Effects of particle size and moisture content of maize grits on physical properties of expanded snacks

Assessment of Technological and Sensory Properties, Digestibility, and Bioactive Compounds in Polentas from Different Maize Genotypes

The sensory profile of polenta and the connections between technological attributes and varieties of maize have not been extensively studied. Thus, it is necessary to understand the possible effect of its consumption on consumers' health in terms of postprandial glucose levels and molecules associated with healthy activities. This work aims to study polenta's technological and sensory properties from different maize genotypes and evaluate their digestibility and the potential contribution of bioactive compounds on health. A commercial hybrid, two open-pollinated varieties, and three inbred lines were used. Grain physical determinations and physical-chemical semolina traits were determined. Polenta's technological quality was evaluated after simulated cooking. In vitro digestion was performed for polentas, and a sensory evaluation test was conducted. A significant correlation was found between semolina polyphenols and rapidly digestible starch (r = -0.6). Panellists characterised the genotype C6006 as having a good flavour, sandier mouthfeel, and low consistency. Also, the polenta from the hybrid exhibited sensory attributes more closely resembling commercial polenta in terms of maize odour, flavour, and consistency. The higher content of polyphenols presents in semolina affected the digestion of polenta, showing a lower proportion of rapidly digestible starch and a lower amount of bioaccessible protein fraction.

Characterization of Second-Generation Snacks Manufactured from Andean Tubers and Tuberous Root Flours

Andean roots, such as zanahoria blanca, achira, papa China, camote, oca, and mashua, contain high amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and fructo-oligosaccharides. This study aimed to demonstrate the possibility of obtaining healthy second-generation (2G) snacks (products obtained from the immediate expansion of the mixture at the exit of the extruder die) using these roots as raw materials. Corn grits were mixed with Andean root flour in a proportion of 80:20, and a Brabender laboratory extruder was used to obtain the 2G snacks. The addition of root flour increased the water content, water activity, sectional expansion index, hygroscopicity, bulk density, and water absorption index but decreased the porosity. However, all 2G snacks manufactured with Andean root flour showed better characteristics than did the control (made with corn grits) in texture (softer in the first bite and pleasant crispness) and optical properties (more intense and saturated colors). The developed snacks could be considered functional foods due to the high amount of carotenoids and phenolic compounds they exhibit after the addition of Andean root flours. The composition of raw roots, specifically the starch, fiber, and protein content, had the most impact on snack properties due to their gelatinization or denaturalization.

Unraveling the regulating mechanisms of moisture content in the puffing of sweet potato starch gel

Starch-based puffed crisps are a major group of popular snacks. In this work, the effects and underlying mechanisms of moisture content (MC) on the puffing of sweet potato starch gels were explored. The results showed that the gel with 12 % MC generated the highest puffing ratio (8.96), then followed by gels with 16 % MC (8.45) and 8 % MC (8.28). All starch gels presented a two-stage puffing pattern, but their evolutions with the heating temperature were highly dependent on the MC of gels. The relative puffing area percentages of gels with 8 % MC, 12 % MC and 16 % MC in the first (second) stages were 57.64 % (42.36 %), 60.66 % (39.34 %), and 18.36 % (81.64 %), respectively. The final pores in puffed products originated from the small water clusters that were regionalized in gel cells. The air cells started to expand as the gels with 8 % MC, 12 % MC and 16 % MC respectively reached the glass transition temperatures of 158.45 °C, 142.15 °C and 111.03 °C. The puffing was a joint consequence of the extensibility of cell walls and the pressure of water vapor in cells and the MC of the gels could regulate both of them. This study would facilitate the production of starch snacks with higher quality.

Recent Advances in the Processing and Manufacturing of Plant-Based Meat

Plant protein technology is a core area of biotechnology to ease the problem of human protein demand. Plant-based meat based on plant protein technology is a growing concern by global consumers in alleviating environmental pollution, cutting down resources consumption, and improving animal welfare. Plant-based meat simulates the texture, taste, and appearance of animal meat by using protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and other plant nutrients as the main substances. This review summarizes the main components of plant-based meat, processing technology, standard formula, market competition, and formula and texture of future research directions. According to the existing methods of plant-based meat fiber forming, the development process and characteristics of four production processes and equipment of plant-based meat spinning, extrusion, shearing, and 3D printing are emphatically expounded. The processing principles and methods of different processing technologies in plant-based meat production are summarized. The production process and equipment of plant-based meat will pay more attention to the joint production of various processes to improve the defects of plant-based meat production process.