Cassava Starch Films Containing Quinoa Starch Nanocrystals: Physical and Surface Properties.

Quinoa starch nanocrystals (QSNCs), obtained by acid hydrolysis, were used as a reinforcing filler in cassava starch films. The influence of QSNC concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%, w/w) on the film's physical and surface properties was investigated. QSNCs exhibited conical and parallelepiped shapes. An increase of the QSNC concentration, from 0 to 5%, improved the film's tensile strength from 6.5 to 16.5 MPa, but at 7.5%, it decreased to 11.85 MPa. Adequate exfoliation of QSNCs in the starch matrix also decreased the water vapor permeability (~17%) up to a 5% concentration. At 5.0% and 7.5% concentrations, the films increased in roughness, water contact angle, and opacity, whereas the brightness decreased. Furthermore, at these concentrations, the film's hydrophilic nature changed (water contact angle values of >65°). The SNC addition increased the film opacity without causing major changes in color. Other film properties, such as thickness, moisture content and solubility, were not affected by the QSNC concentration. The DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) results indicated that greater QSNC concentrations increased the second glass transition temperature (related to the biopolymer-rich phase) and the melting enthalpy. However, the film's thermal stability was not altered by the QSNC addition. These findings contribute to overcoming the starch-based films' limitations through the development of nanocomposite materials for future food packaging applications.

Antianemic activity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Collana Negra variety and kanihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) Ramis variety seed flour in anemic rats.

The Andean grains from the Peruvian Altiplano, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and kanihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) have high protein content and an optimal balance of essential amino acids and minerals such as iron (19.8 mg/100 g y 17.6 mg/100 g, respectively). The objective of this research was to evaluate the antianemic activity of extruded flour from quinoa seeds variety Negra Collana and kanihua variety Ramis in anemic Holtzman strain rats. The results of the proximal analysis showed high protein content in quinoa at 22% and kanihua at 16.2%, and the acute toxicity test showed harmlessness up to the dose of 15000 mg/Kg in both flours confirmed with the anatomopathological observation of organs such as liver, stomach, lung, kidneys, and brain. In the evaluation of the antianemic activity, a basal average of 29.3 ± 0.2% of hematocrit was observed in the group of anemic rats treated with quinoa flour, and in twelve weeks, it increased to 53.8 ± 0.3% of hematocrit (p ≤ 0.05). A group of anemic rats treated with kanihua flour had a basal average of 29.5 ± 0.3%, and in twelve weeks, it increased to 51.7 ± 0.3% (p ≤ 0.05). A group of rats without anemia treated with quinoa and kanihua flour showed a basal average of 50.2 ± 0.2% and 49.3 ± 0.3%; in twelve weeks, it increased to 55.2 ± 0.2% and 54.8 ± 0.1%, respectively. It was concluded that oral administration of 360 mg/Kg every 24 h of quinoa flour and kanihua flour increased hematocrit levels by 24.5 ± 0.5% and 22.2 ± 0.3%; weight 65.8 ± 0.3 g and 59.2 ± 0.1 g; height 6.8 ± 0.1 cm and 5.7 ± 0.5 cm, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). In rats without anemia increased hematocrit levels by 5.3 ± 0.0% and 5.5 ± 0.0%; weight 37.7 ± 0.1 g and 21.7 ± 0.05 g; height 4 ± 0.0 cm and 3.9 ± 0.0 cm, respectively (p ≤ 0.05).

