Master of Science / Food Science Institute / Fadi M. Aramouni / With an increasing number of people with celiac disease, the need for gluten-free products is inevitable. Sorghum is a grain safe for celiac patients. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to characterize four sorghum hybrids in terms of their grain and flour; then utilize the hybrids in a wheat-free product and test for physical, chemical, textural, and sensory differences. Flour tortillas were chosen for their current popularity and the lack of research and availability for gluten-free flour tortillas. Grain characterization included diameter, weight, and hardness as measured by the Single Kernel Characterization System and Tangential Abrasive Dehulling Device. Flour characterization included flour and starch particle size distributions, total starch, amylose content, starch pasting properties, moisture, crude protein, and ash content. Significant differences were found (p<0.05) among hybrids for each test except total starch. Gluten-free flour tortillas were made from the four sorghum hybrids in addition to a commercial sorghum flour. Tortilla weight, diameter, thickness, color, pH, Aw, and moisture content were measured along with extensibility and stretchability. A descriptive panel was trained and used to analyze the five samples. Significant differences were found (p<0.05) among samples for color, pH, Aw, and moisture content. Significant differences were also found (p<0.05) among samples for extensibility and stretchability. Extensibility was a more effective test in studying quality. The sensory panel found significant differences (p<0.05) for grain specks, angle of bend, rancidity, sweetness, springiness, hardness, and grittiness. The commercial flour had the highest score for angle bend and springiness and was, therefore, utilized in a consumer study. When compared to a gluten-free wrap already in the market, the sorghum flour tortilla made from this study scored significantly higher in all attributes, including overall acceptability. The commercial flour is thought to have preformed better than the other four samples due to its smaller particle size and greater starch damage allowing an increase in water absorption.

The effects of different types and amounts of sodium bicarbonate (NBC) were evaluated during the processing of flour tortillas. Fat encapsulated NBC, BS199, BS195, BS193, BS180, BS184, HM50 and HM70, and different particle-sized, non-encapsulated NBC, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and Tortilla Blend TM, were tested at different levels and combinations. Longer shelf stable tortillas with lower opacity were obtained when the level of NBC decreased. Tortillas with higher opacity, diameter and volume were obtained using the correct types of NBC. Increased tortilla opacity, thickness and shelf stability were obtained using 3 g encapsulated NBC/kg compared to non-encapsulated NBC. Encapsulation of NBC enables a temperature-triggered leavening reaction during baking of tortillas. Combinations of different levels and ratios of fast- and slow-release NBC did not yield significant improvements in tortilla properties. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP, 0.15%) was added to modify protein functionality in tortilla dough containing less NBC. Tortillas with improved opacity, thickness and shelf stability resulted using TSPP with 3 g Grade 1 NBC/kg but similar improvements were not seen with encapsulated NBC. The effects of TSPP with low levels of NBC and slow reacting leavening acids were tested. Slight improvements in opacity were observed with sodium aluminum phosphate (SALP) compared to sodium aluminum sulfate (SAS) using encapsulated and non-encapsulated NBC. Tortillas produced with these formulations have longer shelf stabilities with similar properties. This benefits the consumers. The manufacturing costs for ingredients are 1.2% less using 0.15% TSPP with 3 g non-encapsulated NBC/kg flour. The manufacturer gains not only by the reduced cost of ingredients but also by the increased ease of attaining target diameter of tortillas. This could also be accomplished by using less dough to form the tortilla.

