Kinetics of colour,chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid content in spinach baked in different types of oven

Spinach was baked in steam-assisted hybrid ovens, natural and forced convection ovens, and saturated steam ovens at different temperatures and baking times. The moisture content, water activity, peroxidise activity, colour, ascorbic acid, and chlorophyll content were determined for each baking time and kinetic analysis of thermal degradation of the colour, chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid were evaluated. Degradation of green colour, total chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid in spinach leaves during the baking process was considered as first order reaction kinetics and temperature dependency of degradation was described by the Arrhenius equation. Baking in steam-assisted hybrid ovens resulted in the highest rate of reaction for both colour change and chlorophyll degradation, followed by forced convection and then natural convection ovens. The existence of steam in the baking chamber resulted in an acceleration of the baking process and better ascorbic acid retention in spinach was determined by baking in steam-assisted hybrid ovens. Degradation kinetics could allow definition of optimum baking temperatures and times in different types of ovens and shorter baking times should be preferred in steam-assisted hybrid ovens if fresh appearance (high greenness) is desired.     

Overall and Local Bread Expansion,Mechanical Properties,and Molecular Structure During Bread Baking: Effect of Emulsifying Starches

In order to determine the relationship between molecular structure of wheat bread dough, its mechanical properties, total and local bread expansion during baking and final bread quality, different methods (rheological, nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging and general bread characterisation) were employed. The study was extended on wheat dough with starch modified by octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) in order to generalise the results. The interest of investigating multi-scale changes occurring in dough at different phases of baking process by considering overall results was demonstrated. It was found that OSA starch improved the baking performance during the first phase of baking. This feature was due to a higher absorption of water by OSA starch granules occurring at temperatures below that of starch gelatinization, as confirmed by NMR, and consecutive higher resistance to deformation for OSA dough in this temperature range (20–60 °C). This was explained by a delayed collapse of cell walls in the bottom of the OSA dough. In the second phase of baking (60–80 °C), the mechanism of shrinkage reduced the volume gained by OSA dough during the first phase of baking due to higher rigidity of OSA dough and its higher resistance to deformation. MRI monitoring of the inflation during baking made it possible to distinguish the qualities and defaults coming from the addition of OSA starch as well as to suggest the possible mechanisms at the origin of such dough behaviour.     

Effect of Steam Baking on Acrylamide Formation and Browning Kinetics of Cookies

Abstract: Effects of baking method and temperature on surface browning and acrylamide concentration of cookies were investigated. Cookies were baked in natural and forced convection and steam‐assisted hybrid ovens at 165, 180, and 195 °C and at different times. For all oven types, the acrlyamide concentration and surface color of cookies increased with increasing baking temperature. Significant correlation was observed between acrylamide formation and browning index, BI, which was calculated from Hunter L, a, and b color values, and it showed that the BI may be considered as a reliable indicator of acrylamide concentration in cookies. Acrylamide formation and browning index in cookies were considered as the first‐order reaction kinetics and the reaction rate constants, k, were in the range of 0.023 to 0.077 (min^?1) and 0.019 to 0.063 (min^?1), respectively. The effect of baking temperature on surface color and acrylamide concentration followed the Arrhenius type of equation, with activation energies for acrylamide concentration as 6.87 to 27.84 kJ/mol; for BI value as 19.54 to 35.36 kJ/mol, for all oven types. Steam‐assisted baking resulted in lower acrylamide concentration at 165 °C baking temperature and lower surface color for all temperatures. Steam‐assisted baking is recommended as a healthy way of cooking providing the reduction of harmful compounds such as acrylamide for bakery goods, at a minimal level, while keeping the physical quality. Practical Application: The kinetics of acrylamide formation and browning of cookies will possibly allow definition of optimum baking temperatures and times at convectional and steam‐assisted baking ovens. The kinetic model can be used by developing baking programs that can automatically control especially a new home‐scale steam‐assisted hybrid oven producing healthy products, for the use of domestic consumers.     

