Effect of germination time on physico-chemical, functional, pasting, rheology and electrophoretic characteristics of chickpea flour

Effect of dehulling and germination on the functional properties of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) flour

The compositional, bioactive, functional, pasting, and thermal characteristics of native, dehulled, and germinated grass pea flour were examined. Germination significantly improved the protein content and bioactive properties while simultaneously reducing total carbohydrate and fat levels. However, dehulling increased the fat content, foaming, and emulsion properties. Dehulling and germination significantly increased (p < 0.05) the functional properties by improving flowability and cohesiveness. Although processing methods enhance functional properties, the pasting properties of dehulled and germinated flours differ significantly (p < 0.05) from the native flour. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate a reduction in percentage crystallinity in germinated flours. Overall, the study suggests that the dehulling and germination processes enhanced the quality of grass peas by improving nutritive value and functional attributes.

Physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional and bioactive constituents, in vitro digestibility, and techno-functional properties of bioprocessed whole wheat flour

This study investigated the impact of bioprocessing techniques (germination, solid-state fermentation, the combination of germination, and solid-state fermentation) on the physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional and bioactive constituents, in vitro digestibility, and techno-functional properties of whole wheat grains were investigated. Bioprocessed whole wheat flour (WWF) samples and the raw flour (control) were prepared using standard procedures. Proximate, anti-nutritional, mineral and amino acid (AA) compositions, protein digestibility, antioxidant activities, starch characteristics, and techno-functional properties were studied using standard methods. The bioprocessing methods increased (p ≤ 0.05) the protein (13.37-16.84 g/100 g), total dietary fiber, mineral constituents, resistant starch (7.19-9.87 g/100 g), slowly digestible starch, phenolic content, antioxidant activities (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity), most AAs, and protein digestibility. Also observed were decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in rapidly digestible starch, phytic acid, tannin, and trypsin inhibitor activity. The adopted bioprocessing techniques modified the thermal, functional, color, and pasting properties of the WWF and resulted in molecular interactions in some functional groups, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, compared to the raw flour. The combination of germination and fermentation improved the physicochemical (titratable acidity = 4.93%), protein (16.84/100 g) and starch digestibility (resistant starch = 9.87%), antioxidant (FRAP = 78.90 mg/GAE/100 g), and mineral contents (calcium = 195.28 mg/100 g), modified the pasting (peak viscosity = 90.34 RVU), thermal (peak temperature = 64.82°C), and color properties of WWF with reduced anti-nutritional factors. The combination of these processing techniques could serve as a natural and low-cost technique for the modification of whole wheat functionality and subsequently as an improved functional ingredient during food product development.

Sprouts as probiotic carriers: A new trend to improve consumer nutrition

Over the past few decades, efforts to eradicate hunger in the world have led to the generation of sustainable development goals to reduce poverty and inequality. It is estimated that the current coronavirus pandemic could add between 83 and 132 million to the total number of undernourished people in the world by 2021. Food insecurity is a contributing factor to the increase in malnutrition, overweight and obesity due to the quality of diets to which people have access. It is therefore necessary to develop functional foods that meet the needs of the population, such as the incorporation of sprouts in their formulation to enhance nutritional quality. Germination of grains and seeds can be used as a low-cost bioprocessing technique that provides higher nutritional value and better bioavailability of nutrients. Consequently, the manuscript describes relevant information about the germination process in different seeds, the changes caused in their nutritional value and the use of techniques within the imbibition phase to modify the metabolic profiles within the sprouts such as inoculation with lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, to generate a functional symbiotic food.

New polyvinyl alcohol/gellan gum-based bioplastics with guava and chickpea extracts for food packaging

Plastic is a fossil-based synthetic polymer that has become an essential material in our daily life. Plastic pollution resulting from the accumulation of plastic objects has become problematic for our environment. Bioplastic can be a biodegradable environmentally friendly alternative for the synthetic plastic. In this paper, bioplastics based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/gellan gum (GG) blend have been produced in three different compositions and their chemical structure, mechanical, morphological and thermal properties have been studied. Glycerol has been used as a plasticizer. To add extra features to the PVA/GG bioplastic, Psidium guajava (guava) leaves, GL, and chickpea, CP, extracts have been added to the PVA/GG (30/70) blend. Water and aqueous ethanol have been used in the extraction of GL and CP, respectively. The addition of the plant's extracts enhanced the tensile properties of the PVA/GG bioplastic. Weathering acceleration tests have been carried out to examine the degradation of the prepared bioplastics. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the prepared bioplastic is safe to be used in food packaging applications. Water and oxygen permeability for the new PVA/GG bioplastic have also been studied. The addition of the plant extracts (GL and CP extracts) increased the oxygen and water permeability to different extents. Bioplastic life cycle assessment (LCA) and CO2 emissions in comparison to fossil-based plastic have been investigated. From all the results, PVA/GG based bioplastic proved to be a degradable, safe and effective alternative for fossil-based plastics in food packaging applications.

