The nutritional quality of cereals and the sensorial properties of their products are sometimes inferior as compared to other sources of food which is due to the lower protein content and starch availability, the presence of determined antinutrients (phytic acid, tannins, and polyphenols) and the coarse nature of the grains. To ameliorate the nutritional qualities of cereals, they are processed in a number of ways. This review summarizes the enhancement in the nutritional value as well as the functional characteristics of cereals due to germination and fermentation treatment. The protein concentration increases and the amino acid profile is balanced by germination and fermentation. The antinutritional factors are reduced increasing the mineral availability from the cereals. Germination enhances the quality of nutrients and bioactive compounds of cereals thereby increasing the content in proteins, amino acids, sugars, and vitamins. The functional properties of cereals is enhanced due to generation of biofunctional substances, increase in protein solubility, in vitro protein digestibility and lowering of glycemic index.

Attempts were undertaken to design a quick ready-to-cook gluten-free snack utilizing finger millet and potato flour (50:50) as well as tomato pomace due to the restricted availability of gluten-free snack goods in the Indian market. The nutritional content of the food and its general acceptability, cooking characteristics, and storage stability were all tested. The addition of tomato pomace had a distinct influence on the product’s color and hardness. Additionally, it resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of oil used, cooking loss, and frying time required. With a high acceptance level, the snack supplemented with 10% tomato pomace was determined to be the most optimal formulation. When the same substance was subjected to FTIR analysis, it was discovered that it retained all the important functional groups required for sustaining antioxidant activity. It also displayed high storage stability, a desirable overall acceptance score, and a very promising nutritional profile, all of which would benefit the product’s end users.

Designed experiments were conducted to prepare extrudates from different cereals blends using twin screw extruder. Linear model was developed using Response Surface methodology (RSM) to study the effect of the variables (rice, wheat, maize) on SEI (sectional expansion index), WAI (water absorption index), WSI (water solubility index), texture and color. Maize had a significant positive linear effect on the SEI and a significant negative effect on the texture of the extrudate. Rice had a positive linear effect on the WAI and WSI Combination of maize and wheat had a significant effect on the color of the extrudates. Maximum desirability of 0.659 was recorded at the 45.4% rice, 27.3% maize and 27.3% wheat levels. The predicted responses in terms of SEI, WAI, WSI, texture and color were 5.14,5.27g/g,11.24 per cent, 44.81N, 28.65 respectively. The predicted values registered non-significant difference from the experimental values.

Information on the physico-chemical, engineering and functional properties of soybean is pertinent to design equipment for the grading, pretreatments and processing. It will also help to decide the right end-use of the valuable crop as it has various diverse applications. This study evaluated these properties of two popular cultivars of soybean grown in Punjab, India viz. SL-744 and SL-958 and the investigations revealed that the grains of SL-958 are bolder and heavier than SL-744 with lighter color, greater hydration capacity, swelling capacity and volume making it more suitable for applications which require soaking and heat processing. SL-744 exhibits higher water absorption and oil absorption capacities as well as foaming capacity hence it can be used in baking industry where these properties are desirable for improving the texture, consistency and flavor of the prepared products.