The Italian food environment may confer protection from hyper-palatable foods: evidence and comparison with the United States.

Background: Multi-national food corporations may saturate country-level food systems with hyper-palatable foods. However, the degree to which global food corporations have been integrated into country-level food systems may vary. Italy has largely retained local food production and may have low hyper-palatable food (HPF) availability in the food supply. The study quantified the prevalence of HPF in the Italian food system and compared the hyper-palatability of similar foods across Italy and the United States, which has wide HPF saturation. Methods: A national food system dataset was used to characterize HPF availability in Italy. A representative sample of foods commonly consumed in both Italy and the US were collected and compared. Foods represented six categories: cookies/biscotti, cakes/merendine, salty snacks, industrial bread, frozen pizza and protein/cereal bars. A standardized definition from Fazzino et al. identified HPF. Results: Less than one third (28.8%) of foods in the Italian food system were hyper-palatable. US HPF items had significantly higher fat, sugar, and/or sodium across most food categories (p values = 0.001 to 0.0001). Italian HPF items had higher fiber and/or protein relative to US HPF from the same category (p values = 0.01 to 0.0001). Conclusion: The Italian food system may confer protection from HPF exposure. HPF products in Italy had lower palatability-related nutrients and higher satiety-promoting nutrients.

Feasibility of excitation-emission fluorescence spectroscopy in tandem with chemometrics for quantitation of trans-resveratrol in vine-shoot ethanolic extracts.

BACKGROUND: trans-Resveratrol (TR) is a well-known phytochemical compound with important biological properties. It can be recovered from agri-food by-products or wastes, such as vine shoots. Once recovered, its concentration should be measured, possibly in a green, non-destructive, and efficient manner. With these premises, this work aimed to explore the feasibility of excitation-emission fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for the analysis of TR in raw extracts obtained from vine shoots. A total of 75 extracts were produced and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection (UPLC-DAD) and spectrofluorimetry. Then, the feasibility of two calibration strategies for TR quantitation was assessed - a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)-based calibration and the N-way partial least squares (NPLS) regression. RESULTS: The extracts showed variable TR content, the excitation/emission maxima of which were at around 305/390 nm, respectively. The best PARAFAC-based calibration allowed a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 22.57 mg L-1 , and a relative prediction deviation (RPD) of 2.91 to be obtained but a large number of PARAFAC components should be considered to improve the predictions. The results of the NPLS regression were slightly better, with a RMSEP of 19.47 mg L-1 , and an RPD of 3.33 in the best case. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence could be an alternative analytical technique to measure TR in complex samples. Chemometric tools allowed the identification of the TR signal in the fluorescence landscapes, which could be further used for its non-destructive quantitation. The need for a more accurate criterion for optimal PARAFAC complexity emerged. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lupin as Ingredient in Durum Wheat Breadmaking: Physicochemical Properties of Flour Blends and Bread Quality.

The popularity of adding pulse flours to baked goods is growing rapidly due to their recognised health benefits. In this study, increasing amounts (3, 7, 10, and 15%) of white lupin flour (Lupinus albus L.) and of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) were used as replacements for durum wheat semolina to prepare bread, and their effects on the physicochemical properties of the flour blends, as well as the technological and sensory qualities of bread, were evaluated. The addition of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin and white lupin flour increased the water binding capacity and the leavening rate compared to pure semolina. A farinograph test indicated that the dough development time had a slight but significant tendency to increase with the addition of lupin flour and protein concentrate of narrow-leaved lupin, while had a negative effect on the stability of dough. The alveograph strength decreased (225, 108, and 76 × 10-4 J for dough made with semolina, 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and 15% of white lupin flour, respectively), whereas there was an upward trend in the P/L ratio. Compared to re-milled semolina, the samples with lupin flour and protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin had low amylase activity, with falling number values ranging from 439 s to 566 s. The addition of the two different lupin flours lowered the specific volumes of the breads (2.85, 2.39, and 1.93 cm3/g for bread made from semolina, from 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and from 15% of white lupin flour, respectively) and increased their hardness values (up to 21.34 N in the bread with 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin). The porosity of the loaves was diminished with the addition of the two lupin flours (range of 5-8). The sensory analysis showed that the addition of white lupin flour or protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin did not impart any unpleasant flavours or odours to the bread. To conclude, the use of lupin in breadmaking requires adjustments to strengthen the gluten network but does not require a deflavouring process.