Morphological and Physiological Traits Associated with Yield under Reduced Irrigation in Chilean Coastal Lowland Quinoa.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a genetically diverse crop that has gained popularity in recent years due to its high nutritional content and ability to tolerate abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. Varieties from the coastal lowland ecotype are of particular interest due to their insensitivity to photoperiod and their potential to be cultivated in higher latitudes. We performed a field experiment in the southern Atacama Desert in Chile to investigate the responses to reduced irrigation of nine previously selected coastal lowland self-pollinated (CLS) lines and the commercial cultivar Regalona. We found that several lines exhibited a yield and seed size superior to Regalona, also under reduced irrigation. Plant productivity data were analyzed together with morphological and physiological traits measured at the visible inflorescence stage to estimate the contribution of these traits to differences between the CLS lines and Regalona under full and reduced irrigation. We applied proximal sensing methods and found that thermal imaging provided a promising means to estimate variation in plant water use relating to yield, whereas hyperspectral imaging separated lines in a different way, potentially related to photosynthesis as well as water use.

Combined Effect of Chia, Quinoa and Amaranth Incorporation on the Physico-Chemical, Nutritional and Functional Quality of Fresh Bread.

With regard to constant technological innovations in the bakery sector in order to increase bread nutritional value without affecting its technological and sensory characteristics, we applied pseudocereals/oilseeds to obtain an optimal formulation. A factorial design 33 was used and the independent factors were chia flour (levels: 0, 10, 20% flour basis), quinoa flour (levels: 0, 20, 40% flour basis), and amaranth flour (levels: 0, 20, 40% flour basis). Their effects and interactions were studied through the response surface methodology to optimise the bread formulation from a holistic viewpoint, which included the nutritional, technological and sensory characteristics. The optimum formulation with the highest quality was the blend made with 10, 4, and 20% of chia, quinoa, and amaranth, respectively. The results showed a significant increase in protein amount, ash, lipids, and crumb firmness compared to wheat bread. The calorie value of the control sample and the optimised formula were significantly similar, bearing in mind the high lipid amounts present in raw materials. Loaf-specific volume slightly decreased in comparison to control bread, as expected in formulations with gluten-free raw materials and a large amount of fibre. The optimised formula presented nutritionally/functionally higher indexes and similar overall acceptability to the control bread (p < 0.05).

Adaptability of quinoa genotypes to altitudes and population densities in Colombia / Adaptação de genótipos de quinoa em altitudes e densidades de plantio na Colômbia

This work aimed at evaluating and comparing agronomic characteristics of 15 quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) genotypes cultivated in two altitudes and sowing densities. The experiment initiated by individual plant selection in Brasília, DF, followed by progeny evaluation in Colombia, at 1,100 m and 1,850 m altitude and population densities of 30 and 12 plants m-1, with row spacing of 0,50 m. Eleven progenies and four commercial cultivars were tested. The progenies were obtained by selecting individuals in BRS Syetetuba based on plant height, grain and dry matter yield, harvest index and 1,000 grain weight. The genotypes with the highest grain yield were BRQ 8 (2,283 kg ha-1), Aurora (2,121 kg ha-1) and BRQ 4 (2,043 kg ha-1). In general, the genotypes had early plant cycle, from emergence to physiological maturity of 100-110 days at high plant density for the two altitudes. It is concluded that exploring variability in progenies originated from natural crosses is effective in the adaptation of quinoa to tropical environments. Moreover, genotypes tested in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) maintain the same response relation when evaluated in Colombia. (AU)

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar e comparar características agronômicas e biométricas de 15 genótipos de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), cultivados em duas altitudes e densidades de semeadura. O experimento iniciou por seleção individual em Brasília, DF, seguido por avaliação agronômica em duas altitudes (1,100 m e 1,850 m), e duas densidades de semeadura (30 plantas m-1 e 12 plantas m-1) na Colômbia. O experimento foi constituído por 11 progênies e quatro cultivares comerciais em uso na Colômbia. Na seleção, consideraram-se altura de plantas, produção de grãos e massa seca, índice de colheita e peso de 1000 grãos. Os genótipos que se destacaram para rendimento foram BRQ 8 (2,283 kg ha-1), Aurora (2,121 kg ha-1) e BRQ 4 (2,043 kg ha-1). Em geral, os genótipos apresentaram precocidade, com ciclo (emergência-maturação) entre 100 e 110 dias, com densidade ótima de 30 plantas m-1 nas duas altitudes. Conclui-se que a exploração de variabilidade em progênies oriundas de cruzamentos naturais, mostra-se efetiva na adaptação de quinoa a ambientes tropicais. Ademais, genótipos selecionados no Cerrado mantêm as mesmas relações de resposta quando avaliados na Colômbia. (AU)

