Different approaches for increasing the shelf life of partially baked bread: Low temperatures and hydrocolloid addition

Partially baked bread is a product with short shelf life that requires sub-zero temperatures for extending it. The storage of par-baked bread at low temperatures and the addition of bread improvers with antistaling effects, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), are very attractive alternatives for extending the shelf life of these products. In this study, staling during storage of partially baked bread (in the presence and absence of HPMC) at low temperatures (2 °C) is studied in terms of hardness increase and amylopectin retrogradation. Simultaneously, the staling of the derived full baked breads when stored at 25 °C is assessed. During the storage of par-baked bread at low temperatures, progressive crumb hardening and rapid crystallization of the amylopectin chains were produced. However, heat applied during full baking reversed those processes, and the extent of that improvement was dependent on the time of par-baked bread storage. Concerning the staling of the derived full baked bread, the time of par-baked bread storage did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the staling process of the resulting full baked breads. The addition of HPMC decreased the crumb hardness in both par-baked and full baked breads, and also promoted a reduction of the amylopectin retrogradation. Overall results indicate that HPMC addition significantly retards the staling of par-baked bread during its storage at low temperatures and, moreover, the same effect is observed in the full baked bread.     

Impact of fibers on physical characteristics of fresh and staled bake off bread

The technological functionality of different fibers (high methylated ester pectin, resistant starch, insoluble-soluble fiber blend) was tested in partially baked breads stored either under sub-zero or low temperatures, in order to assess their possible role as breadmaking ingredients in bake off technologies (BOT). Fiber-containing formulations affected bread specific volume and crumb hardness, and those characteristics were also dependent on both the breadmaking process (conventional or BOT) and the storage conditions of the par-baked bread (low or sub-zero temperatures). The inclusion of resistant starch (RS) and fiber blend in the bread formulation induced a reduction in the specific volume of the bread and an increase of hardness. Crumb image analysis indicated that breadmaking process affected significantly the number of alveoli. The storage of par-baked breads at low temperatures accelerates crumb hardening during staling, and that effect was greatly dependent on the duration of the storage, being that effect magnified in the case of breads containing fiber blend. Therefore, formulations should be carefully checked with the specific breadmaking process to be followed. Special attention should be paid to the storage conditions of the partially baked bread, since they significantly affect the technological quality of fresh breads and their behaviour during staling.     

An investigation of the consumer perception on the quality of the gluten and wheat free breads available on the UK market

There is a growing demand for bread and other baked products that are gluten and wheat free due to the increased diagnosis and self-diagnosis of adverse reactions to wheat and gluten and an increase in the number of people who perceive a gluten or wheat free diet as a healthy lifestyle option. The removal of wheat from bread presents a number of technological challenges resulting in quality issues and nutrition. The increased consumer demand and growing industry response to these demands has meant that consumers will no longer accept compromise on taste or quality when purchasing gluten and wheat free bread. There is little information available that demonstrates customers’ expectations in terms of quality of gluten and wheat free breads. The aim of this research was to establish whether gluten and wheat free breads currently on the market are meeting consumer expectations and if not the key areas for product improvement and new product development. The research indicates that there are still significant improvements needed to produce gluten and wheat free bread that meets consumer expectations.     

Quality and storage life of par-baked frozen breads

During storage of frozen par-baked breads for a prolonged period of time, bread quality may undergo changes such as increased firmness, moisture and flavour losses resulting in product deterioration. Four categories of par-baked breads namely—variety, white, multi-grain and rye were stored at −18°C for 9 months to evaluate the effects of storage period on product quality, and to develop prediction models that describe kinetics of deterioration of selected quality parameters. The quality was evaluated based on sensory, chemical and physical attributes and properties. Storage life was determined based on the changes in bread quality below certain level. The principal component analysis indicated that approximately 90% of the total variability of 19 quality parameters can be explained with only two principal components. The zero-order kinetic reaction showed good agreement (R²>80%) with quality changes observed by the sensory panel over the storage period. A prediction model, based on the bread quality at zero time and the quality at the time when the bread was rejected by the sensory panel, was developed. The proposed prediction model would provide a useful means of estimating storage life of par-baked breads made with similar formulations.     

Mold spoilage of bread and its biopreservation: A review of current strategies for bread shelf life extension

Microbial spoilage of bread and the consequent waste problem causes large economic losses for both the bakery industry and the consumer. Furthermore the presence of mycotoxins due to fungal contamination in cereals and cereal products remains a significant issue. The use of conventional chemical preservatives has several drawbacks, necessitating the development of clean-label alternatives.

