Amaranth Flour Blends and Fractions for Baking Applications

Selected Amaranthus eruentus ecotypes from different places of origin were used to prepare baking products. Amylograph, alveograph and farinograph data of mixtures of white wheat flour with whole amaranth grain flour from raw, toasted and popped amaranth seeds, as well as with higher protein fractions obtained by air classification, presented clear differences with respect to wheat flour. Six selected amaranth lines displayed different behaviors according to their origin and the seeds, previous treatment. Results indicate the opportunity of employing wheat‐amaranth mixtures in programs developed to improve the diet of the population's marginal sectors. Enriched cookies and “bolillos” (French bread) with NPR values of 3.63 and 4.35, respectively, slightly higher than casein (3.0 and 4.0). are especially recommended for this purpose.