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12 pages, 6960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Commercial and Monovarietal Wheat Flours from Peru

by Ivan Best, Alan Portugal, Sandra Casimiro-Gonzales, Luis Aguilar, Fernando Ramos-Escudero, Zoila Honorio, Naysha Rojas-Villa, Carlos Benavente and Ana María Muñoz

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091789 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2122

Abstract

In Peru, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main resources in the food industry; however, due to its low harvested area, it is the second most imported cereal. The quality of wheat flour was studied to verify that it has [...] Read more.

In Peru, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main resources in the food industry; however, due to its low harvested area, it is the second most imported cereal. The quality of wheat flour was studied to verify that it has desirable characteristics for the preparation of bakery products. The quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours was assessed by measuring their physicochemical and rheological parameters, as well as the gluten content and wheat protein fractions. Eight commercial wheat flours and four monovarietal wheat flours (Barba negra, Candeal, Espelta, and Duro) from Peru were evaluated. Commercial wheat flours presented significantly higher levels of protein and gluten index compared to monovarietal wheat flours (p < 0.05). Between both groups, no significant differences were observed in the content of wet and dry gluten. Interestingly, monovarietal wheat flours presented a higher percentage of gliadins and albumins/globulins, as well as lower levels of glutenin, compared to commercial wheat flours (p < 0.05). According to the logistic regression models, the baking strength (W) was the most important parameter to evaluate the quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours. Our results show that monovarietal wheat flours show a lower quality compared to commercial wheat flours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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23 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Habits, Health and Environment in the Purchase of Bakery Products: Consumption Preferences and Sustainable Inclinations before and during COVID-19

by Agata Nicolosi, Valentina Rosa Laganà and Donatella Di Gregorio

Foods 2023, 12(8), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081661 - 16 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4323

Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate whether purchasing decisions about bakery products (bread, snacks and biscuits) are influenced by concerns about health, climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste. The exploratory survey was carried out in two successive moments before and [...] Read more.

The aim of the research is to investigate whether purchasing decisions about bakery products (bread, snacks and biscuits) are influenced by concerns about health, climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste. The exploratory survey was carried out in two successive moments before and during the health emergency from COVID-19. Before the health emergency, face-to-face interviews were carried out using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by factor analysis, reliability tests and descriptive analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the research hypotheses. The results of the modeling analysis of the structural equations highlighted that health and the environment represent an important background in the consumer experience of the respondents and influence the attitude and intention to purchase safe and environmentally friendly bakery products. Furthermore, the results suggest that informed, modern and aware consumers have direct and indirect effects on the intentions to adopt sustainable attitudes. On the contrary, the perception relating to the shops where consumers buy bakery products does not always show a significant influence on the propensity for sustainability. During the health emergency, the interviews were conducted online. Families confined to their homes, buying less in stores, have prepared many baked goods manually at home. The descriptive analysis of this group of consumers shows a growing attention to points of sale and the tendency to use online shopping. Furthermore, the changes in the type of purchases and the importance attributed to the need to reduce food waste emerge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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18 pages, 1671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proximate Compositions, Texture, and Sensory Profiles of Gluten-Free Bario Rice Bread Supplemented with Potato Starch

by Macdalyna Esther Ronie, Hasmadi Mamat, Ahmad Hazim Abdul Aziz and Muhd Khairi Zainol

Foods 2023, 12(6), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061172 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

Current gluten-free food development trends tend to favour pigmented rice flour. Bario Merah Sederhana is a type of red-pigmented rice that is indigenous to Sarawak, Malaysia. This research investigates the nutritional, texture, and sensory properties of gluten-free rice bread produced from a composite [...] Read more.

