VALORIZING APULIAN WHEAT GERMPLASM THROUGH QUALITATIVE AND ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PROCESSED PRODUCTS
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
The conservation of agricultural biodiversity is crucial for the sustainability of food systems and
crop resilience. This study, conducted within the Savegrain-CER project, evaluated 30 durum and
bread wheat varieties, encompassing modern and old varieties native to Apulia region, to
characterize their agronomical, technological, nutritional, and sensory traits. Key quality
parameters, including protein content, carotenoids, ash content, colorimetric values and SDS
sedimentation volume, were determined. Four representative varieties were selected for further
analysis: Antalis and Carlantino (durum wheat), and Bologna and Risciola (bread wheat). GC-MS
based metabolic profiling identified about 100 metabolites across four major classes. The
selected genotypes were used to produce wholemeal crackers, which underwent sensory
evaluation by the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method and consumer acceptance tests.
Significant inter- and intra-species variability was observed. Durum wheat exhibited higher
carotenoid levels and color indices, while bread wheat showed increased SDS sedimentation
volumes and flour brightness. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that the main
discriminant variables among genotypes were color traits and protein quality. Cluster and PCA
analysis indicated that the old local variety Carlantino was enriched in monosaccharides and
polyols, whereas Risciola, displayed higher levels of essential amino acids, improved SDS value,
and increased antioxidant activity. Crackers made from the old bread wheat Risciola were the
most sensory appreciated in terms of taste, crunchiness, and crumbliness, receiving also the
highest scores for aroma, color, taste, and overall preference.
Our findings highlight the significant potential of wheat Apulian germplasm for developing
cereal-based products with good nutritional profiles and organoleptic qualities. This distinct
territorial imprint can be commercially leveraged within short supply chains dedicated to the
production of typical local products, particularly benefiting small farms, thereby enhancing
agricultural biodiversity and offering novel, high-value food options.
Conference(s)
LXVIII SIGA Annual Congress