Multi-block classification of Italian semolina based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) analysis and alveographic indices

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) is widely grown in the Mediterranean area. The semolina obtained by this grain is used to prepare pasta, couscous, and baked products all over the world. The growing area affects the characteristics of Durum wheat; consequently, it is relevant to trace this product. The present study aims at developing an analytical methodology which would allow tracing durum semolina harvested in 7 different Italian macro-areas. In order to achieve this goal, 597 samples of semolina have been analysed by Near Infrared Spectroscopy, and by measuring alveographic parameters. Eventually, the information collected have been handled by a multi-block classifier (SO-PLS-LDA) in order to predict the origin of samples. The proposed approach provided extremely satisfactory results (in external validation, on a test set of 140 objects), correctly classifying all samples according to their growing area, confirming it represents a suitable solution for tracing durum wheat semolina.