Current gluten-free food development trends tend to favour pigmented rice flour. Bario Merah Sederhana is a type of red-pigmented rice that is indigenous to Sarawak, Malaysia. This research investigates the nutritional, texture, and sensory properties of gluten-free rice bread produced from a composite of BMS rice flour and potato starch, producing samples referred to as F1 (100:0), F2 (90:10), F3 (80:20), and F4 (70:30). The gluten-free rice bread formulations demonstrated higher ash and crude fibre content and lower carbohydrate content than wheat bread. However, the crude protein content of the bread decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with a decreased amount of rice flour, owing to wheat flour containing greater protein. The crumb of rice bread appeared to be darker due to the red pigment of rice flour; in contrast, the crust was lighter than the control sample, possibly due to a lower Maillard reaction. Among rice bread formulations, F4 demonstrated the lowest hardness in dough and bread, as well as the highest stickiness and springiness in dough and bread, respectively. The wheat bread received the highest rating (p < 0.05) in the sensory test; nonetheless, among the rice breads, F4 was considered to be an acceptable formulation owing to its high score in colour (7.03), flavour (5.73), texture (6.03), and overall acceptability (6.18). BMS has potential in gluten-free rice breads; the formulation of 70% rice flour combined with 30% potato starch was indicated to be acceptable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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24 pages, 6574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mixing Time on Properties of Whole Wheat Flour-Based Cookie Doughs and Cookies

by Somali Dhal, Arfat Anis, Hamid M Shaikh, Abdullah Alhamidi and Kunal Pal

Foods 2023, 12(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12050941 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3634

Abstract

This study investigated if whole wheat flour-based cookie dough’s physical properties were affected by mixing time (1 to 10 min). The cookie dough quality was assessed using texture (spreadability and stress relaxation), moisture content, and impedance analysis. The distributed components were better organized [...] Read more.

This study investigated if whole wheat flour-based cookie dough’s physical properties were affected by mixing time (1 to 10 min). The cookie dough quality was assessed using texture (spreadability and stress relaxation), moisture content, and impedance analysis. The distributed components were better organized in dough mixed for 3 min when compared with the other times. The segmentation analysis of the dough micrographs suggested that higher mixing time resulted in the formation of water agglomeration. The infrared spectrum of the samples was analyzed based on the water populations, amide I region, and starch crystallinity. The analysis of the amide I region (1700–1600 cm⁻¹) suggested that β-turns and β-sheets were the dominating protein secondary structures in the dough matrix. Conversely, most samples’ secondary structures (α-helices and random coil) were negligible or absent. MT3 dough exhibited the lowest impedance in the impedance tests. Test baking of the cookies from doughs mixed at different times was performed. There was no discernible change in appearance due to the change in the mixing time. Surface cracking was noticeable on all cookies, a trait often associated with cookies made with wheat flour that contributed to the impression of an uneven surface. There was not much variation in cookie size attributes. Cookies ranged in moisture content from 11 to 13.5%. MT5 (mixing time of 5 min) cookies demonstrated the strongest hydrogen bonding. Overall, it was observed that the cookies hardened as mixing time rose. The texture attributes of the MT5 cookies were more reproducible than the other cookie samples. In summary, it can be concluded that the whole wheat flour cookies prepared with a creaming time and mixing time of 5 min each resulted in good quality cookies. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of mixing time on the physical and structural properties of the dough and, eventually, its impact on the baked product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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21 pages, 2007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Functional Cookies Enriched with Chestnut Shells Extract as Source of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds

by Diana Pinto, Manuela M. Moreira, Elsa F. Vieira, Jaroslava Švarc-Gajić, Anna Vallverdú-Queralt, Tanja Brezo-Borjan, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Francisca Rodrigues

Foods 2023, 12(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12030640 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSs), an undervalued agro-industrial biowaste, have arisen as a source of bioactive compounds with promising health-promoting effects. This study attempted, for the first time, to develop a functional food, namely cookies, using a CS extract obtained by [...] Read more.

Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSs), an undervalued agro-industrial biowaste, have arisen as a source of bioactive compounds with promising health-promoting effects. This study attempted, for the first time, to develop a functional food, namely cookies, using a CS extract obtained by an eco-friendly technology (subcritical water extraction). The cookies were characterized regarding their nutritional composition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively), antioxidant/antiradical activities, phenolic profile, and sensory evaluation. The results demonstrated that the CS-extract-enriched cookies were mainly composed of carbohydrates (53.92% on dry weight (dw)), fat (32.62% dw), and fiber (5.15% dw). The phenolic profile outlined by HPLC-PDA revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins, attesting to the high TPC and TFC. The in vitro antioxidant/antiradical effects proved the bioactivity of the functional cookies, while the sensory evaluation unveiled excellent scores on all attributes (≥6.25). The heatmap diagram corroborated strong correlations between the TPC and antioxidant/antiradical properties, predicting that the appreciated sensory attributes were closely correlated with high carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. This study encourages the sustainable recovery of antioxidants from CSs and their further employment as an active nutraceutical ingredient in functional cookies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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15 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rheo-Fermentation Dough Properties, Bread-Making Quality and Aroma Characteristics of Red Bean (Vigna angularis) Sourdough Induced by LAB Weissella confusa QS813 Strain Fermentation

by Chengye Huang, Jing Huang, Binle Zhang, Jacob Ojobi Omedi, Cheng Chen, Liyuan Zhou, Li Liang, Qibo Zou, Jianxian Zheng, Yongqing Zeng and Weining Huang

Foods 2023, 12(3), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12030605 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of in situ-formed exopolysaccharides (EPS) in red bean (Vigna angularis) sourdough fermented by Weissella confusa QS813 on dough rheo-fermentation properties, bread-making quality and aroma characteristics of red bean sourdough bread. The EPS formed in red bean [...] Read more.

This study investigated the impact of in situ-formed exopolysaccharides (EPS) in red bean (Vigna angularis) sourdough fermented by Weissella confusa QS813 on dough rheo-fermentation properties, bread-making quality and aroma characteristics of red bean sourdough bread. The EPS formed in red bean sourdough and sourdough-induced acidification improved the maximum dough fermentation height, gas retention coefficient and viscoelastic properties of dough. Doughs had a lower increase rate of total SDS-soluble gluten proteins, a low decline in GMP content and similar free sulfhydryl content to wheat dough. Resultantly, breads showed declines in baking loss and hardness, increase in specific volume and lower moisture loss and staling rate after 7 days of storage. Finally, despite a reduction in the total content of aroma compounds, new aroma compounds such as acetic acid and higher contents of 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2,3-butanediol were enriched in red bean sourdough bread. Sourdough acidification probably promoted interaction of EPS with gluten or red bean proteins through bond interactions to form structures which stabilized gluten in dough and increased water-binding ability in red bean sourdough bread. This study provided a better understanding of the role of EPS in sourdough in improving bread quality and of promising strategies to address consumer demand for nutritious and clean-label products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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18 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addition of Amaranth Flour of Different Particle Sizes at Established Doses in Wheat Flour to Achieve a Nutritional Improved Wheat Bread

by Ionica Coțovanu, Silviu-Gabriel Stroe, Florin Ursachi and Silvia Mironeasa

Foods 2023, 12(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010133 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

Amaranth is an underutilized pseudocereal that can be used to supplement wheat flour (WF) in order to improve the nutritional quality of bread. Bread digestibility is impacted by particle size which produces different nutritional properties. This research aims to evaluate the baking characteristics [...] Read more.

