Techno-functional properties of gluten-free pasta from hyperprotein quinoa flour

Many consumers who are aware of the importance of good nutrition demand quality food alternatives. In particular, many of them are looking for quality, plant-based protein sources such as quinoa. The objective of this work was to evaluate the techno-functional properties of gluten-free pasta from hyperprotein quinoa flour. Pasta mixes were made from gluten-free flours, corn, rice, cassava starch, hyperprotein quinoa flour and defatted high protein quinoa flour, which were subsequently extruded. The flow rheological properties of aqueous dispersions of flour mixtures were analyzed before and after the pasting test. In addition, thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and structural properties by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed a change of flow from dilatant (n > 1) to pseudoplastic (n < 1) after the pasting test. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between hyperprotein defatted quinoa flour and viscosity, and a negative correlation with hyperprotein quinoa flour. Regarding thermal properties, it was found that all blends showed low gelatinization enthalpy values, attributed to the high proportions of HQF and HDQF. Spectroscopic analysis showed that the extrusion did not significantly affect the native structure of the protein, by monitoring the intensities of the 1648 cm^-1, 1656 cm^-1 and 1667 cm^-1 bands associated with the Random coil, α-helix, β-turns secondary structures, respectively. It was possible to conclude that both hyperprotein quinoa flour and defatted hyperprotein quinoa flours have a differential influence on the techno-functional properties of pasta. The first one, tends to reduce viscosity and consistency while the second one tends to increase it. Finally, moderate temperatures during extrusion did not cause significant changes in starch and protein structures as determined by spectroscopic study.