Background and objectives
Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), such as other cereals, contains several interesting bioactive compounds mostly found within the coating structure of the kernel; also, these structures included in the bran fractions, contain the highest concentration of both minerals and organic contaminants (mycotoxins). The purpose of this project was to employ the micronization and air‐classification technology to obtain fewer refined milling fractions with an adequate good quality in regard to safety and nutritional aspects to manufacture end products (e.g., pasta).
Findings
The results have identified the milling fraction as the best compromise among satisfactory technological traits, high decrease of cadmium (−83%) and lead (−59%) in comparison to the whole grain, high content of iron (+37%), and the maintenance of useful elements (calcium, potassium, and magnesium). A significant decrease of the deoxynivalenol (−16%) content, as compared with the micronized sample, and a not significant increase (+19%), if compared with semolina, have occurred.
Conclusions
The air‐classification process has been used as an appropriate tool to reach a good compromise between minerals and deoxynivalenol content in milling fractions.
Significance and novelty
The same process has proved to be a proper technology to produce high‐quality mixtures suitable to obtain both healthier end products and better raw matter exploitation.