Influence of the Mozzarella Type on Chemical and Sensory Properties of "Pizza Margherita".

BACKGROUND: According to Neapolitan Pizza Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) regulation, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and Fiordilatte mozzarella are the exclusive cheeses to be used, together with tomato and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), to season pizza in the "Margherita" variant. However, the so-called "Pizza mozzarella", that is a diary product having lower moisture content and a longer shelf life than Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and Fiordilatte mozzarella, is widely used in many pizzerias, both in Italy and abroad. Therefore, we investigated its quality, in comparison with Mozzarella di Bufala and Fiordilatte mozzarella, as well as its effect on the quality of the Margherita pizza. METHODS: Chemical and sensory analyses were conducted on mozzarella samples and on baked pizza topping samples. RESULTS: The results revealed a better quality of pizza with Mozzarella di Bufala and Fiordilatte mozzarella for their higher antioxidant activity, oxidative stability and lower amount of undesired volatile compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Mozzarella di Bufala and Fiordilatte mozzarella in the preparation of Margherita pizza improves its quality, especially if these mozzarella types are combined with other high-quality ingredients, namely tomato sauce and EVOO, characterized by the presence of antioxidant compounds (e.g., α-tocopherol not affected by the heat treatment of pizza baking.

Techno-functional properties of dry-fractionated plant-based proteins and application in food product development: a review.

Dry-fractionated protein concentrates are gaining attention because they are produced using a versatile and sustainable technology, which can be applied to a wide range of plant material. To facilitate their utilization in new product development, it is crucial to obtain a comprehensive overview of their techno-functional properties. The present review aims to examine the techno-functional properties of dry-fractionated protein concentrates and describe their primary applications in food products, considering the published works in the last decade. The techno-functional properties of proteins, including water absorption capacity, emulsifying and foaming properties, gelling ability or protein solubility, are relevant factors to consider during food formulation. However, these properties are significantly influenced by the extraction technology, the type of protein and its characteristics. Overall, dry-fractionated proteins are characterized by high protein solubility, high foaming ability and foam stability, and high gelling ability. Such properties have been exploited in the development of food, such as bakery products and pasta, with the aim of increasing the protein content and enhancing the nutritional value. Additionally, innovative foods with distinctive textural and nutritional characteristics, such as meat and dairy analogues, have been developed by using dry-fractionated proteins. The results indicate that the study of these ingredients still needs to be improved, including their application with a broader range of plant materials. Nevertheless, this review could represent an initial step to obtaining an overview of the techno-functional properties of dry-fractionated proteins, facilitating their use in foods. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Dry-fractionated protein concentrate as egg replacer in sponge cake: how the rheological properties of the batters affect the physical and structural quality of the products.

BACKGROUND: Egg replacement is a notable food trend for academics and industry. Dry-fractionated protein concentrates (DFp) are minimally processed and sustainable ingredients. DFp from chickpea, red lentil and mung bean, prepared as aqueous dispersions at 20-40% (w/w), were used to replace egg in sponge cakes. To understand the effect of DFp on the physicochemical features of sponge cakes, the batter rheological properties (i.e., flow behavior, frequency-dependent and temperature-dependent behaviors) were investigated. RESULTS: Frequency sweep revealed a higher storage modulus (G') than loss modulus (G″), indicating predominantly elastic-like behavior, dependent on the frequency. Increasing DFp content, especially at 40%, resulted in firmer batters, indicated by elevated apparent viscosity. During temperature sweep, G' increased starting from 80 °C in all DFp-based batters, indicating protein and starch conformational changes. Higher DFp content better simulated the egg behavior, affecting specific volume and thickness variation after baking but resulting in harder cakes. Crumb structure was similar to the control, highlighting that DFp can emulate the egg behavior in cake preparation. Protein content in cakes containing 30% DFp was similar to the control. However, the addition of DFp caused an increase in phytic acid. Sensory analysis of sponge cakes revealed differences in crust color, sweetness and legume flavor, with minimal effect on astringency. Chickpea and lentil DFp are suggested as preferred alternatives because of their to milder sensory impact. CONCLUSION: Overall, eggs in cake formulation can be substituted by plant-based protein produced by dry fractionation. However, further research is essential to evaluate the nutritional characteristics. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Physical-Chemical and Nutritional Characterization of Somali Laxoox Flatbread and Comparison with Yemeni Lahoh Flatbread.

