Introduction

Over the entire history of humankind, the number of plant species consumed by humans has dropped from about 2000 to around 180. A growing awareness of the drastic drop in diversity in the human diet has renewed interest in ancient agricultural plant cultivars and species.

Wheat (Triticum L.) is a cereal which—due to its production potential and technological value—plays a unique role in the global economy. The most popular species is Triticum aestivum—common wheat [1], which forms the basis of human nutrition on all continents, and is an important source of nutrients in animal diets. It covers the largest sowing area in the agrarian structure of the world. In 2019, 763 million tonnes of wheat were produced globally [2]. Unfortunately, many valuable nutritional properties (microelements, vitamins, and organic compounds) and taste properties of wheat have been lost in the pursuit of performance and productivity. This has led to a recent renaissance in interest in the ancient species, which although being less productive have a higher nutritional value grain. In addition, these ancient species (e.g. emmer, einkorn, spelt) require much less chemical protection, resulting in lower environmental contamination [3].

Ancient grains can be used to make groats, flakes, and flour for baking organic bread. Emmer, as a result of crossing with a diploid species of chamois (Aegilops tauschii Coss.), led to the creation of spelt. As a result of further mutations occurring over several generations, spelt was made into common wheat [4]. Another increasingly popular cereal on organic farms is einkorn [5], which, due to its delicate structure (very thin stems and short ears) and relatively difficult cultivation, has survived in only a few regions [6]. In terms of structure and nutrient content, emmer and einkorn are more similar to spelt than common wheat [7]. They contain more easily absorbed protein, more fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and B) and microelements (phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, and manganese) [7,8,9,10]. Above all, they contain valuable amino acids (such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and isoleucine), essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. They also contain more easily assimilated forms of gluten [11,12,13]. Gliadins, which are not digested by people with coeliac disease, occur in forms with low toxicity. People who feel unwell after eating common wheat, generally have no digestive problems after eating ancient cereal products [14]. Finally, emmer, spelt and einkorn grains are protected by hulls (no longer existing in modern common wheat), a source of valuable micro and macro-elements [15].

The increase in yield in the modern wheat has been accompanied by a reduction in the levels of valuable nutrients in the grain, with adverse consequences for human nutrition [16,17,18,19,20]. This can be remedied by biofortification—cultivating wheat genotypes with high nutrient accumulation in the seeds. Another way is to find the genetic origins of health-promoting compounds in Triticum plants, to create newer more nutritious cultivars of the common wheat.

The chemical composition of flour determines the nutritional value of the products obtained from it. However, the technological suitability of flour to a large extent depends on its physicochemical characteristics. On the basis of the obtained pharynographic parameters, the quality and baking capacity of flour, and thus possible directions of its use, can be inferred.

The aim of this research was to verify the following hypotheses:

  • grain of emmer, einkorn, spelt and common spring wheat cultivars are good sources mineral and nutritional components,

  • flour of emmer, einkorn, spelt and common spring wheat cultivars characterize good parameters for baking cakes and bread.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutritional value, and farinograph properties of the whole grain and flour of spring accessions of emmer, einkorn, spelt, and common spring wheat cultivars with particular emphasis on the content and ratios of minerals.

Materials and methods

Plant material and experimental design

The research material consisted of 4 species of spring wheat: einkorn (a local variety without cultivar status), emmer (Lamella cv.), spelt (Wirtas cv.) and common wheat (Rospuda cv.). The grain was obtained from a field experiment conducted in 2018 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Lipnik (53o 41′ N, 14o 97′ S), which belongs to the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. The experiment was performed on a typical rusty soil [21] classified as Haplic Cambisol with a slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.5 in 1 mol KCl) according to the IUSS Working Group WRB [22], and with the following levels of assimilable forms of P2O5 – 18.1, K2O – 8.7, Mg – 2.6, S-SO4 – 1.62 mg/100 g soil. Oat was used as the pre-crop. After harvesting, the stubble was tended until winter plowing. In spring, the field was prepared using a cultivator with string rollers, and sowing was carried out at 350 grains/m2 on April 15, 2018. Each plot area was 15 square meters, with six replications. The granulated fertilizers were used for fertilization. Fertilization with 17.44 kg P, 52.80 kg K and 40 kg N per ha per hectare was applied before sowing the seed. Applied P as triple superphosphate, K as potassium salt, and N as ammonium saltpeter 34%. A Wintersteiger field harvester was used after the grain had reached full maturity. The harvest was performed at the full maturity phase of the grain. The grain yield was measured in kg from plots and calculated in tones per hectare (t/ha) adjusted to 12.5% of grain moisture.

