Effect of drying methods on the physical properties of durum wheat pasta

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of drying methods on the physical properties of pasta. Pasta was processed from durum wheat semolina and dried at low temperature in a drying oven, at very high temperature in a convection-air oven, and under reduced pressure in a vacuum-drier. Pasta after extrusion without drying was referred to as control. Cooking properties, color, and textural properties of the pasta were evaluated. The results show that drying method had a significant impact on the physical properties of pasta. Vacuum-drying resulted in bright yellow pasta characterized by high hardness, low adhesiveness, high water uptake, and low cooking losses. The study results demonstrate the beneficial effects of vacuum-drying on the physical properties of pasta.