Influence of Final Baking Technologies in Partially Baked Frozen Gluten‐Free Bread Quality

The effect of final baking in convection oven (FBC), microwave oven (FBM), and microwave oven with susceptor packaging material (FBMS) on partially baked (PB) frozen gluten‐free bread characteristics was investigated. Specific volume and crust color of loaves were measured at day 0. Bread moisture, water activity, and crumb and crust texture (at 15, 45, and 90 min after baking) were analyzed at day 0 and after 28 d of frozen storage (?18 °C). Volatile compounds from breads baked in convection oven or microwave oven with susceptor packaging material were also evaluated. Bread finally baked in convection oven or in microwave oven with susceptor packaging increased crust browning. Crumb and roll hardness increased with time after final baking (measured at 15, 45, 90 min) and after 28 d of frozen storage. Bread finally baked in microwave oven was the hardest, due to high water losses. At day 0, bread finally baked in convection oven had softer crumb than bread finally baked in microwave oven with susceptor packaging but, after 28 d of frozen storage, there were no differences between them. Moreover, FBC and FBMS rendered gluten‐free breads that could not be distinguished in a triangular test and had the same volatile compounds profile. In conclusion, FBMS could be an alternative to FBC.     

An instrumented oven for the monitoring of thermal reactions during the baking of sponge cake

An electric convective oven was conceived and equipped to allow monitoring thermal reactions during the baking of sponge cake. High total heat fluxes of between 6000 and 9000 W m⁻² were recorded under baking temperatures of 140-200 °C. The mapping of thermal conditions indicated satisfactory thermal homogeneity, with average temperature variations of 5 °C and maximum relative variations of the convective heat transfer coefficient of 15% on the thermal domain investigated. Internal heat and mass transfers, the extent of thermal reactions within the sponge cake and repeatability of the baking operation were all characterized by experimental measurements. Some of the main operating variables were monitored in the cake (core and surface temperatures, moisture content, levels of chemical reactants and products) and others in the baking atmosphere (temperature, humidity and concentrations of volatile compounds). Specific non-disruptive sampling devices were designed to extract data from cakes and the oven atmosphere in order to follow the kinetics of thermal reactions during the baking operation. Three phases could be identified during baking, corresponding to the relative importance of conductive and evaporative internal heat transfer regimes and to macroscopic changes in the cake structure with formation of a crust. The progress of thermal reactions was monitored with satisfactory precision in both the cake and the baking vapors: relative standard deviations of 2% and 8.7% were obtained respectively for the water content and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content of three replicates during a baking operation.     

Effect of baking in different ovens on the quality and structural characteristics of saltine crackers

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical and microstructural characteristics of crackers baked in four different industrial baking ovens (indirect radiation-cyclotherm, indirect convection, hybrid and industrial tunnel-ITO). Indirect convection and cyclotherm ovens provide the highest (5685.43 ± 51 W m⁻²) and the lowest (4860 ± 38.87 W m⁻²) amount of heat flux, respectively. Despite the amount of heat flux, indirect convection led to crackers with the highest moisture (7.86% vs. 4.82% in clyclotherm) and specific volume, but the lowest hardness. Cyclotherm resulted in crackers with lower specific volume, surface area, porosity, smooth and regular surface. Conversely, the hybrid and ITO ovens showed closer heat flux, leading to crackers with similar moisture content, texture parameters, specific volume, browning and inner porosity. Overall results show the potential of baking using different ovens for modifying the quality parameters of the crackers.     

