Conclusions
b-Glucan-rich fractions (BGRFs) from L. edodes mushrooms were
incorporated into the formulation of gluten-free rice noodles in order
to improve their quality attributes aswell as to provide b-glucanderived
health benefits. While rice suspension with BGRFs exhibited
reduced values of water hydration and pasting parameters, the use
of BGRFs increased the thermo-mechanical properties of rice flour in
a dough system, consequently producing rice noodles with
increased extensibility and firmness. These textural characteristics
were favorably correlated to the reduced swelling index and cooking
loss of BGRF-incorporated rice noodles. Thus, this studymayprovide
an opportunity for the food industry to enhance the quality attributes
of rice noodle products with a functional mushroom ingredient
rich in b-glucan. Further sensory studies will be necessary to
evaluate consumer preferences for BGRF-noodles.