The Effect of Germination and Fermentation on the Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Functional Quality Attributes of Samh Seeds

This study investigated the effects of fermentation and germination on the physicochemical, nutritional, functional, and bioactive quality attributes of samh seeds. Regardless of the processing treatment, samh seeds were found to be a rich source of phenolic compounds, namely gallic acid (79.6-96.36 mg/100 g DW), catechol (56.34-77.34 mg/100 g DW), and catechin (49.15-84.93 mg/100 g DW), and they possessed high DPPH antiradical activity (65.27-78.39%). They also contained high protein content (19.29-20.41%), essential amino acids content (39.07-44.16% of total amino acids), and unsaturated fatty acid content (81.95-83.46% of total fatty acids) and a low glycemic index (39.61-41.43). Fermentation and germination increased L*, b*, foaming capacity, oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling power, microbial counts, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro protein digestibility, protein efficiency ratio, and total essential amino acids and reduced water solubility, emulsion stability, tannin, and phytate contents compared to raw samh seeds (p < 0.05). The highest levels of pH, ash, carbohydrate, fiber, and glycemic index were observed in raw samh seeds, and both germination and fermentation processes reduced these attributes to various degrees (p < 0.05). Germination increased the redness (a*), moisture content, essential and non-essential amino acids, potassium, zinc, phosphorous, stearic acid, and oleic and unsaturated fatty acids and reduced total solids, fat content, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, palmitic acid, and total saturated fatty acids of the samh seeds compared to the raw ones. Fermentation increased the total solid, acidity, fat, protein, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, palmitic acid, and total saturated fatty acids and reduced the a* value, moisture, non-essential amino acids, and total unsaturated fatty acids of the samh seeds compared to the raw ones. In conclusion, samh seeds are a rich source of nutrients that could generally be enhanced by germination and fermentation processes. The reported information facilitates strategies towards the application of these underutilized seeds in foods.

Physico-functional and nutritional characteristics of germinated pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flour as a functional food ingredient

The study investigated the effect of germination on pigeon pea flour's physico-functional (pH, color, water and oil absorption capacities, swelling and foaming capacities and bulk densities) and proximate, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The physico-functional and proximate parameters were determined using standard protocols. The color analysis showed that germination significantly increased the flour samples' lightness (L*) (70.7; p = 0.009) by almost 1.5-fold. Germination resulted in almost 1.1 times higher oil absorption capacity than the control (219.9%; p = 0.022). The foaming capacity of the germinated samples significantly (p = 0.015) increased by 6.4%. Germination significantly reduced the loose bulk density (0.54 vs 0.63; p = 0.012) but significantly increased the tapped bulk density (0.84 vs 0.77; p = 0.002). The germinated samples recorded significantly (1.62%; p = 0.010) lower crude fat, about 1.2 times lower than the raw flour. Germination significantly increased the flour's total ash (4.2% vs 3.6%; p = 0.003) and crude protein (11.6% vs 9.4%; p = 0.047) content. Germinated pigeon pea flour will perform better in formulating baked products, aerated foods and food extenders than non-germinated pigeon pea flour. Hence, the germination of pigeon peas should be encouraged because it harnesses the functional and proximate attributes measured.

Effect of thermal, nonthermal, and combined treatments on functional and nutritional properties of chickpeas

Cicer arietinum or chickpea is an important and highly nutritious pulse, a source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, considered non-allergenic, and non-GMO crop. Processing technologies play an important role in modifying some chickpea properties and thus increasing its nutritional and health benefits. Herein is summarized and compared the available data on nutritional and functional aspects caused by thermal, nonthermal, and combinations of treatments for chickpea processing. The study focuses on describing the processing conditions necessary to change chickpea matrices aiming to enhance compound bioavailability, reduce anti-nutritional factors and modify functional characteristics for industrial application in product development. Thermal and nonthermal treatments can modify nutrient composition and bioavailability in chickpea matrices. Thermal treatments, moist or dry, prevent microbial spoilage, increase product palatability and increase protein quality. Nonthermal treatments aim to shorten the processing time and use less energy and water sources. Compared to thermal treatments, they usually preserve organoleptic attributes and bioactive compounds in chickpea matrices. Some treatment combinations can increase the efficacy of single treatments. Combined treatments increase antioxidant concentration, protein digestibility and available starch contents. Finally, despite differences among their effects, single and combined treatments can improve the nutritional and physicochemical properties of chickpea matrices.

