Evaluating the quality characteristics of intermediate wheatgrass grown in the Canadian prairies

Author: Mackenzie Ferguson, Anashwar Valsalan, Douglas Cattani & Maneka Malalgoda

Publication: Cereal Chemistry

Collaborators at the University of Manitoba in Canada conducted a study to determine how the growing environment for intermediate wheatgrass (the plant that produces Kernza® grain) impacts the nutritional content of the perennial grain’s flour.

Abstract

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is an underutilized perennial grain in the Canadian market with excellent nutritional and environmental benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the growing environment on the physiochemical and functional properties of IWG grown in three different growing locations in the Canadian prairies. IWG flours were compared between growing locations and years as well as alongside Canada Western Red Spring Wheat whole meal (CWRS-WM) and refined flour. The proximate composition of IWG flours between years and growing locations had significant (p < .05) differences for protein, fiber, and ash content but showed little difference for starch content. Owing to differences in proximate composition, variances in mixing parameters, starch pasting properties, and protein profiles were observed. Overall IWG performed poorly in a bread system at 100% incorporation largely due to its lack of high molecular weight glutenin. Understanding the impacts that growing location and year have on the proximate composition and therefore working parameters will aid in the development of new wheat products fortified with IWG. These products will contribute to a more resilient and diverse food system, that will provide nutrient-dense food options for consumers. There is very limited research on IWG grown in the Canadian prairies, and this study is among the first studies focused on characterizing IWG grown in Canada.

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