Processing and cooking effects on lipid content and stability of alpha-linolenic acid in spaghetti containing ground...

Research was conducted to determine the effect of processing and cooking on the content of hexane-extractable lipid and the stability of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in spaghetti fortified with ground flaxseed. Lipid content, ALA, and free fatty acids (FFA) were lower in dried spaghetti samples than in the original semolina-flaxseed mixture. The data indicate that the decline in lipid, ALA, and FFA contents occurred during the extrusion process. In contrast, conjugated diene levels were greater in dried spaghetti than in the corresponding premix. Conjugated diene level was similar for spaghetti samples dried using low- or high-temperature drying cycles, and was lower in cooked than in uncooked spaghetti. The low levels of FFA and conjugated diene indicate that ALA remained stable during processing and cooking of spaghetti fortified with ground flaxseed.