In this review, we describe current research aiming to extend the shelf life of bread through the use of more consumer friendly and ecologically sustainable preservation techniques as alternatives to chemical additives. Studies on the in situ-production/-expression of antifungal compounds are presented, with special attention given to recent developments over the past decade. Sourdough fermented with antifungal strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is an area of increasing focus and serves as a high-potential biological ingredient to produce gluten-containing and gluten-free breads with improved nutritional value, quality and safety due to shelf-life extension, and is in-line with consumer's demands for more products containing less additives. Other alternative biopreservation techniques include the utilization of antifungal peptides, ethanol and plant extracts. These can be added to bread formulations or incorporated in antimicrobial films for active packaging (AP) of bread. This review outlines recent progress that has been made in the area of bread biopreservation and future perspectives in this important area.     

Effect of frozen storage time on the bread crumb and aging of par-baked bread

The effect of frozen storage time of par-baked bread on the bread crumb and staling of bread obtained after thawing and full baking is described. The moisture content, hardness and retrogradation enthalpy of the amylopectin were determined in the par-baked bread and in the full baked bread after 7, 14, 28 and 42 days of frozen storage at −25 °C. In addition, the effect of frozen storage on the crumb microstructure was analyzed by cryo scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). The moisture content of both partially and full baked bread decreased with the time of frozen storage. The crumb hardness of the par-baked bread after different periods of frozen storage was kept constant, while that of their full baked counterpart increased with the time of frozen storage. In both types of breads, the enthalpy of amylopectin retrogradation did not vary with the period of frozen storage. The staling, measured as hardness increase and amylopectin retrogradation, increased along the frozen storage. The changes observed on the frozen par-baked bread after thawing were attributed to the damage of bread structures produced by the ice crystallization, and the microstructure study support that conclusion.     

Emerging fermentation technologies: development of novel sourdoughs

The increasing knowledge of sourdough fermentation generates new opportunities for its use in the bakery field. New fermentation technologies emerged through in depth sourdough research. Dextrans are extracellular bacterial polysaccharides produced mainly by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria convert sucrose thanks to an inducible enzyme called dextransucrase into dextran and fructose. The structure of dextran depends on the producing micro-organism and on culture conditions. Depending on its structure, dextran has specific properties which lead to several industrial applications in different domains. The use of dextran is not widely spread in the bakery field even if its impact on bread volume and texture was shown. A new process has been developed to obtain a sourdough rich in dextran using a specific LAB strain able to produce a sufficient amount of HMW dextran assuring a significant impact on bread volume. The sourdough obtained permits to improve freshness, crumb structure, mouthfeel and softness of all kinds of baked good from wheat rich dough products to rye sourdough breads. From fundamental research on dextran technology, a new fermentation process has been developed to produce an innovative functional ingredient for bakery industry.     

Insects as ingredients for bakery goods. A comparison study of H. illucens,A. domestica and T. molitor flours

Due to a rising demand for proteins, food industry is considering new alternative protein sources that can be used for human food. The aim of this research was to explore the potential use of insects' flour as protein-rich ingredient for bakery products. Hermetia illucens, Acheta domestica and Tenebrio molitor were ground and used to replace 5% wheat flour in doughs and breads. The protein content of the insect flours ranged from 45% to 57% (d.m.) and fat content from 27% to 36% (d.m.). The inclusion of insects' flour affected the rheological properties (water absorption and stability), of dough during mixing, having less water adsorption. Breadmaking process could be carried out with all the composite flours. Breads containing A. domestica flour showed similar specific volume and texture parameters than wheat bread, but with higher content of proteins and fibers. Globally, results confirmed the usefulness of insects' flour for making breads with improved nutritional value.Industrial relevanceThis study evaluated the potential application of three different insects as protein source ingredients for bakery products. Results confirm that insects flour could be added to replace wheat flour in breads without significantly affecting dough properties and leading to breads with acceptable technological quality and improved nutritional profile.     

