Corn silk flour fortification as a dietary fiber supplement: evolution of the impact on paste, dough, and quality of dried noodles

Abstract Corn silk flour is a natural, functional ingredient, rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols. Fortification of a wheat flour-based staple food such as dried noodles, with corn silk flour could directly affect the pasting properties of wheat flour and hydration properties of dough, and thus influence the quality of dried noodles. The competition for water between corn silk flour and wheat flour inhibited the gelatinization of starch and hindered the formation of the gluten network which harmed the cooking properties and decreased consumer acceptance of the resulting dried noodles. Nutritionally, the dietary fiber and polyphenols content of the resulting dried noodles was effectively improved, especially at a 6∼9% replacement rate. The current work demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating corn silk flour-enriched dried noodles and its nutritional superiority compared to the corresponding normal product.