Amaranth is an underutilized pseudocereal that can be used to supplement wheat flour (WF) in order to improve the nutritional quality of bread. Bread digestibility is impacted by particle size which produces different nutritional properties. This research aims to evaluate the baking characteristics of optimal wheat–amaranth composite flour for each studied amaranth flour (AF) particle size at doses previously established based on an optimization process and to characterize from a physical, textural, nutritional, and sensorial point of view the obtained bread. The results revealed that the optimal wheat–amaranth composite flour with medium and small particle size, respectively showed a slightly lower α-amylase activity, while dough development time was significantly higher compared to the WF. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease was observed in the elasticity, deformation energy, and dynamic rheological parameters of the optimal composite dough for all the particle sizes, whereas fermentation parameters showed higher values compared to the control, indicating the ability of the gluten structure in large, medium, and small particle sizes of AF to hold the gas and to expand without collapsing. The physical, textural, and especially nutritional characteristics of the optimal WF-AF bread were enhanced. The sensory evaluation results revealed high scores (8.70) for the acceptability of optimal bread with a medium particle size as compared to wheat bread (8.25). The protein and ash content of the optimal breads with large, medium, and small AF particle sizes, respectively, increased significantly, from 8.92 to 10.58%, and 0.82 to 0.99%, respectively, relative to the wheat flour bread (8.35% and 0.72%, respectively). The mineral content was up to two times higher in the optimal breads compared to wheat flour bread. The findings generated from this study are helpful in bakery industry for designing products with enhanced nutritional properties and for introducing new products to the market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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11 pages, 2965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cake Made with No Animal Origin Ingredients: Physical Properties and Nutritional and Sensory Quality

by Diana Ansorena, Lucía Cartagena and Iciar Astiasaran

Foods 2023, 12(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010054 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

A gelled emulsion ingredient based on high oleic sunflower oil (20%) and an isolated soy protein suspension were used in the elaboration of a cake to avoid the use of ingredients of animal origin. The control product was elaborated with butter and milk. [...] Read more.

A gelled emulsion ingredient based on high oleic sunflower oil (20%) and an isolated soy protein suspension were used in the elaboration of a cake to avoid the use of ingredients of animal origin. The control product was elaborated with butter and milk. Sugar was used in both types of formulations, but it was partially replaced by maltitol in the reformulated product. Decreases of 25% in energy and 67% in fat supply were achieved, as well as a 36% reduction in the sugar content. The saturated fatty acid amount was 0.57 g/100 g product, in contrast with the 9.45 g/100 g product found in control products. Differences in color were observed both through instrumental and sensory analysis, especially in the crust, with lower values for the Browning index in the reformulated products. The hedonic test, carried out with 44 untrained panelists, showed a good score for general acceptability (6.1 in contrast to 7.2 for control products), and no significant differences from the control were found for flavor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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16 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Oil Type Used in Neapolitan Pizza TSG Topping on Its Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Properties

by Amalia Piscopo, Angela Zappia, Antonio Mincione, Roccangelo Silletti, Carmine Summo and Antonella Pasqualone

Foods 2023, 12(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010041 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1969

Abstract

Background: According to the regulations of the Neapolitan Pizza TSG, extra virgin olive oil must be exclusively used as topping ingredient, together with tomato for pizza marinara-type production. As, often deliberately, other oils are replaced by pizza makers for economical and organoleptic purposes, [...] Read more.

Background: According to the regulations of the Neapolitan Pizza TSG, extra virgin olive oil must be exclusively used as topping ingredient, together with tomato for pizza marinara-type production. As, often deliberately, other oils are replaced by pizza makers for economical and organoleptic purposes, the present study was conducted to analyze the quality of pizza depending on the oil typology used. Methods: Chemical and sensory analyses were performed on olive oils and on pizza topping mix samples after cooking to detect changes due to the applied cooking processing. Results: The results revealed the best quality of a monovarietal olive oil (Ottobratica cv.) for their peculiar phenolic content related to the best oxidation stability after pizza’s cooking, expressed as bioactive amounts and lower presence of undesired volatile compounds. Conclusions: The use of an extra virgin monovarietal olive oil, such as Ottobratica cv., in the topping of pizza is preferable to other oils, also EVOO, because of its higher quality, which is reflected in greater health and pleasant characteristics from a sensorial point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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11 pages, 3105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Argon as Filling Gas of the Storage Atmosphere on the Shelf-Life of Sourdough Bread—Case Study on PDO Tuscan Bread

by Alessandro Bianchi, Isabella Taglieri, Angela Zinnai, Monica Macaluso, Chiara Sanmartin and Francesca Venturi

Foods 2022, 11(21), 3470; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213470 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

The short shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread limits its distribution to markets close to the production area, affecting its commercial success and the economic return by supply chain operators. While the application of MAP to store bread is widely accepted, the suitability of [...] Read more.

