Lect 10 : Bread Fermentation Flashcards
How does the purpose of bread fermentation differ from the fermentation of other products like milk, vegetables (kimchi), wines etc?
The primary purpose is to convert less perishable raw materials into more perishable, but also more FUNCTIONAL products (conversion of flour to bread so you can eat it)
For other products like milk, vege… the primary purpose is to extend shelf life of highly perishable raw materials with high water activity / moisture
What flour is most commonly used in bread making? Why?
Wheat, as they contain gluten (a protein), which is important in maintaining structure of bread and contribute to airy, fluffy texture
What are the 4 major components of wheat flour?
- Carbohydrates – 75% of carbs is starch + simple sugars, cellulose, fibre
- Protein – 8-16%
- gluten - Enzymes : alpha/beta amylase (digest glycosidic bonds between amylopectin and amylose)
- some free amino acids
What is gluten protein made up of?
Gluten is a protein which is made up of 2 proteins : Gliadin and glutenin
Gliadin : high glutamine content (viscosity due to H bonding)
Glutenin : elastic due to proline (a.acid) content
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How does salt improve the qualities of bread?
Introduction of salt : ionic interaction between amino acids and salt and causes cross linking of gluten, toughening the gluten structure
It also affects fermentation rate, enzyme reactions, taste etc (shelf life due to lowered water activity)
-note : salt slow’s yeast fermentation as it attracts water, but yeast needs water
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How does adding sugars aid in processing/ improve the qualities of bread? [3]
- Boost rate of fermentation (more substrate for yeast to work on)
- Enhance taste through Maillard reaction
- enhance appearance due to non-enzymatic browning (Maillard reaction)
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How does alpha/beta amylases aid in processing and improve the qualities of bread? [3]
However, adding too much enzymes could be a problem. What problem does it cause? [1]
1. Increased starch hydrolysis for fermentation (starch converted to more digestible forms)
2. Increase loaf volume
Amylase functionality may be related to the reduction of dough viscosity during starch gelatinization, thus prolonging oven rise and resulting in an increased bread volume
3. Soften crumb (inner of bread) which delays staling – since starch is more hydrolysed and less starch to reaggregate to cause staling
If there is too much enzymes, the dough will become sticky due to excess free sugars and cause overbrowning
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How does malt powder improve the qualities of bread?
It is a source of alpha/beta amylase to hydrolyse starch
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How does proteases aid in processing?
It weakens the gluten network so that the dough becomes softer, therefore reducing mixing time and improving machinability
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How does lipases aid in processing / improve the qualities of bread?
Breaks down lipids into glycerol and free unsat FA
Free unsat FA is then converted into lipid hydroperoxides, which act as oxidants to form disulfide bonds in gluten, strengthening the gluten network and stabilizing gas cells
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How do fats aid in processing / improve the qualities of bread? [2]
- 0.1-0.2% or higher helps gluten expand and stretch, expanding loaf volume.
- It delays gluten development, leading to a softer, cake-like texture in bread
- Fat bonds to the gluten proteins preventing them from bonding with one another and forming gluten chains. This makes the final bread more tender,
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What kinds of yeast nutrients are used, and how do they aid in processing / improve the qualities of bread? [2]
Yeast nutrients, such as ammonia salts of sulfate/chloride; and phosphate or carbonate salts help to adjust the pH
- offer suitable pH for yeast ferm
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How do vitamins aid in processing / improve the qualities of bread?
Improves the nutritional quality of bread through enrichment/fortification
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What are the 2 kinds of dough improvers?
How do they aid in processing/ enhance properties of bread?
- Reducing agents weaken dough structure by breaking up disulfide bonds/cross-links in gluten, decreasing mixing time
- Oxidising agents such as vit C (ascorbic acid) and K bromate increase elasticity of dough by strengthening the gluten network, and improving gas retention
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What kind of substance is usually used as preservatives in bread, and how does it improve the quality of bread?
Anti-fungal agents such as salts of weak organic acids.
They improve the microbial quality of bread by inhibiting the growth of mould.