Influences of Protein Characteristics on Processing and Texture of Noodles from Korean and US Wheats

Protein characteristics of Korean wheat were evaluated to determine the effects of protein content and quality on processing and textural properties of white salted noodles compared to US wheat flours with various wheat classes and commercial flours for making noodles. Protein quality parameters, which were independent of protein content and included SDS sedimentation volume with constant protein weight, mixograph mixing time and proportion of 50% 1-propanol insoluble protein, of Korean wheat flours with 2.2+12 subunits in high molecular weight glutenin subunit compositions were comparable to those of commercial flours for making noodles. Parameters related to noodle making, including optimum water absorption, thickness and color of noodle dough sheet, correlated with protein content and related parameters, including SDS sedimentation volume with constant flour weight, mixograph water absorption and gluten yield. No significant relationship was found in protein parameters independent of protein content. Hardness of cooked noodles from Korean wheats was lower than that of US wheat flours compared to similar protein content of commercial noodle flours. Adhesiveness, springiness and cohesiveness of cooked noodles from Korean wheats were similar to US wheat flours. Hardness of cooked noodles correlated with protein content and related parameters.