Effect of xanthan gum on dough properties and bread qualities made from whole wheat flour

Abstract

AbstractBackground and objectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of xanthan gum on whole wheat dough and bread, especially dough rheological properties, gluten structures, loaf volume, and bread texture and staling.FindingsXanthan gum increased the water absorption and mixing time for whole wheat dough as determined by mixograph. Xanthan gum altered dough rheology as evaluated through the Kieffer extensibility test, Chen–Hoseney stickiness test, and compression test employed for extensional viscosity calculation. Gluten secondary structure was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. Changes to glutenin and gliadin extractability were measured by RP‐HPLC. Specific loaf volume increased from 3.74 to 4.38 cm3/g. Crumb hardness of fresh bread decreased more than twofold by xanthan inclusion. Hardness after 48 hr of bread storage was also lower than the control, but the rate of hardness increase was not reduced. Moisture loss over 48 hr decreased for 0.6% and 1.0% xanthan gum. DSC revealed that xanthan gum decreased amylose–lipid complexation, but did not affect amylopectin retrogradation.ConclusionsXanthan gum altered the rheological properties of whole wheat dough, increased whole wheat bread volume, and decreased the hardness of both fresh and stored bread. Future research could examine the effect of xanthan gum in combination with other crumb softeners and antistaling agents, in order to achieve both an increase in loaf volume and a decrease in staling for whole wheat bread.Significance and noveltyThis study may help improve the sensory appeal of whole wheat bread and ultimately increase whole grain consumption.