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Background and Objectives: Effects of the physicochemical properties of buckwheat flour (BKF), quinoa flour (QF), proso millet flour (PMF), and whole wheat flour (WWF) were evaluated in a pancake product made with unbleached fine wheat pastry flour (FWF). Pancakes were formulated with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (w/w) substitution levels. FWF was used as the control. Findings: The flours varied in composition, affecting their functional properties. BKF was characterized by high total dietary fiber (TDF), FWF had the highest starch content, WWF had the highest protein content, and PMF had the highest peak and onset temperature. The influential functional properties on pancake quality were the content of TDF and insoluble dietary fiber, as well as the water and oil holding capacity. Due to the rapid cooking time in pancakes, the PMF starch did not gelatinize adequately, likely due to the amylose content or shape and size of the starch, resulting in a low‐hardness pancake without a continuous matrix. When a pancake was prepared with partial pregelatinized PMF, the pancake had a continuous matrix. Conclusion: BK, QF, and WWF can be incorporated into pancake formulations without flour modification. PMF must be modified before usage in a pancake application to ensure that a continuous matrix is formed. Significance and Novelty: This research sheds light on the importance of considering the functional properties of alternative grains in baked product formulations. Nonetheless, further information was found on PMF starch gelatinization in pancake applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil puffs were developed from a mixed design of varying weight fractions of lentil flour (x1), lentil starch concentrate (x2), and lentil protein concentrate (x3) using a twin‐screw pilot scale extruder at a dry feed rate of 20 kg/h (d.b.), a water feed rate of 2 kg/h, and an extruder screw speed of 350 rpm. Evaluations of the extrudate properties (expansion ratio, unit density), instrumental texture (hardness, crunchiness, and crispiness), and sensory properties (overall and texture liking, just about right (JAR), and check all that apply (CATA) were conducted, and the optimum lentil puff formulation was determined from sensory liking. Increasing x1 and x2 both increased the expansion ratio of the lentil puffs, whereas the interactions of x3 with x1 and x2 both reduced the unit density. All three formulation factors positively impacted the instrumental crunchiness and crispiness of the lentil puffs, whereas x3 had a larger impact on crunchiness, and x1 and x2 had a larger impact on crispiness. Lentil puff formulations with x3 ≥ 0.66 presented significantly lower sensory liking scores than those with x2 ≥ 0.33. The JAR test revealed that all lentil puff formulations were penalized for not having the right level of hardness, whereas the CATA test identified the crispy and crunchy attributes to positively correlate with overall and texture liking scores. The optimum lentil puff formulation was predicted from a maximum overall liking score of 6.1 and texture liking score of 6.7, to contain 50% (w/w, d.b.) of lentil starch concentrate and 25% of both lentil flour and lentil protein concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of the inclusion of mung bean protein (MBP) on the direct expansion characteristics of corn starch during twin‐screw extrusion. Six blends of corn starch and MBP isolate (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% w/w) were hydrated to three different moisture contents (MCs) (16%, 19%, and 21% w.b.). The blends were extruded using a twin‐screw extruder at three screw speeds (SSs) (300, 400, and 500 rpm). The resulting extrudates were evaluated for their water solubility index, water absorption index, expansion ratio (ER), true density, unit density, and porosity. As the protein content increased, the porosity of the extrudates increased. The ER of all extrudates ranged from 2.90 to 5.46, with the largest ER observed at an SS of 400 rpm, an MC of 19%, and 25% MBP inclusion. The porosity of the extrudates ranged from 1.79% to 11.42%. SS and protein content had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on the porosity and ER of the extrudate. Practical Application: This work provides valuable information for the industry on utilizing mung bean protein in direct expanded corn starch‐based extruded snacks. The information could be useful in the development of high‐protein extruded snacks and breakfast cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn starch‐based direct expanded products incorporated with 2% and 10% (w/w) sugar (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and xylose) were produced using a 20 mm co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. The pasting and thermal properties of raw corn starch‐sugar mixes were analyzed before extrusion processing. The independent variables for extrusion processing included two sugar inclusion levels (2% and 10% w/w) and two screw speeds (150 and 250 rpm). The extrudates were characterized by their initial expansion ratio (IER), expansion ratio (ER), and shrinkage. ER values were high for fructose at 2% and 150 rpm and 10% glucose and sucrose extrudates at 250 rpm. The extrudates with 2% sucrose inclusion shrunk significantly higher than the control. