Characterization of Quinoa Seeds Milling Fractions and Their Effect on the Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Dough

Replacement of refined wheat flour with milling fractions of quinoa seeds represents a useful way for the formulation of value-added baked products with beneficial characteristics to consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition and physical properties of different particle sizes of quinoa flour on Falling number index (FN) and dough rheological properties determined by Mixolab in a planned research based on design of experiment by using full factorial design. The ash and protein contents were higher in medium particle size, whereas the carbohydrates presented a lower value, this fraction having also the highest water absorption and water retention capacity. The reduction of particles led to an increased swelling capacity and a decreased bulk density. The particle size significantly influenced the FN values in linear and quadratic terms (p < 0.05), showing a decrease with the particle size increasing. Particle size decrease significantly increased water absorption and the rate of protein weakening due to heat (C1–2), whereas starch gelatinization rate (C3–2), starch breakdown rate related to amylase activity (C3–4) and starch retrogradation speed (C5–4) decreased. By increasing the amount of quinoa flour (QF) in wheat flour, the dough stability and the torques C2, C3, C4 and C5 followed a decreased trend, whereas water absorption and dough development time rose. Optimization, determined by particle size and level of QF added in wheat flour based on which of the combination gives the best rheological properties, showed that the composite flour containing 8.98% quinoa flour of medium particle size was the most suitable.