The effects of acid and oxidative modification on the expansion properties of rice flours with varying levels of amylose

This study evaluates the effects of acid and oxidative modifications on the development of the expansive properties of rice flours with varying levels of amylose. Rice grains of the cultivars Embrapa-7 Taim (high amylose), BRS Firmeza (medium amylose) and Motti (low amylose) were used. The rice flours were modified with lactic acid and oxidised with hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 4 g H2O2/100 g flour and 8 g H2O2/100 g flour in 5 h, 21 h and 27 h reactions. The rice flours were evaluated for chemical composition, pasting properties, carbonyl and carboxyl contents and expansion properties. The effects of modification with lactic acid and oxidation with hydrogen peroxide were more intense in the flour with the lowest amylose content. The modification of rice flour with lactic acid promoted a reduction in amylose content and in pasting viscosity; the exception to this finding was the peak viscosity of Motti rice flour. The acid and oxidative modifications not changed the specific volume of biscuits made with Taim (1.33 mL/g) and Firmeza (1.88 mL/g) rice flours, however for the Motti rice flour promoted the development of baking expansion. The specific volume increased of 6.53 mL/g in biscuits with native Motti rice flour to 15.80 mL/g in biscuits made with Motti rice flour oxidised with 8 g/100 g of hydrogen peroxide for 27 h. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.