In Vitro Assay of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Lupin (Lupinus spp.) Extracts on Human Platelet Aggregation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death throughout the world. A major risk factor for CVD is platelet aggregation. Various plant extracts exhibit anti-aggregatory action in vitro. The dietary intake of traditional plant crops such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and lupin (Lupinus spp., Fabaceae family), highly recognized for their high nutritional value, is increasing worldwide. The aim of the study was to assay possible antiplatelet effects of quinoa and lupin bean extracts in vitro. The proximate chemical composition of quinoa grains and the three most widely known lupin cultivars: blue (L. angustifolius), yellow (L. luteus or mutabilis) and white (L. albus) grown in Chile were analyzed. The anti-aggregation activity of the ethanol extracts of the crops was assayed using flow cytometry in ADP-stimulated human platelets, and their inhibition of the maximal platelet aggregation was measured. All the lupin extracts exhibited a significant anti-aggregatory effect (p < 0.0001), while quinoa extracts did not exert this effect compared to control platelets. In conclusion, lupin beans extracts exhibited an anti-aggregatory effect on activated human platelets.

Oil quality in sea-level quinoa as determined by cultivar-specific responses to temperature and radiation conditions.

BACKGROUND: There is renewed interest in quinoa as a potential source of vegetable oils; however, there is no information about how environmental conditions affect its fatty acid composition, a critical indicator of its oil quality. The fatty acid concentrations of four cultivars adapted to temperate environments were compared at three sowing dates to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions during the seed-filling period on the variation in oil quality. RESULTS: The interaction between cultivar and sowing date was the main source of variation explaining the changes in the lipid content and fatty acid concentrations in quinoa. Most of the variation in the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids was attributed to the temperature and solar radiation during the seed-filling period; cultivar-specific responses to photo-thermal conditions were observed among the sea-level quinoa cultivars evaluated. CONCLUSION: The lipid content and concentration of fatty acids in quinoa are affected by sowing date. This effect is exerted through changes in temperature and solar radiation conditions. This managing practice can therefore be used to achieve quinoa oil with different qualities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical and nutritional characterization of Chenopodium quinoa Willd (quinoa) grains: A good alternative to nutritious food.

With the purpose of valuing the species Chenopodium quinoa Willd (quinoa), as well as encouraging the consumption of its grains, this study aimed at providing a detailed evaluation of the nutritional value and chemical composition of several quinoa grains of different colour varieties (black, red and white) from different origins. The results demonstrated an excellent composition, namely in the presence of many compounds of interest, such as organic acids, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as a very favourable nutritional profile, with carbohydrates and proteins being the prominent macronutrients. Regarding the different varieties, statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in studied parameters, with the exception of proteins, carbohydrates, oxalic acid, γ-tocopherol and total tocopherols content. Thus, this pseudocereal takes a position of nutritional excellence, compared to others cereals more commonly consumed, thereby representing a promising ingredient for many uses in the food industry.

Teste de quantificação de etanol para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica sementes de quinoa / Ethanol quantification test to evaluate the physiological quality of quinoa seeds

A quinoa é uma cultura de origem andina. Atualmente apresenta grande demanda pelo mercado consumidor devido a qualidade nutricional de seus grãos. Assim, a importância do conhecimento do potencial fisiológico de sementes de quinoa ganha destaque. Uma metodologia inovadora, sendo considerado um teste rápido para avaliação do nível de vigor é o teste do etanol, desta forma, objetivou-se estudar a relação entre a produção de etanol e o desempenho fisiológico de sementes de quinoa. Foram utilizados quatro lotes de sementes, com distintos níveis de vigor e três diferentes massas de sementes (1,0; 1,5 e 2,0g). Posteriormente, as sementes foram imersas em água por um período de 24 horas a uma temperatura constante de 40C, após este período, foi efetuada a quantificação de emissão de etanol. O teste foi eficiente para diferir os níveis de vigor dos lotes, sendo que em um 1,0g é obtido a mesma distinção que a oferecida por métodos tradicionais (emergência e índice de velocidade de emergência) com menor tempo de resposta.