Obesity, glucose intolerance or insulin resistance and elevated blood pressure are now prevalent in the U.S. Increased intake of dietary fiber, omega- 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants may help prevent or manage these diseases. Tortillas are now part of the American diet, and are excellent carriers of higher amounts of fiber and other nutraceutical ingredients. This study was conducted to determine the effects of incorporating nutraceutical ingredients (flaxseed, sorghum bran, oat flour, buckwheat flour) on whole white wheat tortilla quality. Tortillas were prepared using a hot-press, gas-fired oven and were evaluated for physical properties, texture and shelf-stability. Objective and subjective tests demonstrated that whole white wheat and multigrain tortilla doughs were harder, rougher and less extensible than refined flour tortilla dough. Multigrain flour tortillas were thinner, larger and more translucent than the refined flour treatment. Incorporation of whole multigrain flours affected color of the product, giving darker tortillas. Tortilla flexibility decreased over time. After 16 days of storage rollability scores of tortillas decreased drastically. The most pronounced decrease in tortilla flexibility was observed for 5% sorghum bran, 10% buckwheat, and for the treatment prepared with of 5% flax, 5% sorghum, 5% oat, 5% buckwheat. The flexibility loss was higher for whole white wheat and multigrain tortillas than for the refined one which was confirmed with objective and subjective tests. To extend shelf stability of whole multigrain tortillas various amounts of commercial hydrocolloid and ?-amylase were added to the formulation. Tortillas with 75 ppm, 100 ppm of ?-amylase, 1% and 1.5% of gum retained their flexibility during 16 days of storage. Consumer acceptability of the whole multigrain tortillas (5% flaxseed, 5% sorghum bran, 5% oat, 5% buckwheat) was compared with commercial multigrain tortillas and whole white wheat flour tortillas using an untrained sensory panel. The multigrain tortillas were liked by the panel as much as the other samples. Prepared multigrain tortillas had improved nutritional value. Each multigrain treatment contained at least 3 g of dietary fiber, 0.29 g of ?- linolenic fatty acid, lignans and antioxidants. It makes possible to claim them as a ?good source of dietary fiber? and ?an excellent source of ?-linolenic fatty acid?. The formulations tested, together with future refinements, provide more options to consumers seeking healthier alternatives to refined wheat flour tortillas.

The effects of b-glucan on corn tortilla texture were evaluated. Barley flour (9.7% b-glucan) was substituted at 2.5, 5 and 10% for dry masa flour in corn tortillas. Texture was evaluated after 4 hr and up to 7 d storage at 4°C. Substitution of 2.5-10% barley flour significantly improved tortilla texture. Combined effects of barley flour (0-2.5%), maltogenic amylase (0-1650MAU) and carboxymethylcellulose (0-0.5%) were evaluated using surface response methodology. Barley flour increased rollability, pliability, energy dissipated and reduced rupture force and final stiffness. Overall, maltogenic amylase decreased rupture force and Young's modulus but decreased rupture distance, rollability and pliability at levels above 825 MAU. CMC improved rollability, pliability, and rupture distance. The best response was found using barley flour and CMC with 825 MAU, where rollability, pliability, rupture distance and energy dissipated increased while rupture force, Young's modulus and final stiffness decreased. A 70% barley b-glucan concentrate combined with amylase (550 MAU) or CMC (0-0.5%) was evaluated in corn tortillas. Amylase combined with b-glucan did not improve texture. Tortillas with b-glucan and CMC had significantly improved pliability, rollability, final stiffness and energy dissipated. Texture measurements analysis showed that depending on the stage of storage, objective and subjective methods correlate differently. Subjective and objective measurements of texture were not correlated at 4 hr storage. At the end of storage, pliability had significant correlations with stress relaxation measurements, but rollability had higher correlation coefficients with extensibility measurements. Pliability had higher R2 and lower coefficients of variation compared to rollability. Sensory evaluation was conducted using reheated 14-day-old tortillas of control, 825 MAU with 0.25% CMC, 0.12% b-glucans, 0.18% b-glucan with 0.375% CMC, and 0.24% b-glucan with 0.25% CMC. All tortillas had similar appearance, flexibility, gumminess, flavor and overall quality. Softness and chewiness of treatments with 0.12% b-glucan or 0.24% b-glucan with 0.25% CMC were similar to control. Other tortillas were significantly tougher and chewier. b-glucan may be the active ingredient in barley flour that modifies firming of corn tortillas during storage. Barley flour is inexpensive and effectively improves texture of corn tortillas.

