Impact of guar and xanthan gums on proofing and calorimetric parameters of frozen bread dough

The influence of guar and xanthan gum and their combined use on dough proofing rate and its calorimetric properties was investigated. Fusion enthalpy, which is related to the amount of frozen water, was influenced by frozen dough formulation and storage time; specifically gum addition reduced the fusion enthalpy in comparison to control formulation, 76.9 J/g for formulation with both gums and 81.2 J/g for control, at 28th day. Other calorimetric parameters, such as T_g and freezable water amount, were also influenced by frozen storage time. For all formulations, proofing rate of dough after freezing, frozen storage time and thawing, decreased in comparison to non-frozen dough, indicating that the freezing process itself was more detrimental to the proofing rate than storage time. For all formulations, the mean value of proofing rate was 2.97 ± 0.24 cm³ min⁻¹ per 100 g of non-frozen dough and 2.22 ± 0.12 cm³ min⁻¹ per 100 g of frozen dough. Also the proofing rate of non-frozen dough with xanthan gum decreased significantly in relation to dough without gums and dough with only guar gum. Optical microscopy analyses showed that the gas cell production after frozen storage period was reduced, which is in agreement with the proofing rate results.     

Experimental data and modeling of the thermodynamic properties of bread dough at refrigeration and freezing temperatures

Thermodynamic properties of bread dough (fusion enthalpy, apparent specific heat, initial freezing point and unfreezable water) were measured at temperatures from −40 °C to 35 °C using differential scanning calorimetry. The initial freezing point was also calculated based on the water activity of dough. The apparent specific heat varied as a function of temperature: specific heat in the freezing region varied from (1.7–23.1) J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹, and was constant at temperatures above freezing (2.7 J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹). Unfreezable water content varied from (0.174–0.182) g/g of total product. Values of heat capacity as a function of temperature were correlated using thermodynamic models. A modification for low-moisture foodstuffs (such as bread dough) was successfully applied to the experimental data.     

Properties of bread made from frozen dough containing waxy wheat flour

The quality of bread made from frozen dough is diminished, and staling rate is increased by changes that occur during freezing and storage. New cultivars of waxy wheat flour (WWF), containing higher levels of amylopectin, may help improve the quality of baked products. Bread quality and staling were investigated for bread containing 0–45% WWF and 55–65% water after freezing and 90-day frozen storage. The specific volume was highest with 15% WWF substitution and 60% water in bread made from both unfrozen and frozen dough. With higher levels of WWF and lower water content, bread staling rates decreased. Bread with higher levels of WWF were darker and had greater color variation. ¹H NMR studies showed that bread with greater WWF and water had higher transverse relaxation (T₂) times (9–11 ms), but less change in T₂ during storage. This research demonstrated that specific combinations of WWF and water produced a better quality of bread after dough freezing.     

Dough rheological properties and texture of gluten-free pasta based on proso millet flour

Proso millet (PM) is a gluten-free cereal grain with potential to be used in gluten-free product development. However, research on improving the rheological properties of PM dough is limited. In the present study, rheological and color characteristics of PM dough (37% moisture) were compared with the behavior of wheat dough. Three hydrocolloids [guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG) and sodium alginate (SA)] at concentrations of 0%, 1% and 2% were added to improve the physical properties of PM dough. The textural properties of PM dough developed pasta with hydrocolloids were also studied. Wheat dough presented a much higher apparent viscosity and elastic modulus than PM dough. Both the apparent viscosity and elasticity were increased by all three hydrocolloids, with 2% XG presenting the most pronounced improvement in elasticity. Generally, the capacity of hydrocolloids to improve the PM dough follow the order XG > GG > SA. The addition of hydrocolloids showed no significant impact on the color of PM dough. GG and XG showed an improvement in the network strength of PM pasta, while SA did not contribute to textural enhancement.     