Weather conditions during vegetation cereals

The average temperature during vegetation cereals was 17.1 ºC, and sum of rainfall was 209.6 mm. In relation to multi-year (1981–2010), the growing season of cereals in 2018 was drier and warmer. The average temperature and rainfall in multi-year were 13.5 ºC and 219 mm, respectively. The humidity conditions in the period of the highest water demand of wheat, in the year of the study, were clearly unfavourable. With the exception of the month of July (117.2 mm), the sums of rainfall in individual months were nearly twice lower than the recommended optimal amount of rainfall (mm) for this species.

Sampling preparation and chemical analysis

The laboratory received a sample representative, not damaged, with not changed properties during transport and storage. The test sample was prepared in accordance with ISO 6498 [23]. The moisture of the obtained grain did not exceed 14–15%, therefore it did not require additional drying [24]. Samples of harvested grains were ground to powder using a laboratory mill (KNIFETEC 1095, Foss Tecator, Sweden). The basic chemical composition (total protein, crude fat, crude fibre, total ash, and total carbohydrates) was determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists [25].

The total content of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) in the grains were determined by wet mineralization in a mixture of nitric (V) and chloric (VII) acids at 1:1 ratio [26]. Analyses were performed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific iCE 3000 Series, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). For the determination of Ca, K, Mg the following has been set wavelengths: K: 766.5 nm; Ca: 422.6 nm; Mg: 285.2 nm. For the determination of: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu; Fe: 248.3 nm; Mn: 279.5 nm; Zn: 213.8 nm; Cu: 324.8 nm. The calculation of the content of each element: K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu was started with a calibration curve, taking into account the mass of the tested portion and the dilutions used. After mineralization of the grain in a solution of sulphuric (VI) acid and H2O2, phosphorus (P) was determined by colorimetric method using ammonium molybdate at 470 nm [27]. Phosphorus contents were determined using a Specol 221 apparatus spectrophotometer (Carl Zeiss Jena, Germany). The absorbance value of the sample determined spectrophotometrically, from P2O5 to the total phosphorus content was calculated according to a chemical equivalent (0.436). The reliability of the method used was confirmed by comparative studies, among others calibration curve, using the pattern series method.

According to the standard methods [28] were determined the rheological properties of the dough: flour water absorption (corrected to 14%), development time (min), dough stability (min), and the degree of softening (FU), using a Brabender farinograph (Duisburg, Germany). Analyses were carried out for every combination in six replications.

Statistical analyses

The obtained results were statistically processed using a 1-factorial variance of random blocks analysis. Confidence intervals were calculated using Tukey multiples tests assuming a significance level p = 0.05. Results are presented as mean (± standard deviation, SD) eight independent determinations. The correlation coefficients between the content of macro and microelements and protein in the grains of wheat were also calculated. Statistical analyses of the results were performed using Statistica 13.1 software.

Results and discussion

Yield of four Triticum spp. species

In terms of grain production, predominantly einkorn and emmer wheat produce a markedly lower yield than common wheat varieties. In own studies, the mean grain yield of four Triticum sp. species ranged from 4.8 t/ha for common wheat, 2.0 t/ha for einkorn wheat, 2.5 t/ha for emmer wheat and 3.2 t/ha for spelt (Fig. 1). Mean emmer and einkorn yield was significantly lower than that of common wheat, by 48% and 58.4%, respectively [29]. Lacko-Bartosova and Ostepka [30] also observed lower yields of spelled as compared to common wheat. Rachoń et al. [31] obtained lower yields of both spelled and emmer than common wheat. However, in spite of their lower yields, the hulled wheat yields were stable under variable agro-meteorological conditions in subsequent years. The highest yield according to the cited authors [31], regardless of species, was noted in the year with higher precipitation total, with uniform distribution, and the lowest was noted in the year with the lowest precipitation total over the vegetation period. Probably the low yields of ancient wheats obtained in the own research resulted from the unfavourable humidity conditions prevailing during the growing season.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Mean yield of grains of four Triticum sp. species

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Proximate composition

In our experiment, the dry matter of the grain ranged from 90.4 to 90.9% (average 90.6%) (Table 1).

