Impact of wheat bran particle size on the technological and phytochemical properties of durum wheat pasta

In this study 7 bran fractions were produced by grinding coarse durum wheat bran followed by sieving to achieve median particle size ranges between 115 and 1497 μm. These bran fractions were incorporated into pasta at 1, 5, 10 and 20% and the phytochemical and technological properties evaluated. Higher incorporation of bran, especially at 20%, reduced pasta quality, but a reduced impact was seen at the same degree of incorporation using finer bran. Bran increased antioxidants (by up to 65%), ferulic acid (up to 400%) and phytosterols (up to 130%) in pasta, parameters which were insensitive to bran particle size above 10% incorporation except for ferulic acid, which was higher in particles between 248 and 1497 μm. It is recommended to use finer fractions if bran is added to pasta at 20% and higher, since they provide a better quality pasta while still delivering enhancements in phytochemical content above regular semolina pasta.