Effects of ultrasound-assisted freezing on the water migration of dough and the structural characteristics of gluten components

The effects of ultrasound-assisted freezing on the freezing time and water migration of dough, and the structural characteristics of gluten components were investigated. The effects of ultrasound-assisted freezing in the whole immersion freezing process (UWF) on the freezing time were better than those of ultrasound-assisted freezing in the maximum ice crystal generation zone. The shortest freezing time was obtained at 80 W/L, and was 577 s shorter than that with traditional immersion freezing. The UWF treatment at 80 W/L significantly (p < 0.05) affected the absorption enthalpy, freezable water content and water migration of frozen dough. In UWF compared with traditional immersion freezing, the SH content of gluten, glutenin and gliadin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, by 12.06%, 27.55% and 21.65%, respectively. The surface hydrophobicity of gluten, glutenin and gliadin in UWF treated samples significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, by 19.67%, 13.21% and 9.17%, respectively. The secondary structure of gluten components was also significantly changed by UWF. The network of gluten, the chain structure of glutenin and the gliadin particles were all changed by UWF treatment. These findings indicated that UWF is an effective method to improve the moisture distribution in dough and reduce the damage to protein molecular structure caused by freezing.     

Rheological characterization of refrigerated and frozen non-fermented gluten-free dough: Effect of hydrocolloids and lipid phase

This work intended to study the rheological and textural behavior of gluten-free dough for “empanadas” and pie-crusts production. Traditionally, these products are made with non-fermented wheat-based dough. They are highly consumed in Latin America, but unsuitable for celiac people. Gluten matrix is a major determinant of the properties of dough, thus it must be replaced with other network forming components, such as hydrocolloids. Different hydocolloids were tested: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and mixtures of xanthan/guar, and xathan/HPMC gums. Three different kinds of lipid phase were also studied; i.e. sunflower oil and low and high solid content margarine at two different levels (20–30%). Changes in rheological and textural properties during refrigerated storage were evaluated by dynamic oscillatory measurements and puncture and elongation tests on the unbaked dough. Best results were obtained using either of the hydrocolloid mixtures. Besides, the textural characteristics of cooked empanadas were also studied. Freezing before baking did not alter the quality of the crust in the products. ESEM micrographs revealed a continuous matrix formed by hydrocolloid entanglements. Starch granules were homogenously distributed in the dough and acted as inactive fillers. An untrained panel accepted the xanthan/HPMC dough with a 74/90 score and it was significantly preferred over a commercial gluten-free dough.     

Properties of bread made from frozen dough containing waxy wheat flour

The quality of bread made from frozen dough is diminished, and staling rate is increased by changes that occur during freezing and storage. New cultivars of waxy wheat flour (WWF), containing higher levels of amylopectin, may help improve the quality of baked products. Bread quality and staling were investigated for bread containing 0–45% WWF and 55–65% water after freezing and 90-day frozen storage. The specific volume was highest with 15% WWF substitution and 60% water in bread made from both unfrozen and frozen dough. With higher levels of WWF and lower water content, bread staling rates decreased. Bread with higher levels of WWF were darker and had greater color variation. ¹H NMR studies showed that bread with greater WWF and water had higher transverse relaxation (T₂) times (9–11 ms), but less change in T₂ during storage. This research demonstrated that specific combinations of WWF and water produced a better quality of bread after dough freezing.     

The final established physicochemical properties of steamed bread made from frozen dough: Study of the combined effects of gluten polymerization,water content and starch crystallinity on bread firmness

The gluten polymerization behavior, water content, starch crystallinity and firmness of Chinese steamed bread made from frozen dough were investigated and their correlations were also established in this study. The decreased degree of gluten polymerization in steamed bread was observed by the enhanced SDS-extractable proteins (SDSEPs) upon frozen storage. Less incorporation of glutenin in the glutenin–gliadin crosslinking of steamed bread mainly contributed to the decreased degree of gluten polymerization. The decreased moisture of steamed bread had a significant negative correlation with the sublimated water in frozen dough (r = −0.8850, P < 0.01). Frozen storage also induced an increase in starch crystallinity and bread firmness. A multiple linear regression model with SDS-extractable proteins, water content and melting enthalpy of starch crystals of steamed bread accounted for 86% of the variance in the natural logarithm of firmness and further revealed that starch crystallinity mainly contributed to bread firmness.     