Effect of common and new gums on the quality,physical, and textural properties of bakery products: A review

Hydrocolloids (gums) have a good functional characteristic such as emulsifying, gelling, solubility, and textural improvement. In the bakery products, hydrocolloids were used to improving dough performance, bread and cake characteristics, sensorial quality, and extension the products shelf life. Several studies reported the potential use of hydrocolloids in breads, biscuits, cakes, and pasta formulation. The present review summarized the effect of the most common and new hydrocolloids (xanthan, guar, Arabic, carrageenan, karaya, alginate, acacia, methylcellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, locust bean, balangu seed, wild sage seed, basil seed, and cress seed gums) on the rheological, physicochemical, textural, and quality characteristics of bakery products. Gums addition improved volume and porosity of the breads and cakes. Gums influence on the gelatinization and retrogradation of starch and decreased the retrogradation of starch. In the bakery products, hydrocolloids were used to improving mixing and increasing the shelf life of the products through moisture preservation and avoidance of syneresis in some frozen foods. This study summarized the influence of the most common and new hydrocolloids on the rheological, physicochemical, textural, and quality characteristics of bakery products. Addition of seeds gum to the breads, biscuits, cakes, and pasta formula led to an increase in the viscosity of the batter. Also, the firmness of bakery products showed that they became softer with increasing gum levels.     

Staling white pan bread: fundamental causes

Staling, as it is applied to bakery foods, is a generic term covering a number of changes that occur in the products during normal storage. Consumers judge staleness by direct perception, which provides a subjective estimate that represents an unconscious integration of many factors. This review will discuss the main components of staling: (1) physicochemical changes of bread and related products (firming and texture deterioration of crumb and loss of crispness of crust) and (2) flavor changes. Section I will cover current theories of changes of firming and textural changes. The starch component of flour is generally considered to be responsible for these staling reactions. Consequently, the physicochemical involvement of amylose, amylopectin in these reactions will be fully discussed and current evidence supporting these theories (rheological, chemical, X-rays) will be given. Interactions of starch and surface active agents and other complexing compounds will be presented in Section II. In Section III, contribution of minor flour components and bakery food ingredients will be evaluated. Section IV will focus on organoleptic deterioration of products, presenting flavor changes that were observed during staling bread. Section V will discuss structural changes of breads caused by enzymolysis during bread production and storage as related to staling. Following the theoretical section (Sections I to V), Section VI will focus on practical control of staling. This discussion will cover the following factors: formulation, surfactants, enzymes, storage, freezing, and packaging.     

Effect of quinoa,chia and millet addition on consumer acceptability of gluten-free bread

There is an increasing demand for gluten-free foods; however, standard gluten-free foods are deficient in nutrients. This study investigated the use of alternative grains (chia, millet and quinoa) in gluten-free breads to evaluate their sensory properties (fresh and following a partial bake method). A sensory trial (n = 98) asked participants to consider six fresh bread samples made from chia, millet and quinoa, using 9-point hedonic scales and check-all-that-apply. A second sensory trial (n = 89) was then completed using par-baked bread samples of the different formulations. The sensory properties and the acceptability of the bread were significantly affected by the chia and quinoa flour. The millet flour did not change the acceptability of the bread. Furthermore, the partial baking method (after 90 days of frozen storage) did not significantly affect the acceptability of the breads made with chia, millet and quinoa, but it did affect the acceptability of the control bread prepared with brown rice flour. Overall, millet flour could be incorporated into gluten-free breads made following a partial baking method without affecting consumer acceptability. Future studies should use a trained panel to evaluate how the breads differ based on the partial baking method.     

Total phenolic content, consumer acceptance, and instrumental analysis of bread made with grape seed flour

Grape seed flour (GSF) from grape pomace, a waste product generated during winemaking, was explored for use in bread production due to its potential health benefits. This study evaluated the consumer acceptance and physical properties of bread, including total phenolic content (TPC), made with varying levels of GSF. Dough and breads were prepared using different levels of replacement of hard red spring wheat flour (HRS) with GSF (0 to 10 g GSF/100 g HRS) and stored for 0, 2, or 6 wk at -20 °C. Replacement of 10 g GSF/100 g HRS increased the bread TPC from 0.064 mg tannic acid/g dry weight to 4.25 mg tannic acid/g dry weight. Consumer acceptance and instrumental analyses were used to investigate changes in sensory and texture properties due to GSF replacement. Replacement above 5 g GSF/100 g HRS decreased the loaf brightness and volume, with an increase in the bread hardness and porosity. Generally, breads containing ≥ 7.5 g GSF/100 g HRS were characterized by lower consumer acceptance. A reduction in overall and bitterness acceptance was observed in bread at 10 g GSF/100 g HRS, with decreased acceptance of astringency and sweetness at 7.5 and 10 g GSF/100 g HRS. Based on these results, the replacement of 5 g GSF/100 g HRS is recommended for the production of fortified breads with acceptable physical and sensory properties and high TPC activity compared to refined bread. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study shows that grape seed flour (GSF) can be used to replace hard red spring wheat flour (HRS) in bread production, with moderate impact on the physical and sensory properties of the bread. Replacement of up to 10 g GSF/100 g HRS significantly decreased overall consumer acceptance of the bread, with lower consumer acceptance of sweetness and astringency at 7.5 and 10 g GSF/100 g HRS. Thus, a replacement value of 5 g GSF/100 g HRS is recommended for the production of fortified breads.     

Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 19280 as a novel food-grade antifungal agent for bakery products

Mould spoilage is the main cause of substantial economic loss in bakery industry and might also cause public health problems due to the production of mycotoxins. The reduction of mould growth in bakery products is thus of crucial importance and there is great interest to develop safe and efficient strategies for this purpose. In this study Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM19280 has been shown to produce a wide spectrum of antifungal compounds active against common bread spoilage fungi. Among the indicator moulds, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium culmorum were the most sensitive organisms. Several antifungal compounds were found to be present in synthetic medium inoculated with L. amylovorus DSM19280 strain, some of them being reported here for the first time. Wheat doughs fermented with L. amylovorus DSM19280 had good rheological properties and the breads thereof were of high quality as shown by rheofermentometer and texture analyser measurements. The results were compared with those obtained with a control non-antifungal L. amylovorus DSM20531^T strain, a non-acidified and a chemically acidified dough. The quality of sourdough and bread fermented with L. amylovorus DSM 19280 was comparable to that obtained by using L. amylovorus DSM20531 ^T. Additionally, breads were evaluated for the ability to retard the growth of Fusarium culmorum FST 4.05, Aspergillus niger FST4.21, Penicillium expansum FST 4.22, Penicillium roqueforti FST 4.11 and fungal flora from the bakery environment. The biological preservation of bread with L. amylovorus DSM 19280 was also compared to the most commonly used antifungal agent Calcium propionate. Breads containing sourdough fermented with L. amylovorus DSM 19280 were more effective in extending the shelf life of bread than the calcium propionate.     

Influence of phosphorylated rice flour on the quality of gluten‐free bread

The chemical modification of rice flour by phosphorylation is an alternative to improve the technological quality of bakery products. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphorylation process of rice flour on technological properties (specific volume, crumb and crust colour) of gluten‐free breads and the hardening of these breads during two storage temperatures (21 °C and ?24 °C). Breads were made with native rice flour, with phosphorylated rice flour and with wheat flour, used as control. The phosphorylation causes significant reduction in the synaeresis of pastes and in retrogradation tendency of rice flours, varying from 258.7 cP (native rice flour) to 122 cP (phosphorylated rice flour). The breads prepared with phosphorylated rice flour showed reduction in the hardness in both storage temperatures studied and effect on rice bread volume, crumb appearance and colour, demonstrating the possibility of use of the phosphorylated rice flour in gluten‐free breads.     

Essential oils as natural preservatives for bakery products: Understanding the mechanisms of action,recent findings,and applications

Abstract

Bakery products, as an important part of a healthy diet, are characterized by their limited shelf-life. Microbiological spoilage of these products not only affects the quality characteristics and result in the economic loss but also threatens consumer’s health. Incorporation of chemical preservatives, as one of the most conventional preserving techniques, lost its popularity due to the increasing consumer’s health awareness. Therefore, the bakery industry is seeking alternatives to harmful antimicrobial agents that can be accepted by health-conscious customers. In this regard, essential oils have been previously used as either a part of product ingredient or a part of the packaging system. Therefore, the antimicrobial aspect of essential oils and their ability in delaying the microbiological spoilage of bakery products have been reviewed. Several types of essential oils, including thyme, cinnamon, oregano, and lemongrass, can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in bakery products, resulting in a product with extended shelf-life and enhanced safety. Research revealed that several bioactive compounds are involved in the antimicrobial activity of essential oils. However, some limitations, such as the possible negative effects of essential oils on sensory parameters, may limit their applications, especially in high concentrations. In this case, they can be used in combination with other preservation techniques such as using appropriate packaging materials. Further research regarding the commercial production of the bakery products formulated with essential oils is required in this area.     

