Spontaneous sourdough processing of Chinese Northern-style steamed breads and their volatile compounds

The effect of amount of flour in the pre-fermented form (10%, 20%, and 30% flour in the pre-fermented form), fermentation time (12, 24, and 36 h), and amount of yeast (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on acidity, specific volume, and crumb texture of Chinese Northern-style sourdough steamed breads were studied. Volatile compounds of the sourdough and non-sourdough steamed breads were also determined. The preferments were produced from spontaneous fermentation using all purpose (APF) and whole wheat flours (WWF). Specific volume was the highest at 20% preferment for APF sourdough steamed bread (ASSB) and 30% preferment for WWF sourdough steamed bread (WSSB). The softest texture was obtained with 20% preferment while at 30% preferment there was excessive gluten weakening due to high acidification. A total of 89 volatile compounds were identified in steamed breads with ethanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol being the most abundant compounds.