Background and objectives: While alkaline nixtamalization has historically been used for corn, this process may have application in other cereals. Drawbacks to wider use include the lengthy steep time, as well as the volume of alkaline wastewater produced. This study evaluated a novel, waste-effluent-free nixtamalization process for oat (Avena sativa) masa, and compared properties of oat masa and tortillas prepared with 1, 1.5 and 2% lime, with and without steeping. Findings: A minimal water-addition, 45-min, simmering process, without steeping, was effluent-free, and produced oat tortillas comparable to those produced using a traditional overnight steep. The pH increased significantly with increasing lime content (r=0.982). Consumer overall-liking scores did not significantly differ across treatments, though appearance scores were significantly higher for 2% lime samples (p<0.05), which were significantly darker and more yellow, based on L* and b* values. Masa adhesiveness means ranged from 1.49-1.52 N, with no significant differences between the no-steep treatments. Higher lime addition (1.5-2%) in the no-steep process significantly improved tortilla flexibility, based on extensibility and rollability scores, though tortilla rupture force did not vary significantly across treatments. Tortilla rollability scores at 3-days were lowest (x=1.1 + 0.31, indicating less cracking) for the 1.5-2% lime no-steep treatments, which were significantly better than the steeped treatment (x=3.7 + 0.48). Consumers rated the steeped sample as significantly less flexible. B-vitamins were negatively impacted by increasing lime, while calcium increased significantly with lime addition. Conclusions: The no-steep, effluent-free nixtamalization process produced oat tortillas with good masa and tortilla texture, which were not significantly different in consumer liking to tortillas produced via a traditional process. Significance and novelty: This research suggests nixtamalization can be applied to other grains in a shorter, environmentally-friendly process, with broader commercial applicability.

Folate degradation in micronutrient fortified corn masa and tortillas was evaluated using masa prepared from either nixtamalized corn flour or fresh nixtamal. A laboratory evaluation of the effects of pH, iron, and holding time at elevated temperature on folate loss in corn flour masa failed to show significant differences in any variable-treatment combination. An additional study was conducted at a commercial tortilla mill in Guadalajara, Mexico using masa prepared from fresh nixtamal. Commercial nixtamal was fortified with one of two different micronutrient premixes, containing iron, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and either unencapsulated or lipid-encapsulated folic acid. A batch of each fortified masa and an unfortified control batch were prepared on each of two consecutive days. Folate loss in prepared masa increased with prebake masa holding time for both premixes. Encapsulated folic acid showed a significantly lower percent loss from theoretical, indicating a protective effect from the lipid coating. No significant differences in folate levels were found between prebake masa and baked tortillas. Holding baked tortillas for up to 12 hours also had no effect on folate levels. Results indicate that added folic acid is degraded during the grinding process, as well as during pre-bake holding of masa. Native folate showed no significant loss.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Rebecca Miller / Wheat flour tortillas are the second most consumed bread product after white pan bread. Commercial tortillas are formulated with highly viscoelastic hard wheat flours selected and grown for breadmaking. However, the inherent properties of bread flours require costly formula adjustments to enhance dough extensibility necessary for tortilla production. The objective of this study was to identify the biochemical and physical factors in wheat affecting wheat tortilla quality. Six popular hard winter wheat cultivars (1863, Armour, Clara CL, Denali, Everest, Tiger) were grown in five locations in Kansas. Wheat and flour properties were characterized using approved AACCI methods. Protein composition was determined using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography. Flour particle size and starch granule size were measured with laser diffraction. Tortillas were made with a laboratory hot press method. Tortilla shelf-stability over 14 days, opacity, appearance, dough machinability and specific volume were measured. Data collected from flour and tortilla tests were analyzed using ANOVA and means were compared with Tukey-Kramer HSD. In general, the flours did not differ significantly in flour or tortilla properties. Regression analysis (Pearson) showed flour protein content was highly and significantly correlated with tortilla opacity (r=-0.81), L color value (r=-0.79), a color value (r=0.80), and day 14 shelf-stability (r=0.76). Flour water absorption showed highly significant correlations with tortilla opacity (r=-0.81), L color value (r=-0.79), a color value (r=0.77) and day 14 shelf-stability (r=0.73). Tortilla opacity was highly correlated with B-type starch granules (r=-0.83). This study showed that starch granule size, flour protein content and flour water absorption appeared to influence tortilla appearance. However, repeating the study with a larger and more diverse sample set is recommended.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Sajid Alavi / Foods with high fiber can reduce calorie uptake and provide health benefits related to chronic ailments like obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, inclusion of fiber diminishes the final product quality and consumer acceptability of cereal products. The overall objective of this project was to produce fiber-enriched, pre-cooked wheat flours using extrusion processing in order to enhance their nutritional value, while maintaining functional and sensory properties in baked products such as cookies and tortillas. In the first part of this study, extrusion processing was utilized to pre-cook wheat flours substituted with 0, 10, 20 and 30 % wheat bran in order to enhance their rheological properties and functionality with regards to cookies and tortillas. Two extrusion conditions, low-temperature-low-shear (LTLS) and high-temperature-high-shear (HTHS) were studied for pre-cooking the flours. Results showed that for all flours, as % bran increased, RVA peak viscosity (PV), and mixograph peak time (PTM) and peak height (PH) decreased. At all bran levels, PV and PH were significantly lower for pre-cooked flours as compared to uncooked. As the percent bran increased, the quality of cookies (weight and spread factor) and tortillas (specific volume, rollability and extensibility) deteriorated for both uncooked and pre-cooked wheat flours. In the second part of this study, effect of extrusion pre-cooking on the dietary fiber profile of wheat flour substituted with 0, 10, 20 and 30 % wheat bran was evaluated. Pre-cooking by extrusion significantly increased SDF in flours (by 22 to 59 %), although in most cases it also led to a significant decrease in TDF. Cookies and tortillas, produced from uncooked and pre-cooked flours with 0 and 20% substituted bran, were evaluated for consumer acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. Organoleptic properties of cookies from uncooked flour did not change significantly with increase in bran substitution from 0 to 20%. However, consumer ratings for tortillas did decrease slightly but significantly with increase in bran level. To summarize, pre-cooking of the flours using extrusion did not improve the sensory properties of cookies and tortillas, although the products were still found acceptable by consumers and also contained higher soluble fiber.

