Hot tempering and humid air treatment for wheat grain and flour pasteurization
Innovative pasteurization methods using hot water tempering for wheat grain and hot humid air treatment for flour, offering effective microbial inactivation while preserving quality. These methods provide a cost-effective alternative to vacuum steam treatment.
Overview
This innovative approach introduces hot water tempering for whole grain pasteurization and hot humid air treatment for wheat flour as effective methods for microbial inactivation. Unlike traditional vacuum steam treatment, these methods do not require highly specialized equipment, thus reducing costs and technical barriers. The treatments aim to preserve the dough's functionality and the quality of baked products, making them sustainable alternatives.
Technical specifications
- Hot Water Tempering: Achieves microbial inactivation in wheat grains by tempering at 45 to 65°C, ensuring a 5-log reduction of Salmonella spp.
- Hot Humid Air Treatment: Utilizes temperatures between 60-80°C and relative humidity levels of 45, 60, and 75% for flour pasteurization, balancing microbial inactivation with flour quality preservation.
- Preservation of Quality: Both methods are designed to retain gluten functionality and maintain the quality of flour, including color, enzymatic activities, and dough properties.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 3, with ongoing validations to establish optimal conditions for microbial reduction in whole wheat kernels and flour. Laboratory studies are underway to evaluate the impact on flour functionality and bread quality after treatment.
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large statewide community. Industry engages through a university‑linked research and technology park that colocates tenant companies with faculty labs and pilot‑scale processing suites for de‑risking and demonstration. A statewide extension network and field sites provide real‑world environments for validation and market feedback, while shared‑use core facilities and tailored workforce pipelines connect talent and tools to corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from USDA and NSF, with additional awards from NIH and DOE, alongside state and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP and industry agreements, and incubator space at the research park supports startup formation and scale‑up.
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