Quinoa is a crop originated in the Andean region. Currently, consumer demand rises due to the nutritional quality of it grains. Thus, to know the importance of physiological potential of quinoa seeds is highlighted. The ethanol test is an innovative methodology it is considered a quick test to evaluate seed vigor level. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of quinoa seeds by the ethanol test. We used four quinoa seeds lots with different vigor levels and three weight of seeds (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g). Seeds were kept underwater for 24 hours at a temperature of 40°C. After this period, the quantification of ethanol produced by quinoa seeds was performed. It was observed that the ethanol test is effective to differ the seed lots vigor levels. Similar results achieved by traditional methods (seedling emergence, emergence speed index) are found using 1.0g of quinoa seeds in a fast response.

Teste de quantificação de etanol para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica sementes de quinoa / Ethanol quantification test to evaluate the physiological quality of quinoa seeds

A quinoa é uma cultura de origem andina. Atualmente apresenta grande demanda pelo mercado consumidor devido a qualidade nutricional de seus grãos. Assim, a importância do conhecimento do potencial fisiológico de sementes de quinoa ganha destaque. Uma metodologia inovadora, sendo considerado um teste rápido para avaliação do nível de vigor é o teste do etanol, desta forma, objetivou-se estudar a relação entre a produção de etanol e o desempenho fisiológico de sementes de quinoa. Foram utilizados quatro lotes de sementes, com distintos níveis de vigor e três diferentes massas de sementes (1,0; 1,5 e 2,0g). Posteriormente, as sementes foram imersas em água por um período de 24 horas a uma temperatura constante de 40C, após este período, foi efetuada a quantificação de emissão de etanol. O teste foi eficiente para diferir os níveis de vigor dos lotes, sendo que em um 1,0g é obtido a mesma distinção que a oferecida por métodos tradicionais (emergência e índice de velocidade de emergência) com menor tempo de resposta.(AU)

Quinoa is a crop originated in the Andean region. Currently, consumer demand rises due to the nutritional quality of it grains. Thus, to know the importance of physiological potential of quinoa seeds is highlighted. The ethanol test is an innovative methodology it is considered a quick test to evaluate seed vigor level. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of quinoa seeds by the ethanol test. We used four quinoa seeds lots with different vigor levels and three weight of seeds (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g). Seeds were kept underwater for 24 hours at a temperature of 40°C. After this period, the quantification of ethanol produced by quinoa seeds was performed. It was observed that the ethanol test is effective to differ the seed lots vigor levels. Similar results achieved by traditional methods (seedling emergence, emergence speed index) are found using 1.0g of quinoa seeds in a fast response.(AU)

Bioactive Potential of Andean Fruits, Seeds, and Tubers.

The Andes is considered the longest continental mountain range in the world. It covers 7000km long and about 200-700km wide and an average height of about 4000m. Very unique plant species are endemic of this area including fruits (e.g., lucuma, cherimoya, sweet pepino, sauco), roots and tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, yacón, chicuru, mashua, olluco, etc.), and seeds (quinoa, amaranth, tarwi, etc.). These crops have been used for centuries by the native population and relatively recently have gained the world attention due to the wide range of nutrients and/or phytochemicals they possess. In this chapter, main Andean fruits, seeds, and roots and tubers have been selected and detailed nutritional and functional information is provided. In addition, traditional and current uses are provided and their bioactive potential is reported based on published scientific literature.

