Qualidade tecnológica da farinha trigo (triticum aestivum l.) obtida a partir de variedades cultivadas no Paraná

Abstract

Wheat is an agricultural crop primarily cultivated for flour production. Its final application is associated with grain quality, as various manufactured products require specific technological characteristics determined through rheological and physicochemical analyses. Currently, there are several wheat varieties being marketed and grown in different regions of Brazil. Therefore, understanding their technological properties is crucial, as their application depends on these factors. Hence, the objective of this research is to evaluate the physicochemical and rheological parameters of wheat flours obtained from varieties cultivated in Paraná. Samples of wheat cultivated in the state of Paraná, from the cities of Arapoti, Paulo Frontin, and Ponta Grossa, were obtained. They were analyzed for hectoliter weight and thousand grain weight. Flours were obtained through experimental milling, and extraction yield was determined. Subsequently, the wheat flour underwent the following analyses: moisture content, ash content, protein content, color, alveography and farinography, gluten content, paste properties, particle size distribution, Falling Number, Stirring Number, and damaged starch content. The analyzed wheat flours showed significant differences in both physicochemical and rheological parameters. All wheat varieties provided flours that differed in moisture, ash, and protein content classifications, categorized as Type I, II, and Whole according to current legislation. Results revealed that the Audaz, Calibri, and Feroz varieties from Arapoti showed the best performance in rheological analyses, particularly suited for baking applications. Wheat cultivars from Paulo Frontin also showed fewer promising results for industrial processes requiring stronger flours, based on rheological performance. In general, this study enabled the identification of specific characteristics for each analyzed wheat cultivar. The analyzed samples exhibited characteristics consistent with literature findings and agreement across conducted analyses. It was observed that adverse climatic conditions, namely, heavy rainfall experienced during cultivation and harvest in the Paulo Frontin region affected the quality of the obtained wheat flour, crucial for obtaining cereals suitable for milling and future industrial applications.