Table 1 Basic chemical composition (g/100 g) in the grain of Triticum sp. species
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Protein content is regarded as the most important characters influencing breadmaking. The protein content in grain is a hereditary feature, strongly modified by habitat-related and agrotechnical factors [32]. Proteins are responsible for many processes in the body, serving as a source of energy and essential amino acids. According to many authors, protein is the basic criterion for assessing the baking value of wheat, as it plays a crucial role in the process of creating the wheat dough. In our study, the highest protein content was determined in einkorn wheat – 18.1%, followed by emmer (15.4%), spelt (12.8%) and common wheat (11.0%). This confirms the results of other authors, showing that the ancient wheats are richer in protein than common wheat [33].

Lipids are minor wheat grain constituents, concentrated more in the germ (which contains 28.5% of lipids) and aleurone layer (8%) than in the endosperm (1.5%) [34]. It is also known that lipid content and composition depend on genetic variation, environmental effects during growth (including location, year, weather and soils) and the effects of the genetic x environment interaction [35]. In our study, the significantly highest level of lipids was found in einkorn wheat (2.43%), and the lowest level in common wheat (1.78%). Similar to our study, Rachoń et al. [36] found the lowest content of fat in the common wheat grain (1.6%).

Cereal grain is a source of numerous mineral compounds, determined cumulatively as crude ash. The mineral compounds are important for nutritional and technological reasons. The ash content of the whole meal flour is generally high. In the study, the highest crude ash content was determined in einkorn wheat – 2.65%, followed by emmer (2.16%), spelt (1.86%) and common wheat (1.52%) [37].

Crude fibre is a component of dietary fibre, comprising cellulose, lignin, some hemicelluloses. In our study, crude fibre content in the wheat species varied greatly, ranging from 1.78 to 5.19%. It was significantly highest in einkorn and emmer, and lowest in common wheat.

The main component of dry matter in the examined grains was total carbohydrate, which consisted of monosaccharides, starch, dextrins, and organic acids. In our study, the concentration of total carbohydrates was significantly highest in common wheat and spelt, and the lowest in emmer and einkorn.

Mineral components

Cereal grains are a rich source of valuable minerals, for both nutritional and technological reasons. Einkorn and emmer grains contained much more crude ash and total protein than common wheat, which indicates a higher capacity of ancient wheats to accumulate minerals. It also shows that the mineral composition of einkorn and emmer may be characterized by greater diversity or an increased concentration of minerals compared to bread wheats [8, 36].

The content of macroelements and microelements in the grain is primarily determined by genetics. The effect is so strong that wheat cultivars are divided into several classes (depending on the quality of the grain, from elite—E, with a very good baking value, to fodder—C, (not useable for baking, e.g. for animals) [38]. Apart from the influence of the genotype, grain quality traits also depend on environmental conditions (especially climatic conditions) and the applied agricultural techniques [39,40,41]. The results of our study showed a significant variation in the content of macroelements in the grains of the tested wheat species (Table 2). Coefficients of variation (CV) for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium were 9.7%, 5.56%, 3.65%, and 3%, respectively, which indicate greater differentiation of calcium levels compared to other macroelements in the grain, confirming the results obtained by Krochmal–Marczak and Sawicka [42]. Among the analyzed macroelements, potassium had the greatest concentration, followed by phosphorus and magnesium, then calcium. This descending order (K > P > Mg > Ca) was found in each of the wheat species analyzed.

Table 2 Macroelements (g/kg) content in grains of Triticum sp. species
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Literature data [18, 43, 44] indicate the superiority of ancient wheat species in terms of mineral content, which is partially confirmed by our study. With the exception of phosphorus, all the studied ancient wheats had a significantly higher concentration of macroelements than common wheat, similar to that observed by Suchowilska et al. [9]. The study by Fan et al. [17] showed that newer wheat cultivars had lower levels of minerals in the grain, which is likely the result of mineral dilution due to the increased yields. In our study, the spelt grain contained the significantly least calcium, and was statistically not different from common wheat, which confirms the results of Suchowilska et al. [9]. The calcium content in spelt was 32% lower than in emmer and 40% lower than in einkorn. The level of phosphorus was significantly higher in common wheat grain than in the ancient wheats, by 9% compared to emmer and einkorn, and by 39% compared to spelt. Einkorn proved to be the richest in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which confirms the results of Rachoń et al. [36]. Hidalgo and Brandolini [45] also found more magnesium in einkorn than in common wheat. In our study, the lowest concentrations of magnesium and potassium were recorded in the common wheat grain, 40% and 27% lower than in einkorn.

