Effects of pearling level and genotype on physical grain characteristics, composition, and technological and sensory properties of selected western Canadian barley varieties

Abstract

Limited information exists regarding the effects of light pearling on the properties of physical grain characteristics, composition, and technological and sensory properties of selected varieties of Western Canadian barley especially hulless barley genotypes with modified starch characteristics. Nine barley genotypes with different hull (hulled and hulless) and starch characteristics (normal, waxy, and high amylose (HA)) were pearled to three differing levels. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the pericarp, testa, aleurone, and subaleurone layers were completely removed in heavily pearled barley whereas only a few outer layers were removed in minimally pearled barley. Waxy starch genotype Fibar and HA starch genotypes, SH99250 & SB94893 contained high levels of soluble β-glucan (9-11%). Waxy starch genotypes exhibited higher β-glucan solubility when cooked compared to normal and HA starch genotypes. However, HA starch genotypes had lower in vitro starch digestibility which may provide a lower glycemic response in humans.