Influence of whey protein concentrate, additives, their combinations on the quality and microstructure of vermicelli made from Indian T. Durum wheat variety Original Research Article

Effect of whey protein concentrate (5%, 7.5%, 10%) and additives on the quality of vermicelli made from Indian durum wheat was studied. The results revealed that with increase in whey protein concentrate (WPC) from 0% to 10%, cooked vermicelli weight increased from 82.5 to 88 g/25 g, cooking loss increased from 6.0 to 8.4%, L values indicating lightness increased (47.42–52.9); b values indicating yellowness decreased (7.0–3.80) and shear force decreased (66–45 g). Sensory evaluation of vermicelli with 5%, 7.5%, 10% WPC showed that addition of above 5% WPC resulted in whitish colour vermicelli with mashy strand quality and sticky mouthfeel. Studies on the effect of additives namely ascorbic acid (0.01% and 0.015%), gluten (1.5% and 3.0%) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) (0.25% and 0.5%) individually as well as in combination on the quality of vermicelli with 5% WPC indicated that combination of 0.01% ascorbic acid, 3% gluten and 0.5% GMS resulted in vermicelli having lower cooking loss, creamy yellow colour, firm, discrete strands and non-sticky mouthfeel. The protein content of vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives was 16% as against 11.5% of control vermicelli. Scanning electron microscopy study of control vermicelli, vermicelli with 5% WPC and vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives revealed that vermicelli with 5% WPC showed a rough surface with a prominent rupture while vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives showed a continuous, rupture free structure.