In our study, the concentrations of micronutrients in the grains of the studied wheat species varied significantly (Table 3). The coefficient of variation for calcium was the highest of the elements analyzed, at CV = 7.45%. Taking into account the differences in the elemental content of the grain, the micronutrients could be arranged in the following descending order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. Grains of modern cultivars of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are characterized by an ever-decreasing content of microelements [17, 46]. In our study, the levels of zinc in all of the wheat species studied were almost half of those reported by Suchowilska et al. [9] and Morgounov et al. [47]. Significantly higher zinc levels were found in common wheat (by 62%) compared to ancient wheats, which are usually considered to be a better source of microelements than their modern counterparts [9, 45]. Genc and MacDonald [48] found emmer grain to have higher zinc concentrations than modern durum wheat and bread wheat, which may prove that the mineral composition can be strongly modified by the genotype and habitat. In our study, zinc levels were lowest in emmer and einkorn (17.8 mg/kg). The concentration of iron in all four examined wheat genotypes was on average 80% higher than in literature data [39]. Iron had the highest concentration among the studied microelements and copper the lowest, which may be significant information for the cultivation of new cultivars containing high levels of iron. The significantly highest concentration of iron was found in spelt wheat follow by emmer grains, 61% and 32% more than in einkorn, which had the lowest iron concentration. Higher iron concentrations in spelt and emmer than in einkorn were also detected by Zhao et al. [49]. The highest concentrations of copper were found in common wheat (2.345 mg/kg), i.e. 53% more than in the studied ancient species of wheat, and 40% less than in the study by Suchowilska et al. [9]. Significantly highest values of manganese were recorded in spelt, and lowest in einkorn (a difference of 90%), with common wheat and emmer with intermediate values. The spelt grain in our study had a higher manganese content than the grain tested by Hussain et al. [39], where it ranged from 17 to 41.2 mg/kg, depending on the location.

Table 3 Microelements (mg/kg) content in grains of Triticum sp. species
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Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are common in many developed and developing countries [50]. Among other things, this is caused by air pollution and acidification of the body as a result of excessive consumption of processed food, as well as a deficit of the elements in soils. The grains of the tested wheat species proved to be a rich source of macroelements. With the exception of calcium, the levels of phosphorus, magnesium and potassium were higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for macronutrients (Fig. 2). The studied wheats contained from 10 to 17% of the RDA for calcium (Fig. 2). The average concentration of magnesium in einkorn grain, the richest in magnesium among the examined wheats, was 61% higher than the RDA (Fig. 2). The concentration of phosphorus and potassium in all of the grains studied was several times higher than the RDA (Fig. 2). The grains tested can, therefore, be considered an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, elements essential for many processes in human metabolism.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Content of macroelements in grain with respect to recommended daily allowance (RDA)

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In a balanced diet, it is not only important to supply appropriate quantities of nutrients, but also their ratios have to be considered (Table 4).

Table 4 Selected macro- and microelement ratios in grain of Triticum sp. species
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An inadequate calcium-magnesium ratio (Ca:Mg) has gained great attention in recent years as a factor increasing the risk of metabolic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular disorders. When the calcium concentration is high, magnesium absorption can be significantly reduced. It is recommended that the calcium-magnesium ratio be close to 2 [51]. In the studied wheat grains, the ratio was very low, close to 0.1 (Table 4), due to the high magnesium and low calcium concentrations. Similar results were obtained by Ostrowska and Porębska [52] and Wojtkowiak et al. [53], who argued that cereal grains, including wheat, contain lower concentrations of calcium than magnesium, and therefore the Ca:Mg ratio in cereals is lower than 1. The most common reason for low calcium concentrations in cereals is soil acidification, and the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers without the addition of other elements. The low calcium content in the human diet may, therefore, result from its low concentration in agricultural products, which are the primary sources in food [52].

Another important ratio in the mammalian diet, K:Mg, should not exceed six [54]. In the examined grains it was generally favorable, ranging from 3.71 in einkorn to 4.56 in common wheat (Table 4).