The short shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread limits its distribution to markets close to the production area, affecting its commercial success and the economic return by supply chain operators. While the application of MAP to store bread is widely accepted, the suitability of this technique to extend the shelf life of the PDO Tuscan bread is still to be explored. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge no data are available in the literature about the use of argon as filling gas neither in pure atmosphere nor in combination with CO₂. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different modified packaging atmospheres on the shelf-life of sourdough bread. Slices of bread were stored individually in plastic bags at 23 °C in five different atmospheres (Ar (100%), N₂ (100%), CO₂ (100%), Mix CO₂/N₂ (70% CO₂, 30% N₂), Mix CO₂/Ar (70% CO₂, 30% Ar)), and Air was selected as a control. To select the best storage conditions, both chemical-physical, rheological, and organoleptic features were evaluated. Results showed that pure gases (CO₂, N₂, Ar) displayed good qualities as storage atmospheres compared to Air. In contrast, both Mix CO₂/N₂ and Mix CO₂/Ar were the best in slowing down the staling process, thus doubling the shelf-life of bread, compared to other atmospheres. In conclusion, argon, as a preservation atmosphere, seems to be the best solution to extend the shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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15 pages, 1718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Health Benefits of Yeast-Leavened Bread Containing LAB Pediococcus pentosaceus Fermented Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus): Both In Vitro and In Vivo Aspects

by Jacob Ojobi Omedi, Ning Li, Cheng Chen, Xin Cheng, Jing Huang, Binle Zhang, Tiecheng Gao, Li Liang, Zhongkai Zhou and Weining Huang

Foods 2022, 11(21), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213416 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1735

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the incorporation of 0–25% pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) fermented by Pediococcus pentosaceus on physicochemical and bioactive properties of yeast-leavened wheat-mung bean bread. The results revealed that β-glucosidase activity increased during dough proofing, which may [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the incorporation of 0–25% pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) fermented by Pediococcus pentosaceus on physicochemical and bioactive properties of yeast-leavened wheat-mung bean bread. The results revealed that β-glucosidase activity increased during dough proofing, which may contribute to changes in dietary fiber. Compared to wheat bread, experimental bread had an increased content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF), total phenolic, total flavonoid, and slowly digestible starch, especially in wheat-mung bean bread prepared with 15% pitaya fermentates (WMB-15F). The effect of bread consumption on systemic inflammation, glucose tolerance, and blood lipid profiles was also evaluated via a mice model. The results indicated that levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines declined and glucose tolerance improved, while LDL and HDL were positively modified compared to control. Furthermore, an increased abundance of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, and Bifidobacterium spp. was observed in WMB-15F mice. Acetic acid was the dominant short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces and serum in all groups. Total SCFAs in circulation were highest in WMB-15F mice compared to other groups. In summary, an increased abundance of beneficial gut microbiota and promoted SCFA production might be highly associated with increased SDF and the release of key phenolic compounds during dough proofing, which exerts health benefits aroused from the consumption of yeast-leavened bread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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13 pages, 1499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Bioactive Compounds, and Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Gluten-Free Muffins Enriched with Persimmon ‘Rojo Brillante’ Flour

by Sepideh Hosseininejad, Virginia Larrea, Gemma Moraga and Isabel Hernando

Foods 2022, 11(21), 3357; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213357 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1790

Abstract

Because of the nutritional need of patients with celiac disease, producing quality gluten-free diet food is important. This study evaluated the use of persimmon flour on the properties of muffins. Persimmon flour obtained from the astringent variety ‘Rojo Brillante’, which is often discarded [...] Read more.

