The development of new techniques to increase the performance of germination and new products from germinated wheat and red-lentil

In this study, microwave and ultrasound aided germination operation was investigated as a new technique to produce germinated bulgur (as a new developed product) and red-lentil. During the study, microwave (1, 3 and 5 W/kg of power levels for 1, 3 and 5 mins) and ultrasound (at 40 kHz, 10, 30 and 50 W/kg of power levels for 10, 20 and 30 mins) were carried out during the germination operation (20 hrs at 25 oC, 95 % RH, non-illuminated condition) by applying at each 6-hours intervals to improve the nutritional value and to increase the germination performance of wheat (Triticum durum to produce bulgur) and red-lentil (Lens culinaris). After the germination operation, bulguration (combined cooking and drying operation) was made then milling and sieving were performed to produce bulgur from the germinated wheat. Red-lentil was directly germinated and analyzed. For both final products, yield (%), 1000-kernels weight (g, d.b.), hectolitre-weight (kg/100 L, d.b.), moisture (%, d.b.), ash (%, d.b.), protein (%, d.b.), fat (%, d.b.) and starch (%, d.b.) contents, color values (CIE L*, CIE a*, CIE b* and CIE YI) and water absorption capacities (%, d.b.) were determined. Only for bulgur samples the amount of water-soluble substance (%, g/g) was also determined. For both products, sensory analysis was made. Ultrasound and microwave operations decreased the fat contents of bulgur (P≤0.05) and red-lentil (P≤0.01). Germination increased CIE L* value of bulgur (P≤0.05); however, it decreased the fat and starch contents of wheat and red-lentil significantly.