The main function of phosphorus is in forming bones and teeth. It also affects the body's use of carbohydrates and fats. An excessive phosphorus intake can lead to a reduction in bone mass, and when accompanied by a low calcium intake it can affect the hormones that regulate calcium metabolism and vitamin D synthesis [55]. According to the RDA, a correct ratio of Ca:P in the human diet should be 1.5:1. With respect to the content of these macroelements in the examined grains, all the analyzed wheat species were characterized by a lower Ca:P ratio than that recommended for the human diet (Table 4), which confirms the results obtained by Pontieri et al. [56]. Main reservoir of phosphorous (P) in plants is phytic acid is a and contributes to about 80% of the total P in cereal seeds. Phytic acid have possess anti-nutritional behavior. Due to its molecular structure, phytic acid shows a high affinity to polyvalent cations, such as minerals and trace elements, and interferes in their intestinal absorption. Therefore, the interaction between phytic acid and minerals should be taken into consideration to ensure high bioavailability and an adequate supply of them. In previous research described the negative effect of phytates on the bioavailability of minerals and trace elements [57, 58]. However, with well-balanced nutrition this seems to be a less significant problem. In industrialised countries where various civilisation diseases are prevalent, the beneficial properties of phytic acid, such as its anticancer, antioxidative, and anticalcification activities, are of great importance [58]. The biggest concern related to the lack of microelements in the human population are iron and zinc deficiencies, mainly due to their low concentration in cereals as well as the number of people affected worldwide [39, 59]. Zinc and iron deficiencies are some of the most significant factors in diseases in developing countries according to the World Health Organisation [60]. With the exception of copper, the concentrations of micronutrients in the grains we studied were higher than the RDA (Fig. 3). The wheat species we studied can, therefore, be excellent sources for developing new cultivars of wheat with high zinc and iron content.

Fig. 3
figure 3

Content of microelements in grain with respect to recommended daily allowance (RDA)

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In human nutrition, zinc and iron are often evaluated together because these minerals share a common dietary source [61], and their absorption is inhibited by similar compounds [62]. Importantly, excessive iron supply can cause zinc absorption disorders. Research has shown that a Fe:Zn ratio in the diet of 1:1 is accompanied by a slight inhibition of zinc absorption, while ratios of 2:1 or 3:1 significantly reduce absorption [63]. In our study, the ancient grain had a higher iron content than zinc, and hence the ratio of both elements in the grain was generally unfavorable (Table 4).

Copper deficiency is not common in humans, but it can cause several adverse health effects, such as reduced red blood cell count and frequent infections. Zinc and iron are copper antagonists and at high concentrations [64], zinc ions may reduce the absorption of copper ions. To avoid secondary copper deficiency, it is important to maintain the correct ratio between zinc and copper in the diet. The risk of copper deficiency is greatest when the Zn:Cu ratio exceeds 18 [65]. As far as dietary recommendations are concerned, the most favorable Zn:Cu ratio was that found in common wheat and einkorn grains (Table 4).

Correlations between the traits are of great importance for the selection of cultivars in breeding programs. Genotypes with increased levels of nutrients and minerals can be effective components of functional foods and improve the nutritional quality of the products [66]. Our study showed that the protein levels positively correlated with the levels of calcium (r = 0.93), potassium (r = 0.98) and magnesium (r = 0.97), which suggests a possibility of creating new cultivars rich in protein and minerals from a single genotype (Figs. 4, 5, 6). With an increase in protein concentration by one unit, the calcium content increased by 0.0099 g/kg, potassium by 0.226 g/kg and magnesium by 0.092 g/kg. The correlation between the concentrations of various mineral nutrients may indicate the existence of one or more common genetic and physiological mechanisms involved in the absorption or uptake of minerals by the root system, translocation and redistribution in plant tissues, remobilization to the grain, and accumulation in the developing grain [67]. According to our research and other reports, wheat species with a higher protein concentration in the grain also showed higher levels of calcium and magnesium [42, 67].

Fig. 4
figure 4

Correlation coefficient between Ca content (y) and protein of wheat grain, n = 8

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Fig. 5
figure 5

Correlation coefficient between Mg content (y) and protein of wheat grain, n = 8

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Fig. 6
figure 6

Correlation coefficient between K content (y) and protein of wheat grain, n = 8

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The basic functions of zinc include catalyzing enzyme activity, contributing to protein structure, and regulating gene expression [68]. Protein content was negatively correlated with zinc content (r = − 0.89) (Fig. 7). The reduction in protein concentration by one unit resulted in a decrease in zinc concentration by 1.49 mg/kg. A significant positive correlation between grain protein concentration and zinc was found by Peleg et al. [69], which was supported by a significant overlap of relevant quantitative trait loci (QTL), and suggests common physiological and/or genetic factors controlling the concentration of these mineral nutrients. Other studies did not show a significant relationship between protein and zinc content in wheat grains [70], which, according to the quoted authors, may be related to the origin of the material, and require further research. Similarly, the reduction of protein content by one unit reduced the concentration of manganese in the tested grain by 2.40 mg/kg (r = − 0.72) (Fig. 8). Chatzav et al. [67] noted a positive correlation between protein and manganese concentrations in cereal grains.

