.4 and GF = 60.6). Texture was the major contributor to liking: uniform structure and firm texture were positive predictors of liking, whereas a granular and coarse matrix contributed negatively. The outcomes of this research can be useful in developing GF potato-based pasta for consumers focused on healthier foods and for industries willing to better valorize their products.

Characterization of Quinoa Seeds Milling Fractions and Their Effect on the Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Dough

Replacement of refined wheat flour with milling fractions of quinoa seeds represents a useful way for the formulation of value-added baked products with beneficial characteristics to consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition and physical properties of different particle sizes of quinoa flour on Falling number index (FN) and dough rheological properties determined by Mixolab in a planned research based on design of experiment by using full factorial design. The ash and protein contents were higher in medium particle size, whereas the carbohydrates presented a lower value, this fraction having also the highest water absorption and water retention capacity. The reduction of particles led to an increased swelling capacity and a decreased bulk density. The particle size significantly influenced the FN values in linear and quadratic terms (p < 0.05), showing a decrease with the particle size increasing. Particle size decrease significantly increased water absorption and the rate of protein weakening due to heat (C1–2), whereas starch gelatinization rate (C3–2), starch breakdown rate related to amylase activity (C3–4) and starch retrogradation speed (C5–4) decreased. By increasing the amount of quinoa flour (QF) in wheat flour, the dough stability and the torques C2, C3, C4 and C5 followed a decreased trend, whereas water absorption and dough development time rose. Optimization, determined by particle size and level of QF added in wheat flour based on which of the combination gives the best rheological properties, showed that the composite flour containing 8.98% quinoa flour of medium particle size was the most suitable.