Baking kinetics of muffins in convection and steam assisted hybrid ovens (baking kinetics of muffin…)

Effects of oven type and baking temperature on acrylamide concentration, surface browning, temperature profiles and drying rates of muffins were investigated. Muffins were baked in convection and steam assisted hybrid ovens at 145, 160 and 175 °C for different baking times. For all oven types, the acrylamide concentration of muffins increased with increasing baking time and temperature (p < 0.05). The formation was considered as the first order reaction kinetics except for the lowest baking temperature at natural convection and steam assisted hybrid ovens. The reaction rate constant, k was found to be in the range of 0.027–0.078 (min⁻¹). For the forced convection oven, the effect of baking temperature on acrylamide concentration followed the Arrhenius type of equation; with activation energy of 36.35 kJ/mol. The minimum drying rate was observed by the steam assisted hybrid oven, at all conditions. Steam assisted baking resulted in lower acrylamide concentration at all baking temperatures, while providing the average moisture content not significantly different.     

An investigation of bread-baking process in a pilot-scale electrical heating oven using computational fluid dynamics

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for bread-baking process in a pilot-scale baking oven to find out the effect of hot air distribution and placement of bread on temperature and starch gelatinization index of bread. In this study, product (bread) simulation was carried out with different placements of bread. Simulation results were validated with experimental measurements of bread temperature. This study showed that nonuniform air flow pattern inside the oven cavity leads to uneven temperature distribution. The study with respect to placement of bread showed that baking of bread in upper trays required shorter baking time and gelatinization index compared to those in the bottom tray. The upper tray bread center reached 100 °C at 1200 s, whereas starch gelatinization completed within 900 s, which was the minimum baking index. Moreover, the heat penetration and starch gelatinization were higher along the sides of the bread as compared to the top and bottom portions of the bread.     

Factors affecting wafer sheet quality

Wafers are low‐moisture‐baked foods. They are formed from a batter and baked between hot plates. The quality of wafer sheets is mainly controlled by flour property, water level and temperature, mixing action, baking time and temperature. The quality is judged by attributes of the batter such as the density, viscosity, holding time and temperature, and by properties of the wafer such as weight, surface colour, fragility and moisture content. In this study, the batter‐specific gravity of 1.11–1.19 was recorded. Water and gluten content did not affect density. Water level, but not gluten content, however affected viscosity. Batter holding time drastically changed viscosity. The temperature of plates did significantly affect bake time. For wafer sheets with a high quality, 155–165% water level, 170 °C baking temperature and 2 min of bake time were found to be adequate. Wafer sheets baked at the lower temperatures stuck to the plates and broke up to several pieces. At a lower water level (<145%) and baking temperature of 150 °C, tough and flinty sheets were obtained, whereas at a water level higher than 160% and a higher temperature (190 °C), fragile sheets were obtained.     

Effect of oven temperature profile and different baking conditions on final cake quality

This study discusses the effect of airflow on oven temperature profiles, the internal cake temperature and the final cake quality. It was found that the presence of airflow reduced the oscillation in the oven temperature profile from 12.98–30.27% to 3.17–4.02%. The bottom of the oven chamber experienced the greatest reduction in temperature oscillation in the presence of airflow. During the second stage of baking with airflow, the heating rate was increased from 5.07 to 7.52 °C min^?1 and 8.35 °C min^?1 to the increase of the baking temperature from 160 to 170 °C and 180 °C, respectively. The cake volume expansion rate was also increased 5–10% during second stage when baking with airflow condition. The cakes baked in the presence of airflow had a more porous crumb texture and lower moisture content compared to the cakes baked without airflow.     

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of an electrical heating oven for bread-baking process

Radiation is the most dominant heat transfer mode in an electrical heating oven. A 3D CFD model for an electric heating baking oven was developed. Three different radiation models namely, discrete transfer radiation model (DTRM), surface to surface (S2S) and discrete ordinates (DO) were employed for the simulation of the electrical baking oven. All models predicted almost similar results, which tallied well with the experimental measurements. During the full heating cycle, the oven set-point temperature was reached after 360 s. Lower temperature zones occurred near oven wall due to lower air flow. Based on preliminary evaluation of applicability, the DO radiation model was selected for bread baking simulation and validated with the experimental measurement of bread temperature. Bread simulation was carried out to study the profiles of temperature and starch gelatinization of crust and crumb of the product. This study indicated the baking process to be complete at 1500 s when the temperature of bread-center reached 100 °C.     

