Functional properties of wheat kernels (Triticumaestivum L.) during storage

The method of storage has, in the long run, a negative effect on the quality of wheat kernels, due to physiological ageing of its cells.The quality of the kernels was assessed during the storage, giving the predefined conditions - temperature 25 ± 2 °C and the storage duration.Wheat kernel metabolites were studied during 12 and 24-month storage. Kernels of three commercial wheat cultivars – ‘Simonida’, ‘Dragana’ and ‘Ljiljana’, commonly grown in south-eastern Europe, were investigated. Comparing fresh samples to samples taken after 12 and 24 months of storage, it was recorded with an increase in dry matter (by 2.48% and 2.84%) and ash (by 4.09% and 15.25%), and a decrease in protein (by 8.96% and 19.81%), lipids (by 8.32% and 15.07%), starch (by 9.07% and 13.45%) and cellulose (by 22.12% and 26.35%). There were also changes in phenolics (10.51–11.82 mg GA/g). Flavonoid vitexin-glucoside (0.82–1.29 mg/g) and flavan-3-ol catechin (1.31–1.60 mg/g), total antioxidant potential and DPPH scavenging activity were not significantly different. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) decreased, but remained at 92%. These changes did not significantly affect key properties of the kernels, OMD and antioxidant activity, thus wheat kernels can be safely stored for 24 months.