The physical-chemical and nutritional characteristics of Somali laxoox and Yemeni lahoh flatbreads have not been studied to date, nor have their possible similarities been investigated. Fieldwork was carried out in Somaliland (northwest Somalia), at nine different households, to collect Somali and Yemeni flatbreads. The nutritional characteristics (12.47-15.94 g/100 g proteins, 2.47-4.11 g/100 g lipids) and the total phenolic compounds (5.02-7.11 mg gallic acid equivalents/g on dry matter) were influenced by the natural variability of manual food preparation, as well as variability in the recipes used. All the breads had a porous structure. Cell density varied from 22.4 to 57.4 cells/cm2 in the Somali flatbreads, reaching 145 cells/cm2 in the Yemeni flatbreads. Higher amounts of refined flour increased the pale color of the breads. The principal component analysis highlighted differences between Yemeni and Somali flatbreads, pointing out a certain variability within the latter, with two samples forming a separate subgroup.

Rheological properties of dry-fractionated mung bean protein and structural, textural, and rheological evaluation of meat analogues produced by high-moisture extrusion cooking.

A closed cavity rheometer was used to study the rheology of dry-fractionated mung bean protein -DFMB- (55% protein d.m.). Then, the high-moisture extrusion cooking at 40% and 50% moisture contents and different temperatures (115, 125, 135 and 145 °C) was performed, investigating the impact on structural, textural, and rheological properties of extrudates. When subjected to a temperature ramp (40-170 °C), DFMB showed an increase of G* from 70 °C, as a consequence of starch gelatinization and protein gelation. The peak, indicating the end of aggregation reactions, was at 105 °C and 110 °C for DFMB at 50% and 40% moisture content, respectively. The time sweep analysis described the protein behavior in no-shear/shear conditions, highlighting a more pronounced effect of the temperatures compared to moisture content. During the extrusion cooking, the temperature increase led to a decrease of pressure, indicating a reduction of the melt viscosity. The microstructure of the extrudates showed a more pronounced anisotropic profile when higher temperatures were applied. Hardness, chewiness, and cohesion were directly correlated with the temperature, which also affected the rheological properties of extrudates. A combination of textural and rheological analyses can offer a clear overview of the structural characteristics of meat analogues.

Developing a Clean Labelled Snack Bar Rich in Protein and Fibre with Dry-Fractionated Defatted Durum Wheat Cake.

The shift towards a vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diet has increased the demand for vegetable protein and plant-based foods. The defatted cake generated during the extraction of lipids from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) milling by-products is a protein and fibre-containing waste, which could be upcycled as a food ingredient. This study aimed to exploit the dry-fractionated fine fraction of defatted durum wheat cake (DFFF) to formulate a vegan, clean labelled, cereal-based snack bar. The design of experiments (DoEs) for mixtures was applied to formulate a final product with optimal textural and sensorial properties, which contained 10% DFFF, 30% glucose syrup, and a 60% mix of puffed/rolled cereals. The DFFF-enriched snack bar was harder compared to the control without DFFF (cutting stress = 1.2 and 0.52 N/mm2, and fracture stress = 12.9 and 9.8 N/mm2 in the DFFF-enriched and control snack bar, respectively), due to a densifying effect of DFFF, and showed a more intense yellow hue due to the yellow-brownish colour of DFFF. Another difference was in the caramel flavour, which was more intense in the DFFF-enriched snack bar. The nutritional claims "low fat" and "source of fibre" were applicable to the DFFF-enriched snack bar according to EC Reg. 1924/06.

Screening of Acrylamide Content in Commercial Plant-Based Protein Ingredients from Different Technologies.

