ABSTRACT In the present work, popped and laminated kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus) grains were used as a functional ingredient to elaborate a bar intended for the child / pregnant / lactating, and general population. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate its nutritional contribution, microbiological quality and texture of precooked grains and formulated bars. Two precooked kiwicha products were made: popped and laminated. The determinations were: quantification of amylose / amylopectin, resistant starch (RS), phytosterols, available lysine, protein quality and microbiological characterization. From these obtained products, kiwicha functional bars (with popped and laminated grains) were formulated and the following were determined: proximal composition and percentage of Daily Value (% DV), % of Reference Dietary Intake (% RDI) and the Texture Profile Analysis test was performed. The functional kiwicha bars presented a high caloric and protein intake (9.83-9.85 g/100 g), good protein quality (chemical count>100) and high fiber intake. The serving covers 11% of the protein RDI for children. Precooked kiwicha grains had: low amylose and RS content and high phytosterols content. The texture of the bars was different according to the pre-cooking method used in the kiwicha grain. The incorporation of precooked kiwicha grains allowed for the obtainment of a functional food product of high nutritional value due to its protein and phytosterols contribution, destined for different biological moments.

RESUMEN En el presente trabajo se utilizaron granos de kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus) popeado y laminado como ingrediente funcional para elaborar una barrita destinadas a la población infantil/embarazo/lactancia y población en general. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar su aporte nutricional, calidad microbiológica y textura de los granos precocidos y de las barras formuladas. Se elaboraron dos productos precocidos de kiwicha: popeado y laminado. Las determinaciones fueron: Cuantificación de amilosa/amilopectina, almidón resistente (AR), fitoesteroles, lisina disponible, calidad proteica y caracterización microbiológica. A partir de estos productos obtenidos se formularon barras funcionales de kiwicha (con granos popeado y laminado) y se determinó: composición proximal y porcentaje del Valor Diario (% VD), % de Ingesta Dietética de Referencia (% IDR) y se realizó la prueba de Análisis de Perfil de Textura. Las barras funcionales de kiwicha presentaron un alto aporte calórico, proteico (9,83-9.85 g/100g), de buena calidad proteica (cómputo químico >100) y alto aporte de fibra. La porción cubre el 11% de IDR de proteínas para niños. Los granos de kiwicha precocidos tuvieron: bajo contenido de amilosa y AR, alto contenido de fitoesteroles. La textura de las barras fue diferente según el método de pre-cocción utilizado en el grano de kiwicha. La incorporación de granos de kiwicha precocidos permitió obtener un producto alimenticio funcional de alto valor nutricional por su aporte proteico, fibra y fitoesteroles, destinado a diferentes momentos biológicos.

AbstractKiwicha has significant nutritional characteristics. It is commonly used as a puffed product, but there is little research on the lamination process. In this paper, the physical, functional properties, chemical composition and acceptability of the precooked kiwicha grains were studied. Puffed (PK) and laminated kiwicha (LK) were made. Puffed amaranth (CPA) was used as a commercial reference standard. The raw grain (RG) showed a higher bulk density (0.85 g/ml) than in PK (0.18 g/ml) and LK (0.38 g/ml). Both products had a good expansion. The yellow index decreased in PK (50.92) and LK (45.87) respect to RG (65.64). The largest was CPA (58.54). In all the products, the precooking increased the index of absorption, solubility and swelling power. Also, they showed major pasting temperature, low peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity. In both formulated products, the content of total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre decreased during the precooking process. The content of protein was optimal (between 14.57-14.59 g/100g). PK had high acceptability (5.84), preference (84.48%), purchase (38.79%) and consumption (43.96%) intention. The lowest was CPA. This work demonstrates that it’s feasible to make precooked products with good quality characteristics, chemical composition and acceptability for the development of new products.