Effect of sorghum pre-processing (roasting and germination) on the replacement level and quality of sorghum-wheat bread: bread characteristics, digestibility, consumer acceptability and microbiological analysis.

Abstract: The present study was focused on the replacement of refined wheat flour (RWF) by control (CS) and processed sorghum flour [germinated (GS) and roasted (RS)] on the properties of flour/batter/dough (particle size, XRD, pasting, dynamic rheology, farinograph) and bread (physical, textural, digestibility, microbiological and sensory). Prominent variations adhered with sorghum processing, but decreasing patterns occurred for flour-water absorption, dough stability times, storage modulus, peak/final/breakdown viscosities, bread-moisture content, specific volume, porosity, and lightness. Flour's pasting temperature, dough development time, breadbulk density, hardness, gumminess, and bitterness increased. Composite flours mainly had weak nature compared to RWF. The baking loss was lower for 10-30% CS and GS incorporation than RS. Composite bread had higher in-vitro protein and starch digestibility (CS > GS > RS) than RWF. Three days storage life with acceptable quality scores was obtained for bread with CS and GS up to 20% and RS up to 30% incorporation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05810-3.

Influence of convective hot air drying on physico-functional, thermo-pasting and antioxidant properties of elephant foot yam powder (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius).

The present study focused on the effect of different drying temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) and combination of pre-treatments: potassium metabisulphite (KMS), potassium metabisulphite + Citric acid + blanching (KCB)] on functional, thermo-pasting and antioxidant properties of elephant foot yam (EFY) powder. Drying temperature and pretreatment reduces the water and oil absorption capacity, and the highest values were 2.34 g/g and 1.19 g/g for drying at 40 °C for the untreated sample, respectively. KMS pretreatment enhanced the bulk density, foaming capacity, emulsion capacity, and emulsion stability with an increase in drying temperature. Pasting temperature and viscosity decreased with an increase in drying temperature, and the maximum was observed at 40 °C for KMS pretreatment. Blanching increases the gelatinization temperature resulting in higher mid-and end-temperatures for KCB pretreatment. The antioxidant properties decreased with an increase in the drying temperature and were found to be minimal in the case of KCB treated samples.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cooked (tandoori) chicken and associated health risk.

Tandoori cooking is a popular food preparation method in India involving a unique combination of grilling, baking, barbecuing, and roasting processes. This study determined the levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tandoori chicken and assessed the associated health risk. The sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 25.4 to 3733 µg/kg with an average of 440 ± 853 µg/kg. Analyzed samples demonstrated major contribution of 2, 3, and 4 ring PAHs. Diagnostic ratios identified combustion and high-temperature processes as the main source favoring PAHs generation in these samples. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalents and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimates for different population groups (boys, girls, adult males, adult females, elderly males, elderly females) associated with dietary intake of these products ranged from 6.88E-05 to 4.13E-03 and 1.63E-08 to 1.72E-06, respectively. Since the ILCR values fell within the safe limits (1E-06, i.e., nonsignificant), the consumption of tandoori chicken may be considered as safe. The study emphasizes the need for extensive studies on PAHs formation in tandoori food products.

Gluten-free grains: Importance, processing and its effect on quality of gluten-free products.

Gluten-enteropathy affects a significant number of people, making gluten a major concern in the food industry. With medical advancements, the diagnosis of allergies is becoming easier, and people who are allergic to gluten are recommended a complete gluten-free diet. Since wheat provides a major part of the energy and nutrition in the diet, its elimination affects nutrition intake of allergic population. Food scientists are working to formulate products using protein-rich gluten-free grains with quality attributes at par with gluten-containing products. Focused research has been done to provide nutrition and a variety of food to people suffering from gluten-related disorders. Efforts are being made to remove the gluten from the wheat and other gluten-containing grains, while applying different processing/treatments to enhance the properties of gluten-free grains. Hence, the present review summarizes the importance, processing, and products of different gluten-free grains. It also highlights the digestibility of gluten-free grains with clinical trials and gluten elimination strategies for gluten-containing grains.

Quality characteristics of sand, pan and microwave roasted pigmented wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Present study investigated the effect of sand, pan and microwave roasting on physico-chemical, functional and rheological properties of yellow (YW), purple (PW), and black wheat (BW). All roasting methods enhanced the browning index (BI), water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) roasted wheat flour. Microwave roasting showed significantly higher impact on BI (58.61% for YW, 131% for BW and 83.85% for PW) and WAC (47.93% for YW, 44.63% for BW and 32.09% for PW). However, the decrease in density, emulsifying capacity (EC), foaming capacity (FC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant activity was observed on roasted wheat flour. Roasting also affected the pasting properties of wheat flours and peak, trough, breakdown and final viscosity decreased.