The demand of plant-based protein ingredients (PBPIs) in the food sector has strongly increased over recent years. These ingredients are produced under a wide range of technological processes that impact their final characteristics. This work aimed to evaluate acrylamide contamination in a range of PBPIs produced with different technologies and classified into four categories i.e., flours, dry-fractionated proteins, wet-extracted proteins, and texturized vegetable proteins. The results highlighted a remarkable variability in the acrylamide contamination in all the classes under investigation, with the flours showing the lowest mean acrylamide content (280 µg kg-1) compared with the wet-extracted proteins that showed the highest (451 µg kg-1). These differences could likely be associated with the different processing technologies used to obtain the protein ingredients. These findings suggest the need to monitor acrylamide formation during the processing of PBPIs and, consequently, to study mitigation strategies when necessary.

Almond okara as a valuable ingredient in biscuit preparation.

BACKGROUND: The okara is the water-insoluble residue derived from the production of plant-based beverages, including almond milk. Information on almond okara is scarce, with no scientific references. In the present study, the almond okara was characterized and used to replace wheat flour at 15%, 25% and 35% for biscuit preparation. RESULTS: The contents of protein, lipid and dietary fiber of almond okara were 140.08, 421.16 and 407.90 g kg-1 dry matter, respectively. The lipid fraction of almond okara showed contents of triacylglycerol oligopolymers and oxidized triacylglycerols of 0.12 and 5.14 g kg-1 , respectively, which were significantly lower than the levels observed in the sunflower oil used in the formulation of biscuits. Consequently, the biscuits containing okara showed a content of triacylglycerol oligopolymers lower than that of control biscuits. The texture analysis revealed that the addition of the okara at 25% and 35% caused a significant increase in biscuit hardness and a reduction of the brittleness, compared to the control. The sensory evaluation confirmed these data, highlighting the slight impact of the almond okara on the almond odor, taste and flavor attributes. CONCLUSION: Almond okara is a valuable by-product that can be easily used as an ingredient for biscuit preparation, exploiting its fiber, protein and lipid content to improve the nutritional value of food, with a limited impact on the sensory properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Waste from Artichoke Processing Industry: Reuse in Bread-Making and Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Final Product.

A relevant amount of waste is produced in the canning industry of globe artichoke. This study proposes to use flours of artichoke waste (stems and bracts) in durum wheat bread-making, replacing the re-milled durum wheat semolina at increasing levels (5, 7.5 and 10 g/100 g). No study had evaluated this type of enrichment in durum wheat bread, widespread in the same area where artichoke waste is mostly produced. The replacement had a visible effect on the flour color, increasing a* and reducing b* and L*, and this was reflected in the color of bread crumb. The water absorption determined by farinography, dough development time and dough stability increased as the level of replacement increased (up to 71.2 g/100 g, 7.3 min and 18.4 min, respectively). The mixograph peak height and mixing time increased compared to control. The alveograph W decreased, while the P/L ratio increased. The artichoke waste-enriched breads had a lower volume (as low as 1.37 cm3/g) and were harder than control, but they did not show relevant moisture losses during five days of storage. The obtained data show therefore an interesting potential of artichoke waste flours in bread-making, but further investigations are needed for achieving improved quality features.

Development and Chemical-Sensory Characterization of Chickpeas-Based Beverages Fermented with Selected Starters.

Legume protein ingredients are receiving continuous interest for their potential to formulate plant-based dairy analogs. In this study, a legume-based slurry was produced from an Apulian black chickpeas (BCP) protein concentrate and fermented with three starter cultures, Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), a co-culture of ST with Lactococcus lactis (STLL) and a co-culture of ST with Lactobacillus plantarum (STLP). The effect of fermentation on the biochemical, texture and sensorial parameters was evaluated. The same beverage without inoculum was used as a control (CTRL). All the obtained fermented beverages were characterized by high protein (120.00 g kg−1) and low-fat contents (17.12 g kg−1). Fermentation contributed to a decrease in the contents of phytic acid by 10 to 79% and saturated fatty acids by 30 to 43%, with the STLP fermentation exercising the major effect. The three culture starters influenced the texture and sensorial attributes and the profile of the volatile compounds differently. Fermentation increased the lightness, consistency, cohesivity and viscosity of the formulated beverages. On a sensorial level, STLL had a major effect on the acidity, sourness and astringency, while both ST and STLP affected the creaminess, solubility and stickiness. Legumes and grass aromas were masked in LAB-fermented samples, probably due to a new VOC formation. The functional properties of LAB fermentation, along with the high protein content of the black chickpeas concentrate, provide the opportunity to formulate a clean label and safe plant-based fermented beverage with higher nutritional value compared to the others currently found in the market.

