Interpretation of the effects of hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate on frozen raw noodles quality during frozen storage: Studies on water state and starch-gluten network properties

The impacts of both structural variations induced by low temperature and physiochemical changes induced by modified starch on the qualities of frozen raw noodles (FRNs) were investigated during long-term freezing storage. The addition of modified starch was a potentially effective method to delay the loss of FRNs qualities during storage. In this study, hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HPDSP) were added to improve the cooking and textural characteristics of FRNs. The cooking loss rate of FRNs with the addition of 12%HPS was consistent with that of the control (4.39 % and 4.37 %, respectively), while after 8 weeks of storage showed the significant decrease effect (5.01 % and 5.78 %, respectively). In addition, adding HPS or HPDSP could change the colour and lustre of FRNs to that preferred by consumers. When 6 % HPS or HPDSP were added, the FRNs showed the lowest of freezable water content during storage. The test results of FTIR showed the secondary structure of FRNs was maintained with the introduction of HPS or HPDSP during refrigeration, and the microstructure was improved during the frozen storage period. Consequently, the results provided a theoretical basis and new insight for the production and transportation of FRNs.