Comparative analysis of conventional and greener extraction methods and method validation for analyzing PAHs in cooked chicken and roasted coffee.

This study compared different extraction methods [sonication, alkaline hydrolysis, supramolecular solvent microextraction (SUPRAS) and Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS)] along with their greenness. An analytical method was validated for determination of USEPA's listed 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' (PAHs) in cooked chicken and roasted coffee using high pressure liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) with a C18 column. The recoveries with QuEChERS ranged between 62.26 and 103.85% (except Naphthalene and Fluorene) and 52.63-78.69% (except Naphthalene) for chicken and coffee respectively while poor recoveries were observed with conventional methods. With SUPRAS, heavy PAHs' recovery in chicken was 71.33-112.23%. Limits of detection (LOD) were 0.03-0.06 ng/mL, regression coefficient values were 0.97-0.99 for 6.25-37.50 ng/mL quantification range. Relative standard deviation was found to be below 22%. The time and energy consumption per sample was 42.50 and 69.06 fold and 77.52 and 139.50 fold less with SUPRAS and QuEChERS method respectively as compared to alkaline hydrolysis.

Quality attributes of convective hot air dried spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb. Ex Willd) slices.

In the present study, spine gourd slices were dried in a convective dryer at 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C temperature. The change in quality of spine guard was determined by analyzing the change in proximate, minerals, functional group, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant characteristics. Increase in drying temperature changed the protein (4.62-12.88 g/100 g), fiber (3.14-3.53 g/100 g), total phenolic (14.85-14.99 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoid (30.1-64.8 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g) content while reduction occurred in fat (4.02-3.07 g/100 g), carbohydrate (76.13-55.22 g/100 g), chlorophyll (0.34-0.100 mg/g), ascorbic acid (29.94-4.50 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (96.58-85.06%). Mineral content of fresh SG differed significantly with dried samples (p < 0.05), while variable effects were associated with the change in drying temperatures. Changes in functional groups were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The observed parameters were optimized using principal component analysis. The sample dried at 40 °C was superior in quality whereas higher protein and antioxidants were found at 70 °C.

Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in kitchen depositions by SUPRAS-LC-FLR and human health risk assessment.

Concentration, composition and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in kitchen depositions from different sampling categories such as restaurants, university mess and houses were investigated, and associated human exposure risk through dietary intake, inhalation and dermal contact was determined. The PAHs in the samples were extracted by supramolecular solvent based microextraction (SUPRAS) method and the concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The mean of Σ16PAHs concentration was found to be the highest (386.09 ± 413.17 mg kg-1) for restaurants followed by mess (80.91 ± 92.81 mg kg-1) and houses (24.65 ± 10.52 mg kg-1). Traffic sources were found to be predominant contributors of PAHs in restaurants while cooking activities were the sources for mess and houses. Three- and five-ring PAHs were prominent in restaurants and mess samples while two- and three-ring PAHs contributed the most in houses samples. Non-cancer risk (hazard index) from exposure to these PAHs was found to be within safe limits i.e. 2.70E-09 to 7.46E-08. Estimated lifetime cancer risk was found to range from 2.46E-06 to 7.81E-04 from exposure to these PAHs and indicates significant risk due to exceeding the guideline value of 10-6.

Effect of microwave treatment (low power and varying time) on potato starch: Microstructure, thermo-functional, pasting and rheological properties.

The present study focused on the effect of microwave treatment (300 W for 1, 3 and 5 min) on the physicochemical, morphological, structural and rheological properties of potato starch. Significant effect (p < 0.05) of treatment time was observed on water activity and moisture content while non-significant effect occurred on color. Water absorption capacity increased from 0.82-1.16 g/g with treatment time while oil absorption capacity decreased from 0.63-0.53 g/g. Dynamic and loss moduli, pasting temperatures and final viscosities were positively correlated with treatment time. The peak and pasting viscosity incremented till 3 min treatment but decreased at 5 min. Onset temperature of gelatinization ranged from 53.8 to 57.4 °C with treatment time. SEM micrographs showed unaffected starch granules at 1 min of treatment while fissures and indentations developed at 3 and 5 min. The X-Ray diffraction patterns indicated the transformation of starch crystals from B crystallite to amorphic type.

Development and characterization of elephant foot yam starch-hydrocolloids based edible packaging film: physical, optical, thermal and barrier properties.