The Use of Durum Wheat Oil in the Preparation of Focaccia: Effects on the Oxidative Stability and Physical and Sensorial Properties.

Durum wheat oil is an innovative oil that could be considered the "second life" of durum wheat milling by-products. In this study, we proposed the use of this oil in the reformulation of a traditional Italian greased flat bread, namely focaccia, whose typical sensorial features are due to the presence of relevant amounts of oil in its formulation. The chemical, physical, and sensorial features of focaccia with durum wheat oil (DWO) were compared with those of focaccia prepared with olive oil (OO) and sunflower oil (SO). The results showed the prevalence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in DWO, followed by SO. DWO was more resistant to oxidation than SO (induction time 86.2 and 66.3 min, respectively), due to its higher content of tocotrienols (1020 and 70.2 mg/kg in DWO and SO, respectively), but was less resistant than OO, richer in monounsaturated fatty acids, and contained phenolic compounds. The volatile oxidation markers, namely hexanal and nonanal, were less prevalent in OO and DWO than in SO. Texture and color were positively influenced by the use of durum wheat oil, allowing the nutritional improvement of this flat bread in a sustainable and circular manner.

The Large and Diverse Family of Mediterranean Flat Breads: A Database.

An in-depth survey was conducted by collecting information from web sources, supplemented by interviews with experts and/or bakers, to identify all the flat breads (FBs) produced in the nine Mediterranean countries involved in the FlatBreadMine Project (Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta and Spain), and to have an insight into their technical and cultural features. A database with information on 143 FB types (51 single-layered, 15 double-layered, 66 garnished, 11 fried) was established. Flours were from soft wheat (67.4%), durum wheat (13.7%), corn (8.6%), rye, sorghum, chickpea, and chestnut (together 5.2%). The raising agents were compressed yeast (55.8%), sourdough (16.7%), baking powder (9.0%), but 18.6% of FBs were unleavened. Sixteen old-style baking systems were recorded, classified into baking plates and vertical ovens (tannur and tabun). Artisanal FBs accounted for 82%, while the industrial ones for 7%. Quality schemes (national, European or global) applied to 91 FBs. Fifteen FBs were rare, prepared only for family consumption: changes in lifestyle and increasing urbanization may cause their disappearance. Actions are needed to prevent the reduction of biodiversity related to FBs. Information in the database will be useful for the selection of FBs suitable to promotional activities and technical or nutritional improvement.

Optimization of formulation and physicochemical, nutritional and sensory evaluation of vegan chickpea-based salad dressings.

The formulation of a vegan salad dressing supplemented with chickpea flour (VC-SD) was optimized by D-optimal mixture design, evaluating the effect of chickpea flour, water and oil on the textural properties of the product. The linear models showed the best fitting and predictive ability, as highlighted by high R2 adj and Q2. The Cox-effects of the textural parameters were significant for water and chickpea flour contents, but not for oil. Sensory evaluation indicated that all the VC-SD were characterized by the predominance of pungent/acid odor notes, whereas sourness was the most perceived fundamental taste, together with a sensation of a grainy texture in mouth due to flour particles. Overall, the product can be consumed by vegans and vegetarians because produced without animal-derived ingredients, and is in synergy with the healthful characteristics of Mediterranean diet, in which pulses and extra-virgin olive oil play beneficial roles. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05288-x.

Effect of Durum Wheat Oil on the Physico-Chemical and Sensory Features of Biscuits.

Lipids play an important role in defining the overall quality of biscuits, particularly in terms of resistance to oxidation, as well as for their influence on textural and sensorial properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of durum wheat oil on the physico-chemical and sensory features of biscuits. Control biscuits (C) prepared with the commonly used sunflower oil were compared with samples prepared with durum wheat oil at 50% (D50) and 100% replacement levels (D100). The reformulated biscuits were very rich in tocols, especially tocotrienols (982.9, 635.2, and 64.1 mg/kg on lipid fraction weight in D100, D50, and C, respectively). The higher content of antioxidants extended the resistance to the oxidation of biscuits (induction time = 53.61, 70.87, and 79.92 h in C, D50, and D100, respectively). D100 showed the lowest amounts of triacylglycerol oligopolymers and oxidized triacylglycerols, and the lowest amounts of the volatile markers of lipid oxidation (hexanal and nonanal). The use of durum wheat oil did not affect the sensorial and textural properties, compared to C. This study suggests that durum wheat oil could be effectively used in biscuit-making to decrease the oxidative phenomena and increase the bioactives of the end-products.