Because of the nutritional need of patients with celiac disease, producing quality gluten-free diet food is important. This study evaluated the use of persimmon flour on the properties of muffins. Persimmon flour obtained from the astringent variety ‘Rojo Brillante’, which is often discarded due to its characteristic astringency, was added to muffins replacing corn flour (10%, 20%, and 30%). Despite the height differences between the control muffin and the muffins with persimmon flour, similar mechanical parameters were obtained. As the percentage of persimmon flour increased, the muffin color was darker, turning toward a more reddish hue, mainly because of the intensification of nonenzymatic browning reactions. The sensory results showed high scores for taste attributes, the texture attributes were similar to the control, and astringency was hardly detected when persimmon flour was used. The content of tannins and carotenoids and their antioxidant activity increased significantly with an increasing amount of persimmon flour. After in vitro digestion, high recovery index values of soluble tannins and carotenoids were obtained in muffins with added persimmon flour. This study shows that the use of persimmon flour as a functional ingredient offers an opportunity to develop quality gluten-free muffins that reduce agricultural losses. Astringent varieties can be used, without applying a de-astringency treatment, as the astringency is removed during muffin baking due to tannins’ insolubilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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16 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Assessment of Agronomic and Baking Qualities of Modern/Old Varieties and Landraces of Wheat Grown in Calabria (Italy)

by Giovanni Preiti, Antonio Calvi, Angelo Maria Giuffrè, Giuseppe Badagliacca, Nino Virzì and Monica Bacchi

Foods 2022, 11(15), 2359; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11152359 - 06 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

The cultivation of wheat has been part of the evolution of human civilisation since ancient times. Wheat breeding has modified some of its characteristics to obtain improved varieties with high production potential that better meet the demands of the bread and pasta industry. [...] Read more.

The cultivation of wheat has been part of the evolution of human civilisation since ancient times. Wheat breeding has modified some of its characteristics to obtain improved varieties with high production potential that better meet the demands of the bread and pasta industry. Even today, there are still old varieties, landraces, adapted to particular environments. They are still cultivated in some areas because of the interest shown by the market in typical bakery products expressing the cultural heritage of local communities. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bio-agronomic and bakery characteristics of four modern genotypes, one old cultivar and two landraces of wheat typically grown in Calabria (Southern Italy). The experiment was carried out over two years in two different locations, during which the main bio-agronomic and quality traits related to bread making aptitude were detected. A marked difference was found between the landraces and the other genotypes in both agronomic and technological characteristics. Despite the higher protein and gluten content, landraces were found to have a significantly lower gluten index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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17 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation of Biscuits Fortified with a Flour Obtained from Bergamot By-Products (Citrus bergamia, Risso)

by Valeria Laganà, Angelo Maria Giuffrè, Alessandra De Bruno and Marco Poiana

Foods 2022, 11(8), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11081137 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3599

Abstract

Bergamot belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a typical fruit grown principally in the province of Reggio Calabria (South Italy). Nowadays, its industrial use is mostly related to the extraction of the essential oil contained in the flavedo but also to a [...] Read more.

Bergamot belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a typical fruit grown principally in the province of Reggio Calabria (South Italy). Nowadays, its industrial use is mostly related to the extraction of the essential oil contained in the flavedo but also to a lesser extent the extraction of the juice (from the pulp), which is rich in antioxidants. However, the pressed pulp (known as Pastazzo) is either used for animal feed or is discarded. The aim of this research was to study the effect of bergamot Pastazzo flour in shortbread biscuits. Pastazzo flour partially replaced the 00 wheat flour in different percentages (2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15%). Simultaneously, a sample without the addition of Pastazzo flour (control) was analyzed, thus obtaining five biscuit samples. Cooking was done in a ventilated oven at 180 °C. The baking time was different for the control and the enriched samples depending on when the desired color was reached. The control took 12 min, while the enriched samples reached the desired color in 8 min. All samples were subjected to physicochemical and antioxidant characterization, as well as total polyphenols and flavonoids. The use of Pastazzo flour resulted in a slight increase in water activity and humidity values. pH values decreased for all the enriched samples compared to the control, but this was more relevant for the samples enriched with 10 and 15% of flour from by-products. Hardness varied from 1823 g (Control) to 2022 and 2818 g (respectively, for 2.5% and 15% bergamot Pastazzo flour in the recipe). Total phenol content varied from 0.14 mg GAE g⁻¹ (Control) to 0.60 and 3.64 mg GAE g⁻¹ (respectively, for 2.5% and 15% bergamot Pastazzo flour in the recipe). The obtained results demonstrated that the use of Pastazzo flour had a positive influence on the antioxidant content, with values which increased as more Pastazzo flour was added. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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9 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fungal Microbiome of Wheat Flour Includes Potential Mycotoxin Producers