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the extruded blends did not indicate the presence of any new covalent bond formed between starch and sugar post‐extrusion. The interactions between sugar concentration and screw speed significantly influenced extrudate expansion characteristics. Due to their thermal and plasticizing properties, sugar inclusion (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and xylose) enhanced the extrudate expansion by altering their melt viscosity. Practical Application: The findings of this study can improve the expansion characteristics of high‐fiber‐based extruded snacks. Ingredients high in fiber generally hinder the starch transformation during extrusion and negatively impact the expansion properties. The presence of sugar at low concentrations can improve melt properties during extrusion processing and, in turn, significantly improve the textural properties of snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional dietary fiber ingredient (FDFI) functionality can depend on the fibers' chemistry, composition, size, botanical origin, and microstructure. However, such claims have never been generalized for a broad range of fibers in one study before. To support these claims, 23 FDFI were characterized based on 11 physicochemical, physical, and compositional property measurements: Water‐ and oil‐holding capacity (WHC and OHC), water absorption and solubility indices (WAI and WSI), flour‐swelling potential (FSP), particle size distribution (D10, D50, and D90 values), and soluble, insoluble, and total dietary fiber content. Multivariate statistical techniques were employed to partition fiber ingredients into functional categories based on these quantitative data, and scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructure of the FDFI. Strong correlations (p < 0.05) were found among many of the physicochemical properties measured, and five categories based on quantitative physicochemical functionality, size, and fiber composition were ultimately found. Distinct patterns emerged between these quantitative partitions and the latent microstructure features and botanical origins of the FDFI. These results can be combined into one intuitive summary of FDFI functionality based on the described quantitative and qualitative observations. Such summaries are useful for ingredient suppliers or product developers with limited resources to infer the general functionality, structure, and food applications utility of their materials based on a subset of the information provided here. Practical Application: The quantitative and qualitative relationships among a range of commercially available functional dietary fiber ingredients are documented. Industry may utilize this information to predict the general functionality of their ingredients based on a subset of the information provided here by assuming that the same relative relationships will exist. This can save time during the ingredient screening process, either for product developers looking to optimize a formulation or for ingredient suppliers doing new ingredient applications testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of including functional dietary fiber ingredients (FDFI) on the texture and structure of high moisture meat analog (HMMA) was examined in this study. The inclusion of FDFI in this application is hypothesized to act as a label‐friendly texture modifier in HMMA while also boosting the product's dietary fiber content. Two inclusion rates (5% and 10% wt/wt) of four functionally unique FDFI ingredients (pea hull, citrus fiber, hydrocolloid oat bran, and powdered cellulose) were blended with wheat protein isolate. Each unique formulation was processed using a high‐moisture twin‐screw extrusion process at two different screw speeds (200 and 400 rpm). The type of FDFI added affected the mechanical texture attributes (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and integrity index) and in‐process behavior (torque and pressure) of the resulting HMMA far more than the inclusion rate or screw speed (p > 0.05). The type of FDFI ingredient employed also had the largest qualitative effect on the visual appearance of the resulting HMMA. These observed quality changes correlated well with the physicochemical and structure–function properties of the FDFI ingredients, especially with water‐holding and absorption capacities. The incorporation of FDFI is a viable means of modulating HMMA texture and improving the holistic nutrition of these products. Practical Application: Adding highly functional, dietary fiber‐rich ingredients to processed foods is a viable strategy for improving the nutritional and textural quality of these foods. The results of this study imply that these fibers can be added to meat analogs at nutritionally relevant rates, and the texture of the resulting product can be tailored based on the functional properties of the ingredients deployed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The effects of buckwheat/wheat flour blends on bread production were investigated. Focaccia bread was prepared with 25%, 50%, and 75% substitution rates of whole (WBK) and dehulled buckwheat flour (DBK) with refined wheat bread flour. The physicochemical properties of the flours, their dough properties, and focaccia quality were studied. Findings: The flours showed differences in protein content; the WBK was high in fiber, while the DBK was composed mainly of starch. The peak time in the mixograph increased, and the height at peak time decreased as the buckwheat substitution rate increased. Gluten dilution partially explains these results. The specific volume of the focaccia decreased with 50% and 75% substitution rates of WBF, possibly