Nutritional, antioxidant, microstructural and pasting properties of functional pasta

Abstract

The present study aimed to characterize millet-pomace based pasta on the basis of functional, morphological, pasting and nutritional properties with control pasta (100% durum semolina). Functional pasta was developed by using blend of 20% finger millet flour, 12% pearl millet flour, 4% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and 64% composite flour containing durum semolina and carrot pomace. Nutritional analysis of developed pasta showed high content of minerals viz calcium, iron, zinc and dietary fiber compared to control pasta. The developed pasta showed better quality characteristics in terms of cooked weight, swelling index and water absorption. Color evaluation of developed pasta showed increase in L∗ and b∗ values. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of developed pasta was significantly higher with respect to control. Also significant (p < 0.05) variations were observed in pasting properties between pasta samples. Microstructure evaluation of cooked pasta showed better interaction between starch and protein matrix with addition of carboxy methyl cellulose gum. Keywords: Pasta, Phenolic content, Antioxidant activity, Nutritional properties, Microstructure