Effects of baking conditions on colour,texture and crumb grain characteristics of Chhana Podo

Baking, the key step in the preparation of Chhana Podo, involves simultaneous heat and mass transfer that induces physicochemical and structural changes in the product. The effects of baking conditions on colour, texture and crumb grain development in the product were evaluated. The browning index of baked Podo increased from the initial value of 15.7 to 95, 101 and 112, at baking temperatures of 120, 135 and 150 °C, respectively. Browning kinetics followed the logistic model (R² > 0.98) with an activation energy of 17.81 kJ/mol. In general, crumb grain characteristics such as mean cell area, cell density and cell‐to‐total area ratio increased with increase in baking time and temperature. Textural attributes such as hardness, chewiness and gumminess increased with baking time and temperature while springiness, cohesiveness and resilience increased up to 40 min due to the filling‐up of pores water and liquid by fat and expanding water, but decreased thereafter.     

Acidulant and oven type affect total anthocyanin content of blue corn cookies

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins, pink to purple water‐soluble flavonoids, are naturally occurring pigments with claimed health benefits. However, they are sensitive to degradation by high pH, light and temperature. Blue corn (maize) contains high levels of anthocyanins. Cookies are popular snacks and might serve as a vehicle to deliver antioxidants. A cookie formula with a high level of blue corn was developed with added acidulents and baked in ovens with different heat transfer coefficients. RESULTS: The best whole‐grain blue corn flour/wheat pastry flour ratio (80:20 w/w), guar gum level (10 g kg^?1, flour weight basis) and water level (215 g kg^?1, flour weight basis) were determined based on response surface methodology analysis. The interactions of citric and lactic acids and glucono‐δ‐lactone with three oven types having different heat transfer coefficients (impingement oven 179 °C/4 min, reel oven 204 °C/10 min and convection oven 182 °C/4 min) influenced the total anthocyanin content (TAC) remaining in blue corn‐containing cookies after baking. CONCLUSION: Cookies baked with citric acid in the convection oven retained the maximum TAC (227 ± 3 mg kg^?1). By baking rapidly at lower temperatures and adding acidulents, it may be possible to increase residual natural source antioxidants in baked foods. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterization and CFD modelling of air temperature and velocity profiles in an industrial biscuit baking tunnel oven

The industrial baking of cereal products is commonly performed in tunnel ovens, which give operators high flexibility for adjusting baking conditions to optimum values. This paper discusses the application of a CFD approach to predict the air temperature and velocity profiles inside the baking chamber of an industrial indirect gas-fired tunnel oven used for biscuit baking. We used two three-dimensional CFD models (one not covering the conveying band of biscuits and the other including it) to describe the complex air circulation resulting from the mechanisms of air input and exit at the ends of the oven and of air extraction through the different extraction points located along the oven length. Comparison of numerical results with experimental measurements shows a fairly close agreement in the qualitative prediction and a few inaccuracies in the quantitative prediction of the air temperature profiles within the baking chamber. Furthermore, the comparison also reveals great differences in the air velocity profiles.     

Characterizing the cellular structure of bread crumb and crust as affected by heating rate using X-ray microtomography

The effect of two baking conditions 240 °C and 220 °C (corresponding to heating rates 7.39 and 6.11 °C/min respectively) on the cellular structure of bread was investigated using X-ray microtomography. A comparison between helium pycnometry and X-ray microtomography was carried out and confirmed the quality of analysis in 3-D. Porosity profiles were determined in the interface crust/crumb and showed higher porosity and lower density of the upper crust when increasing heating rate and baking with steaming. The porosity profile of the whole slice bread showed differences between breads baked at 220 °C and 240 °C; that can be explained by the non uniformity in local expansion during baking resulting in different areas of variable density. Higher density was found in the bottom of the slice due to compression forces during baking. However, the upper zone of the slice was more porous, in relation with the expansion. These differences influence the texture and led to different kinetics of staling. Results of tortuosity confirm that the relative path length is shorter along the height related to the expansion of the bread during baking. Additionally, the relative path length through the pores is shorter when baking at 240 °C than when baking at 220 °C, in relation with porosity.     