No description available.

Tortilla sales are projected to exceed 9.5 billion by 2014. However, currently no wheat cultivars have been identified that possess the intrinsic quality attributes needed for the production of optimum quality tortillas. Tortillas made with refined wheat flour low in dietary fiber (DF) are popular in the United States due to their sensory properties. This study explored the use of wheat lines (WL) possessing variations in high molecular weight glutenin allele sub-units (HMW-GS) for production of tortillas and also investigated the use of corn based resistant starches (RS), type II (RS2) and wheat based RS type IV (RS4) to increase DF in tortillas. Tortillas were made with 0-15 percent RS and 100 percent whole white wheat (WW). Flour protein profiles, dough, and tortilla properties were evaluated to determine the effects of the allelic variations and RS substitution on tortilla quality. Sensory properties of tortillas with RS were determined. Variations in HMW-GS composition significantly affected the protein quality and tortilla properties. Flour from WL possessing allelic combinations (2*, 17+18, 7, 2+12), (1, 17+18, 5+10), (2*, 17, 2+12) and (1, 2*, 17+18, 2+12) had 12.8-13.3 percent protein. These WL had extensible doughs and produced large diameter tortillas with superior (greater than or equal to 3.0) flexibility after 16 days compared to control. However, WL with (17+18 and 5+10) and (2*, 17+7, 5) produced extensible doughs, large, but less flexible, tortillas compared to control. WL with (2*,17+18,5+10) and (1,2*,7+9,5+10) produced smaller diameter tortillas, but with superior flexibility compared to control. RS2, WW, and cross-linked-pre-gelatinized RS4 (FiberRite) produced hard, less-extensible doughs and thinner tortillas compared to control, due to high water absorption. Cross-linked RS4 (Fibersym) dough and tortillas were comparable to control. 15 percent of RS2 and RS4 increase DF in control to 6 and 14 percent respectively, compare to control (2.8 percent DF). WW tortillas were less acceptable than control in appearance, flavor and texture, while tortillas with 15 percent Fibersym had higher overall acceptability than control. RS2 negatively affected dough machinability and tortilla shelf stability. However, 15 percent RS4 improved the DF in refined flour tortillas to meet FDA's "good source of fiber claim," without negatively affecting dough/tortilla quality.