The study aimed at the development of elephant foot yam starch (EFYS) based edible film through blending of Xanthan (XG) and agar-agar (AA). Film thickness and density increased with increase in concentration of hydrocolloids and the respective highest value 0.199 mm and 2.02 g/cm3 were found for the film possessing 2% AA. The film barrier properties varied with hydrocolloids and the lowest value of water vapour transmission rate (1494.54 g/m2) and oxygen transmission rate (0.020 cm3/m2) was observed for the film with 1% XG and 1.5% AA, respectively. Mechanical and thermal properties also improved upon addition of hydrocolloid. Highest tensile strength (20.14 MPa) and glass transition temperature (150.6 °C) was observed for film containing 2% AA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of -OH, C-H, and C=O groups. The change in crystallinity was observed through peak in X-ray diffraction analysis, which increased with increase in the hydrocolloids' concentration.

Influence of xanthan and agar-agar on thermo-functional, morphological, pasting and rheological properties of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starch.

Limited studies have been reported on the interaction of elephant foot yam (EFY) starch and hydrocolloids. Hence the present study investigated the effect of hydrocolloids (agar-agar, AAG and xanthan gum, XG) concentration (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) on pasting, rheological, thermo-functional and morphological properties of EFY starch. The increase in concentration reduced the swelling index and enhanced the solubility. Peak, holding, break down and set back viscosity was highest at 2% XG than AAG. Dynamic storage modulus (G') was higher than loss modulus (G″) within frequency range with an increase in hydrocolloids concentration. Pasting temperature reduced from 77.20 to 49.7 °C (AAG) and 77.20 to 61.56 °C (XG). FTIR exhibited differences in peak absorbance and broadness of OH and CO stretching at 3400-3200 cm-1 and 1260-1000 cm-1 upon hydrocolloids' addition. Increased AAG concentration reduced the peak temperature of gelatinization and retrogradation of EFY starch. The effect of hydrocolloids and their concentrations on the higher binding of EFY starch molecules and crystallinity has also been supported by SEM images. These results show that EFY starch with hydrocolloids can be used as a thickener. Its good binding ability may be explored for the possible applications in bakery industry and for the development of edible packaging film.

PAHs in Indian diet: Assessing the cancer risk.

Food products such as bread, biscuits, tea, coffee, oils, chocolates, grapes, pepper and fishes belonging to different categories represent a significant part of everyday diet in India and other countries having variable cooking techniques. In this study, we evaluated cancer risks of long term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through consumption of these products for eight societal groups in India. Total concentrations of PAHs in these products from India ranged from 0.18 to 61967 µg kg-1 and the cancer risk values for the eight sections of Indian population ranged between 7.63E-10 to 5.05E+00, indicating product specific distribution of risk from non-significant to significant levels. Cereals, vegetables and decoctions contributed majorly to cancer risk and the most susceptible group identified was children. The spread of risk estimates followed Burr and Exponential distributions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to develop information on the health risk faced by Indian population through dietary PAHs.

Physico-functional and antioxidant properties of sand-roasted chickpea (Cicer arietinum).

The effect of roasting on the physical, color, thermal, functional and antioxidant properties of chickpea was investigated. Chickpea grains were roasted in sand at three temperatures (180, 200 and 220°C) for different times (5, 10 and 15min). Highest surface area and lowest bulk density were obtained for grains roasted at 220°C for 15min. The lightness 'L' of flour decreased from 88.48 (unroasted) to 78.73 (220°C, 15min) while significant increase in 'a' and 'b' color values was observed from -0.73 to 2.25 and 22.43 to 24.83, respectively on roasting. Significant decrease in enthalpy of gelatinization (-0.14 to -0.46J/g), enthalpy of amylase-lipid complex (4329-2293J/g), total flavonoid content (22.89-16.64mg quercetin equivalents/100g) and antioxidant activity (22.85-7.36%) was observed upon roasting. However, roasting led to an increase in water absorption capacity (0.89-3.64g/g), water absorption index (1.97-3.52) and oil absorption capacity (1.60-3.54g/g).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' formation and occurrence in processed food.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emerged as an important contaminant group in a gamut of processed food groups like dairy, nuts, herbs, beverages, meat products etc. Different cooking processes and processing techniques like roasting, barbecuing, grilling, smoking, heating, drying, baking, ohmic-infrared cooking etc. contribute towards its formation. The level of PAHs depends on factors like distance from heat source, fuel used, level of processing, cooking durations and methods, whereas processes like reuse, conching, concentration, crushing and storage enhance the amount of PAHs in some food items. This review paper provides insight into the impact of dietary intake of PAHs, its levels and formation mechanism in processed food items and possible interventions for prevention and reduction of the PAHs contamination. The gaps and future prospects have also been assessed.