Improving the sensory and nutritional value of gluten-free bread

Bakery products, especially breads, are important part of everyday diet. Home-made breads are all the more crucial on the gluten-free diet, as commercially available breads without gluten are often unattractive. The study presents the recipe, nutritional characteristics (fat, protein, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese), costs and consumer acceptance of four easy to make home-made gluten-free breads. Partial substitution of bread-mix based on corn and rice (control bread) with teff flour, amaranth flour or quinoa flour significantly changed the content of the most of analysed nutrients, while their price was comparable. The highest nutritional benefits were found for protein, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and manganese in bread with teff and for magnesium, potassium, zinc and manganese in bread with amaranth. The highest consumer acceptance of people on gluten-free diet was noticed for breads with quinoa and teff.     

Moderate electric fields and ohmic heating as promising fermentation tools

Fermentation is an important bioprocess in food production and its improvements can bring profits to the food industry. Therefore, researchers are exploring the feasibility of applying emerging processing technologies such as moderate electric field (MEF) and ohmic heating to improve this bioprocess. This study demonstrated the current status, potential benefits, mechanisms, and limitations of innovative MEF- and ohmic-assisted fermentation. Research showed that these techniques can positively affect Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces fermentations that are involved in the production of bakery (e.g., leavened breads), dairy (e.g., yogurt), and alcoholic products. Also, volumetric ohmic heating can accelerate fermentation by providing optimum fermentation temperatures quickly. MEF-induced stress-response conditions can affect microbial metabolism and fermentation products. Besides, electrical fields may affect the fermentation process by altering the substrate such as releasing its micronutrients. These approaches can be considered prospective industrial fermentation tools. Further economic studies and in-depth research on their effects on fermentation by-products are expected in the near future.     

常见亲水胶体对烘焙食品品质影响的研究进展（网络首发、推荐阅读）

亲水胶体具有良好的功能特性,如改善食品的乳化、胶凝、溶解性和质构等特性。在烘焙食品中,亲水胶体用于改善面团、面包和蛋糕特性,提高感官质量以及延长食品货架期。已经有研究报道了亲水胶体在面包、饼干、蛋糕和面食制备中的潜在用途。综述常见的亲水胶体（黄原胶、瓜尔胶、阿拉伯胶、K-卡拉胶、刺梧桐胶、海藻酸盐、甲基纤维素、羧甲基纤维素和羟丙基甲基纤维素）对焙烤食品的流变学、理化、质构以及其它品质特性的影响,亲水胶体的加入使得产品的颜色、外观、风味和整体可接受性显著改善。     

Physicochemical properties of bread dough and finished bread with added pectin fiber and phenolic antioxidants

Comparative studies were conducted in this paper to investigate the effects of added dietary fiber (DF) and/or phenolic antioxidants on the properties of bread dough and finished bread. Breads were developed in the absence (control bread), or presence of apple pectin and/or fruit phenolic extracts (treated breads), and subjected to quality evaluation (attributes including color, weight, and volume) and characterization of chemical and rheological properties. Chemical analyses revealed that breads with added phenolic extracts had greater antioxidant activity and higher extractable phenolic content, than control bread and the treated breads with added apple pectin(s). The measured antioxidant activity was mainly derived from the phenolics present in bread. Storage modulus G' (elasticity) and loss modulus G″ (viscocity) of the treated bread dough with added pectin(s) only were higher than those of control dough. The G' or G″ of the treated breads incorporated with a combination of a pectin and fruit phenolic extract depended on the type of phenolic extract (that is, apple and blackcurrant extracts behaved differently from kiwifruit extract). The G' and G″ at the final baking step were higher than those of other stages, indicating an increase in cross-linking among polymeric molecules and bread particles of high molecular weight. We conclude that the added pectin and/or phenolic extract had influenced bread dough cross-linking microstructure and bread properties through being involved in the interactions with bread components such as wheat proteins during dough development and bread baking. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Dietary fibers and phytochemicals (including phenolic antioxidants) have long been recognized as the active nutrients responsible for the health benefits of fruit and vegetables to humans. Interest in incorporating bioactive ingredients such as dietary fiber and phenolic antioxidants into popular foods like bread has grown rapidly, due to the increased consumer health awareness. The added bioactive ingredients may or may not promote the development of bread dough. This paper reports the findings associated with the properties of the functional breads enhanced with apple pectin and apple, blackcurrant, and kiwifruit phenolic extracts. Results of this paper indicate that the success of the development of such functional breads is ultimately determined by the interactions among added bioactive ingredients and other bread components.