Evaluation of water holding capacity and breadmaking properties for frozen dough containing ice structuring proteins from winter wheat

The effects of ice structuring proteins (ISPs) from white wheat and storage conditions on the water holding capacity (WHC) and breadmaking properties of frozen dough were investigated. The WHC of frozen dough was measured by centrifugation and the breadmaking properties were assessed as proofing time and bread specific volume. It was found that the prolonged frozen storage and freeze–thaw cycles decreased the WHC and breadmaking properties of dough. ISPs were highly effective in increasing the WHC of frozen dough and improving the breadmaking properties. There was a strong correlation between WHC and breadmaking properties (proofing time and bread specific volume) of frozen dough.     

Glycaemic response to frozen stored wheat rolls enriched with inulin and oat fibre

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary fibre addition to partially baked and frozen wheat rolls on the glycaemic index (GI).Healthy humans volunteers (n = 15) took part in the study. They were asked to attend six times in the early morning, over three weeks. Each tested four types of wheat rolls – two without dietary fibre addition: (1) fully baked, non-frozen (FBNF), (2) partially baked and frozen (PBF); and two with the addition of 10% dietary fibre: (3) fully baked, non-frozen (FBNF + F), (4) partially baked and frozen (PBF + F). Glucose solution was used as a reference food and tested twice. Blood glucose concentrations were measured before consumption, as well as at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after the start of the meal. Dietary fibre consisted of oat fibre (75%) and of inulin (25%).It was concluded that both factors (freezing and fibre), applied to the wheat rolls at the same time, reduced statistically significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the glycaemic index by 34% – PBF + F (GI = 53 ± 7) compared to control – FBNF roll (GI = 87 ± 11). This effect was not observed when fibre supplementation or frozen storage were applied separately.     

Optimization of non-fermented gluten-free dough composition based on rheological behavior for industrial production of “empanadas” and pie-crusts

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat and similar proteins in barley, rye and oats. The present study was designed to examine the effects of the addition of gums, whey protein concentrate, dry egg, and water to corn and cassava starches on the rheological properties of a non-fermented dough used for the production of “empanadas” (a traditional meal in Latin América) and pie-crusts suitable for people with celiac disease. A 2⁴ full factorial design was chosen. Viscoelastic measurements and texture analysis (puncture and elongation tests) were performed. The increase in gums content and the decrease in water level produced an increase in both moduli (G′ and G″) and a more elastic dough was obtained. Higher protein contents interfered with the formation of the three-dimensional gum network making the dough less ductile. Texture analysis led to similar conclusions to those obtained by dynamic rheological analysis. Formulations containing higher percentages of gums and lower water content led to an appropriate behavior for industrial production of these doughs.     

Dynamic viscoelastic, calorimetric and dielectric characteristics of wheat protein isolates

Dynamic oscillatory rheology of two wheat protein isolate (Prolite 100 and Prolite 200) doughs (≈48% moisture content, wet basis) were studied over a frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz during temperature sweep from 20 to 90 °C at a heating rate of 2 °C/min. Both doughs behaved similarly during heating; showed a threshold value and increased sharply, thereafter. Prolite 200 dough had a higher elastic modulus (G′) and lower phase angle (δ) whereas Prolite 100 showed a distinct gel point at 52.2 °C followed by significant increase up to 90 °C. Rheological data of doughs after isothermal heating at 90 °C for 15 min followed by cooling to 20 °C resulted in strong mechanical strength. However, Prolite 100 dough showed more viscoelastic characteristics with significant transformation from liquid-like to solid-like behavior after heating than Prolite 200. Thermal analysis of isolates indicated distinct endothermic peaks in wider temperature range (50–130 °C) at various moisture levels. Lower temperatures could be associated with denaturation of various fractions of proteins whereas higher temperature linked to glass transition temperature of isolates. SDS–PAGE did not show any clear distinction among protein subunits between two isolates. Dielectric measurements of isolates at frequencies from 500 to 3000 MHz and temperature range between 30 and 80 °C indicated Prolite 200 had higher dielectric constant (ε′) and loss factor (ε″) than Prolite 100. Isolates showed significant changes in dielectric properties above 50 °C indicating protein denaturation and supported rheological and calorimetric data.     