ESTUDIO TÉCNICO Y ECONÓMICO DE CUATRO VARIEDADES DE QUINUA EN LA REGIÓN ANDINA CENTRAL COLOMBIANA / TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC STUDY OF FOUR VARIETIES OF QUINUA IN THE COLOMBIAN CENTRAL ANDEAN REGION

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), being a fast economic turnaround crop with high nutritional values and which is commercially desired, has been attracting the interest of producers, but information on production costs and profitability in national markets is still lacking, preventing the expansion of the cultivation. The aim of this study was to estimate the costs of production and profitability of four varieties of quinoa in the coffee triangle region for the agribusiness market in order to give technical support in decision-making. The study was conducted in the Tesorito Farm, owned by Universidad de Caldas, located in the municipality of Manizales (Colombia). The four varieties of quinoa selected were: golden quinoa from Bolivia, yellow quinoa crop Marangani, white sweet quinoa from Soracá and sweet Aurora quinoa from Nariño. The experimental design was completely randomized (BCA) with four replications. The yield (t ha-1), estimated production costs were evaluated and the economic indicator cost benefit (RB/C) were calculated, and a sensitivity analysis was carried out. Based on the analysis model adopted, it can be inferred that the yellow quinoa crop Marangani, the white sweet quinoa from Soracá and the golden quinoa from Bolivia had a high cost-benefit relationship with 1.99, 1.59 and 2.34 respectively; thus, the cultivation of quinoa is a profitable activity, being considered a good alternative for the region.

La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) al ser un cultivo de rápido retorno económico, con altos valores nutritivos y apetecido comercialmente, viene despertando el interés de los productores, pero todavía falta información sobre los costos de producción y su rentabilidad en los mercados nacionales, impidiendo una expansión del cultivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar los costos de producción y rentabilidad de cuatro variedades de quinua en la región del eje cafetero, para el mercado agroindustrial, con el fin de dar un respaldo técnico en la toma de decisiones. El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Granja Tesorito, propiedad de la Universidad de Caldas, ubicada en el municipio de Manizales (Colombia). Las cuatro variedades fueron: Dorada de Bolivia, Amarilla de Marangani, Blanca dulce Soracá y Aurora dulce Nariño. El diseño experimental fue en bloques completos al azar (BCA) con cuatro repeticiones. Fue evaluado el rendimiento (t ha-1), estimados los costos de producción y calculados los indicadores económicos: relación beneficio costo (RB/C) y un análisis de sensibilidad. Por el modelo de análisis adoptado se puede inferir que las variedades Amarilla de Marangani, Blanca dulce Soracá y Dorada de Bolivia presentaron una alta relación beneficio costo con 1,99, 1,59 y 2,34 respectivamente; así, el cultivo de quinua es una actividad rentable, siendo considerada una buena alternativa para cultivo en la región.

Increased Night Temperature Negatively Affects Grain Yield, Biomass and Grain Number in Chilean Quinoa.

Quinoa high nutritive value increases interest worldwide, especially as a crop that could potentially feature in different cropping systems, however, climate change, particularly rising temperatures, challenges this and other crop species. Currently, only limited knowledge exists regarding the grain yield and other key traits response to higher temperatures of this crop, especially to increased night temperatures. In this context, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased night temperature on quinoa yield, grain number, individual grain weight and processes involved in crop growth under the environmental conditions (control treatment) and night thermal increase at two phases: flowering (T1) and grain filling (T2) in southern Chile. A commercial genotype, Regalona, and a quinoa accession (Cod. BO5, N°191, grain bank from Semillas Baer, hereby referred to as Accession) were used, due to their adaptability to Southern Chilean conditions and contrasting grain yield potential, grain weight and size of plants. Temperature was increased ≈4°C above the ambient from 8 pm until 9 am the next morning. Control treatments reached a high grain yield (600 and 397 g m-2, i.e., Regalona and Accession). Temperature increase reduced grain yield by 31% under T1 treatment and 12% when under T2 in Regalona and 23 and 26% in Accession, respectively. Aboveground biomass was negatively affected by the thermal treatments and a positive linear association was found between grain yield and aboveground biomass across treatments. By contrast, the harvest index was unaffected either by genotype, or by thermal treatments. Grain number was significantly affected between treatments and this key trait was linearly associated with grain yield. On the other hand, grain weight showed a narrow range of variation across treatments. Additionally, leaf area index was not affected, but significant differences were found in SPAD values at the end of T1 treatment, compared to control. Little change was found in the harvest index, individual grain weight, grain protein content or water soluble carbohydrates in response to the increased night temperature in this crop.