Techno-Functional and In Vitro Digestibility Properties of Gluten-Free Cookies Made from Raw, Pre-Cooked, and Germinated Chickpea Flours

Chickpea flour, which is produced in various forms, has high protein and fiber content; therefore, it can be a good ingredient for gluten-free cookies. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the properties of cookies formulated using raw (RCF), cooked (CCF), and germinated (GCF) chickpea flours. The techno-functional properties of these flours were determined, and scanning electron microscope images and mid-infrared spectra were obtained. The rheological properties of cookie doughs were measured along with their mid-infrared spectra. Baked cookies were analyzed for their technological properties as well as their in vitro digestion properties. Sensory analysis was also performed for all the cookies. The most significant difference among the flours was observed in their water retention capacity, and CCF had 119.7% higher water retention capacity compared to RCF. The dough made with CCF had quite different rheological properties from the others. The cookies baked with GCF had the highest baking loss and spread ratio. The CCF-containing cookies had the hardest structure. The cookies made from RCF had a higher resistant starch content followed by the cookies with GCF. All the cookies had similar scores in all aspects tested in the sensory analysis. The use of three different forms of chickpea flour in cookie formulations resulted in products with very different properties; however, their overall acceptability levels were close.

Application of Optical and Rheological Techniques in Quality and Storage Assessment of the Newly Developed Colloidal-Suspension Products: Yogurt-Type Bean-Based Beverages

The objectives of this study were to compare the properties of the yogurt-type bean-based beverages B and BG produced from the nongerminated and germinated beans, respectively, by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and fermentation with three starter cultures. Optical techniques were used to evaluate the particle size distribution (PSD), color parameters, and instability during storage, while rheological tests were used to evaluate the shear viscosity, flow behavior, and viscoelastic properties. The BG compared to B, irrespective of the starter culture used, showed a higher mean diameter and Span of PSD (d_4,3 ≈ 76.8-84.2, Span ≈ 2.24-2.35 for BG vs. d_4,3 ≈ 38.2-47.0, Span ≈ 1.90-2.00 for B). The BG vs. B showed lower viscosity (0.47 Pa·s for BG vs. 0.81 Pa·s for B at shear rate 75 s^-1) and slightly lower but satisfactory stability (after 21 days at 6 °C, the Turbiscan Stability Index TSI ≈ 1.3-2.0 for BG vs. TSI ≈ 0.6-0.9 for B). Both B and BG were characterized by light-yellow color and showed the characteristics of a viscoelastic fluid. The HPH and germination mainly affected the properties of the tested plant tissue, which has a direct impact on the properties of the final products.

Elucidation of chickpea hydration, effect of soaking temperature, and extent of germination on characteristics of malted flour

Germination is a biochemical process that has been widely used to improve the nutritional quality, functional properties, and bioavailability of the protein. Soaking is the preliminary step for germination. Effect of soaking temperature on germination parameters was studied to select the suitable soaking temperature for germination. The effect of germination time on nutritional, functional, and microstructural properties of chickpea flour was evaluated. The soaking temperature was selected as 30°C depending on the germination percentage, vigor value, and mean germination time. Physico-chemical composition, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, and total flavonoid were investigated over 4 days of germination. It was found that protein content increased on dry matter basis, whereas carbohydrate and fat content decreased during germination. Ascorbic acid content was found to increase to about 3.52 times. Antioxidant activity increased from 24.14% to 58.50% after 4 days of germination. Water absorption capacity was found to decrease, whereas oil absorption capacity increased. XRD pattern depicted a decrease in crystallinity due to the degradation of amylopectin and increased amylose content. SEM was used to study the microstructural changes with increase in germination time. DSC studies were also carried out to study the effect of germination on thermal properties of chickpea flour. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research work gives an outline of the available literature on the mechanism of hydration and germination process with the associated chemical and biochemical changes in the bioactive components along with the special emphasis on the health benefits. The present work is an effort toward the development of chickpea-based meal-replacement beverages.