Scouting the application of sourdough to frozen dough bread technology

The use of sourdough, even in combination with cryoprotectant (skim milk, sucrose and trehalose), conventional additives (guar gum, diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides, ascorbic acid), honey or fructose and glucose, in frozen dough technology was investigated. After frozen storage, the leavening performance of doughs, and the hardness and texture of breads were compared to those of an unfrozen dough, and to those of a conventional frozen dough. All frozen doughs showed a longer fermentation time and a lower volume increase, with respect to unfrozen dough. When sourdough was combined with cryoprotectant, honey or both, the leavening performance improved compared to the use of sourdough alone. Compared to the conventional frozen dough, higher leavening performance was reached combining sourdough with cryoprotectant alone or together with honey. Sourdough combined with honey, fructose and glucose, honey and cryoprotectant, or conventional additives decreased bread hardness compared to the unfrozen dough bread and to the conventional frozen dough bread. Independently from the use of sourdough, conventional additives allowed to reach a specific volume not significantly different from that of unfrozen dough bread, and breads containing honey were characterized by low values of hardness and by high values of red index.     

The addition of corn fiber gum improves the long-term stability and retrogradation properties of corn starch

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the stability and physical properties of starch gels could be improved by adding small amounts of corn fiber gum (CFG). In the differential scanning calorimeter measurement, the enthalpy of retrogradation was 7.30 J/g for starch without CFG and 4.30 J/g for starch composite gel with 1.0% CFG. The addition of 1.0% CFG to starch significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the degree of retrogradation during the long-term storage from 61.6% to 36.5%. The addition of CFG retarded the syneresis of the starch system from 17.97% and 34.93%–6.15% and 26.57% after storage for 7 and 14 days respectively. The crystallization peak of starch containing 0.5–1.0% CFG was quite diminished. When compared with the starch gel alone, the addition of CFG significantly lowered the hardness of the composite starch gel from 60.92 to 45.81 N after 14 days storage. The starch gel without CFG showed the lowest rapidly digestible starch content and the highest resistant starch content in comparison to starch/CFG composite gels after 7 and 14 days storage. Over all, the addition of CFG considerably inhibits the retrogradation of corn starch gels during long-term storage.     

Soy ingredients stabilize bread dough during frozen storage

Bread with 48.5% soy ingredients was assessed for quality during frozen storage of the dough. Soy protein was hypothesized to prevent water migration during frozen storage, thereby producing dough that would exhibit fewer structural changes than traditional wheat bread. Wheat and soy bread were baked from dough that was fresh or frozen (−20 °C, 2 or 4 wks). Dough and bread were assessed for physical properties including moisture content, percent “freezable” and “unfreezable” water, dough extensibility, and bread texture. The bread was subjected to an untrained sensory panel. The soy bread was denser, chewier, and had a higher moisture content than wheat bread. When baked from fresh or frozen dough, soy bread was rated “moderately acceptable” or higher by 70% of panelists. Soy minimized changes in dough extensibility and resistive force to extension, leading to minimal changes in bread hardness. Although consumers could distinguish between bread baked from soy dough that was fresh or frozen for 4 wks, sensorial and textural data suggested that the rate at which the quality of the soy dough deteriorated was slower than that of wheat dough. In conclusion, the dough of consumer-acceptable soy bread retained quality characteristics during frozen storage slightly better than wheat dough.     

Cellular structure and rheological properties of shaped fermented wheat flour dough

Among the various operations of the breadmaking chain, the impact of shaping on dough cellular structure has scarcely been studied. In this work, wheat flour dough has been laminated under different roll gap conditions δ(mm)= (2,5, 10, 20, ∞). Rheological properties were measured under large and small strains, by lubricated squeezing flow test and dynamic thermomechanical analysis, respectively. Laminating has a limited effect on the elongational viscosity of the dough. However, the minimum value of the ratio of storage modulus reached for gap δ = 5 mm suggests that gluten network structuration is improved in this case. The kinetics of porosity and shape ratio of fermenting laminated doughs were calculated from image analysis of dough follow-up during proofing. They showed that stability is improved for δ = 5 mm. Finally, Xray tomography experiments, performed on laminated rolled dough during proofing, confirmed that the main changes can be attributed to an increase of cellular homogeneity at δ = 5 mm, reflected by lower median gas cell size and less spread size distributions.     