Fig. 7
figure 7

Correlation coefficient between Zn content (y) and protein of wheat grain, n = 8

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Fig. 8
figure 8

Correlation coefficient between Mn content (y) and protein of wheat grain, n = 8

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Farinograph properties

In the milling and baking industry, in order to achieve high-quality products, the dough must have optimum rheology [71]. High water absorption, combined with a low degree of softening indicates good quality flour, whereas high water absorption combined with a high degree of softening indicates poor quality flour [72]. In general, the water content in bread dough is around 65%. When the water content is lower than optimal, the mixing time will increase [73]. Water absorption values of flour under analysis ranged from 58.2 to 65.5% and showed significant differences depending on a given wheat form (Table 5). Out of the analysed flour, the highest water absorption was determined in emmer and einkorn flour, which can be attributed to a high concentration of protein in the grain of both wheat forms (Table 1). Water absorption is closely related to the amount of protein. Flour of high protein content absorbs more water [74]. Dough development time depends on the amount and quality of gluten of flour and its water-binding capacity. Dough development time showed that common wheat and spelt flour required the most time to hydrate and obtain specified maximum dough consistency (Table 5). Lower respective values were recorded for dough made from emmer and einkorn wheat—on average 2.1 min. In the study of Rao et al. [75] dough development time ranged from 2.60 to 7.00 min in the emmer-derived genotypes. According to Lacko-Bartošová et al. [76] in emmer wheat genotypes dough development time ranged from 0.49 to 1.41 min. Apart from the aforementioned factors, growing habitat conditions also affect the pharyngographic parameters. High variability of rheological parameters of wheat quality depending on location and year of production was documented by Tomić et al. [77]. Stability is an indicator of flour tolerance to mixing. Higher values suggest a stronger dough. The higher the tolerance, the longer the dough should be mixed [78]. Flour of emmer and einkorn wheat exhibited the lowest stability (below 1.43), which indicates a shorter mixing time (Table 5). Higher values of the degree of softening indicate that dough will not be able to sustain long mechanical processing treatments (overmixing) [76]. Dough made from emmer and einkorn wheat showed a markedly higher degree of softening than dough made from common wheat and spelt flour (Table 5). High softening values of emmer wheat dough were also obtained by Lacko-Bartošová et al. [76]. In turn, Marconi et al. [79] confirm that spelt dough softening values exceed 50 FU, reaching as much as 140 FU.

Table 5 Farinograph properties of grain and flour of Triticum sp. species
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According to the classification by Rohlich and Bruckener, strong flour is characterised by water-absorbing capacity of more than 59%, dough development time longer than 3 min, dough constancy of more than 4 min, and softening value of less than 40. For weak flour the characteristics are as follows: water-absorbing capacity below 51%, the development time of less than 2 min, constancy less than 1 min and softening above 150 FU. The flour under analysis can be classified as intermediate flour.

Conclusions

The most favorable nutritional properties had a grain of ancient wheats. The grains of the tested ancient wheats were richer in protein, lipids, crude fibre, and crude ash than the common wheat grain. Of the studied wheats, einkorn was the richest in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The common wheat grain had the highest content of phosphorus, zinc and copper, and spelt was the richest in iron and manganese. As the protein concentration in the grain increased, the calcium, magnesium and potassium levels increased, and zinc and manganese levels decreased. Einkorn and common wheat had a favorable K:Mg ratio. Genotypic differences between the studied wheats are reflected in the concentrations of minerals and nutrients, which can be useful in further cross-linkage studies. The assessment of genetic variability in terms of nutrient content is essential for the success of breeding activities aimed at developing new wheat genotypes which could be used as crops, or as a material for growing new nutrient-rich common wheat cultivars. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on the chemical composition of various forms of wheat grown under different habitat conditions. Dough made from common wheat and spelt flour showed better performance—longer development time and dough constancy, lower degree of softening, classifying it to be used for bread production. In turn, flour from emmer and einkorn wheat may be intended for pastry products, due to short dough development time and constancy as well as high softening. The ancient wheats reacted with a reduction in yield to the unfavorable moisture conditions in the year of the study.