Semolina and hydration level during extrusion affect quality of fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an emerging food ingredient because of its several health benefits. Research was conducted to determine the effects of semolina, hydration level during extrusion and flaxseed flour concentration on the physical and cooking characteristics of freshly extruded pasta. The appearance of fresh pasta reflected the appearance of the ingredients. Fresh pasta became darker and redder as flaxseed flour concentration increased. Flaxseed flour did not affect cooking loss or water absorption during cooking of fresh pasta. However, flaxseed flour reduced the cooked firmness of fresh pasta by decreasing the dough strength. The cooked firmness of fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour was improved by using a semolina that makes a strong dough rather than a weak dough, and by extruding at a low (29%) compared to high (31%) hydration level.