Modelling of coupled heat and mass transfer during a contact baking process

A mathematical model of coupled heat and mass transfer of a contact baking process is developed. In the current model formulation, a local evaporation of water is described with a reaction-diffusion approach, where a simultaneous diffusion and evaporation of water takes place. The resulting coupled model equations (unsteady state heat transfer, liquid water and water vapour) were solved using the Finite Element Method (COMSOL Multi-physics® version 3.5). During the baking process, local temperatures and overall moisture loss were measured continuously. The model - predicting temperature, liquid water content in the product and water in the vapour phase - was calibrated and partially validated using data obtained during baking of a representative food model (a pancake batter) under controlled conditions on a specially designed experimental rig. The unknown parameters in the model equations were estimated using the standard least squares method by comparing the measured with the predicted temperature profile. Good agreement was achieved between model predictions and the experimental values.     

Modelling the browning of bread during baking

In this work, we study the development of browning at bread surface during baking. Computer vision is applied to follow the progress of browning at surface, while the variations of temperature and water activity are obtained by numerical simulation of a mathematical model previously validated. The formation of the bread crust is a complex process where temperature and water content change continuously during baking, making browning a non-isothermal process occurring in a non-ideal system. Minimum requirements for initiation of colour formation are temperature greater than 120 °C and water activity less than 0.6. We apply a non-isothermal kinetics approach to model the browning development at bread surface during baking, where the variation of local temperature and water activity is taken into account. The methodology presented here is suitable for modelling and predicting browning during baking; model parameters can be estimated by using a non-ideal system closer to real processing conditions.     

Heat Transfer Coefficients on Cakes Baked in a Tunnel Type Industrial Oven

Using an h-monitor, surface heat flux and effective surface heat transfer coefficients were evaluated during baking of two cakes in a tunnel-type multi-zone industrial oven. An average 75–80% of total heat flux was counted as radiation heat. Air-mass temperature outside the boundary layer was determined from the experimental temperature profiles over the h-monitor top plate. In the range of baking temperatures (186–22 5°C), relative air velocities (0.02-0.437 m/s) and absolute humidities (0.0267–0.0428 kg H₂O/kg dry air) heat transfer coefficients were 20 to 48.0 W/m²K. A simple regression model was developed based on experimental data.     

Dough characteristics of Irish wheat varieties II. Aeration profile and baking quality

The aeration profile of doughs made from Irish wheat varieties was examined during fermentation. The fermentation process was evaluated with a Chopin rheofermentometer and also by monitoring the dynamic dough density. Minimum dough density which indicates maximum dough expansion was correlated with maximum dough height reached in the rheofermentometer (r = −0.8). Baked loaves from the samples were evaluated for their overall quality. The poor baking potential of one variety (Trappe) as well as the low expansion capacity of another (Raffles) was discriminated from the results obtained from both tests. Loaf volume was correlated with the maximum dough height measured with the rheofermentometer and with the minimum dough density. The overall baking quality of the flours was evaluated by using 3D scatter plots which combined loaf volume with number of cells/mm² and intrinsic hardness. Using this technique, the varieties were divided into clusters depending on their baking quality. Principal Components Analysis was carried out incorporating all the measured dough and bread properties. The loading plot indicated that rheological parameters are those most likely to predict loaf volume whereas other crumb characteristics such as cell size and crumb hardness were difficult to relate to measured dough properties.