by Serena A. Minutillo, David Ruano-Rosa, Ahmed Abdelfattah, Leonardo Schena and Antonino Malacrinò

Foods 2022, 11(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050676 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2866

Abstract

Consumers are increasingly demanding higher quality and safety standards for the products they consume, and one of this is wheat flour, the basis of a wide variety of processed products. This major component in the diet of many communities can be contaminated by [...] Read more.

Consumers are increasingly demanding higher quality and safety standards for the products they consume, and one of this is wheat flour, the basis of a wide variety of processed products. This major component in the diet of many communities can be contaminated by microorganisms before the grain harvest, or during the grain storage right before processing. These microorganisms include several fungal species, many of which produce mycotoxins, secondary metabolites that can cause severe acute and chronic disorders. Yet, we still know little about the overall composition of fungal communities associated with wheat flour. In this study, we contribute to fill this gap by characterizing the fungal microbiome of different types of wheat flour using culture-dependent and -independent techniques. Qualitatively, these approaches suggested similar results, highlighting the presence of several fungal taxa able to produce mycotoxins. In-vitro isolation of fungal species suggest a higher frequency of Penicillium, while metabarcoding suggest a higher abundance of Alternaria. This discrepancy might reside on the targeted portion of the community (alive vs. overall) or in the specific features of each technique. Thus, this study shows that commercial wheat flour hosts a wide fungal diversity with several taxa potentially representing concerns for consumers, aspects that need more attention throughout the food production chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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19 pages, 2549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shortening Replacement with Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the Physical–Chemical–Sensory Properties of Italian Cantuccini Biscuits

by Angelo Maria Giuffrè, Manuela Caracciolo, Marco Capocasale, Clotilde Zappia and Marco Poiana

Foods 2022, 11(3), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030299 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3449

Abstract

Olive oil is recognised for its beneficial effects on human health, mainly due to it containing oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), whereas fats of animal origin or margarine, which are often used in recipes for biscuit production, contain mainly saturated fatty acids. [...] Read more.

Olive oil is recognised for its beneficial effects on human health, mainly due to it containing oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), whereas fats of animal origin or margarine, which are often used in recipes for biscuit production, contain mainly saturated fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf-life and physicochemical properties of biscuits and of the fats contained in original recipe Italian Cantuccini biscuits (50% cow’s butter and 50% margarine). Additionally, the sensory properties of the biscuits were evaluated, including their colour, appearance, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. At the same time, the fat composition of the original recipe was also modified to contain 30% cow’s butter and 70% extra virgin olive oil, in order to replace an aliquot of the saturated fatty acid content with unsaturated fatty acids, in particular with one monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid. Colour (CIELab), water activity, relative humidity, hardness and fracturability analyses were conducted on Cantuccini biscuits. Colour (CIELab), free acidity, spectrophotometric characteristics, DPPH assay and fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) analyses were conducted on the fat extracted from Cantuccini biscuits prepared from both the original and modified recipes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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25 pages, 436 KiB