Development of energy-rich protein bars and in vitro determination of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory antihypertensive activities

Three energy-rich protein (ERP) bars were prepared to meet the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the protein of Pakistani athletes. The bars were developed using dates, cheddar cheese (CC), whey protein isolate (WPI), roasted chickpea flour, and rice flour in different proportions. Bar #1 contained 64 g dates, 16 g dried apricots, 12 g WPI, and 8 g ripened CC. Bar #2 contained the same proportion of these ingredients with an addition of 12.5 g roasted chickpea flour, while bar #3 contained 6.25 g roasted rice and 6.25 g roasted chickpea flour. All the ingredients were homogeneously mixed into paste to form bars weighing 100-110 g per serving size. These bars were studied for the compositional analysis (moisture, protein, and lipid content), protein characterization through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and in vitro determination of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE-I) antihypertensive activity. Moisture and lipid content in bars were 22% and 0.057%-0.313%, respectively, while protein, fiber, and ash contents varied from 22.3% to 23.6%, 6.66 to 5.81, and 2.12% to 2.44%, respectively. The minimum energy content was recorded (272.70 Kcal/100 g) in bar #1 while bar #3 showed the highest energy content 274.65 Kcal/110 g with the addition of (5%) roasted chickpea and rice flour, respectively. Electrophoresis analysis of proteins in bar # 1 (cheese +WPI) showed the four bands at 62, 24, 20, and 12 kDa. Bar #2 (10% roasted chickpea flour) showed some additional bands at 40, 36, 34, and 28 kDa while relatively lower antihypertensive activity than bars #1 and 3. The study revealed that adding 10% roasted chickpea flour (bar #2) increased the protein content and diversity in proteins. It provided 40% proteins to athletes and could be helpful to meet their R.D.A. by consuming two bars/day.

Enzyme and Antioxidant Activities of Malted Bambara Groundnut as Affected by Steeping and Sprouting Times

Bambara groundnut (BGN) is termed a complete food due to its nutritional composition and has been researched often for its nutritional constituents. Malting BGN seeds have shown improved nutritional and functional characteristics, which can be used to produce an amylase-rich product as a functional ingredient for food and beverage production in homes and industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the enzyme and antioxidant activities of malted BGN affected by steeping and sprouting times. BGN was malted by steeping in distilled water at 25-30 °C for 36 and 48 h and then sprouted for 144 h at 30 °C. Samples were drawn every 24 h for drying to study the effect of steeping and sprouting times on the moisture, sprout length, pH, colour, protein content, amylase, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activities of the BGN seeds. The steeping and sprouting times significantly affected the BGN malt colour quality and pH. The protein content of the malted BGN seeds was not significantly different based on steeping and sprouting times. Steeping and sprouting times significantly affected the α- and β-amylase activities of the BGN seeds. The activity of amylases for 36 and 48 h steeping times were 0.16 and 0.15 CU/g for α-amylase and were 0.22 and 0.23 BU/g for β-amylase, respectively. Amylase-rich BGN malt was produced by steeping for 36 h and sprouting for 96 h. Amylase-rich BGN malt can be useful as a functional food ingredient in food and beverage formulations.

Effect of Thermal and Non-Thermal Processing on the Nutritional Composition, Pasting Profile and Protein Secondary Structure of Alfalfa

Alfalfa is an unconventional alternative legume and its potentiality for utilization can be improved by processing. In this study, alfalfa seeds were processed by different thermal and non-thermal techniques and evaluated for their physical properties, colour characteristics, nutritional composition, pasting profile and protein secondary structure. The results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis to elucidate the effect of processing. Colour of the flour was more affected by thermal processing in comparison to non-thermal processing. Nutritional composition of alfalfa flour was significantly affected by germination as compared to other methods and germinated flour showed an increase in the protein content. All the processing treatments resulted in improving the pasting properties except for germination. Particularly, marked improvement in the pasting properties was observed by wet heat processing and soaking. ATR-FTIR exhibited change in the secondary structure of the protein as a result of processing and showed the dominance of intermolecular β-sheets in extrusion, germination and microwave treated flour and formation of anti-parallel β-sheets after dry heat processing. Wet heat processing and soaking treatment can be employed for alfalfa for enhancing its techno-functionality.