Factors affecting Asian wheat noodle color and time‐dependent discoloration—A review

Background and objectives Wheat noodles are a staple food for many Asian populations, particularly in East and South‐East Asian countries. Fresh noodles are subject to discoloration or darkening over storage time if not cooked or preserved. The physical appearance of noodles has the very first and often most significant impact on consumer perception leading to purchasing decisions. This review paper outlines the different noodle types followed by discussing factors affecting noodle color and time‐dependent discoloration. Methods used for preserving noodle freshness and color are also discussed. Findings Wheat noodles are generally categorized as white salted noodles made with the addition of sodium chloride, and yellow alkaline noodles made with the addition of different combinations of sodium chloride and alkaline salts. The intrinsic factors relating to wheat and flour quality affecting noodle color and discoloration include protein content, wheat bran color, falling number and preharvest sprouting, ash content, polyphenol oxidase, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and flour color. The extrinsic factors relating to processing parameters affecting noodle color and time‐dependent discoloration include selection of flour mill streams, flour milling extraction rates, starch damage, noodle processing methods, addition of different salt types, addition of eggs, gluten, starch and emulsifiers, water addition and absorption levels, and addition of plant materials. Conclusions It is important for manufacturers to select the right wheat type, processing methods, and formulation to produce noodles with desirable color appearance and less susceptible to time‐dependent discoloration. Significance and novelty This review paper details intrinsic factors relating to wheat and flour quality, and extrinsic factors relating to processing parameters that affect wheat noodle color and time‐dependent discoloration.