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Breeding Bread-Making Wheat Varieties for Organic Farming Systems: The Need to Target Productivity, Robustness, Resource Use Efficiency and Grain Quality Traits

by Leonidas Rempelos, Juan Wang, Enas Khalid Sufar, Mohammed Saleh Bady Almuayrifi, Daryl Knutt, Halima Leifert, Alice Leifert, Andrew Wilkinson, Peter Shotton, Gultekin Hasanaliyeva, Paul Bilsborrow, Steve Wilcockson, Nikolaos Volakakis, Emilia Markellou, Bingqiang Zhao, Stephen Jones, Per Ole Iversen and Carlo Leifert

Foods 2023, 12(6), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061209 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2602

Abstract

Agronomic protocols (rotation, tillage, fertilization and crop protection) commonly used in organic and conventional crop production differ significantly and there is evidence that modern varieties developed for conventional high-input farming systems do not have the combination of traits required for optimum performance in [...] Read more.

Agronomic protocols (rotation, tillage, fertilization and crop protection) commonly used in organic and conventional crop production differ significantly and there is evidence that modern varieties developed for conventional high-input farming systems do not have the combination of traits required for optimum performance in organic farming systems. Specifically, there is evidence that prohibition on the use of water-soluble, mineral N, P and K fertilizers and synthetic pesticide inputs in organic farming results in a need to revise both breeding and selection protocols. For organic production systems, the focus needs to be on the following: (i) traits prioritized by organic farmers such as high nutrient use efficiency from organic fertilizer inputs, competitiveness against weeds, and pest and disease resistance, (ii) processing quality parameters defined by millers and bakers and (iii) nutritional quality parameters demanded by organic consumers. In this article, we review evidence from variety trials and factorial field experiments that (i) studied to what extent there is a need for organic farming focused breeding programs, (ii) investigated which traits/trait combinations should be targeted in these breeding programs and/or (iii) compared the performance of modern varieties developed for the conventional sector with traditional/older varieties favored by organic farmers and/or new varieties developed in organic farming focused breeding programs. Our review focuses on wheat because there have been organic and/or low-input farming focused wheat breeding programs for more than 20 years in Europe, which has allowed the performance of varieties/genotypes from organic/low-input and conventional farming focused breeding programs to be compared. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

16 pages, 972 KiB

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Ropiness in Bread—A Re-Emerging Spoilage Phenomenon

by Nicola Pacher, Johanna Burtscher, Sophia Johler, Danai Etter, Denisse Bender, Lars Fieseler and Konrad J. Domig

Foods 2022, 11(19), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11193021 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7427

Abstract

As bread is a very important staple food, its spoilage threatens global food security. Ropy bread spoilage manifests in sticky and stringy degradation of the crumb, slime formation, discoloration, and an odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Increasing consumer demand for preservative-free products and [...] Read more.

As bread is a very important staple food, its spoilage threatens global food security. Ropy bread spoilage manifests in sticky and stringy degradation of the crumb, slime formation, discoloration, and an odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Increasing consumer demand for preservative-free products and global warming may increase the occurrence of ropy spoilage. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, the B. cereus group, B. pumilus, B. sonorensis, Cytobacillus firmus, Niallia circulans, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Priestia megaterium were reported to cause ropiness in bread. Process hygiene does not prevent ropy spoilage, as contamination of flour with these Bacillus species is unavoidable due to their occurrence as a part of the endophytic commensal microbiota of wheat and the formation of heat-stable endospores that are not inactivated during processing, baking, or storage. To date, the underlying mechanisms behind ropy bread spoilage remain unclear, high-throughput screening tools to identify rope-forming bacteria are missing, and only a limited number of strategies to reduce rope spoilage were described. This review provides a current overview on (i) routes of entry of Bacillus endospores into bread, (ii) bacterial species implicated in rope spoilage, (iii) factors influencing rope development, and (iv) methods used to assess bacterial rope-forming potential. Finally, we pinpoint key gaps in knowledge and related challenges, as well as future research questions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Quality of the Food Supply Chain for Bakery Products)

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