Effect of quick-freezing temperature on starch retrogradation and ice crystals properties of steamed oat roll

Oat roll is one of the traditional oat wholemeal foods. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effects of quick freezing at −20 °C, −40 °C and −80 °C for 90 min before frozen storage on the quality of frozen steamed oat roll. Quick freezing at −40 °C and −80 °C inhibited the increase of peak gelatinization temperature, enthalpy and the ordered degree of oat roll starch, therefore postponing starch retrogradation. The cross-section microstructure confirmed that reducing the quick-freezing temperature could prevent the increase of ice crystals size, ruptured structures and maintain the integrity of internal structure. As the storage time extend, the ice recrystallization led to an increase in size of ice crystals, while a decrease in their number. Frozen steamed oat roll starch had the highest swelling power at the quick-freezing temperature of −80 °C, that indicated strongest water absorption and binding ability when gelatinized again. Texture analysis demonstrated that hardness increased during frozen storage, quick freezing at −80 °C had the best texture properties. Therefore, declining the quick-freezing temperature could obtain a higher quality of frozen steamed oat roll, by means of delaying the starch retrogradation and minimising the size of ice crystals.     

Effects of glycerol on water properties and steaming performance of prefermented frozen dough

The amount of ice in both unfrozen steamed bread dough (UFD) and prefermented frozen steamed bread dough (PFD) with and without glycerol was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The quality of unfrozen steamed bread (UFB)/prefermented frozen dough steamed bread (PFB) was also evaluated. Frozen stability and steaming performance of prefermented frozen dough were negatively correlated with ice crystal growth. Glycerol effectively prevented the formation of ice crystals during freezing and frozen storage, maintaining the quality of steamed bread from prefermented frozen dough even over a period of 30 days. The best steamed bread performance was observed with the dough containing 2% of glycerol (flour weight basis) addition. Prefermenting conditions significantly affected the quality of UFB/PFB. The highest quality scores of steamed bread from prefermented frozen dough were obtained from 32 °C and 85% rh for 40 min.     

A novel approach for improving yeast viability and baking quality of frozen dough by adding biogenic ice nucleators from Erwinia herbicola

Freezing deteriorates the baking quality of frozen bread dough by causing lethal injury to yeast cells and depolymerization to the gluten network. To investigate the potential of biogenic ice nucleators in frozen food applications, the effect of extracellular ice nucleators (ECINs) from Erwinia herbicola on the baking quality of frozen dough upon three freeze/thaw cycles were investigated. With addition of ECINs to the activity of 2.4 × 10⁶ units per gram of dough, hardening of bread crumb caused by three freeze/thaw cycles was alleviated by about 50% compared to the control. Additionally, the bread from frozen dough with added ECINs showed 50% larger specific volume compared to the control. The mechanism of cryoprotective effects from ECINs was possibly that ECINs helped in preserving the viability of yeast cells during freeze/thaw cycles. ECINs were able to improve the viability of log-phase and stationary-phase yeast cells in suspensions by about 100 and 10 fold, respectively, and viability of yeast in the frozen dough by 17%. This study revealed the potential of ECINs as a cryoprotectant for applications in the food and biotechnology industries.     

Fate of ACE-inhibitory peptides during the bread-making process: Quantification of peptides in sourdough,bread crumb,steamed bread and soda crackers

This study compared the concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides at different stages of the bread-making process, including kneading, proofing, and final products. Steamed bread, baked bread, and soda crackers were produced with 3–20% addition of rye malt sourdoughs to assess products differing in their thermal treatment. Eight tripeptides with known or predicted ACE-inhibitory activity were quantified by LC/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. In wheat sourdough and rye-malt gluten sourdough, IPP was the predominant tripeptide at 58 and 473 μmol kg⁻¹, respectively, followed by LQP, IQP, and LPP. During the bread-making process, peptide concentrations were modified by enzymatic conversions at the dough stage and by thermal reactions during baking. The concentrations of IPP, LPP and VPP remained stable during dough preparation but decreased during thermal treatment; the concentrations of other peptides were changed at the dough stage but remained relatively stable during baking. The cumulative concentration of 8 ACE-inhibitory peptides in steamed bread and bread crumb exceeded 60 μmol kg⁻¹, while soda crackers contained less than 3 μmol kg⁻¹. The peptide levels in bread thus likely meet in vivo active concentrations.