attributable to fiber particles limiting the expansion of gas cells in the bread. The number of such cells, measured by the C‐cell, increased and cell diameters decreased as the buckwheat substitution levels increased. These trends were also evident in the decrease in bread density. Conclusions: Focaccia, with 25% WBK and 25% and 50% DBK, had acceptable quality attributes comparable to those of the control. Significance and Novelty: This research furthers understanding of the functional behavior of buckwheat flour in baked products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Popping beans are genotypes developed from crosses between nuña beans and common beans adapted to temperate climates. Toasted popping beans are a potential snack with a nutty flavor and malted milk ball‐like texture. Except for moisture content, the influence of other factors of raw beans on their popping efficiency has remained understudied. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition, functional properties, and their impact on the popping efficiency of 20 popping bean samples from different lines, harvest seasons, and locations. Findings: Results showed significant differences (p <.05) in physicochemical characteristics and functional properties among the samples, including differences in starch, protein, fiber, fat, moisture, and ash content. The water absorption index, the water solubility index, and flour swelling power also significantly differed between samples. The highest popping efficiency was 98.3%, while the lowest popping efficiency was 24.0%, with no significant correlation between physicochemical characteristics and popping efficiency. However, the study did find a correlation between pericarp color and popping percentage. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between physicochemical characteristics and popping efficiency in popping beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant‐based meat analog products, including those produced by extrusion processing, have become increasingly popular. Complete comprehension of the texturization mechanism and the formation of fibrousness would help improve existing products and extend the variety of plant sources used. Therefore, this study aimed to provide improved insight into the mechanism of texturization during the processing of high‐moisture meat analog (HMMA) products. Blends with different wheat and pea protein ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100 wheat:pea) were extruded at a screw speed of 400 rpm, two different moisture contents (50% and 55%), and a feed rate of 90 g/min using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. Extrudates were analyzed for their texture, free sulfhydryl groups, disulfide bonds, and solubility in different extractants relative to the raw ingredient blends. In addition, a sensory analysis was conducted using the rapid and cost‐effective "rate‐all‐that‐apply" (RATA) methodology. The interplay between the two protein types had synergistic effects on the system parameters torque, pressure, and specific mechanical energy, as well as on some textural and sensory parameters. Molecular analyses were not influenced by the interplay between wheat and pea protein as the molecular analyses followed linear trends with the pea inclusion level. Analysis of protein solubility suggests that the texturization mechanism differs slightly depending on the protein type. It is suggested that the texturization of wheat protein depends highly on disulfide bonds, whereas the texturization of pea protein relies on the combination of disulfide bonds and non‐covalent interactions. Additionally, RATA was found to be a valuable tool for HMMA products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the efficacy of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for the rapid identification of pathogens in dairy products at the colony and cellular levels. The colony and cellular levels studies were designed as completely randomized with six replications. Three strains of Listeria monocytogenes, four strains of Escherichia coli O157: H7, Big Six Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli, three strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and ten serovars of Salmonella were used in this study. Pure cultures were streaked for isolation on respective selective media, and hyperspectral data (400–1100 nm wavelength) at the colony and cellular levels were collected and stored as reference libraries. Whole milk and whole milk powder were artificially inoculated (<10 CFU/g or mL) with individual pathogenic strains/serovars. All milk and milk powder samples were enriched using brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 37°C for 24 h, streaked for isolation on the respective selective media, and hyperspectral data for individual pathogenic strains/serovars at the colony and cellular levels were acquired and treated as test samples data. The acquired colony or cellular images were imported into ENVI software and three regions of interest were selected for each image to obtain hyperspectral data for reference libraries and test samples. Using the kNN classifier and cross‐validation technique, overall classification accuracies of 90.38% and 34% were obtained for the colony‐ and cellular‐level identification, respectively. The individual classification accuracies of pathogens in dairy products at the colony level varied between 77.5% to 100%, whereas the accuracy varied between 2.78% and 49.17% for the cellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]