Spreadable plant-based cheese analogue with dry-fractioned pea protein and inulin-olive oil emulsion-filled gel.

BACKGROUND: Consumer demand for plant-based cheese analogues (PCA) is growing because of the easy and versatile ways in which they can be used. However, the products available on the market are nutritionally poor. They are low in protein, high in saturated fat and sodium, and often characterized by a long list of ingredients. RESULTS: A clean label spreadable plant-based cheese analogue was developed using dry-fractionated pea protein and an emulsion-filled gel composed of extra virgin olive oil and inulin, added in different concentrations as fat replacer (10%, 13% and 15% of the formulation). First, nutritional and textural analyses were performed, and the results were compared with two commercial products. The products were high in protein (134 g kg-1 ) and low in fat (52.2 g kg-1 ). The formulated PCAs had similar spreadability index to the dairy cheese but lower hardness (15.1 vs. 19.0 N) and a higher elasticity (0.60 vs. 0.35) consequent to their lower fat content (52.2 vs. 250 g kg-1 ). Then, dry oregano and rosemary (5 g kg-1 ) were added to the PCA, and sensory evaluation and analysis of volatile compounds were conducted. The addition of spices masked the legume flavor and significantly enriched the final product with aromatic compounds. CONCLUSION: The use of dry-fractioned pea protein and of the emulsion-filled gel allowed us to develop a clean label and nutritionally valuable spreadable plant-based cheese analogue. Overall, the ingredients and product concepts developed could be used to upgrade the formulation of plant-based cheese on a larger scale. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) Addition as Tool to Reduce Nitrate and Nitrite in Ripened Sausages.

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is known to be a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study investigated the effects of the OLE addition to reduce nitrate/nitrite (NO) content on the physico-chemical features of ripened pork sausages. Seven formulations of pork sausages were set up: CTRL (0 mg/kg OLE; 300 mg/kg NO), Tr1 (200 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr2 (400 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr3 (800 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr4 (200 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), Tr5 (400 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), and Tr6 (800 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO). At the end of the ripening period, all the samples were within hygienic limits and the substitution of the additives with OLE allowed the reduction of NO residual contents. Both OLE and NO influenced the colour parameters. At the highest dose of OLE, both alone and in combination with reduced dose of NO, no significant differences in terms of moisture, pH, and aw were found compared to CTRL. In absence of NO, a significant reduction of weight loss was observed. Moreover, in the samples without NO a reduction of the hardness was detected. Finally, the oxidative stability test showed that the increase of the OLE amount prolonged the induction time.

The Effectiveness of Extruded-Cooked Lentil Flour in Preparing a Gluten-Free Pizza with Improved Nutritional Features and a Good Sensory Quality.

Extruded-cooked lentil (ECL) flour was used to fortify (10/100 g dough) gluten-free pizza, which was compared with rice/corn-based pizza (control), and with pizza containing native lentil (NL) flour. Viscoamylograph and Mixolab data evidenced the hydrocolloid properties of ECL flour (initial viscosity = 69.3 BU), which contained pregelatinized starch. The use of ECL flour made it possible to eliminate hydroxymethylcellulose (E464), obtaining a clean label product. Both NL and ECL pizzas showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher contents of proteins (7.4 and 7.3/100 g, respectively) than the control pizza (4.4/100 g) and could be labelled as "source of proteins" according to the Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. In addition, NL and ECL pizzas were characterized by higher contents of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, and by higher in vitro antioxidant activity (1.42 and 1.35 µmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively) than the control pizza (1.07 µmol Trolox/g d.m.). However, NL and ECL pizzas also contained small amounts of undigestible oligosaccharides, typically present in lentils (verbascose = 0.92-0.98 mg/g d.m.; stachyose = 4.04-5.55 mg/g d.m.; and raffinose = 1.98-2.05 mg/g d.m.). No significant differences were observed in the liking level expressed by consumers between ECL and control pizzas.