Development and acceptance of amaranth-based breakfast cereal and cereal bars (Amaranthus cruentus L.)

Author(s)

Karina Dantas Coelho

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2006-09-13

Examining board members

Jose Alfredo Gomes Áreas; Deborah Helena Markowicz Bastos; Jaime Amaya Farfan

• Advisor: José Alfredo Gomes Areas

Abstract

Amaranth is a pseudocereal of great nutritional value that exhibits amounts of fiber and protein higher than the usually consumed cereals. The agronomic characteristics and the possibility of utilization of the entire plant drew sufficient interest among plant breeders to produce this grain in Brazil. Objective: To develop amaranth-based breakfast cereals and cereal bars aimed at the maximal acceptance and minimal loss of nutrients. Methodology: The breakfast cereal was produced in a single screw extruder with semi-industrial capacity and the cereal bars in accordance with appropriate dietary technique. Results: After two central composite designs, it became evident that the independent variable of importance for the study was the temperature. It was observed that the moisture of the sample did not exert any significant effect in the final product within the range studied. Best results were obtained with 15% moisture and 140º C at the third zone. A breakfast cereal developed with the whole grain exhibited the same characteristics of expansion and texture of a product manufactured with the defatted flour. The sensory panel preferred the sample prepared with defatted flour, which obtained 72% of the grades above the pre-established cutting point 7. Two types of cereal bars, both containing 70% of amaranth, one with popped amaranth and another with a mixture of popped and extruded amaranth. The amount of protein and fiber was higher in these products when compared with similar formulations without amaranth. Cereal bars containing only the popped amaranth were preferred by 66% of the panel of whom 77% assigned grades equal to or higher than the cutting point. Conclusion: The nutritional value of the developed products is superior to the similars confectioned with other cereals and they had high acceptability. (AU)