Effect of phosphorylated long‐chain inulin on the quality characteristics of fresh noodles

Abstract In this paper, phosphorylation was employed to modify long‐chain inulin (PFXL) with the aim of improving the hydrophilicity and stability, thereby enhancing the nutritional value and quality of fresh wheat noodles. The textural characteristics, color, moisture distribution, and microstructure of the fresh noodles, as well as the secondary structure and disulfide bond content of gluten protein, were analyzed. The results indicate a significant enhancement in the quality of fresh noodles with the addition of PFXL. Specifically, the substitution of 6.0% PFXL for wheat flour yielded the highest springiness and whiteness in the fresh noodles. PFXL addition facilitated the transition of tightly bound water to weakly bound and free water within the noodle system, thereby contributing to the softness of the noodles. Furthermore, the introduction of 6% PFXL promoted the formation of a greater number of hydrogen and disulfide bonds, resulting in a higher content of α‐helix and β‐sheet structures. This collective effect served to enhance the overall quality of the noodles. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential applications of long‐chain inulin and offer compelling evidence for the production of high‐quality dietary fiber noodles.