Ancient and heirloom grains are popping up everywhere. While there is plenty of variety and benefits, which ones are hot in the baking industry right now? And what can they offer to products and labels? On this episode I talk with two experts in the field of ancient grains to learn more about this trend. [...]
Resistant starch (RS), or enzyme-resistant starch, has physiological functions similar to dietary fiber. So it enhances the nutritional value of baked goods. And the right kind and levels offers ingredient functionality. There are different kinds of resistant starch? That’s right, five categories to be exact: RS I: physically inaccessible because it is entrapped in its storage cell. The [...]
You've probably noticed sprouted grain products sprouting up everywhere. There's a reason bakers and customers are jumping into this trend. Some of the key benefits are: Increased amount of vitamins and minerals Increased bioavailability of nutrients Rich source of fiber Increased digestibility Some sprouted grain flours have double the shelf life of conventional whole wheat flour These products [...]
Grain Traceability What is Grain Traceability? Grain traceability is tracing grains/cereals and cereal-based products from seed to plate. In a more complete definition, grain traceability means the ability to identify at any specified stage of the grain supply chain from farmer to consumer where the food products come from (one step back) [...]
If you work with organic seeds, grains and nuts, you know the problems that arise when it comes to food safety. Heat-based pasteurization can influence sensory attributes and germination. Chemical fumigation isn’t organic, and irradiation means a stigma on the label. Is there an organic, non-thermal way to treat them that won’t impact the [...]
If you’re looking for the baking trend of the future, try looking back—way back. With consumers on the lookout for healthy, natural, sustainable products, the baking industry is finding innovative solutions through ancient grains. There’s no denying the weight clean label products and functional food carries with the public these days. Millennials are driving a [...]
Malt Also known as Malting What is Malt? Malt is the result of an enzymatic process for germinating grains and allowing them to sprout. Barley is the most commonly malted grain due to its high enzyme content. Other grains such as wheat, rice, oats, millets, corn, rye, sorghum and triticale can be [...]
High Protein Baking What is High Protein Baking? Diets high in protein are popular for their potential benefits in staving off hunger and weight gain control. Because of these properties, consumers are seeking out baked goods high in protein. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 allows for the nutrient [...]
Ancient Grains What are Ancient Grains? Ancient grains is an umbrella term for grains and pseudocereals not bred or genetically manipulated for many centuries. Consumer interest in “natural” and non-hybridized grains and cereals continues fueling demand for these grains.2 Some producers in the Americas eschew the “ancient” label since these grains have been [...]
Particle size helps with quality control for milling flour. Particle Size What is particle size? Also known as granularity, particle size is a quality control parameter of a cereal flour after it is milled. The particle size of granular materials is commonly referred to as diameter, which is usually measured [...]