Quinoa: Nutritional, functional, and antinutritional aspects.

We have prepared a review of the physical-chemical composition and the functional and anti-nutritional properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). It is a plant of the Chenopodiaceae family, originally from the Andean regions, adaptable to different types of soils and climatic conditions. Its composition has attracted the attention of scientific community for its high nutritional value, being rich in proteins, lipids, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, with an extraordinary balance of essential amino acids. It is also gluten-free, a characteristic that enables its use by celiac patients. In spite of all these attributes, quinoa is not widely used by consumers due to the high cost of imported grain and little knowledge of its benefits. More studies are required to increase knowledge about this "pseudo-cereal" to demonstrate its functional and nutritional benefits and to study its anti-nutritional effects, since it presents high commercial value and excellent nutritional quality.

Death of embryos from 2300-year-old quinoa seeds found in an archaeological site.

In the 1970s, during excavations at Los Morrillos, San Juan, Argentina, quinoa seeds were found within ancient pumpkin crocks protected from the light and high temperatures, and preserved in the very dry conditions of the region. The radiocarbon dates confirmed the age of these seeds at around 2300 years. Sectioning of some of these seeds showed reddish-brown embryos, different from the white embryos of recently harvested quinoa seeds. The ancient seeds did not germinate. The structure of the embryo cells was examined using light and transmission electron microscopy; proteins were analyzed by electrophoresis followed by Coomassie blue and periodic acid Schiff staining and fatty acids by gas chromatography. The state of nuclear DNA was investigated by TUNEL assay, DAPI staining, ladder agarose electrophoresis and flow cytometry. Results suggest that, although the embryo tissues contained very low water content, death occurred by a cell death program in which heterochromatin density was dramatically reduced, total DNA was degraded into small fragments of less than 500bp, and some proteins were modified by non-enzymatic glycation, generating Maillard products. Polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased and became fragmented, which could be attributable to the extensive oxidation of the most sensitive species (linolenic and linoleic acids) and associated with a collapse of lipid bodies.

Physical features, phenolic compounds, betalains and total antioxidant capacity of coloured quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) from Peruvian Altiplano.

Physical features, bioactive compounds and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of coloured quinoa varieties (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) from Peruvian Altiplano were studied. Quinoa seeds did not show a pure red colour, but a mixture which corresponded to different fractal colour values (51.0-71.8), and they varied from small to large size. Regarding bioactive compounds, total phenolic (1.23-3.24mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and flavonol contents (0.47-2.55mg quercetin equivalents/g) were highly correlated (r=0.910). Betalains content (0.15-6.10mg/100g) was correlated with L colour parameter (r=-0.569), total phenolics (r=0.703) and flavonols content (r=0.718). Ratio of betaxanthins to betacyanins (0.0-1.41) was negatively correlated with L value (r=-0.744). Whereas, high TAC values (119.8-335.9mmol Trolox equivalents/kg) were negatively correlated with L value (r=-0.779), but positively with betalains (r=0.730), as well as with free (r=0.639), bound (r=0.558) and total phenolic compounds (r=0.676). Unexploited coloured quinoa seeds are proposed as a valuable natural source of phenolics and betalains with high antioxidant capacity.