Evaluation of the microbiological, sensory and physicochemical characteristics of four cereal-based products

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the microbiological, sensory and physicochemical characteristics of four cereal-based products. Preliminary tests and sensory analysis were carried out to establish the preformulations that were used as a basis in the final formulations. The mix design was named as F1 (Formula 1), F2 (Formula 2), F3 (Formula 3) and F4 (Formula 4). Regarding the microbiological analysis in molds and yeasts, the products reflected values ​​outside those established by the NTON, and in coliforms these were <100NMP / g. Consumer acceptability and preference was determined by hedonic tests; The results for the Seed of Jícaro the F4 was the preferred and accepted, for the Pinolillo the F4, for the Cebada the F3 and for the Policereal the F1. The granulometry of the different products (expressed as average particle diameter Dpm) was 297.49 μm (micrometers) for the Jícaro Seed, 227.74 μm for the Pinolillo, 222.84 μm for the Barley and 203.33 μm for the Policereal, these results are similar to cereals distributed in national supermarkets. In addition, the chemical composition of each product was determined according to the AOAC methods, where the Pinolillo complies with the provisions of NTON and for the rest of the products the values ​​are similar to other cited investigations. The four products produced are of quality, whose formulations are valuable information as a proposal or opportunity to add value to raw materials in the cereal agroindustry in Nicaragua.